Skip to content
My Services
How to Pay Your Paul Bunyan Communications Bill
My Billing
My Email
News

PBC Men’s Pick It March Mania Challenge Winners

Enter our Pick-it Men's & Women's March Mania Challenge! Click to sign up.Congratulations to the winners of the 9th Men’s Pick-it March Mania Challenge.  780 participants entered the free online contest to pick the winners of the men’s college basketball tournament games.

The top 10 finishers all won a credit on their Paul Bunyan Communications account.

1st Place-          Fred Luckeroth, Park Rapids            $500 credit

2nd Place-        Leonard Brown, Grand Rapids         $250 credit

3rd Place-         Duane Wallace, Park Rapids            $100 credit

4th Place-         Mary Graham, Laporte                      $50 credit

5th Place-         Brad Folkestad, Bemidji                    $50 credit

6th Place-         Sean Dunaway                                    $50 credit

7th Place-         Ron Oelrich, Bemidji                         $50 credit

8th Place-         Russell Folkerts, Blackduck             $50 credit

9th Place-         Christopher White, Bemidji             $50 credit

10th Place-       Danny McFarren, Park Rapids        $50 credit

Random Prize Drawing:

Joan Randt, Bemidji      (509th place)                      $100 Credit

Posted: 3 months ago.

PBC Women’s Pick It March Mania Challenge Winners

Here are the winners of the first ever Paul Bunyan Communications Women’s Pick-it March Mania Challenge.  405 participants entered the free online contest to pick the winners of the women’s college basketball tournament games.

 The top 10 finishers all won a credit on their Paul Bunyan Communications account.

1st Place-         Christopher White, Bemidji              $500 credit

2nd Place-        Edward Ahrens, Grand Rapids        $250 credit

3rd Place-         Michael Jourdain Sr, Red Lake       $100 credit

4th Place-         James Picha, Bemidji                         $50 credit

5th Place-         Dean Barkey, Park Rapids                 $50 credit

6th Place-         Paul Iverson, Bemidji                         $50 credit

7th Place-         Scott Schafer, Bemidji                        $50 credit

8th Place-         Jerry Miller, Bovey                             $50 credit

9th Place-         Chelsea Bush, Bemidji                       $50 credit

10th Place-       Jon Berquist, Bemidji                         $50 credit

Random Prize Drawing:

Dennis Hensel, Park Rapids (309th place)              $100 Credit

Posted: 3 months ago.

2025 GigaZone Gaming Championship & TechXpo is Saturday, April 12; Doors open at 10 a.m.; Free Admission and Free Gaming for all!

The 2025 GigaZone Gaming Championship & TechXpo is Saturday, April 12 at the Sanford Center in Bemidji.  Admission and all the gaming is FREE!  Doors open at 10 a.m. with special guest Duncan Wardle, former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney on the main stage at 2 p.m.

You can open game on various consoles, arcade games, and pinball or enter one of the many gaming tournaments for cash & prizes.  The feature tournaments this year include Rocket League, Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Madden 25, Valorant, Fortnite, and more.

Registration for all tournaments will start at the Sanford Center April 12 at 10 a.m. and it is first come, first in until full.  All tournaments are FREE to enter but you will need to a GigaZone Gaming Player Profile to register that day so create that now at www.gigazonegaming.com

The GigaZone TechXpo will feature over 20 exhibitors that will expose a growing regional audience to technology innovation and potential career opportunities in technology right here in northern Minnesota.

 

 

Posted: 3 months ago.

Twins TV Added to Paul Bunyan Television

Paul Bunyan Television has added Twins TV to its lineup, bringing Minnesota Twins fans complete coverage of their favorite team this season.

All Paul Bunyan Television main service subscribers will have access to Twins TV on:

  • HD Channel 558
  • SD Channel 58

Twins TV will deliver live Twins games, and extended pre-game and postgame coverage, ensuring fans can stay connected to their team all season long.

“We’re thrilled to continue to give our PBTV customers access to all the action of Twins baseball.  Adding Twins TV to Paul Bunyan Television is a big win for our region. Play ball!” – Chad Bullock, Paul Bunyan Communications Chief Executive Officer.

