South Dakota

Local government cybersecurity program moves forward with administrative hire • South Dakota Searchlight

Published

12 months ago

November 18, 2024

Local government cybersecurity program moves forward with administrative hire • South Dakota Searchlight

Michael Waldner, of Madison, will lead the effort to establish the state’s local government cybersecurity grant program, Dakota State University announced in a news release Monday.

The Municipal Cybersecurity Grant Program, under the Attorney General’s Office and in partnership with the university, aims to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure for South Dakota local governments.

Michael Waldner will serve as the director of the Municipal Cybersecurity Grant Program. (Courtesy of Dakota State University)

Even though the program’s name focuses on municipalities, it’s open to cities and counties. The program will provide “secure email solutions, technical support, risk assessments, and specialized training,” based on the news release.

The Legislature approved $7 million in funding for the program last winter as a response to mounting cybersecurity concerns among city and county governments. Many lack proper training and equipment to defend themselves and the taxpayer money and information they’re entrusted with.

Waldner previously directed South Dakota’s centralized education email system, which is what lawmakers hoped to model the program after. Waldner held the role for nine years before leaving in 2008. He also served as project manager for FirstNet, the network used by law enforcement in the state. Most recently, he served as coordinator for the ConnectSD Broadband initiative, which aims to expand internet access statewide.

The need for a centralized local government email system has grown in recent years as local governments become larger targets for cybersecurity attacks.

Brown County suffered a cyberattack in 2021 affecting services, and the city of Sioux Falls sent two electronic payments to someone impersonating a vendor in 2018. Hutchinson County was hit by a ransomware attack in 2019, which temporarily shut down accounts that contained receipts and records for $4 million in county business, according to the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan.

State spends over $100,000 each year bolstering local governments’ cybersecurity

“This program is an important step toward making South Dakota a model of cybersecurity for the nation,” Attorney General Marty Jackley said in the news release.

State and local governments experienced 148% more malware attacks and 51% more ransomware incidents during the first eight months of 2023, compared with the same period in 2022, according to a Center for Internet Security report.

The 2024 report on ransomware in state and local government identified a 51% drop in ransomware attacks, which is attributed to fewer governments paying ransoms, making them less attractive targets to cybercriminals. But when the attacks are successful, they’re growing more costly to local governments.

The state effort is a four year program, set to end during the summer of 2028, according to the university. An advisory council including representatives from state, local and federal government departments and agencies, as well as cybersecurity organizations in the state, will provide assistance.

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South Dakota

The Salvation Army of Aberdeen, South Dakota, starts Red Bucket campaign in mid-November

Published

18 hours ago

November 2, 2025

Press Room

The Salvation Army of Aberdeen, South Dakota, starts Red Bucket campaign in mid-November

A.J. Kaufman
| Special to the Aberdeen News

The Salvation Army’s relationship to Christmastime goes back more than a century. This holiday season, the charitable organization will be out in Hub City beginning on Nov. 14, where residents can see the familiar red kettle street campaign around the area.

Last year, the Salvation Army of Aberdeen raised nearly $129,000 during several hundred hours of volunteer work. Captain Joseph Hixenbaugh says the group has new goals for 2025 and is aiming to raise more than $121,000 and hopes for about 1,400 cumulative hours of volunteering.

These funds help the Salvation Army continue to provide essential services to families and individuals in need across the local community during the season of giving, as well as beyond.

Some of the important items the Salvation Army provides with the money received include food boxes, backpacks, lodging, prescriptions, transportation, rent and utility assistance. This year, its leadership told the Aberdeen News the local Salvation Army seeks “food and volunteers to fill the many hours of time this Christmas.”

Hixenbaugh and his wife, Kendra, are new administrators for the Salvation Army of Aberdeen. They began here this autumn after previously working in Indiana.

Hixenbaugh says it is simple to become a volunteer. Interested parties can go to registertoring.com and type in the zip code 57401.

As a whole, the Salvation Army plans to bring hope and joy to those who may be struggling during the upcoming holiday season. The bell ringing around Hub City concludes on Christmas Eve.

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South Dakota

Obituary for Ronda Egge at Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory

Published

2 days ago

November 2, 2025

Press Room

Obituary for Ronda Egge at Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory

Ronda L. Egge, 76, of Sioux Falls, SD passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Sanford/USD Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. This service will be Livestreamed by Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. To watch the service please click on this link https//gloriadeisf.org/media/funeral/ Memorial service will be 1100 am

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South Dakota

Here’s where to find hunger relief in Sioux Falls as SNAP benefits lapse

Published

3 days ago

October 31, 2025

Press Room

Here’s where to find hunger relief in Sioux Falls as SNAP benefits lapse

With the status of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in flux, food banks in the Sioux Falls area are gearing up for the possibility that they may be more crucial than ever.

On the afternoon of Oct. 31, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to continue providing the benefits using contingency funds and asked them to report on Nov. 3 about the progress made toward distribution.

Here’s a look at some local options for hunger relief.

Feeding South Dakota

The statewide nonprofit allows you to enter your location and find hunger relief, ranging from mobile food distribution or programs aimed specifically at children or seniors. The organization is also urgently seeking donations as the effects of the government shutdown continue. Call 605-335-0364 for assistance or email info@feedingsouthdakota.org.