FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
BEVIER, MO — August 28, 2026 — Chariton Valley is proud to recognize the city of Bevier as a Smart Rural Community℠, a designation honoring rural communities that leverage reliable fiber broadband connectivity to support economic development, education, healthcare, agriculture, workforce opportunities, and quality of life.
The designation was celebrated during Chariton Valley Telephone Cooperative’s Member Appreciation Event at Bevier City Park, where members, employees, community leaders, and local residents gathered to recognize the community’s achievement.
Bevier’s designation reflects its commitment to using technology to enhance local services and support future growth. Through Chariton Valley’s fiber network, residents, businesses, schools, healthcare providers, agricultural operations, and local government have access to the connectivity needed to thrive in today’s digital world.
The community’s Smart Rural Community℠ application highlighted how broadband supports municipal operations, business development, education, healthcare access, agriculture, remote work opportunities, and residential growth. Bevier also noted the role broadband plays in supporting telehealth services, online learning through Bevier C-4 School, home-based businesses, and the continued growth of the community.
“This designation recognizes Bevier’s commitment to embracing technology while preserving the small-town charm that makes the community special,” said Donna Bell, Public Relations & Economic Development Manager for Chariton Valley. “Reliable broadband connectivity continues to open doors for residents, businesses, students, and local leaders, and we are thrilled to recognize Bevier as a Smart Rural Community℠.”
“Bevier’s recognition as a Smart Rural Community℠ underscores the importance of bringing world-class connectivity to rural areas. Fiber broadband provides the speed, reliability, and capacity communities need to compete in today’s digital world. I believe that rural communities deserve the same access to technology and opportunities as anywhere else, and I am honored to serve the members of Chariton Valley Telephone Cooperative to support the continued growth and success throughout all of our exchanges.” — Melissa Cole, President of the Board, Chariton Valley Telephone Corporation
Chariton Valley extends its appreciation to Trinette Peukert, Bevier City Clerk, for her efforts in preparing and submitting the Smart Rural Community℠ application and for helping showcase the many ways connectivity benefits the community.
About Chariton Valley
Through its influential leadership, innovative advances, and more than 70 years of experience, Chariton Valley continues to enhance rural prosperity and quality of life by connecting students, families, farmers, businesses, medical facilities, and rural communities through its reliable fiber network. Learn more at www.cvalley.net.
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Contact:
Kaylie Teter
Community Affairs Coordinator
660-395-9649
[email protected]
Chariton Valley
1213 E. Briggs Drive
Macon, MO 63552
