Dan Kurtenbach, Dimock, joined the Santel Communications Cooperative Board of Directors at their annual meeting, May 13, in Woonsocket.
Kurtenbach becomes one of two directors for the South District, comprised of the service exchanges of Ethan, Parkston and Tripp. He will serve a two-year term.
Kurtenbach farms and also works for Graphic Packaging in Mitchell. He has been married for 39 years and his community activities include: secretary of the Ethan Co-op Lumber Board, past president of St. John’s Lutheran Church Board and member of the Ethan Trial Riders Club.
“Santel has a long history of going the extra mile to meet the expectation of its customers and providing the technology they have come to expect”, Kurtenbach said.  “I appreciate the confidence the cooperative patrons and Board of Directors has shown me and look forward to working with them and the dedicated group of Santel employees. I will work hard to carry on these traditions of service and look forward to serving on the board.”
Three incumbents, Darren Bigge, Parkston; Tom Baruth, Alpena; and LeRoy Dodd, Mount Vernon, did not seek re-election. Baruth was elected in 1999, serving 14 years while Bigge was elected in 2002 and served 11 years. Dodd’s retirement completed his 40th year with the Santel Board.
Three incumbent directors sought re-election and won new terms: Jeff Kramer, Tripp who joins Kurtenbach in serving the South District; and North District directors, Ruth Brodkorb of Wolsey and Lindy Peterson, Woonsocket.

Walkers are invited to help carry the banner into Woonsocket for the Relay For Life of Jerauld and Sanborn counties, to be held in Woonsocket on Saturday, July 27
Volunteers from the Woonsocket area are invited to meet at Selland Trucking around 4:45 p.m., where they will meet survivors and the banner coming from Wessington Springs. From there they will walk to the Woonsocket Community Center.
A free-will donation supper will be served at the Community Center beginning at 5 p.m. Survivors are asked to register at 5:45 p.m. Opening ceremonies are at Prior Lake at 6 p.m. followed by the survivor lap. Entertainment, speakers and other presentations will continue until 10 p.m.
Luminaries may be purchased from First National Bank South Dakota, Dakotaland Federal Credit Union, the Way Station, area individuals or at the Relay. Individuals may make their own bags or have them made for them. Completed luminary forms should be returned to First National Bank South Dakota as soon as possible, to allow the names to be compiled for reading during Relay For Life.
Donations may be turned in at the Legion Hall on Monday, July 22, at 6 p.m. Those wanting more information may call Dave Kogel at 605-350-7731 or Phyllis Salmen, 605-350-6630.