About North Star CCU

North Star CCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative founded in 1940 by a group of men from Benson County. The first annual meeting was held in 1942, with 149 total members. Fast-forward 80+ years and a few strategic mergers, and NSCCU now serves more than 22,000 members with 12 locations throughout the state. 

Even with all the changes and growth, we continue to support the Credit Union philosophy of “Not for Profit, Not for Charity, But for Service”.  We do this by striving every day to fulfill our mission of delivering financial solutions, one person at a time.  We look forward to providing financial counsel and helping you to achieve your personal definition of financial freedom. Your Story Starts Here.

JOIN NORTH STAR CCU

About Credit Unions 

Credit Unions offer a full range of financial services, similar to a bank; but are fundamentally different than banks due to our structure.  Credit Unions are not-for-profit and cooperatively owned by the members of the credit union (not shareholders). As such, any earnings are returned into the credit union in the form of lower fees, higher savings rates, lower loan rates and enhancements in digital delivery and services.  As a member-owned institution, when you join the credit union with a $5 minimum deposit into Primary Savings, you get an equal vote and voice.  You become a member-owner and have access to all the convenient and rewarding benefits North Star CCU has to  offer.

Our History

December 9, 1940

On December 9, 1940, a group of men from the community met to organize Benson County Cooperative Credit Union. Since its’ organization, the Benson County Co-Op Credit Union (now North Star Community Credit Union) has had seven managers. Bob Herrington is presently serving in this capacity. 

January 1942

The credit union’s first annual meeting was held. Total membership at the time was 149 and total assets were approximately $2,358.

March 1984

Rugby Credit Union merged into Benson County Co-Op Credit Union.

2001

Benson County Co-Op Credit Union’s name was changed to North Star Community Credit Union to better represent the expanding cooperative.

June 2002 

Opened Bottineau branch.

November 2002

Cavalier Credit Union merged into North Star Community Credit Union.

September 2011

Opened Grafton branch.

2016 

Ascentia Federal Credit Union in Minot merged into North Star Community Credit Union; making that our 6th branch location.

July 1, 2017

Northern Tier Federal Credit Union merged into North Star Community Credit Union. This merger expanded our member reach by adding 5 additional branches to North Star CCU; including Minot Air Force Base, Minot (South Broadway), Velva, Willow City and Butte.

April 2018 

Held the 78th annual meeting with total membership of 22,407 and total assets of approximately $305,170,629. 

January 1, 2019

Tolna Credit Union merged into North Star Community Credit Union, making that our 11th branch location.

March 2021

Devils Lake location opened, marking our 12th branch location.

As Northern Sentry’s new owner, Ted Bolton likes to tell people:

“My wife advertised her business in the Northern Sentry for years, I was so impressed with the results, I bought the company!”

After nearly 40 years in the Ag newspaper business, Bolton purchased the Northern Sentry and the Velva Area Voice from long time owners BHG Inc. of Garrison. After working with farm equipment manufactures & dealers all across the US & Canada, Bolton decided it was time to work closer to home! “I knew the Base paper was effective, yet it was underutilized by area businesses, it had plenty of room to grow, we just needed to get the word out!”

Here is the WORD!

The Minot Air Force Base employs approximately 6,000 active duty Men & Woman.

They have nearly 6,000 dependents.

There are an additional 2,000 civilian Employees.

That’s nearly 8,000 federal employees, paid every two weeks regardless of the local economy!

When you consider all this, plus new families rotating in and out constantly, the Minot Air Force Base represents a pool of potential customers not to be overlooked! The best way to reach them is the Northern Sentry, delivered every Friday to 1,500 base housing units, most Squadron work areas, and other high traffic locations around the base. 

“My goal for the Northern Sentry is to produce a paper that is the voice of the Minot Air Force Base. We are not trying to be everything to everyone“says Bolton, “Our readers are the nearly 14,000 people who are either active duty military, military dependents or civilian workers on the Minot Air Force Base.” 

Join with us, not only to support the men & woman who serve us so well, but to invite them into your business. You’ll be glad you did!

Visit our new website www.northernsentry.com for more information on how to advertise with us.

Northland Health Centers is a Federally Qualified Health Center providing Medical, Dental and Behavioral Health services to our communities. Headquartered in Turtle Lake ND, Northland has ten clinical locations in central and western North Dakota. Northland is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Our mission is to provide medical, dental and mental health services to patients regardess of the ability to pay. Northland receives grant funding to allow fee discounts based upon income levels . Northland accepts all insurance and participates in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.