An ounce of prevention protects against a pound of cyber headaches By TIM GERLACH The computer screen lights up and a warning tells you to call a toll-free number to stop your computer from being hacked! In a panic, you dial that number, and a friendly voice is there to help. Except—They’re NOT there to help. It’s a conman on the line and he is NOT your friend. Thieves have always been part of society, and today they’ve moved online and have gotten ever-more creative. Your best defense against these cyber criminals and their scams, viruses, and malware is preventive preparation and common sense. What Can It Look Like? “My… Read More
Continue ReadingG2G Digital Navigators
The future looks bright It’s easy to get cynical about the future. It’s not unique, as we can probably all recall earlier generations denouncing the quality of life that will be brought on by “modern” products and proposals, such as… cell phones, sewer and garbage collection systems, computers, disposable diapers, TV remotes, women working outside their home, gas powered vehicles, etc. It helps to fight that generational cynicism by getting to know what our future generations are doing. On this end, we see hardworking, forward thinking, and kind individuals who are setting goals and achieving them and seeing needs in the community and filling them. We try to feature them… Read More
Continue ReadingKTI REGISTERS AS A DIGITAL CONNECTION COMMITTEE
In early 2023, KTI registered as a Digital Connection Committee(DCC) with the MN Office of Broadband Development. As a DCC, we have extended our group to include stakeholders through our community…
Continue ReadingBridging the divide: Digital Inclusion Week
The internet may have become as critical to our modern life as electricity was to earlier generations. Improving online access for county residents was the aim of an Oct. 5 event hosted by KOOTASCA Community Action and led by Koochiching County and the Koochiching Technology Initiative, KTI. The event was one of 325 held nationwide during National Digital Inclusion Week, which was Oct. 2-6. All organizations involved seek to bridge the digital divide: the gap between those who have affordable online access, skills, and support and those who do not. About a dozen area households were provided refurbished computers that included webcams, sound bars, and Wi-Fi adapters. The pre-owned components… Read More
Continue ReadingWHAT IS DIGITAL INCLUSION?
According to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, digital inclusion describes “the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of technology.” ….
Continue ReadingTHE DIGITAL EQUITY ACT
The Digital Equity Act is a part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It provides $2.75 billion nationally distributed across three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. They aim to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy…
Continue ReadingAreas of Koochiching County to Receive High-Speed Internet
Some Koochiching County homes and businesses are closer to getting high-speed internet thanks to a $2,562,916 grant recently announced by the State of Minnesota Office of Broadband Development. The Paul Bunyan Communications – North Central Minnesota Fiber Project will upgrade approximately 914 unserved and 439 under-served locations in parts of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation and rural portions of Cass, Itasca, Koochiching and St. Louis counties. “Service is expected to be available in all of these areas by the spring of 2022” says Steve Howard, Paul Bunyan Information Technology and Development Manager. In a funding partnership with the State of Minnesota, Minnesota Iron Range Resource & Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB), Koochiching… Read More
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KTI Allocates Funding for 12 New Community Technology Projects
Blandin Foundation Grants Totaling $75,000 Given to Kooch County Groups in Past Year Koochiching Technology Initiative (KTI) recently completed allocation of $75,000 in grants for local technology-related projects through the Blandin Broadband Community (BBC) program, funded by the Blandin Foundation. The group allocated almost $25,000 to 6 projects in May, 2019, and the remainder to 12 grantees in December. “Since its inception, KTI has had two goals: getting broadband internet to all of Koochiching County and allocating the grant funding we received as a Blandin Broadband Community,” says Ted Saxton, KTI steering committee member. “While we have made great progress on the first goal, I am particularly proud of our… Read More
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Koochiching County Establishes Benchmark with Intelligent Community Report
Results Will Help County Track Progress Koochiching Technology Initiative (KTI) recently received a report outlining the county’s performance in key areas that determine competitiveness and quality of life in today’s digital economy. Developed by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), a global organization that helps communities effectively adapt to the demands of the broadband economy, the report compares Koochiching County to other communities large and small in urban, suburban and rural areas. “Our main goal in working on the ICF evaluation was to establish a benchmark,” says KTI steering committee member Jim Yount. “We are laying the groundwork for substantial improvements for our community as a whole.” Communities are scored on… Read More
Continue ReadingKooch County Intelligent Community Report
Koochiching Technology Initiative (KTI) recently received a report outlining the county’s performance in six key areas that determine competitiveness in today’s digital economy. Developed by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), a global organization that helps communities effectively adapt to the demands of the broadband economy, the report compares Kooch County to other communities large and small in urban, suburban and rural areas. Click below to read the full report. ICF Snapshot Report Dec 2019 Koochiching Cty MN
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