Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association is mailing more than 8,000 dividend checks totaling just over $500,000 on Wednesday, according to a press release. The checks represent payment of 5.3 percent deferred dividends for members who had service with WCTA for the years 1997 through 2000. “WCTA members can be proud of their cooperative’s operations and focus on the future,” said General Manager Mark Thoma. “WCTA continues to provide low cost services to its members.”The WCTA board of directors voted earlier this year to approve the payment. Board members include Mark R. Johnson, Larry Foley, Stephen Thorland, Jerry Ouverson, Mike Stensrud, Curt Helland and Dale Meinders. WCTA is a member-owned cooperative providing a full range of quality, reliable telecommunication services and products for communities in north central Iowa and south central Minnesota. – Provided