 

Posted: 3 months ago.

Joseph Loehlein of Turtle River wins 2025 Youth Tour Essay Contest

We are excited to announce that Joseph Loehlein of Turtle River is the winner of the cooperative’s 2025 Youth Tour Essay Contest.  Joseph is a student at Falcon View Online High School and is the son of Richard and Jean Loehlein. He will attend the 2025 Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. June 2-6, with all expenses paid by Paul Bunyan Communications.

The trip features a comprehensive overview of the telecommunications industry, including careers in telecom, the critical role telecommunications plays in rural America, and how legislative and regulatory decisions affect the industry.  The tour allows youth to meet with members of Congress who represent rural constituents.  They also participate in educational sessions about the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).  Students visit some of the nation’s most historic sites, including the Smithsonian Museums and a beautiful night tour of Washington D.C.

“The FRS Youth Tour is a unique opportunity for a local student from our area to visit Washington D.C. to gain a better perspective on how regulatory decisions impact our cooperative and rural areas.  They will also get the chance to see a lot of historic sites in our nation’s capital!” said Brian Bissonette, Paul Bunyan Communications Marketing Supervisor.

Paul Bunyan Communications has participated in sending a local high school student to the Youth Tour since 1996.  Recent Youth Tour winners include Julia Frenzel of Blackduck (2024), Michael Van Horn of Blackduck (2023), and Amelia Scherling of Bemidji (2022)

The Foundation for Rural Service is dedicated to informing and improving the quality of life throughout rural America.  Each year, it organizes the Youth Tour, designed to educate rural youth about the telecommunications industry and the federal political process.  The FRS is a subsidiary of the NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association of which Paul Bunyan Communications is a member.

Posted: 4 months ago.

Sign Up Now for our Pick It March Mania Challenges!

Register now for the Paul Bunyan Communications Pick-it March Mania Challenges, two free online contests for participants to pick the winners for the 2025 men’s and women’s college basketball tournament for a chance to win a credit on your Paul Bunyan Communications account!

You can enter one or both contests and the top 10 finishers in each will win a credit on their Paul Bunyan Communications account. First place winner will receive a $500 credit, second place is a $250 credit.  There is also a random bonus prize of $100 credit from among all who register.

For the Men’s Tournament Contest visit http://paulbunyan.pickitchallenge.com/

For the Women’s Tournament Contest visit at https://paulbunyanwomen.pickitchallenge.com/

Register anytime but remember to come back to make your picks after the tournament teams are determined on Sunday, March 16 and before the first games start March 20 for the Men, March 21 for the Women.

The Pick-it March Mania Challenges are a fun and free way to interact with others in northern Minnesota and enjoy a little friendly competition.  Must be 18 years of age or older. Limit one entry per person per contest. Prizes not redeemable for cash. Void where prohibited. Some restrictions may apply. See Pick It March Mania Challenge website for complete contest rules.

Posted: 4 months ago.

Solar Interference Can Impact Paul Bunyan Television Service through March 15

Solar InterferenceService interruption of some individual channels on Paul Bunyan Television may occur during the afternoon hours through March 15 due to solar interference.

During the interference, your PBTV service reception may range from minor sparkles to loss of reception or picture freezing for 10-15 minutes.

Solar interference occurs each calendar year in both the spring and the fall. It does not impact internet or telephone service.

What channels are affected and when will vary through March 15.

Posted: 4 months ago.

Gaming Tournaments Announced for 2025 GigaZone Gaming Championship on April 12

The 2025 GigaZone Gaming Championship and TechXpo is Saturday, April 12 at the Sanford Center in Bemidji. The event is one of the largest rural gaming events in the United States and features free arcade gaming/pinball, numerous gaming tournaments for cash/prizes, door prizes, and more.  Admission and all the gaming are FREE including entering a gaming tournament.

This year’s tournaments will include:

Rocket League- Main Stage

The main stage tournament on the esports stadium style stage in the GigaZone Championship Arena.

3-person team competition with 16 team maximum.

