Annual Meeting

Wayne Skarda lives in the rural Keene area with his wife Kim, where he presently works on the family farm. Wayne and Kim were both raised and went to school in the Watford City and Keene area. They have three grown daughters. After working in Wyoming for 20 years for a rural electric cooperative they moved to Garrison in 2010 where Wayne worked at McLean Electric Cooperative as operations manager. In 2014 he retired from the electric industry.

Jennifer Sorenson and her husband Curtis farm and ranch five miles south of Watford City. She graduated from Watford City High School and North Dakota State School of Science. Jennifer has served on the RTC Board of Directors since 2008 and is a member of District One Cattlewomen, the Watford City Lions and the Pioneer Museum. She is also active with First Lutheran Church and enjoys volunteering and being active in the community. Jennifer and Curtis’ son Jarvis, his wife Kadie, and their three children join them as 4th and 5th generation on the family ranch. Their daughter Erin and her three children also live in Watford City. Jennifer enjoys helping out on the ranch, traveling and keeping up with her grandchildren’s activities.

Jared Eagle has lived in New Town his entire life. He is the son of Ronnie and Kim Eagle. Jared has worked for the Indian Health Service and the Three Affiliated Tribes health system for eleven years. He currently serves as the diabetes program director. A graduate of North Dakota State University, Jared is active in the community. He served on the New Town Volunteer Fire Department for four years and the North Dakota Comprehensive Cancer Advisory Board for four years. He also served for nine years on the Edgewater Country Club Board. He and his wife Candice Eagle, who works at Cornerstone Bank, have one daughter named Ellery.

Terry Wilber was employed by Northrop Grumman in New Town and retired after 32 years, with over 28 years as the Plant Manager. He graduated from New Town High School and Dickinson State University with a degree in Business Administration. Terry has served on the RTC Board of Directors from District 2B since 1999, and is also a past president of the RTC Board of Directors. He is currently involved in a variety of organizations including the New Town Lakeside Community Living Center, New Town Health Support, Van Hook Cemetery Association, New Town Industrial Development and the Bethel Lutheran Church. Terry was involved in the startup and initial operation of TJMD, LLP, which performs various oilfield services. Terry has been married to Marcia since 1974 and they have three children: Dana, Mike and Jesse; and ten grandchildren. When time allows, Terry enjoys yard work, hunting, fishing, golfing and getting involved in projects that provide business development and employment opportunities in the area.

Lance was born and raised on a  farm and graduated from Flaxton High School. He started in the grain elevator business out of high school and currently works as Operations Manager for CHS SunPrairie in Bowbells. Lance and his wife Jane have lived in Kenmare since 1991 and have two grown children and one grandson, Sam, his wife Kelsey and son Kit, live in Weyburn, Saskatchewan and Sarah who lives in Moorhead, MN. Lance currently serves on the transportation committee of the North Dakota Grain Dealers Association and is also on the board of the Kenmare Housing Authority to the city of Kenmare. Some of his hobbies include hunting, fishing, camping and just spending time with friends and family.

Jeanette farms with her husband Steve and son and daughter-in-law near Parshall. After graduating from Minot State University, Jeanette taught school in Parshall, North Shore, and White Shield for a combined total of 20 years. Jeanette has been recognized by the NTCA with the “Excellence in Leadership Award” for outstanding commitment to telecommunications and organizational education. She has also served as a “team leader” for NTCA during legislative conference visits of our Senators and Representatives. Jeanette is currently involved with the following organizations: RTC Board President, First Lutheran Church Choir Director, First Lutheran Church Quilting Group, Parshall Promoters supporter. Previously, Jeanette’s activities included: NDATC Board Past President, Parshall Township Clerk for 26 years, Parshall Horizons Circle, First Lutheran Church Council, Parshall Education Association, Parshall Dive-Rescue squad, Chairperson for the Parshall Centennial Celebration, Big Band Reflections/Dixie Band Reflections, and Plaza Quilting Guild. Jeanette and Steve have three sons (two are married) and seven grandchildren. Jeanette enjoys being with family and friends, church and community involvement, sewing, painting, golfing, listening to music, and being at the lake.

John McElwain was born and raised in Max.After graduating from Max Public High School, he attended college before returning home to join his father, Jim McElwain, to work on the family farm and McElwain Construction Inc. In 1987, John married Tammy, and they raised their two children, Nicole and Justin. For eight years, he worked as the Max City Maintenance Operator. In 2001, with the passing of hisfather, John took over the operation of the family farm and McElwain Construction Inc., which does excavation work throughout North Dakota. John has served on the Max Civic Club, and the Immaculate Conception Church Board. He is currently serving on the Max Farmers Elevator Board (2000 to present) and the Max Fire Department (1987 to present). He enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends at the lake.

Barbara Steinmetz lives in Garrison with her husband, Doug. She was raised near Oberon, North Dakota. Her family was always active in the community and cooperatives. Barb has been on the RTC Board of Directors since 2012, is currently involved with the Benedictine Living Center as a volunteer, and is a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Barb worked in the banking industry for 20 years. She and Doug have lived in Garrison since 2006. Their daughter, Jill, lives in Boise, Idaho and son, Matt, lives in Cody, Wyoming.