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<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>As filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on June 5, 2003</B>
</FONT>




<P align="right"><FONT size="2"><B>Registration No.&nbsp;333-_____</B></FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>
Washington, DC 20549</B>
</FONT>




<P align="center"><HR align="center" size="1" width="25%" noshade>




<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>FORM S-8</B>
</FONT>




<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B>
</FONT>




<P align="center"><HR align="center" size="1" width="25%" noshade>




<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION</B><BR>
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
</FONT>




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    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="45%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>Minnesota</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
<B>41-1693295</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">(State or Other Jurisdiction</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
(IRS Employer</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">of Incorporation or Organization)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>3905 Dakota Street<BR>
P. O. Box 2000<BR>
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308-2000</B><BR>
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
</FONT>




<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN</B><BR>
(Full title of the plan)
</FONT>




<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>Richard P. Ekstrand, President<BR>
3905 Dakota Street<BR>
P. O. Box 2000<BR>
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308-2000</B><BR>
(Name and address of agent for service)
</FONT>




<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>(320)&nbsp;762-2000</B><BR>
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
</FONT>




<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><I>Copies to:</I><BR>
<B>Deanne M. Greco, Esq.<BR>
Moss &#038; Barnett<BR>
A Professional Association<BR>
4800 Wells Fargo Center<BR>
90 South 7th Street<BR>
Minneapolis, MN 55402<BR>
Telephone: (612)&nbsp;347-0287</B>
</FONT>


<P align="center"><HR align="center" size="1" width="25%" noshade>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B>
</FONT>




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    <TD width="58%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="23%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed Maximum</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed Maximum</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Title of Securities</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Amount to be</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2"><FONT size="1"><B>Offering Price Per</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2"><FONT size="1"><B>Aggregate Offering</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2"><FONT size="1"><B>Amount of</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>to be Registered</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Registered</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2"><FONT size="1"><B>Share(1)</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2"><FONT size="1"><B>Price(1)</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2"><FONT size="1"><B>Registration Fee</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="2"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">Class&nbsp;A Common Stock, $.01 par value</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">500,000 shares</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">1.425</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><FONT size="2">712,500</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">57.64</FONT></TD>

    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee,
based upon the average of the high and low prices of the Class&nbsp;A Common
Stock as reported by OTC Bulletin Board on May 29, 2003.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR>
        <TD width="1%"></TD>
        <TD width="3%"></TD>
        <TD width="96%"></TD>
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        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD><FONT size="2">If any of the Securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule&nbsp;415 under the Securities Act
of 1933, check the following box. <FONT face="Wingdings">&#120;</FONT></FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>


<P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>

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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">EXPLANATORY NOTE
</FONT>


<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This registration statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 is being filed for the purpose of
registering an additional 500,000 shares of Class&nbsp;A Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share, of Rural Cellular Corporation, to be issued pursuant to the
Rural Cellular Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The contents of
Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 (SEC No.&nbsp;333-28267), filed June&nbsp;2, 1997,
relating to the Rural Cellular Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as
restated February&nbsp;20, 2003, are incorporated herein by reference in accordance
with General Instruction E to Form&nbsp;S-8.
</FONT>

<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The consolidated financial statements for the
fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2000, included in the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 are incorporated herein by reference, and were
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP. After reasonable efforts, we have not
been able to obtain the written consent of Arthur Andersen LLP for
this registration statement as required by Section 7 of the
Securities Act because Arthur Andersen LLP is no longer in the
practice of public accountancy. Under these circumstances, Rule 437a
under the Securities Act permits us to dispense with the requirement
under Section 7 of the Securities Act to file such consent with this
registration statement. The absence of such consent may limit recovery by
investors on certain claims. In particular, and without limitation,
investors will not be able to recover against Arthur Andersen LLP
under Section 11(a)(4) of the Securities Act for any untrue statement
of material fact contained in our consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2000 or any omissions to state a
material fact required to be stated therein.
</FONT>


<P align="center"><FONT size="2">PART II
</FONT>




<P align="center"><FONT size="2">INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
</FONT>