1st Place- $900 per team 2nd Place-$600 per team, 3rd Place-$300 per team

Rocket League- GigaZone High School Invitational

**New** This tournament is exclusive to High School Esports teams.  It is a 3-person team double elimination tournament with 16 team maximum.  Schools interested in registering for this tournament should visit https://gigazonegaming.com/ for more information

Fortnite

This is a No-Build Solos leaderboard tournament. Tournament will be open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

1st Place-$400; 2nd Place-$300; 3rd Place-$200; 4th Place-$100

Madden24

Individual competition with 32-person maximum 1st Place-$400; 2nd Place-$300; 3rd Place-$200; 4th Place-$100

Valorant

5-person team competition with 12-team maximum

1st Place- $1,000; per team; 2nd Place-$500 per team; 3rd Place-$250 per team

Super Smash Bros Ultimate

Individual competition with 64-person maximum. 1st Place- $300; 2nd Place-$200; 3rd Place $100; 4th Place $50

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Individual competition with 64-person maximum 1st Place- $300; 2nd Place-$200; 3rd Place $100; 4th Place $50

Super Smash Bros Ultimate- Junior Tournament (Kids under 13)

Individual competition with 32-person maximum   1st Place- $200; 2nd Place-$150; 3rd Place $100; 4th Place $50

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe- Junior Tournament (Kids under 13)

Individual competition with 64-person maximum 1st Place- $200; 2nd Place-$150; 3rd Place $100; 4th Place $50

Magic The Gathering Booster Drafts

Tarkir Dragonstorm Draft at 11 a.m. with 64-person maximum. Top 8 player Championship Draft at 3 p.m. with live stream coverage. Commander Events starting at 3pm.

Cosplay Contest Adult

1st Place- $300; 2nd Place $200; 3rd Place-$100

Cosplay Contest Juniors

1st Place- $100; 2nd Place $75; 3rd Place-$50

Classic Arcade Games Top Score

Donkey Kong   $100

Galaga              $100

Ms. Pacman      $100

Bemidji Drift- PBC Truck Racing Simulator Best Time

Adults AM- $100  PM- $100

Juniors AM- $100 PM- $100

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arade Game High Score

$200

 

GigaZone Gaming Profile Required to Enter Tournaments

All the gaming is free, but a GigaZone Gaming profile is required to enter a tournament.  This is also free and can be created anytime online at www.gigazonegaming.com

Registration for all tournaments is first come, first in until full on the day of the event with doors opening at 10 a.m Special Guest Duncan Wardle, the former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney will be on the main stage at 2 p.m.

This Paul Bunyan Communications event includes the talents of many local partners including NLFX, Accidentally Cool Games, Northern Amusement, the Sanford Center, as well as support from several regional and national partners.

Posted: 5 months ago.

Winners of the Paul Bunyan Communications Pick It Bowl Challenge

We are excited to announce the winners of the annual Pick-it Bowl Challenge, a free online contest for participants to pick the winners for the 2024-25 College Bowl games for a chance to win a credit on a Paul Bunyan Communications account.  There were a 676 participants.

Winners of the 2024-25 Paul Bunyan Communications Pick-it Bowl Challenge:

1st Place- $500 credit              Dana DeMars, Lake George

2nd Place- $250 credit             Lindsey Dougherty, Bemidji

3rd Place- $100 credit              Robert Wickman, Grand Rapids

4th Place- $50 credit                Nicholas Brown, Red Lake

5th Place- $50 credit                Blake Nordin, Hackensack

6th Place- $50 credit                Norman Mattson, Cohasset

7th Place- $50 credit                Neal Adams, Bemidji

8th Place- $50 credit                Megan Fratzke, Bemidji

9th Place- $50 credit                Mike Hoffman, Bemidji

10th Place- $50 credit              Bonny Siegford, Deer River

Random $100 Credit Prize Winner:  Kathy Wron, Deer River (404th Place)

The next Paul Bunyan Communications Pick-It Challenge is March Mania for both the College Division 1 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments.

Posted: 5 months ago.

2025 Scholarship Opportunities from Paul Bunyan Communications

Paul Bunyan Communications is committed to the communities we serve and provides dozens of scholarships annually to local students within our service territory. We also offer local students the chance to apply for statewide industry scholarships and national industry scholarships. If you are a current high school senior or a student at one of the local post-secondary institutions, you can apply to win a Paul Bunyan Communications Scholarship!

