FORT MORGAN, Colo. Though changes in federal telecommunications policy allow cellular telephone providers to abandon their old analog networks, Viaero Wireless has decided to keep its analog system in operation.

The decision to retain analog service ensures all Viaero subscribers will still have access to emergency numbers, such as 911. Viaero, with customers in Colorado and Nebraska, has a digital global system for mobile (GSM) communications network. While nearly all Viaero subscribers use the digital service, there are a small number who still use the older analog technology. Viaero offers those customers the chance to switch to digital service, but many of them wish to continue their analog service.

"Our motto is, 'We are where you are,'" said Viaero owner and Chief Executive Officer Frank DiRico. "It's very expensive for us to continue to maintain the older analog network while we have the digital GSM system, but Viaero takes its responsibility to our customers seriously."

With headquarters in Fort Morgan, Colo., Viaero Wireless provides cellular, data and Internet access to rural areas in eastern Colorado and greater Nebraska.

Bank of Marquette joins lawyers trust account foundation

MARQUETTE The Bank of Marquette has joined more than 250 financial institutions and more than 2,800 attorneys in the Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts Program.

The program, which is administered by the Nebraska Lawyers Trust Account Foundation, helps ensure that needy people in the Marquette area have access to legal assistance.

The Bank of Marquette's participation in the program is seen as a commitment to reinvest in its community.

"In an environment of budget reduction at the federal level, the needy of Nebraska are becoming increasingly dependent on alternative sources of revenue to fund basic legal services," said Lawrence K. Sheehan, foundation president. "In this climate, the foundation board is particularly grateful to the Bank of Marquette for participating in the Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts Program. The continuing assistance of these professionals helps to ensure that every Nebraskan has access to legal services."

Local bank to participate in Arbor Day celebration

Equitable Bank of Grand Island will be one of 35 financial institutions across the state that will participate in the Nebraska Bankers Association's National Arbor Day tree program, "Planting Roots for the Future."

Through the program, Nebraska banks will provide 2,725 Colorado blue spruce seedlings to community groups, schools and customers as part of Arbor Day on April 25.

This is the 19th year Nebraska financial institutions have teamed up through the Nebraska Bankers Association-sponsored program to encourage tree planting and celebrate National Arbor Day. Since 1990, Nebraska financial institutions have donated nearly 143,000 trees through the program.

The Nebraska Bankers Association, founded in 1890, is a statewide association representing 239 of Nebraska's 241 commercial banks, 13 of the 15 savings and loan institutions in the state and one trust company.