Stanton County EMA 2025 Annual Review

2025 Stanton County EMA Review 

Throughout 2025, Stanton County Emergency Management (EMA) maintained a consistently high operational tempo, providing ongoing support and incident stabilization for local and regional first responders. This year also brought significant uncertainty at the federal level, with frequent changes affecting FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security Grant programs. While many grants applied for by Stanton County and the Northeast Planning, Exercise, and Training (NE PET) Region were initially approved, or in the final stages of approval, multiple federal delays and legal challenges nationwide prevented funds from being released to the State of Nebraska as of December 31, 2025. Additionally, the anticipated reduction of grant periods of performance from three years to one year has required extensive advance planning to ensure projects can be implemented immediately once funds are released. Stanton County continues to await confirmation of Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) funding, which reimburses up to 50% of eligible salary and benefit costs. Since becoming a full-time position in 2021, Stanton County has received over $100,000 in EMPG funding, providing critical financial support for sustained emergency management operations. In 2025, Stanton County Emergency Management assumed custodial responsibility for regional emergency management equipment previously housed in Cuming County following a staffing transition within that jurisdiction. As part of this regional support effort, Stanton County EMA has been assisting with equipment management and system administration functions, including the creation and maintenance of Salamander identification badges for Cuming County fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and county personnel. This coordination supports continuity of operations, responder accountability, and interoperability across the Northeast PET Region and is provided as a cooperative regional function, not as a replacement for local authority or operational decision-making.

Grant acquisition and project development remained a major focus in 2025. I am currently pursuing Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for the installation of three river gauge and flood monitoring systems between Pilger and Norfolk, where a significant data gap exists. This project would be implemented in coordination with the U.S. Geological Survey, Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District, and Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, utilizing a 75% federal and 25% local cost-share. The estimated project cost is approximately $32,000. Additional grant successes include a $19,000 Homeland Security award for Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) devices serving seven counties, $49,000 to host six regional Phil Chalmers school and law enforcement training sessions, a $28,000 Gardner Foundation grant for a thermal drone, and more than $31,000 in cybersecurity funding to strengthen courthouse systems. We also received approximately $5,000 in stakeholder donations supporting the development of a Mobile Operations Center. Since 2021, I have secured more than $300,000 in grant funding, benefiting both the county and the NE PET Region.

Several major infrastructure and preparedness initiatives were successfully completed during 2025. These included the installation of outdoor warning sirens at Maskenthine Lake and Willer’s Cove, deployment of two CyclonePORT weather stations through SDS Weather and Radar Omega (one fully donated), and certification as a National Weather Service, Weather-Ready Nation, Ambassador. Stanton County also received $750 through the NIRMA Assist Grant to install AEDs at each county roads shop. Drone operations expanded significantly, with unmanned aircraft systems becoming a critical asset for accident reconstruction, search and rescue, and fire operations, enhancing responder safety and situational awareness. In response to a cybersecurity shutdown affecting the county’s previous alerting provider, Code Red, we proactively transitioned to Hyper-Reach for emergency notification and IPAWS messaging, ensuring continuity of public warning capabilities. Hyper-Reach is also utilized in Cedar and Knox Counties, in our region.  In addition, Stanton County recently updated the Hazard Mitigation Plan, which was approved by FEMA at the end of summer. This HMP 2025 Plan will have its next revision in 2030.

Professional development and future readiness were also key priorities in 2025. I continued intensive training toward credentialing as a Type 3 Incident Safety Officer, enabling deployment on statewide incidents and interstate responses through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). As federal policy increasingly emphasizes state-led disaster response before FEMA involvement, this shift raises important questions for local governments regarding emergency funding capacity. With potential changes to property and inheritance tax structures under discussion at the state level, counties may need to explore alternative mechanisms to establish and sustain emergency funds for infrastructure damage and disaster recovery. The cost of critical infrastructure repairs such as the multi-million-dollar restoration of the Two-Mile Bridge following the 2019 flooding—underscores the importance of long-term mitigation planning and financial preparedness. We continue to monitor these policy developments while advocating for sustainable solutions that protect local governments and residents.

As Stanton County EMA looks ahead to 2026, several key priorities are already taking shape. Pending approval of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding, EMA plans to move forward with the installation of additional river gauge and flood monitoring systems to improve situational awareness and early warning capabilities along the Elkhorn River corridor. A significant portion of the year will also be dedicated to a comprehensive update of the county’s Local Emergency Operations Plan (LEOP), which is due for full revision and adoption in 2026. This update will ensure that local plans remain aligned with current hazards, capabilities, and state and federal guidance. We also intend to complete and fully outfit the Mobile Operations Trailer, allowing it to be deployed in support of incidents, exercises, and planned events.

I look forward to continued collaboration with county leadership and anticipate working closely with the next Sheriff of Stanton County to support operational readiness and pursue additional grant opportunities for law enforcement equipment and technology. Training will remain a major focus in 2026, with an emphasis on multi-agency coordination across a broad range of incidents, including natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents, and complex man-made threats. Attention will continue to be placed on active killer preparedness in schools and anti-terrorism planning for large public events. While 2026 is expected to be both challenging and demanding, it also presents significant opportunities for growth, planning, and strengthening partnerships that enhance the safety and resilience of Stanton County and the surrounding region.

Mike Frohberg

Director of Stanton County EMA