Third Quarter 2002

Take Another Directory With You

Because the Ozark Regional Directory really is the right one for the area where NATCO and Yelcot customers live, work, and shop...we've got plenty...and extras are free. So, pick up one or more at NATCO or at any of the locations below and take them along for your vehicles.

Additional directories are available free to our customers at these locations:

• Branson: Chamber of Commerce
• Bull Shoals: Chamber of Commerce, Community Center, City Hall, Anchor Realty, Howard's Realty, Village Land Office, Bank of Yellville, Peoples Bank, Ratliff Realty.
• Cotter: City Hall
• Diamond City: City Hall, Diamond City Real Estate
• Flippin: Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, Ozark Realty, Pioneer Realty, Rocking Chair Realty, Bank of Yellville, U.S. Bank, NATCO.
• Gassville: City Hall
• Harrison: Visitor's Center, Chamber of Commerce, Boone County Courthouse
• Lakeview: City Hall, First National Bank
• Lead Hill: City Hall, Bank of Yellville, Lead Hill Realty
• Mountain Home: Chamber of Commerce, City Hall Water & Sewer Dept., Bank of Yellville, Brooks-Jeffrey Marketing.
• Summit: City Hall, U.S. Bank
• Yellville: Chamber of Commerce, Marion County Judge's Office, City Hall, Evans Realty, Yellville Realty, The Baker Co., United Country Realty, Bank of Yellville.
  

NATCO President is Speaker at SuperComm

NATCO Communications President Dr. Steven G. Sanders was a panelist at the SuperComm meeting of the International Engineering Consortium in Atlanta June 3-6. Dr. Sanders is a member of the IEC Executive Council, a group of information industry executives dedicated to learning and sharing ideas. SuperComm is the largest meeting in the telecommunications industry and has the largest exhibit of high technology equipment and services.

Dr. Sanders was one of four speakers on a panel entitled "Emerging Services and Applications for Carrier IP Networks." Others on the panel represented AT&T, Siemens, and Lucent Technologies. The panel discussion covered network requirements and new services which will become available as the telephone network of today is transformed into a multimedia IP network of the future, Dr. Sanders said.

NATCO's Steven Sanders Jr., vice president and plant manager, and Travis Sullivan, network services supervisor, attended SuperComm 2002 as well.

According to Dr. Sanders, the industry is in a period of adjustment due to vast build-outs of the past five years. He said the future appears very good with new technology being developed and released at an even faster pace. "This will produce many exciting things for the consumer in the years to come."

The IEC Executive Council has members representing leading corporations in the telecommunications, cellular, cable, satellite, computer content, and other industry segments. The IEC has an active program with the electrical engineering departments of 75 major universities in the world, including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, ITT, Georgia Tech, University of Illinois, Stanford and the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Telecommunications de Paris.

South Shore Foundation Scholarships Awarded to Area Graduates

South Shore Foundation awarded seven $1,000 scholarships to top graduates in South Shore area schools in Marion and Boone Counties in May. The scholarships go to students who have the highest grade point average among seniors in their graduating class and/or the highest score on a college entrance exam.

Due to a change approved by the South Shore Foundation trustees in May, these recipients of the South Shore Academic Scholarships will be eligible to renew their $1,000 grants for up to four years.

Scholarship winners:

Brandy Lynn Birrer of Yellville-Summit High School has been honored with the school's Leadership Award all four years of high school and received awards in geometry and trigonometry. She plans to attend Drury University at Springfield, Mo., to study architecture. She is the daughter of Randy and Reanell Birrer.

Jessica Dixon of Lead Hill High School was a Girls State delegate, student of the month, Academic Achievement Award winner for 2000, and has earned awards in Spanish, English II, speech, arts and civics. She plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas or Ouachita Baptist University. She has not chosen a major. Her parents are Jeff and Amanda Dixon.

Phillip Matlock of Omaha High School was active in Future Business Leaders of America and received state FBLA awards in computer applications. He was a member of Quiz Bowl All-Regional Tournament Team and is an All-American Scholar. Phillip plans to attend the University of Arkansas and study business. He is the son of Tyler and Connie Matlock.

Nicholas Jon Sachse of Bergman High School is a National Merit Finalist, president of the senior class, and Student Council president. Sachse plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas to study biology and pre-medicine. He is the son of Michael and Mardie Sachse.

Tonia Marie Stokes of Bruno-Pyatt High School is class valedictorian and has received academic awards in English, chemistry, advanced math, physics, biology, French and geometry. She plans to attend Arkansas Tech University at Russellville and study engineering and Japanese. Tonia is the daughter of Tommy and Vicki Stokes.

Christina Tate of Flippin High School is class valedictorian and has won academic awards in Honors English three years, physical science, biology, physics, Algebra I & II, and geometry. She plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas. Her major is undecided. She is the daughter of John and Julie Tate.