High School Scholarships

Each year, our cooperative provides at least 2, $500 scholarships to 16 area high schools within or near our service territory. The application process, winners, and distribution of funds are handled by each high school independent of Paul Bunyan Communications.

Bemidji, Bigfork, Blackduck, Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig, Cass Lake, Deer River, Grand Rapids, Greenway, International Falls, Kelliher, Laporte, Nashwauk-Keewatin, Northome, Park Rapids, Red Lake, and Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High Schools

Paul Bunyan Communications Scholarships are available at the following high schools: Bemidji, Bigfork, Blackduck, Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig, Cass Lake, Deer River, Grand Rapids, Greenway, International Falls, Kelliher, Laporte, Mountain Iron-Buhl, Nashwauk-Keewatin, North Woods, Northome, Park Rapids, Red Lake, and Walker-Hackensack-Akeley.

To apply for the Paul Bunyan Communications Scholarship at one of these high schools, please speak to the school counselor or career service office.

Post-Secondary Scholarships

In addition to High School Scholarships, Paul Bunyan Communications provides scholarship opportunities to the following post secondary institutions: Bemidji State University, Northwest Technical College, Minnesota North College-Itasca, Red Lake Nation College, Leech Lake Tribal College, and Oak Hills Christian College.

Bemidji State University

There are several scholarships annually available to students attending Bemidji State University that are current members of Paul Bunyan Communications or a parent/legal guardian is a member. Applications are electronic and open to accepted students of Bemidji State University. The application will automatically match students with qualifying scholarships so there is no need to apply for individual awards. The application can be found online at https://bemidjistate.academicworks.com/.

Contact the Bemidji State Alumni & Foundation with any questions.

Northwest Technical College

One $500 scholarship is awarded annually to a NTC student that is a current member or who has a parent/legal guardian that is a member of Paul Bunyan Communications. Applications are available in the NTC Admissions office or online at www.NTCmn.edu under scholarships.

Itasca Community College, Red Lake Nation College, Leech Lake Tribal College and Oak Hills Christian College

One $500 scholarship is awarded annually at Minnesota North College-Itasca, Red Lake Nation College, Leech Lake Tribal College and Oak Hills Christian College to a student that is a current member or who has a parent/legal guardian that is a member of Paul Bunyan Communications.

To apply for the Paul Bunyan Communications Scholarship at one of these post-secondary institutions, speak to the Admissions or Career Service office at the school you attend.

Minnesota Telecom Alliance Foundation Scholarship

Minnesota Telecom Alliance FoundationPaul Bunyan Communications participates in the MTA’s scholarship program which awards five $2,000 scholarships to Minnesota high school seniors each year.

The application can be downloaded at https://www.mnta.org/page/Scholarship and must be turned in to Paul Bunyan Communications no later than February 14, 2025.

A telecom alliance panel reviews each application and selects the finalists based on applicants’ grades, academic achievements and extra-curricular activities. Preference to receive the scholarships is given to students who have an interest in telecommunications technology and rural communities.

The Foundation is part of the Minnesota Telecom Alliance, a trade organization representing 86 telephone companies and cooperatives in the state.

Foundation for Rural Service Scholarship

Minnesota Telecom Alliance FoundationPaul Bunyan Communications participates in the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) scholarship program which awards 30 $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors throughout the country each year.

Applications can be done online through the FRS web site at https://www.frs.org/programs/youth-programs/scholarships

Application must be submitted online no later than February 14, 2025. Applications submitted after that date will NOT be accepted.

Please note the applicant or their parent/legal guardian must be a member of Paul Bunyan Communications (PBC) Cooperative.

Established in 1994, FRS, in cooperation with the National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA), seeks to sustain and enhance the quality of life throughout Rural America by advancing an understanding of rural telecommunications issues. In keeping with its mission, furthering the education of rural youth is one of the foundation’s primary focuses. Our cooperative, Paul Bunyan Communications, is a member of NTCA and is proud to support FRS in this worthy endeavor.

Posted: 6 months ago.