Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WHITLEY COUNTY – A broadband initiative serving Whitley County residents has received national recognition, highlighting the impact of long-term efforts to improve connectivity in rural communities.
The recognition came through the Fiber Broadband Association's 2026 Star Award, presented to Surf Internet during the organization's Fiber Connect conference in Orlando, Fla. The award recognizes a company or community that has gone above and beyond in expanding broadband access and connectivity.
Earlier this year, the Whitley County project was highlighted during a Fiber Broadband Association panel discussion at the Regional Connect conference in Indianapolis. Surf Internet representatives and Whitley County Commissioner Theresa Baysinger presented a case study on rural broadband deployment in Whitley County, sharing lessons learned and insights that may help other providers navigate similar expansion efforts. Those discussions helped inform Surf Internet's subsequent Star Award nomination.
“This recognition is about more than infrastructure,” said Gene Crusie, CEO of Surf Internet. “It represents the commitment of residents who advocated for better connectivity and embraced the opportunity to bring broadband to their communities. It also speaks to the persistence required to keep moving a project forward when the path isn’t always straightforward. Commissioner Baysinger was an important voice throughout the process and helped maintain focus on the long-term benefits of expanding broadband access. Together, those efforts helped turn a difficult undertaking into a successful project.”
