CUs in the News

Dakota credit unions are making an impact through community engagement and scholarship support.

CUs in the News is a spotlight series celebrating the incredible work happening across our Dakota credit unions. From standout promotions and community giveback efforts to innovative programs and member-focused initiatives, this series will showcase how our credit unions live out the “people helping people” philosophy each and every day.
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VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION NIGHT Hosted by the SD Central Chapter of Credit Unions
Recently, the SD Central Chapter of Credit Unions organized a Volunteer Appreciation Night. Each credit union in the chapter invited their Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee members to enjoy an evening filled with food, camaraderie, games, and prizes. Additionally, local legislative candidates were invited to present their platforms and areas of expertise. 

The event took place at the Huron Campus Center, which was festively decorated with decor from various decades; including some of the attendees in fun attire.  Laughter and conversation filled the room as old friends reconnected and new acquaintances were made.  
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Throughout the evening, a series of engaging games and activities kept attendees entertained. After the games, each credit union had the opportunity to recognize their volunteers for their years of service.  As the event ended, prizes were awarded to lucky winners, bringing smiles and cheers from the crowd. The Volunteer Appreciation Night was a success, demonstrating the true spirit of cooperation among credit unions!

Town & Country Credit Union Awards $10,000 in Scholarships to Local Students
Town & Country Credit Union recently awarded $10,000 in scholarships to 10 outstanding students across the region through its 2026 Scholarship Program. Celebrating the program’s fifth anniversary, the credit union awarded ten $1,000 scholarships to student members pursuing higher education in a variety of fields including education, aviation, healthcare, agriculture, welding, psychology, and biology. President/CEO Kalli Schell shared that supporting students as they pursue their goals and future careers is a meaningful investment in the communities the credit union serves.

2026 Town & Country Credit Union Scholarship Recipients:
Ally Larson - Minot North High School, Minot, ND.  University of North Dakota: Elementary Education
Brenna Borgen - Horace High School, West Fargo, ND. University of North Dakota: Commercial Aviation
Chaskee Schmidt - Flasher High School. Bismarck State College: Pre-Physical Therapy
Elizabeth Nelson - Stanley High School. North Dakota State University: Theatre Arts
Emma Sander - Minot High School. New York University: Neuroscience/Psychology (Pre-med)
Gannon Hedberg - Minot North High School. Bismarck State College: Ag Economics
Kole Herman - Kenmare High School. Bismarck State College: Welding
Ladan Jama - West Fargo High School.  University of Minnesota Duluth: Psychology
Lillian Deman - Nedrose High School. Minot State University: Elementary Education
Scout Ulrickson - Minot High School. Minot State University: Biology 

Black Hills Federal Credit Union Awards $20,000 in Scholarships to High School Seniors
Black Hills Federal Credit Union (BHFCU) recently awarded $20,000 in scholarships to 10 graduating seniors through its VIBZ Scholarship Program. Since launching the program more than 20 years ago, BHFCU has awarded scholarships to more than 150 local students. Each recipient will receive $2,000 toward their first year of higher education in recognition of their leadership, community involvement, and academic achievement.

2026 BHFCU Scholarship Recipients:
Kingston W. – New Underwood High School. Mitchell Technical College: Agricultural Diesel Mechanic               
Cora P. – Spearfish High School. Undecided: Forestry
Marlee W. – Lyman High School. South Dakota State University: Psychology
Aspen S. – Canton High School. South Dakota State University: Health
Braxton W. – Hot Springs High School. Chadron State College: Biology/Pre-Human Medicine
Sorrinee E. – T.F. Riggs High School. Augustana University: Nursing & Spanish
Anderson F. – Hill City High School. Western Dakota Technical College: Phlebotomy & Ministry
SoLace G. – Stevens High School. Augustana University: Elementary Education
Olivia G. – Sturgis Brown High School. South Dakota State University: Respiratory Therapy
Colton M. – Central High School. Undecided: Medicine 

About Town & Country Credit Union
Town & Country Credit Union has been Positively Impacting the communities it serves for 86 years. With 10 convenient locations in North Dakota, over 160 employees and a focus on continual growth, it provides meaningful value to its more than 26,000 members every day. Membership in the credit union is open to anyone living within 75 miles of Minot and 50 miles of Fargo or Kenmare. More information can be found at www.townandcountry.org.
 
About Black Hills Federal Credit Union
Established in Rapid City in 1941, Black Hills Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving more than 115,000 members. The credit union has 18 locations in South Dakota and two in Montana. For more information, visit bhfcu.com.