Submitted photo
Commissioner Kevin Kodish, Commissioner Robert Postal, Mifflin County Management Information Systems Director Aaron Felker, Commissioner Noah Wise.

LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County Commissioners shone a spotlight on digital defense during their Thursday meeting, proclaiming Oct. 21-27 as Cybersecurity Awareness Week.

County Management Information Systems Director Aaron Felker underscored the urgency of this initiative, revealing the constant barrage of automated threats targeting county systems.

“Effective cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of the MIS department,” Felker said. “It depends on every single person in our organization being vigilant and following best practices. From the front desk to the judge’s chambers, we all play a critical role in maintaining our digital defenses.”

Felker highlighted phishing emails as a particular concern, noting their attempts to trick employees into granting access to malicious actors. To combat this, the department conducts simulated phishing campaigns to educate staff.

When questioned about the county’s response to successful breaches, Felker outlined a multi-layered approach. This includes antivirus software on all computers, intrusion detection systems monitoring the network perimeter and endpoints, and protocols for isolating affected machines in worst-case scenarios.

Commissioner Kevin Kodish expressed confidence in the county’s cybersecurity measures but stressed the need for public awareness. “It really goes to the average citizen to understand and not click on texts or emails from unknown sources,” he said.

The focus on cybersecurity comes as part of a broader agenda addressing various county matters. Mifflin County Director of Elections Paula Hoffman provided updates on the upcoming election, reporting 4,116 mail-in ballot applications processed and sent out. She reminded residents of key deadlines:

• Oct. 21 at 5 p.m.: Last day for voter registration changes or new registrations

• Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.: Deadline for mail-in ballot applications

Hoffman encouraged voters to act early, especially for mail-in ballots. “We urge people not to wait until the last minute,” she said, noting the time required to complete and return ballots.

As Mifflin County prepares for the upcoming election, officials stressed the importance of early planning and awareness for voters navigating mail-in and in-person options.

In other business, the commissioners approved a $103,344 grant for the Mifflin County Correctional Facility’s Vivitrol program. Corrections Counselor Christine Pauly explained how the program helps inmates with opioid use disorders.

“When someone comes into the jail, and they have a history of opiate use or an opiate use disorder, they are eligible to meet with Positive Recovery Solutions to discuss Vivitrol,” Pauly said. The program provides education, screening, and, if approved, medication to help prevent relapses.

The grant will allow the jail to administer Vivitrol injections directly, lasting 30 days each. Pauly emphasized the program’s continuity of care, with Positive Recovery Solutions maintaining contact with participants after release.

Addressing concerns about the program’s effectiveness, Pauly added, “This grant will allow us to enhance the Vivitrol portion of the (Medication-Assisted Treatment) program we’re currently utilizing. It’s not just about providing medication; it’s about creating a comprehensive support system for individuals as they transition back into the community.”

In other business, the Commissioners:

Approved a $24,400 renewal for GIS software maintenance fees with ESRI for 2025;

Authorized two liquid fuels allocations: $5,729 for Armagh Township paving and $6,109 for Granville Township line painting;

Acceptance of two Hazardous Material Response Fund grants: $6,788 for equipment and materials and $47,508 for risk management planning;

Renewal of the county employee vision plan with VBA for 18 months starting Jan. 1, 2025;

Approved the Application for the Adult Probation Adult Grant-in-Aid for the period July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025 – $32,016;

Approved the following personnel items:

Hiring of Tod Fink as a part-time corrections officer, effective Oct. 14;

Hiring of Nataleigh VanHorn as a Children and Youth Caseworker, effective Oct. 15;4

Resignation of Children and Youth Assistant Administrator Brenda Dobson, effective Oct. 25;

Transfer of Robert Sidney from corrections officer to probation officer, effective Oct. 23.