Matthew Toliver of Yellville-Summit High School was Scholar Athlete of the Year and has received trigonometry and chemistry awards. He plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville to study computer engineering. He is the son of Nolan and Beverly Toliver.

American Express and Discover Cards Now Accepted for Bills

NATCO and NATCO Technologies are pleased to announce that to better serve customers, we now accept American Express or Discover credit cards. This is in addition to already accepting VISA and MasterCard.

If you are an Internet customer, it is easy to make your payments online at https://payonline.natconet.com/.

Payments are also accepted at any one of the five Bank of Yellville locations throughout the Twin Lakes area. You may also pay your bill: by mail to NATCO, in person at NATCO, in the drop box at NATCO, or by bank draft. Contact NATCO for more information on any of these methods of payment.

Remember that to save money, you may pay in advance. One year's Internet service bill paid in advance brings two months of free service. Two years' Internet service bill paid in advance brings five months of free service.

DSL Special Offer Extended to Lead Hill

NATCO customers in Lead Hill are now able to sign up for the high-speed, always-on Internet service - DSL - at a special savings and a new lower monthly price. For a limited time, NATCO will install DSL high-speed Internet service on your regular telephone line with no setup fee, a savings of $95. The new monthly rate schedule is $29.95 (residence) and $39.95 (business).

NATCO announced the summer special in June. "We're delighted to be able to offer this great service to most of the customers in the NATCO telephone service area," said Business Manager Steve Smith. "We hope the special offer encourages customers to upgrade their Internet connection and enjoy much faster and more convenient Internet service."

DSL provides a faster Internet connection, with no dialing needed. DSL uses your present dedicated telephone line, but connects to the Internet at a higher frequency than telephones, fax machines, and other devices. So, DSL Internet does not interfere with telephone calls on the same line.

DSL differs from cable in that DSL allows a private, dedicated connection to the Internet. Please call a NATCO customer service representative for details today at 1-800-775-6682. Customer service can advise you if the service is available in your immediate area, since customers must be located within a certain radius of the phone company's switching equipment.

Block Telemarketing, 'Do Not Call' Fee Reduced

Arkansas has lowered the price of placing your home phone number on the telemarketing 'Do Not Call' list to $5 per year. (The charge covers the cost of maintaining the calling database.) Anyone who has already paid the original $10 fee will have their listing extended for another 12 months.

To get your number on the 'Do Not Call' list, call NATCO for a copy of the official registration form
to send to:

Consumer Protection Division
323 Center St., Suite 200
Little Rock, AR 72201

Questions about the program should go to Attorney General Mark Pryor at 1-877-866-8225. Details are also available on the Web site www.ag.state.ar.us.

"More than 25,000 Arkansans have been added to the 'Do Not Call' list. This program is designed to keep unwanted telemarketing calls from invading your privacy," Pryor said.

Some telemarketing-type calls may continue, even if your name is on the 'Do Not Call' list, such as calls about a payment obligation or debt, calls from companies you have done business with in the past 36 months, volunteers calling for charities, and calls from newspapers, banks, insurance, real estate, funeral, or licensed investment brokers. Phone numbers are added quarterly, and the next deadline is Nov. 1.

The South Shore Consortium, represented here by SSF Trustee Jodie Jeffrey-Sanders (center) is now assisting the BIWD Center at ASUMH. Phil Garner (left) is director of the Center, and Ed Coulter (right) is chancellor of ASUMH. To inquire about training for employees in Marion and Baxter County businesses, call Garner at (870) 508-6106 or look online at www.asumh.edu/biwd.

South Shore Foundation Helps BIWD Center Offer Job Skills Training

The new South Shore Workforce Training Consortium will help businesses in Marion and Baxter Counties provide local job training for employees. Phil Garner, director of the Business, Industry, and Workforce Development Center at Arkansas State University Mountain Home, said the partnership with South Shore Foundation of Flippin will begin immediately.

Garner, who has more than 20 years of experience in employee training at Baxter Healthcare, said his vision for the new consortium is to be a "one-stop shop" for every employer in the area. "Call me first, before you plan to go to Dallas or St. Louis for any training. We can probably offer the same training here."Courses or workshops offered include technical, communications, manufacturing procedures, basic computer skills, software programs, and many others.

Garner emphasized that the Center can develop programs that meet the employers' needs. "The Center has trained hundreds of employees in subjects ranging from computer software, algebra and statistics, to Lean Manufacturing techniques," Garner said. Programs are held both on the ASUMH campus and at the business sites. The Center provides high quality programs at an affordable cost to local businesses for their employees.

