Eagle News & Press Releases
Eagle Communications Partners With Level 3
(March 28, 2010) Hays, KS -
As part of an ongoing effort to bring faster speeds and lower costs for broadband services to the region, Eagle Communications, Inc. joined forces with international communications firm Level 3 Communications.
Eagle Radio Announces New General Manager
(March 25, 2010) North Platte, NE -
Gilg has been the Sales Manager of the
Gilg is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Journalism. In addition to his media experience, Gilg served as the first Executive Director of the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment-Trust.
Gilg stated that he was excited about stepping into the General Manager's role. Gilg noted that the transition is likely to be a smooth one due to professionalism of the current employee-owners at the Eagle Radio Stations. “We are very fortunate in to have a veteran crew who understands the need to provide entertaining and relevant radio stations here in
Wagner Expands Duties at Eagle Radio
(February 08, 2010) Hays, KS -
Eagle Communications, Inc. CEO Gary Shorman announced today that Kevin Wagner, Eagle Radio’s Director of Programming will be expanding his roll to include the operational side of the division. Kevin will now be the Director of Programming/Operations. “Kevin’s background and training allows him to grow into this expanded role with the company,” said Shorman. “Our radio manager’s need a “go to” guy when operational problems develop at our stations…Kevin will be that guy.” Wagner will be working with Mark Vail over the next few weeks to transition the operational duties which Mark has previously held. Vail will be leaving Eagle later this month to assume the leadership duties at the National Association of Farm Broadcasters.
Kevin has been married to his wife Tama for 25 years. They have two adult children Katherine and Mitchell, one grandson Peyton and a granddaughter, Adriana due in late March.
In his spare time, Kevin is slowly refurbishing a 100+ year old house just off the famed Lover's Lane in
Eagle Communications Fiber Deep Project in Abilene-Clay Center Region
(February 08, 2010) Hays, KS -
All Eagle services, local TV, free High Definition TV, high speed Internet, and telephone benefits from this extensive project.
Direct studio feeds from Wichita and Topeka broadcasters like CBS, FOX, ABC, NBC, CW, MyTV, and PBS will now be carried over fiber directly to Abilene's head-end data center, serving the communities in the region.
"Our mission is to partner with cities, reinvest dollars, build infrastructure and work together with local economic development in the areas we serve" said Dennis Weese, Eagle's Director of Community & Business relations. "Over the last year, Eagle's Fiber Deep project leveraged the existing investment in plant infrastructure, adding Fiber Deept to anchor institutions, residential hubs and connected all that value for our customers."
Eagle customers now have access to better Kansas newtwork local TV pictures, more Free HD channels, faster high speed Internet, and enhanced telephone service as a result. This is a giant step for us in this area."
Over one hundred miles of the fiber was installed in this Eagle construction project that was initiated in April of 2008. New services will be offered starting March 1.
Award Winning ECTV Video Recognized in Hays Art Council 2010 Governor’s Arts Award
(January 11, 2010) Hays, KS -
The Kansas Arts Commission has recognized the city of Hays with a 2010 award in the Arts Community category based in part on an award winning ECTV video. The video produced by Streat Beat's Becky Kiser, Casey McAvoy, and ECTV titled "Hays Arts Council Kansas Governor's Arts Award Nomination" originally earned top honors in the community programming- single category at last fall's Mid-America Cable show. The show annually honors excellence in cable television programming, advertising, and marketing.
Streat Beat, ECTV's four-year-old daily cable televsion news program airs nightly at 6 and 10 p.m. on Eagle Cable Television channel 14.
The Governor's Arts Awards are given annually to distinguished Kansas artists, patrons and art educators, and have been given annually since 1974 by the governor and the Kansas Arts Commission. An expert panel, consisting of members of the Kansas Arts Commission, a representative from the Governor's office and arts professionals, selected the winners from submitted nominations.
Governor's Arts Award winners will be recognized at a reception and awards ceremony on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at Washburn University's Memorial Union Washburn Room. Governor Mark Parkinson has been invited to attend the ceremony to present the awards.
