About Us
Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative has been proudly serving our members since 1952, connecting rural communities with the latest in communication technology. Today, our commitment continues with the expansion of fiber-to-the-home broadband, delivering fast, reliable, and future-ready internet across our service area. Built on decades of trust and local support, we remain dedicated to providing the quality, innovation, and customer care our cooperative members deserve.
Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative Association, Inc. was founded out of a desire to bring quality telephone service to rural America. On August 18, 1952, nine visionaries met in Girard, Kansas, laying the groundwork for the Cooperative’s formation. Less than a year later, on July 9, 1953, the first official meeting of the Cooperative was held, and the following men became Craw-Kan’s inaugural Board of Directors: John Frerichs (President-Chairman), S.O. Frey (Vice-President), John Cukjati (Secretary-Treasurer), John DeLange, Walter Fox, Jabe Smith, Thomas Police, Fred Oplotnik, and Lawrence Tharp.
The Cooperative officially began operations in March 1954 with the acquisition of the Brazilton, Kansas exchange, which served just 14 subscribers. In the following months, Craw-Kan expanded rapidly, purchasing multiple exchanges including Hiattville, Girard, Farlington, Arma, Cherokee, and Hepler, Kansas. By mid-1954, recognizing the need for professional management, the Board hired John Frerichs as the Cooperative’s first manager. Remarkably, he also continued serving as General Manager of the Sekan Electric Cooperative, maintaining dual leadership roles until his retirement in 1980. His dedication and vision were instrumental in building the foundation for Craw-Kan’s continued growth.
By December 31, 1954, the Cooperative employed 24 people, including operators, linemen, clerical staff, and a janitor, and operated seven exchanges serving approximately 1,422 subscribers. Over the next several years, the Cooperative continued to expand through strategic acquisitions. In 1956, it purchased the exchanges of Weir, Walnut, Mulberry, Arcadia, Fulton, Devon, and West Mineral, Kansas, followed by Uniontown (1958), Savonburg and Prescott (1959), and additional Kansas exchanges in the early 1960s. Within six years, Craw-Kan had acquired 24 Kansas exchanges and began upgrading its network with Stromberg-Carlson central office equipment to modernize services to a dial system.
Craw-Kan also extended its reach into Missouri and Oklahoma. On December 19, 1961, the Waco Telephone Company, serving Asbury, Missouri, was acquired. Over the next decade, additional Missouri exchanges—Amsterdam, Amoret, Purcell, Foster, and Hume—were added. Similarly, the Edna Telephone Company (Oklahoma) was acquired in 1969, bringing the Edna, Oklahoma, and Bartlett, Kansas exchanges into the Cooperative. In 1971, Craw-Kan purchased the Pleasanton Telephone Company, further strengthening its regional network.
Leadership transitioned to Lyndell L. “Pete” Hurt on January 1, 1981, following Frerichs’ retirement. With extensive engineering experience, Mr. Hurt guided Craw-Kan through further operational and service expansions. Under his leadership, the Cooperative merged Pleasanton Telephone Company into its operations and diversified into new ventures, including the establishment of Craw-Kan Communication Systems, Inc. in 1983. This subsidiary oversaw alarm system installation and sales, later adding satellite television services in 1987.
In June 1989, Craw-Kan partnered with the Southeast Kansas Regional Service Center at Greenbush, Kansas, to develop an interactive educational television network connecting four school districts within Craw-Kan’s service areas. Designated as a pilot project by the Kansas Corporation Commission, the network exemplified Craw-Kan’s commitment to innovation and community service, successfully launching in early 1990.
Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative is guided by a Board of Directors comprised of cooperative members elected at the annual meeting. This diverse group brings a wide range of skills and expertise, providing oversight and leadership to ensure the continued success of the Cooperative.
Barry Bedene – A resident of the Arma, Kansas exchange, Barry has operated the Bedene Funeral Home in Arma for over 35 years. He has served as past president of the Rural Fire District #2 for Arma and held board positions with the First State Bank of Arma and Exchange State Bank of Girard. Barry has also served on the Board of Directors of the Kansas Funeral Directors Association and the Kansas State Board of Mortuary Arts, including terms as president and vice-president. He is active in Scottish Rites (Fort Scott), the Masonic Lodge (Arma), and the Mirza Shrine (Pittsburg). Barry has served on the Craw-Kan Board of Directors since 1984.
Roger Doue – Roger resides in Arma, KS, where he was born and raised. He spent 14 years in the printing business before working in insurance and petroleum sales, ultimately founding Doue Oil Company in 1975. Currently, he manages Mid-West Fertilizer in Arma. Roger served eight years on the Northeast USD 246 school board and is active in multiple fraternal and civic organizations. He has been a member of the Craw-Kan Board since 1998.
John Kovacic – A lifelong resident of rural Girard, John began his career in the Crawford County Treasurer’s Office, eventually serving as County Treasurer for 30 years until his retirement in 2005. He is a member of SNPJ Lodge #255 in Arma, Sons of the American Legion in Girard, and the National Association of County Treasurers and Finance Officers. John has served on the Craw-Kan Board since 2003.
Terry Kunstel – Terry is a native of Arcadia, KS, where he continues to farm and raise cattle. He co-owns and operates the T and C Wildlife Hunt Club, served on the Arcadia City Council, and taught at Arma USD 246 for 32 years. Terry also served on the Craw-Kan Communications Systems board, including three years as president. He has been a member of the Craw-Kan Board since 1986.
Wilda Pentola – Wilda is a rural resident of the Farlington, Kansas exchange. She holds a B.S., Master’s, and Ed.S. degree from Pittsburg State University. Her career included teaching, technology administration at the Southeast Kansas Education Service Center, and serving as a Regional Account Manager with Apple Computer Inc. Wilda currently serves on boards for WestRidge Assisted Living and the Hospital District #1 Foundation. She was elected to the Craw-Kan Board in 2002.
Mary Smith – A native of the area residing in Hepler, KS, Mary has two children and two grandchildren. She serves as Treasurer of Hepler and the Rural Volunteer Fire Department, and previously was a 4-H leader. Mary is employed with Diehl Banwart Bolton CPA Office. She has been on the Craw-Kan Board since 2007.
Sharon Starr – Sharon, a native of Russell, Kansas, resides in Girard. She has served on the Girard Chamber of Commerce and as president of Beta Sigma Phi sorority in Pittsburg. She is active in the Haderlein School Reading Program, Living Faith Church, and the Garden Club of Pittsburg. Sharon retired from Wal-Mart after 30 years as a Customer Service Manager and has been on the Craw-Kan Board since 2006.
Randy Vogts – Randy, a native and resident of Girard, holds a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University. His professional career is in banking, currently serving as Executive Vice-President of The First National Bank of Girard. He has also served on the boards of Consolidated Rural Water District #1, Crawford County Fair, and Craw-Kan Communications Systems, while maintaining a small commercial cattle operation.
John Lehman – A lifelong Crawford County resident, John grew up on a family dairy farm and earned a B.S. in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University. He worked over 40 years in banking, serving as bank president for more than 25 years, and held numerous local, state, and national board positions. John joined the Craw-Kan Board in 2019.