<P><FONT size="2">Item&nbsp;8. Exhibits
</FONT>




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    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="75%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit Number</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Description</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
4.1(a)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Articles of Incorporation
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&#091;1&#093;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
4.1(b)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, effective March&nbsp;24, 2000
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&#091;1&#093;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
4.2(a)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Amended and Restated Bylaws
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&#091;1&#093;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
4.2(b)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws, effective March&nbsp;22, 2000
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&#091;1&#093;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
4.3(a)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Class&nbsp;A Share Rights Agreement dated April&nbsp;30, 1999
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&#091;2&#093;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
4.3(b)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Amendment to the Class&nbsp;A Rights Agreement dated March&nbsp;31, 2000
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&#091;3&#093;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
4.4
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Rural Cellular Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&#091;4&#093;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
5
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Opinion of Moss &#038; Barnett, A Professional Association, Counsel to
the Registrant</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
23.1
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Consent of Moss &#038; Barnett, A Professional Association, Counsel to
the Registrant (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
23.2
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Consent of Deloitte &#038; Touche LLP, Independent Auditors</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
24
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Powers of attorney from Messrs.&nbsp;Ekstrand, Schultz, Del Zoppo,
Finnegan, Hunt, Nicolai, Revering, and Swenson and Ms.&nbsp;Newhall (included on signature page)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P>
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<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&#091;1&#093;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Filed as an exhibit to Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 1999
and incorporated herein by reference.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&#091;2&#093;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Filed as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A filed May&nbsp;19, 1999, and
incorporated herein by reference.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&#091;3&#093;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Filed as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A/A-1 filed April&nbsp;18,
2000, and incorporated herein by reference.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&#091;4&#093;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Filed with definitive proxy materials for 2003 Annual Meeting on April&nbsp;7, 2003,
and incorporated herein by reference.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>


<P align="center"><FONT size="2">2</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>



<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>SIGNATURES</B>
</FONT>




<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this
registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Alexandria, State of Minnesota, on
June 5, 2003.

</FONT>


<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="55%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="87%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
By /s/ Richard P. Ekstrand</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
<HR size="1" noshade></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Richard P. Ekstrand, President and CEO</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below
hereby constitutes and appoints Richard P. Ekstrand, Wesley E. Schultz, Ann K.
Newhall, and Deanne M. Greco, and each of them, his or her true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution for him or her and in his or her name, place, and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do
in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

</FONT>


<P><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:

</FONT>


<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="36%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="43%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="11%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Name</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Title</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Date</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Richard P. Ekstrand<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Richard P. Ekstrand</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Chief executive officer<BR>
(principal executive officer)<BR>
and director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June 5, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Wesley E. Schultz<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Wesley E. Schultz</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Chief financial officer<BR>
(principal financial officer)<BR>
and director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June 5, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ David Del Zoppo<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
David Del Zoppo</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Vice President, Finance and<BR>
Accounting (principal<BR>
accounting officer)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June 5, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Paul Finnegan<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Paul Finnegan</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June 5, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ John Hunt<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
John Hunt</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June 5, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Ann K. Newhall<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Ann K. Newhall</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June 5, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Marvin C. Nicolai<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Marvin C. Nicolai</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June 5, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ George M. Revering<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
George M. Revering</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June 5, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Don Swenson<BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
Don Swenson</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June&nbsp;5, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2"><BR>
</FONT><HR size="1" noshade><FONT size="2">
George Wikstrom</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Director
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">June&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2003</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>


<P align="center"><FONT size="2">3</FONT>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>EXHIBIT INDEX</B>
</FONT>




