In 2008 Ecliptixnet approached our mayor about the possibility of bringing High Speed Internet to our town through a USDA Rural Communities Connect Grant. Mayor Jerry Matteson called NCPR and asked if we would put together a Community Meeting to get the word out. Over 80 people attended the outdoor meeting and asked numerous questions. At times the discussion was heated with concerns over the towers, etc. After much debate it was decided to proceed with the grant. NCPR assisted in getting the letters of support for the grant. It was awarded to Ecliptixnet in the fall of 2008. Construction began on the towers and NCPR began hunting for a location for the Computer Center. Not an easy task in such a small town. Eventually, due to the limited budget, it was decided to remodel two buildings on Main Street next to the Post Office and across from the Grocery Store. Art and Nina Grobben donated the use of the buildings to NCPR as long as they continue in the Community Center capacity. Construction began the fall of 2009 on the Center.

The first building next to the Post Office will house a computer lab with 15 computers, office space, kitchen and bathrooms. A walkway connects the two buildings, the second of which will house a meeting hall with a lap top, projector and screen for movies, power point presentations or even possibly games. The second building will be available for rent at a nominal fee. This will assist in the sustainability of the buildings. Between the two buildings is a beautiful courtyard where people can stop and get online with their own laptops, or just sit and watch the towns people go by. In the future we hope to fence the back yard and landscape for receptions, reunions, etc.

The computer lab will be open, free of charge, as volunteers are available to run the center. At this time it will be open 4 days a week from 4 to 8 hours depending on the day and volunteers time availability. We will post open times as soon as the volunteer schedule is firmed up. If you are interested in volunteering please call Sandi Everson at 732-8847 or e-mail ncprboard@yahoo.com.

This is an exciting culmination of a hoped for community center for Northport. We do wish it could have been bigger and housed more opportunities, but it is a beautiful place where people will be able to gather and enjoy themselves.

Basic office services will be available for a small fee. Fax, copies, letter writing, brochures, flyers and business cards, and hopefully more services in the future. An office space is available for rent to also help in the sustainability of the project.

Office Services

Copies B&W - 15 cents each

Colpies Color - 75 cents each

Fax:

Send local - $1.00

Receive - 15 cents a page

Items for Purchase

Recordable CD's - 50 cents each

Recordable DVD's - 75 cents each

Slip Cover for CD or DVD -

Thumb Drive - $9.50

Paper:

Plain - 2 cents each

Plain - $6.00 ream

Color - 7 cents each

Card Stock - 10 cents each

Rental Fees

Community Center Annex

$25.00 (5 hrs or less)

$35.00 (all day)

Kitchen - $5.00

Projector/Screen - $5.00 hr

(with room rental only)

Key Deposit - $50.00

(fully refundabe on return of key)

Cleaning/Damage Deposit - $100.00

(fully refundable if room is clean, damage

free and garbage hauled away)