Eagle Communications, Inc. is a Kansas based Broadband Services Company with over 250 employee owners. The company now operates 25 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri as well as cable TV systems in Kansas and Colorado. The company also offers e-business solutions, web hosting, high-speed Internet, wireless Internet and digital phone services in most service areas.
EagleCares Communications Assistance Program
(January 01, 2010) Hays, KS -
Eagle Communications, Inc. and the Salvation Army, Kansas and Western Missouri Division have formed a new communications partnership to assist qualifying indviduals with telephone, cable, and Internet payment assistance.
The EagleCares program is funded through a generous gift from Eagle Communications, Inc. "We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Salvation Army," said Travis Kohlrus, Eagle Broadband Director of Community Relations and Product Development. "It is important to take into consideration and offer assistance to those in need. The EagleCares program allows us to take action and make a difference in the communities we serve."
The Salvation Army administers the EagleCares program through a toll free hotline. Applicants call the phone number and are prompted to leave their name and full address. An application is then mailed to the caller, completed by the caller, and returned to the Salvation Army, who determines which candidates qualify to benefit from the program.
Qualifying applicants must live in the home where the communication service is provided and be the individual responsible for paying the bill. Applicants must also provide sufficient proof of need.
Those who are 65 years of age and older, the disabled and handicapped, families with children aged newborn through high school, and those who have recently lost a job due to the economic downturn are all eligible to apply.
Eagle Communications, Inc. is a Kansas based Broadband Services and Media Company with over 250 employee-owners. The company now operates 25 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri as well as cable TV systems in Kansas and Colorado. The company also offers e-business solutions, web hosting, high-speed Internet, wireless Internet and telephone services in most service areas. For more information log on to http://www.eaglecom.net.
Eagle Communication’s Gary Shorman Among Broadcasters to be Honored
(October 14, 2009) Topeka, KS -
Five Kansas broadcasters will receive prestigious Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) awards during the organization’s convention October 18-20 in Topeka.
The KAB board made the following selections for 2009:
Gary Shorman, President of Eagle Communications in Hays will receive the Distinguished Service Award and be inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame. The Distinguished Service Award is the highest award given by the KAB. The award will be presented during the station awards dinner on Monday, October 19. Shorman joins other current and former Eagle employees to receive the Distinguished Service Award including Bob Schmidt 2000, Kay Melia 1981, Ken Jennison 2001, Joe Engel 2004, Bob Davis 2006, and Mike Cooper 2007.
KAB Hall of Fame inductees are selected based on the substantial contributions to broadcasting in Kansas and on the national level. Shorman joins other past Eagle Hall of Fame recipients including Bob Schmidt in 1972 and Joe Engel in 2004. Other 2009 Hall of Fame inductees include Greg Gamer, former news anchor for KAKE TV, in Wichita , and Jack Hartle, former news director for KVGB in Great Bend.
This year’s Sonny Slater Award will be presented to John Wright, assistant news director for KFDI/KFTI in Wichita. The Mike Oatman Award will go to Jim Allan, General Manager for KTPK in Topeka.
Presentations for the Hall of Fame, Sonny Slater, and Mike Oatman Awards will be made Sunday night October 18.
ECTV Recognized with Five MIDI Awards
(October 01, 2009) Hays, KS -
Eagle Community TV (ECTV) a division of Eagle Communications, Inc. was presented with five broadcast awards during the 52nd annual Mid-American Cable Show in Overland Park September 22-24.
For the fourth consecutive year, “Street Beat,” the four-year old local news and information show produced by ECTV in Hays was honored for their work. “Street Beat” begins its fifth year of programming October 4 on ECTV Channel 14 in Hays, Ellis, WaKeeney and Russell.