<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="9%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="78%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit No.</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Description of Exhibit</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Page No.</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.1(a)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Articles of Incorporation
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&#091;1&#093;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.1(b)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, effective March&nbsp;24, 2000
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&#091;1&#093;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.2(a)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Amended and Restated Bylaws
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&#091;1&#093;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.2(b)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws effective March&nbsp;22, 2000
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&#091;1&#093;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.3(a)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Class&nbsp;A Share Rights Agreement dated April&nbsp;30, 1999
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&#091;2&#093;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.3(b)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Amendment to the Class&nbsp;A Rights Agreement dated March&nbsp;31, 2000
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&#091;3&#093;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.4</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Rural Cellular Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&#091;4&#093;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">5</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Opinion of Moss &#038; Barnett, A Professional Association, Counsel
to the Registrant
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2"></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of Moss &#038; Barnett, A Professional Association, Counsel
to the Registrant (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.2</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of Deloitte &#038; Touche LLP, Independent Auditors
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2"></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">24</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Powers of Attorney from Messrs.&nbsp;Ekstrand, Schultz, Del Zoppo,
Finnegan, Hunt, Nicolai, Revering, and Swenson and Ms.
Newhall (included on signature page)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P>
<HR size="1" width="18%" align="left" noshade>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#091;1&#093; </FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Filed as an exhibit to Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended
December&nbsp;31, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#091;2&#093;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Filed as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A filed
May&nbsp;19, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#091;3&#093; </FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Filed as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A/A-1
filed April&nbsp;18, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
        <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
      <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">&#091;4&#093;</FONT></TD>
        <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2"></FONT></TD>
        <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Filed with definitive proxy materials for 2003 Annual Meeting on
April&nbsp;7, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>