South Shore Foundation, the charitable foundation of NATCO, backs efforts to promote economic development of the South Shore area. "We value the work of the Center, both for the employer and for the individual employee," said Steven G. Sanders, president of the foundation. He continued, "Improving or updating job skills benefits both the worker and the business. We encourage all businesses in the area to look to the South Shore Consortium for the staff training
they need."

In addition to job training for employees, the Center has two more departments: Adult Education offers reading and math tutoring, GED testing, English as a Second Language, and Literacy Task Analysis for businesses; Continuing Education offers non-credit classes on topics such as art, exercise, computer skills, motorcycle safety, fly tying, concealed handgun license course, etc.

Rita Pringle is the computer training specialist at the Center for Business, Industry, and Workforce Development. Lynn Jacobs is the secretary. To speak to Phil Garner, Rita Pringle, or
Lynn Jacobs, call (870) 508-6106, e-mail pgarner@brook.asumh.edu, or write to Garner at the Center for Business, Industry, and Workforce Development at 1600 South College St., Mountain Home, AR 72653. Their Web site is www.asumh.edu/biwd.

Summit Volunteer Fire Department Receives $3,250 Grant

The Summit Volunteer Fire Dept. bought two semi-automatic external defibrillators with a grant from the South Shore Foundation. Trustees of the foundation, formed by NATCO, approved a grant for $3,250 for the lifesaving equipment used for heart attack victims. First Responder Coordinator Tim Schooley said the department will place an SAED in both fire stations.

Schooley said, "It is our goal to provide the best first responder assistance available to the 1,500 residents in our fire district." He said the Summit Volunteer Fire Department consists of 18 volunteers - eight of whom are first responders with two additionally qualified as emergency medical technicians. They protect about 470 homes in the Summit area.

Members of the Summit Fire Department and representatives of South Shore Foundation are pictured: (from left) Donald Brideau, Deanna Sullivan (South Shore trustee), Kathy Spotts, Tim Schooley, Arnold Wilkerson, the late Howard Evans (South Shore trustee) and Fire Chief Dwayne McFarland.

Leadership Graduation Ceremony Held for Students and Adults

Future leaders of Marion County (adults and youth) shared their graduation ceremony this May. The South Shore-Marion County Youth Leadership Team members reported to parents and sponsors about their year of activities, including a video presentation, and the Marion County Adult Leadership Team informed the audience about their activities.

Roger Bates, an organizer of the adult leaders program, said they were proud to be there with the youth at the event. "These people are winners," he commented.

Graduates from the Marion County Adult Leadership Team sessions: (front row, left) Dana M. Johnson, Holly Jefferson, Renee Myers, Diane McGill, Dawn Bruss, and Dana J. Johnson; (middle row, left) Stacy Davenport, John Dyess, Steven Sanders Jr., Charles Trammell, Mark Kapshandy, and Bill Blythe; (back row, left) Roger Bates, David Johnson, Mike Ragland, Steve Smith, and Howard Elmore.	Dawn Bruss (left) of the adult leadership team talks with Stacy Neal from Yellville-Summit.	Marion County Adult Leadership Team graduate Charles Trammell receives a certificate from Mike Ragland and Roger Bates (at podium).

Steve Hobbs, who is chairman of the advisory board to the youth program, complimented all the adults who have helped with the youth program and the sponsors: South Shore Foundation, Entergy, and the Marion County Cooperative Extension Service. He also recognized businesses who contributed to the events: Hudson Foods, Ranger Boats, Save-A-Lot Foods, NATCO, and the three participating school systems - Bruno-Pyatt, Flippin, and Yellville-Summit.

Each of the ninth-grade students at the graduation reported on youth leadership activities. Here, Brandon Halliday speaks to the audience.	Yellville-Summit students at the leadership graduation were (from left): Kala Evans, Torie Layton, Braden Webster, Jessica Freeman, and Stacy Neal.

Seven ninth grade students from the three schools are chosen each year to be a part of the youth leadership team activities. They have monthly leadership sessions, including a get-acquainted picnic and orientation, workshops on communications, teamwork, goal setting and decision making, plus meeting civic leaders at the local and state levels. They spend a day at NATCO and ASU Mountain Home learning about careers and preparing for jobs in the real world.

Bruno-Pyatt students at the leadership graduation were (from left) Caitlan Whitsell, Adam Keymer, T.C. Elliott, Danielle Gairson, Tiffany Copeland, Brandon Halliday, and Jessica Gass.	Flippin students at the leadership graduation were (from left) Allisa Curtis, Dacia Brown, Beth Pettit, and Jessica Howard.

The Marion County Adult Leadership Team does not meet every year, Bates said. However, they had a full schedule this year of six session about leadership principles and leadership styles, SWOT analysis, meeting with local civic leaders and a trip to the State Capitol.