In categories for “Cable TV with Fewer Than 10,000 Subscribers,” “Street Beat” won the following MIDIs:
In the Community Programming-Series category Casey McAvoy’s “Cruisin’ with Casey won top honors for the segment “Skyscraper of the Plains.” It is the story of the historic Ness County Bank Building with Ness City resident Jan Gantz. The bank building is on the National Register of Historic Landmarks and was named one of the “8 Architectural Wonders of Kansas” in 2008.
McAvoy also earned a 2nd place award in this category for the segment, “WWII Honor Flight,” a story of 100 veterans from Ellis, Russell, Rooks and Ness counties who flew from Salina to Washington, D.C. September 10, 2008 on the ”Honor Flight” to see the World War II Memorial dedicated to them. Pat Hageman of Plainville organized the flight with the help of Plainville native Congressman Jerry Moran, whose father Ray is a World War II veteran, and also made the trip, along with another Plainville veteran, Paul VanDyke.
Becky Kiser’s Street Beat news segment “Arthur’s Pizza Academy” earned 3rd place in this category. It the story of a hand-on pizza making experience hosted by Arthur’s Pizza in Ellis and the Ellis Recreation Commission during Spring Break 2008. Youngsters learned lessons in food safety, how math applies in food preparation, and how to serve guests.
In the Community Programming- Single category, Becky Kiser won first place for the Street Beat report titled “Hays Arts Council Kansas Governor’s Arts Award Nomination.”
In addition, ECTV Production Department Assistant Jordan Schaeffer earned 2nd place in this category for “Hays High School Game Day Show.”
Each year the Mid-America Cable Show sponsors the MIDI Awards to honor excellence in Cable Programming, Advertising, and Marketing. The Mid-America Cable Show is a non-profit, membership organization of cable system operators based in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.
Representing Eagle Communications at the Mid America Cable show were Headend and Plant Engineer Les Libal; Marketing and Development Coordinator Rhonda Meyerhoff, Purchasing/Programming Coordinator Marlis Fletcher and Travis Kohlrus, Director of Community Relations and Product Development all of Hays, as well as Ralph Ward, Engineer; and Dennis Weese, Director of Community Relations and Product Development of Abilene.
Eagle Communications, Inc. is a Kansas based Broadband Services Company with over 250 employee-owners. The company now operates 25 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri as well as cable TV systems in Kansas and Colorado. The company also offers e-business solutions, web hosting, high-speed Internet, wireless Internet and digital phone services in most service areas. For more information log on to http://www.eaglecom.net.
Eagle Commmunications and Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum Partner in Community Outreach
(July 01, 2009) Abilene, KS -
Eagle Communications Broadband Group and the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum are driving forward together as community partners and friends.
Eagle has donated approximately $5,000 worth of equipment to the Eisenhower Foundation, the financial arm of the institution. The equipment will be used to record public programs and events at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.
"This is another exciting opportunity to connect with the greater community and make our programming available to everyone. We are thrilled with this generous donation and partnership with Eagle Communications," states Karl Weissenbach, director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.
In addition to the equipment donations, Eagle Communications will provide training for a video production volunteer in filming and editing techniques.
"Eagle views the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum as one of the 'Crown Jewels of the Midwest' and we know this partnership holds great promise for the Abilene community and the prosperity of its citizens," says Dennis Weese, director of Community & Business Relations for Eagle Communications.
KCOW Radio Ads Win Awards
(May 11, 2009) Alliance, NE -
KCOW Radio's Jason Wentworth was honored in
Wentworth won silver awards for his production of two commercials. In local competition he was recognized for his production of a McDonald's McRib Sandwich ad, and in Regional and National competition, Jason was honored for his writing and production of an Arby's Roast Chicken Sandwich commercial which aired on 15 radio stations throughout the region.
KCOW General Manager Mike Fell was extremely pleased with Wentworth's awards. Fell said, "For many years now, our advertisers and listeners have come to respect, appreciate, and enjoy the creativity and production quality of our commercials. These awards are extra special because they were recognized against an expanded field including
The McDonald's ad includes the talents of Jason, Mike Glesinger and Jennifer Schmid. The Arby's ad includes Wentworth, along with the singing voices of Kevin Horn, Jennifer Schmid and Tammy Sample.
Eagle Communications Awards Broadcasting Scholarship
(May 07, 2009) Hays, KS -
Eagle Communications has announced that Hays High Senior Emily Younger is the winner of their annual broadcasting scholarship. The award was presented at the school’s academic honors event on April 30th.
The non-renewable $500 scholarship goes to a student in the school’s communications department selected by administrators and teachers at Hays High School based upon dedication, participation in their communication studies and activities, and the student’s desire to continue their education in the field of communications and media studies.
Emily is the daughter of Jeff and Karrie Younger. She participated in Hays High School’s channel 13 class all four years. She intends to study broadcast journalism and advertising atthe University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Eagle Communications, Inc. is a Kansas based Broadband Services Company with over 250 employee-owners. The company now operates 25 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri as well as cable TV systems in Kansas and Colorado. The company also offers e-business solutions, web hosting, high-speed internet, wireless internet and digital phone services in most service areas. For more information log on to www.eaglecom.net
David Joins Eagle Communications Board of Directors
(April 30, 2009) Hays, KS -
Eagle Communications, Inc. announces the election of Kurt K. David to the company’s board of directors. David has been the Chief Financial Officer at Eagle since 2006 and has worked as part of the financial services and communications industry in Kansas for over 23 years.
"Kurt’s considerable strategic and financial experience combined with his knowledge of our radio, cable television, and broadband business will benefit the board greatly as we continue the growth and expansion of our employee-owned company,” said Eagle president Gary Shorman. “We are excited to have him further involved in our corporate governance."
David received a master's of business administration from Kansas University and masters of agribusiness from Kansas State University. He is an active member of Rotary, the Ellis County Historical Society, and Young Life.
David and his wife Kathy have two children Jennifer (18) and Hayden (16).
Eagle Communications, Inc. is a Kansas based Broadband Services Company with over 250 employee-owners. The company now operates 25 radio stations in Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri as well as cable TV systems in Kansas and Colorado. The company also offers e-business solutions, web hosting, high-speed internet, wireless internet and digital phone services in most service areas. For more information log on to http://www.eaglecom.net.
Norman Jeter - Poplar State Leader Dies
(April 18, 2009) Hays -
By DAVID CLOUSTON, Salina Journal
Joe Jeter knew how to tease his dad, Norman, about his age.
"Norman, you're not so old. You were only born three months after the Titanic sunk," was one nettlesome barb employed by the son to annoy the father.
But had Norman Jeter decided in his 70s to retreat from their family law firm to the golf course or the fishing hole, he wouldn't have accomplished much of what made him an institution in the fields of business, health care and education, both in his hometown and throughout Kansas.
Jeter, 96, died Thursday at Hays Medical Center. The funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Hays.
Jeter was a member and former chairman of the Kansas Board of Regents. He was also instrumental in guiding the merger of Hays' Catholic and Protestant hospitals into the Hays Medical Center.
Influenced Moran
His closest friends included Kansas Business Hall of Fame inductee and philanthropist Ross Beach, and Jeter's law firm employed Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., before Moran got his start in politics.
"He was always encouraging of me, not necessarily about politics, but the obligation to do good for other people," said Moran, who was with the Jeter Law Firm for 16 years.
"He's a good friend, he was a good colleague," said Jon Wefald, president of Kansas State University. "He was one of the most outstanding regents I've ever worked with."
Jeter made some of his most important achievements late in life, his son Joseph said. Jeter was appointed in 1987, at the age of 75, to the Kansas Board of Regents by then Gov. Mike Hayden. He was chairman of the board from 1989 to 1990. Jeter was nearly 80 when Hadley and St. Anthony's hospitals in Hays merged in 1991.
"There was not a lot Norman wasn't involved in. There are people you read about who are instrumental in making communities what they are. He was one of the living versions of that. It was a real honor to have known him," said local businessman and property developer Chuck Comeau.
Jeter was born June 27, 1912, in Alden, to Bessie (Ross) and Charles Jeter. His uncle, Murray Ross, owned flour mills in several communities, including Ottawa, where Norman worked while earning an undergraduate degree at Ottawa University. Jeter received his law degree in 1937 from the University of Kansas School of Law. In September that year he began practicing law in Hays. He married his wife, Annie, three years later, and they had a daughter and three sons.
Milling was an interest for Jeter that never faded.
"He loved the milling school at Kansas State, and Dr. Wefald always sent Norman new flour products they were putting out. Norman was an avid baker and he would bake bread with Wefald's new products," Joe Jeter said.
Jeter served as Ellis County attorney from 1939 to 1943. He was present for the liquor raids until prohibition was repealed in Kansas.
His father liked to tell of one raid -- "It was just he and the sheriff, and they went to a local 'speakeasy' in Hays," Joe Jeter said.
They raided the booze, and Norman found and unloaded a gun tucked under a counter.
"As he and the sheriff were getting ready to leave, there was a lady there who asked if she could play Norman a song on the jukebox before they left. He said 'sure,' and the song she played went, 'I'll be glad when you're dead, you rascal, you.' It was a popular song of the time," Joe Jeter said.
Throughout his career Jeter served on the boards of many companies, educational institutions and foundations.
"He was a hell of a guy. That covers it," said Ross Beach, 92. "Pair of old coots, we are."
Throughout Beach's career as an executive in the oil and gas industry (Kansas Natural Gas Inc. of Hays), banking (the Douglas County Bank in Lawrence, Emprise Bank in Hays) and broadcasting (Eagle Communications, formerly KAYS Inc.), Jeter served as his personal attorney.
"He was a great administrator," Beach said. "With his guidance, in 50 years in the oil and gas business, we never had a lawsuit."
The two men hit it off despite their differences. Jeter was a staunch Democrat who bled KU crimson and blue, Beach was a Republican and a died-in-the-wool K-State Wildcat.
"We shouldn't have spoken to each other, but we were best friends," said Beach, who also recalled their pheasant hunting trips.
"We'd never admit the other could hit anything," he said.
Jeter was the personal attorney as well for Bob Schmidt, chairman of the board of directors for Eagle Communications, which owns KINA Radio in Salina.
"He helped structure the employee stock ownership plan. Our employees today own 70 percent of the company," Schmidt said.
Schmidt was on the board of directors when the hospitals merged and credits Jeter with guiding one of the most important decisions in the process -- locating the combined medical center at the newer St. Anthony's campus, away from downtown.
"One of his great things was being able to bring together different views and meld them into something positive," Schmidt said.
That same trait was at work when Jeter served as chairman of the Board of Regents, Schmidt said.
"He was one of the true forces in developing philosophies to enable the (university) system to work but not overwhelming the state with duplicate (course) programs," Schmidt said.
Wefald said Jeter, like a good coach, "saw the whole playing field."
"He wanted all of our six universities to be the best they could be. He wanted to hire good presidents and good chancellors," Wefald said. Wefald, who is set to retire this year after 23 years at his post, said Jeter was instrumental in making a "great choice" hiring Fort Hays State University President Edward Hammond 22 years ago.
Joe Jeter said his father still went to the law office most days, right up to the week of his death. Most days he would take lunch at a popular local restaurant, holding court about politics, local news and sports with a group of friends, some 20 years younger than he was.
"One story he always enjoyed telling was when, as a young man, he was staying at the Jayhawker Hotel in Topeka," Joe said. "He knew that Harry Truman was in town. (Truman was then a senator.) Well, Norman was waiting for him in the restaurant when Truman came in from his morning walk. And Truman invited him to join him for breakfast. That was really a fond memory for him."
Two days before Jeter went into the hospital, he went to work and ate lunch with his friends for the last time. Joe said his father died after going in for treatment of complications from pneumonia.
"He never lamented about being old, instead he was always thinking about being young, and the next deal coming up," his son said.
From the Salina Journal