<P align="center"><FONT size="2">4</FONT>

</BODY>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "RURAL CELLULAR CORP", "cik": "0000869561", "assigned-sic": "4812", "irs-number": "411693295", "state-of-incorporation": "MN", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-105866", "film-number": "03734411"}, "business-address": {"street1": "3905 DAKOTA ST SW", "street2": "P O BOX 2000", "city": "ALEXANDRIA", "state": "MN", "zip": "56308", "phone": "3207622000"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "P O BOX 2000", "city": "ALEXANDRIA", "state": "MN", "zip": "56038"}}
sv8
As filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on June 5, 2003
Registration No. 333-_____
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Minnesota
41-1693295
(State or Other Jurisdiction
(IRS Employer
of Incorporation or Organization)
Identification No.)
3905 Dakota Street
P. O. Box 2000
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308-2000
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
(Full title of the plan)
Richard P. Ekstrand, President
3905 Dakota Street
P. O. Box 2000
Alexandria, Minnesota 56308-2000
(Name and address of agent for service)
(320) 762-2000
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies to:
Deanne M. Greco, Esq.
Moss & Barnett
A Professional Association
4800 Wells Fargo Center
90 South 7th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Telephone: (612) 347-0287
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Proposed Maximum
Proposed Maximum
Title of Securities
Amount to be
Offering Price Per
Aggregate Offering
Amount of
to be Registered
Registered
Share(1)
Price(1)
Registration Fee
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value
500,000 shares
$
1.425
$
712,500
$
57.64
(1)
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee,
based upon the average of the high and low prices of the Class A Common
Stock as reported by OTC Bulletin Board on May 29, 2003.
If any of the Securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act
of 1933, check the following box.
x
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This registration statement on Form S-8 is being filed for the purpose of
registering an additional 500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value
$.01 per share, of Rural Cellular Corporation, to be issued pursuant to the
Rural Cellular Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The contents of
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (SEC No. 333-28267), filed June 2, 1997,
relating to the Rural Cellular Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as
restated February 20, 2003, are incorporated herein by reference in accordance
with General Instruction E to Form S-8.
The consolidated financial statements for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, included in the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 are incorporated herein by reference, and were
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP. After reasonable efforts, we have not
been able to obtain the written consent of Arthur Andersen LLP for
this registration statement as required by Section 7 of the
Securities Act because Arthur Andersen LLP is no longer in the
practice of public accountancy. Under these circumstances, Rule 437a
under the Securities Act permits us to dispense with the requirement
under Section 7 of the Securities Act to file such consent with this
registration statement. The absence of such consent may limit recovery by
investors on certain claims. In particular, and without limitation,
investors will not be able to recover against Arthur Andersen LLP
under Section 11(a)(4) of the Securities Act for any untrue statement
of material fact contained in our consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2000 or any omissions to state a
material fact required to be stated therein.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 8. Exhibits
Exhibit Number
Description
4.1(a)
Articles of Incorporation
[1]
4.1(b)
Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, effective March 24, 2000
[1]
4.2(a)
Amended and Restated Bylaws
[1]
4.2(b)
Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws, effective March 22, 2000
[1]
4.3(a)
Class A Share Rights Agreement dated April 30, 1999
[2]
4.3(b)
Amendment to the Class A Rights Agreement dated March 31, 2000
[3]
4.4
Rural Cellular Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan
[4]
5
Opinion of Moss & Barnett, A Professional Association, Counsel to
the Registrant
23.1
Consent of Moss & Barnett, A Professional Association, Counsel to
the Registrant (included in Exhibit 5)
23.2
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Auditors
24
Powers of attorney from Messrs. Ekstrand, Schultz, Del Zoppo,
Finnegan, Hunt, Nicolai, Revering, and Swenson and Ms. Newhall (included on signature page)
[1]
Filed as an exhibit to Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999
and incorporated herein by reference.
[2]
Filed as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed May 19, 1999, and
incorporated herein by reference.
[3]
Filed as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A-1 filed April 18,
2000, and incorporated herein by reference.
[4]
Filed with definitive proxy materials for 2003 Annual Meeting on April 7, 2003,
and incorporated herein by reference.
2
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this
registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Alexandria, State of Minnesota, on
June 5, 2003.
RURAL CELLULAR CORPORATION
By /s/ Richard P. Ekstrand
Richard P. Ekstrand, President and CEO
KNOW ALL BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below
hereby constitutes and appoints Richard P. Ekstrand, Wesley E. Schultz, Ann K.
Newhall, and Deanne M. Greco, and each of them, his or her true and lawful
attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution for him or her and in his or her name, place, and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form S-8, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact
and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each
and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do
in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:
Name
Title
Date
/s/ Richard P. Ekstrand
Richard P. Ekstrand
Chief executive officer
(principal executive officer)
and director
June 5, 2003
/s/ Wesley E. Schultz
Wesley E. Schultz
Chief financial officer
(principal financial officer)
and director
June 5, 2003
/s/ David Del Zoppo
David Del Zoppo
Vice President, Finance and
Accounting (principal
accounting officer)
June 5, 2003
/s/ Paul Finnegan
Paul Finnegan
Director
June 5, 2003
/s/ John Hunt
John Hunt
Director
June 5, 2003
/s/ Ann K. Newhall
Ann K. Newhall
Director
June 5, 2003
/s/ Marvin C. Nicolai
Marvin C. Nicolai
Director
June 5, 2003
/s/ George M. Revering
George M. Revering
Director
June 5, 2003
/s/ Don Swenson
Don Swenson
Director
June 5, 2003
George Wikstrom
Director
June   , 2003
3
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit
Page No.
4.1(a)
Articles of Incorporation
[1]
4.1(b)
Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, effective March 24, 2000
[1]
4.2(a)
Amended and Restated Bylaws
[1]
4.2(b)
Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws effective March 22, 2000
[1]
4.3(a)
Class A Share Rights Agreement dated April 30, 1999
[2]
4.3(b)
Amendment to the Class A Rights Agreement dated March 31, 2000
[3]
4.4
Rural Cellular Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan
[4]
5
Opinion of Moss & Barnett, A Professional Association, Counsel
to the Registrant
23.1
Consent of Moss & Barnett, A Professional Association, Counsel
to the Registrant (included in Exhibit 5)
23.2
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Auditors
24
Powers of Attorney from Messrs. Ekstrand, Schultz, Del Zoppo,
Finnegan, Hunt, Nicolai, Revering, and Swenson and Ms.
Newhall (included on signature page)
[1]
Filed as an exhibit to Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference.
[2]
Filed as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed
May 19, 1999, and incorporated herein by reference.
[3]
Filed as an exhibit to Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A-1
filed April 18, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.
[4]
Filed with definitive proxy materials for 2003 Annual Meeting on
April 7, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
4