Latest news with #PaulBunyanCommunications
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
United Way of Bemidji Area welcomes new board members
Jun. 2—BEMIDJI — The United Way of Bemidji Area has announced Sue Hendricks and Gary Johnson as the newest members of its Board of Directors. After retiring from teaching in the Bemidji School District, Hendricks served as one of the 2024 Co-Chairs for the United Way's annual Campaign for the Community. Under her fundraising efforts, the organization raised $768,150 to support area programs. Johnson is the former CEO of Paul Bunyan Communications and recently retired after 36 years with the company. He has also served the Bemidji area as a Rotarian and board member of Greater Bemidji Economic Development. "Now retired, both have made a lasting impact on our community through their leadership and dedication to Bemidji, and we're thrilled to have them bring their passion and expertise to the United Way board," a release said. To learn more about the United Way of Bemidji Area and its work, visit
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Local students win MTA Foundation scholarships
May 8—BEMIDJI — Paul Bunyan Communications recently announced that Juel Luettinger of Bemidji and Gunther Erbstoesser of Hines have been awarded scholarships from the Minnesota Telecom Alliance Foundation. Luettinger, a senior at Bemidji High School, received a $2,000 General MTA Foundation Scholarship. She plans to attend the University of St. Thomas. Gunther Erbstoesser, a senior at Blackduck High School, was selected as the recipient of the prestigious $3,000 Bud Morrow Award. He plans to attend St. Cloud State University. The Bud Morrow Scholarship is named after a long-time leader in the Minnesota Telecom Industry. Morrow spent his career at the Lakedale Telephone Company in Annandale, Minnesota. He served on many MTA committees and led changes in the industry during his tenure, a release said. The MTA Foundation is part of the Minnesota Telecom Alliance, a St. Paul-based trade organization representing more than 44 telephone companies and cooperatives throughout Minnesota. In addition to providing the opportunity for local students to apply for a statewide scholarship through MTA, Paul Bunyan Communications provides scholarships annually to local students from within the cooperative's service territory. "We're excited to have this opportunity to invest in the futures of outstanding students like Juel and Gunther," Paul Bunyan Communications Chief Executive Officer Chad Bullock said in the release. "Rural communities need bright, educated and passionate young people to help lead us forward. "It's always a proud moment for Paul Bunyan Communications when local students are recognized with statewide honors."
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Paul Bunyan Communications announces March Mania winners
Apr. 26—Paul Bunyan Communications recently announced the winners of the first-ever Women's Pick-it March Mania Challenge. A total of 405 participants entered the free online contest to pick the winners of the women's college basketball tournament games for a chance to win a credit on a PBC account. Advertisement The top 10 finishers all won a credit on their account. * First place: Christopher White of Bemidji, $500 credit * Second place: Edward Ahrens of Grand Rapids, $250 credit * Third place: Michael Jourdain Sr. of Red Lake, $100 credit * Fourth place: James Picha of Bemidji, $50 credit * Fifth place: Dean Barkey of Park Rapids, $50 credit * Sixth place: Paul Iverson of Bemidji, $50 credit * Seventh place: Scott Schafer of Bemidji, $50 credit * Eighth place: Jerry Miller of Bovey, $50 credit * Ninth place: Chelsea Bush of Bemidji, $50 credit * Tenth place: Jon Berquist of Bemidji, $50 credit * Random prize drawing: Dennis Hensel of Park Rapids, $100 credit
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bemidji State, Northwest Tech to launch first-ever esports program in 2026
Apr. 14—BEMIDJI — A collaborative effort between Bemidji State, Northwest Technical College and Paul Bunyan Communications will result in a new program offering focused on technology and innovation. Beginning in 2026, BSU and NTC will boast their first-ever esports program. Starting out as a club, hopes to expand the program into an intercollegiate varsity sport are on the horizon. "Esports is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States, and its appeal extends to the breadth of the diverse communities of northern Minnesota," BSU and NTC President John Hoffman said. "Esports is about more than just gaming. This competition is about preparing students for life skills and career skills: teamwork, collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving in a dynamic, innovative, fast-paced environment." Stakeholders from BSU, NTC and Paul Bunyan Communications announced the development during the latter's GigaZone Gaming Championship and TechXpo, which was held at the Sanford Center on Saturday. The ever-increasing popularity of esports served as the catalyst for conversations surrounding a program at BSU and NTC that Paul Bunyan Communications could support financially. "When we were thinking about who could make this work — and not only work, but work well — Paul Bunyan was the first on the list," BSU Athletic Director Britt Lauritsen said. "We know that in order to do esports well, we have to invest in the innovation and technology, and we have to find the experts in the field." Partnering with Paul Bunyan Communications stemmed from a longstanding working relationship and philanthropic support for BSU and NTC. "This has been a project we've wanted to do for a long time," said Allyssa Joseph, vice president of advancement and executive director of the BSU Alumni and Foundation. "There had been many conversations about esports at BSU. Ultimately, we have the right team in place." At a crossroads with athletics and BSU's Technology, Art and Design Department, the esports program will make itself at home in Bridgeman Hall in the newly imagined GigaZone Esports Lounge. The lounge will feature all the necessary technology required for eager e-athletes to compete. "BSU's investment in esports and the addition of the GigaZone Esports Lounge is a game-changer for students and our region," Paul Bunyan Communications CEO Chad Bullock said. "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to the future of education, technology and providing esports opportunities right here in northern Minnesota." Next year's inception of esports will be the first baby step aimed at expanding the world of competition to BSU and NTC's student body. "The world of esports and gaming is very diverse," Lauritsen left off. "We want to start with this big idea and allow as many folks from many walks of life from both campuses to be able to participate. "We'll start off in a club setting. Once that's set up, we will go into the competitive space, start doing tournaments and really have that varsity roster that we've always dreamed of." Those wanting more information on the esports program can contact the BSU admissions department at admissions@ or (218) 755-2040; or NTC admissions at admissions@ or (218) 333-6600.