For more information about the leadership programs in Marion County, contact the Cooperative Extension Service (870) 449-6349 or visit online at www.southshore.com/mcyhome.htm.

New Youth Leadership Team Members Selected

Next year's team has been named to begin activities on Aug. 20 with an orientation and picnic at Yellville City Park. They are, by school: Bruno-Pyatt, Amber Burton, Westley Harris, Michael Healea, Holly Henley, Christine Hensley, Melissa Tabor and Michelle Richardson; Flippin, Rhonda Seawright, Stephen Burkhart, Courtney Herbst, Sean Cooke, Danielle Shirley, Troy Hullett, and Wesley Duckworth; Yellville-Summit, Danielle Davenport, Amber Rudolph, Ashleigh Cockrum, Carole Reynolds, Alicia DeMeyer, Abby Blanchard, and Sonya Smith.

The young people who have taken part in the South Shore-Marion County Youth Leadership Team are experiencing new successes, according to organizers and school officials. Renee Myers, co-chairman of the adult advisory board, said some students who have completed the program have been elected to new leadership roles in their schools.

Students are also improving grades, gaining self-esteem, using skills they learned, and continuing friendships made as a result of the three-school participation in the South Shore-Marion County Youth Leadership Team.

NATCO Tech Makes Internet Service Available to Hotel Guests

NATCO Technologies now makes Internet service available to area hotel guests. Two types of service are available - unlimited (if the visitor travels with their own computer) or hourly at a NATCO Tech demonstration room at the Brooks-Jeffrey Marketing building in Mountain Home.

If travelers who are guests at one of six Twin Lakes area hotels bring a computer with them, they can obtain unlimited Internet access for up to a month for a $19.95 fee. Setup and payment can be done over the phone (with a credit card, now including American Express) by calling the NATCO toll-free number 1-800-775-6682.

Visitors who just want to check e-mail or have access to the Internet by the hour may wish to come work at the NATCO Tech demonstration room. Located at 19 Medical Plaza in the BJM building, an hourly fee of $16 applies (also $8 per half-hour), plus nominal fees for black and white or color printouts. There are four computers available. Visitors should call 425-8064 for an appointment.The service at the NATCO Tech room is high-speed DSL.

These services are now available to guests at these Mountain Home hotels: Baxter Inn, Best Western Carriage Inn, Comfort Inn, Days Inn, Kristyl Inn, and Ramada Inn.

Questions From NATCO Tech E-News

Q. How Do I Protect My Computer From Viruses?
A. Install & use anti-virus software. If you don't have good anti-virus software, chances are good that your computer will eventually get infected with a dangerous virus. The viruses released into cyberspace are getting more and more destructive every day. To protect yourself from infection, make sure you keep your anti-virus software current.

Q. How Often Should I Update My Anti-Virus Software?
A. We recommend updating your anti-virus software definitions at least once a week. This way, you greatly reduce your chances of a virus striking by staying alert and taking precautions.

Q. How Are Computer Viruses Spread?
A. The most common way viruses are spread is by opening infected e-mail attachments - even if they seem to come from family or friends. A virus can access an address book and automatically send itself to everyone listed in the address book and the message will appear to be from someone with whom you correspond. Try to confirm whether your friend has sent you an attachment before opening it. Call or send them a short e-mail message asking for reassurance that the attachment
is, in fact, from them. Then, feel confident in opening an attachment.

Q. How Can I Learn More About Anti-Virus Procedures?
A. You can learn more about how to update your anti-virus software by reading the documentation on the manufacturer's Web site. You can obtain good anti-virus software such as Norton and McAfee at most places that sell computer software. Both can also be ordered or updated online at either www.norton.com or www.mcafee.com.

On NATCO's Web site - www.southshore.com/useful.htm, many sites of interest are linked for easy access. Various subjects and sources of information are listed and updated frequently.

www.southshore.com

South Shore's Web site features tourism, relocation, and business information for communities in or near the south shore of Bull Shoals Lake. The site includes driving tours, a calendar of events, maps, online yellow page links, and news from the South Shore Foundation, the charitable foundation funded by NATCO.

www.natconet.com

NATCO's Web site features NATCO News online, current news
about the telephone company, and detailed information on the
digital services offered.

At www.natcotech.com/newsletter, you can find our electronic newsletter for Internet customers.

U.S. History

National Security Archive
Find historic documents from the National Security Archive at
www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv

Environment

Environmental Issues
Articles from the Natural Resources Defense Council can be found at
www.nrdc.org/land/use

All About Oceans
All you wanted to know about oceans on this United National Oceans Atlas site at www.oceansatlas.org

Health/Medicine

Family Health
Health information for the whole family at
www.familydoctor.org

National Library of Medicine
Provides access to MEDLINE citations, full text articles, and other resources at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov