By Shelly Greving

Jay and Kristin Dreyer have a passion for trekking through Manning on two wheels!  Since the time their children were young and fit in the back of a bike trailer, they could be found biking to work, to school, the grocery store, and pretty much anywhere they needed to go.  It was a family affair.  “Spending time outdoors as a family, seeing friends, and getting exercise (all while having fun) is what we love most about Manning,” said Kristin.
The Dreyer’s are teachers at the IKM-Manning school and have a combined 43 years of experience. Kristin teaches 4th grade, while Jay teaches 2nd grade and coaches junior high basketball and high school track. Their children, Quentin, 15, and Eli, 12, both attend IKM-Manning. “I grew up in New Sharon, Iowa and Jay grew up in Colorado and it was our jobs that originally brought us to Manning,” said Kristin. “We didn’t have any family connection to the community.”
“I grew up in small town and knew I wanted to raise my family in a similar community. However, there are so many rural communities that are run-down and look like they’re barely surviving, so we had to be selective,” said Kristin. “Manning is different!”​
The Dreyer’s have seen their fair share of small towns. The couple, along with their biking club, The Slo-Mo-Fo’s, have been riding RAGBRAI for the past 3 years and have seen first-hand many communities throughout Iowa. 
“Although we’ve seen many small towns, Manning is the ‘best place to call home,’” shared Kristin. “The community is vibrant. Nearly every storefront is full and none are run-down.  It’s exciting to see the activity and the support from so many community members. There are young and active families.”
But the couple also knows it’s their responsibility to take care of what the community has to offer. “Jay’s dad grew up in a small town out in Nebraska and he always reminds us that if we want these amenities in our community, then we must support them,” said Kristin. “We love all that Manning has to offer: a hospital, grocery store, school, pharmacy, an assortment of restaurants, and more!
“I don’t want to drive to the city every week to get groceries!” she says. “I want to be able to spend as much time with family and friends as possible, not on the road driving to a store.”
“We have everything we could possibly want, right here in Manning.” Kristin bucks the stigma of small towns, “Sure, some people say that everyone knows everyone’s business. However, we see it differently. Everyone watches out for each other and cares for each other. It can be hard at times because small towns sometimes have their cliques, but you find those people who share your similar interests.”
“We love that we found a core group of people who have similar interests and live in such close proximity to each other,” said Dreyer of their biking group.  “For instance, on a random Thursday night, Travis (a neighbor) will be loading up the bikes and holler over at us and say, ‘Jay you want to go?’ and Jay just looks at me like, ‘Can I go? Can I go?’”
Four years ago, when Richard and Nikki Sorensen first found out that Jay liked to ride bike, they invited him along for their Thursday night rides.  “They would ride to Templeton, or pack up their bikes and head to Aspinwall, Coon Rapids, Audubon or Dedham.”They love visiting the small towns around Manning and sampling the different restaurants each community has to offer.
 
The couple cherishes all of the memories they’ve made through their biking group and love to reminisce about the people they’ve met and the places they’ve stayed! Although their love for biking began locally, a few years ago the group convinced Jay to ride one day of RAGBRAI and they were hooked. Kristin drove the sag wagon and tended to everyone’s needs. Ever since, the Slo-Mo-Fo’s train all Spring and Summer and look forward to their trek across the state in July.  
Last year, Boozer (one of the group’s long-standing friends) passed away and it just wasn’t the same without him. But as Manning always does, the community rallied their support and used the “Trail to Nowhere Ride” as a benefit for his family. “That’s what we love about Manning…everyone is there to support you during the good times and the bad.”
Jay and Kristin’s vision for the future of Manning? “It would be amazing to connect Manning to Manilla, Manning to Carroll or even Manning to the Raccoon Valley Trail coming out of Des Moines,” shared Kristin. “We like to go on longer rides to prepare for RAGBRAI, but the roads aren’t always conducive to a safe ride. Jay likes to ride his bike to Irwin on Sundays, but my biggest fear, though, is that there isn’t much of a shoulder and there are so many blind spots on those hills.”
The couple’s vision may not be as lofty a goal as once believed.  A regional trails committee, led by Manning residents, is working with the National Park Service to determine how Manning-area trails could tie into a link between the Des Moines metro trails and the Omaha/Council Bluffs trails. Rumor even has it, that RAGBRAI 2018 may even be travelling through Manning!

By Ron Reischl - BIC Committee Chair

​Manning welcomed Governor Reynold’s mentioning of our community in her Condition of the State address to the Legislature. Governor Reynold’s visits to Manning included recognizing the IKM-Manning FFA team and award-winning STEM program. We appreciate visits by Iowa’s Economic Development Director Debi Durham to examine economic development and tourism initiatives. Manning hopes to host Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg in the near future. 
Governor Reynolds referred to Manning, along with three other communities, as “Iowans who dream big in these small places”. Indeed, Manning is one of the 780 communities in Iowa with a population 2000 or less. Manning is determined to “buck the trend” and reverse population decline of small rural communities….with some success.  According to the 2015 American Community Survey, Manning’s population increased 58 people since 2010. No new homes had been built in Manning city limits since 2014. With data and stimulation from the Carroll County Housing Study, sponsored by the Carroll Area Development Corporation (CADC) and Carroll County, nine homes are currently under construction with five being within city limits. 
Initiatives will continue. The IKM-Manning School District visited the Nebraska Innovation Center in Lincoln to learn innovative makerspace practices for use in their middle school program. Housing starts will continue to be encouraged. The City of Manning will be led by a new Comprehensive Plan. Main Street Manning hopes a new and exciting partnership will be announced in March. The majority on each of the Manning City Council, Main Street Manning Board and IKM-Manning School Board are under 40 years of age.
As a community, we appreciate the role of local media in their coverage of Manning and Carroll County news and promotion of regional shopping.  We also appreciate the role of Region XII and the Carroll Area Development Corporation in promoting regional initiatives. The communities of Carroll County are stronger when working together!  May the force be with us in 2018!!

By Sarah McPherson, Executive Director

​Another year has come and gone and Main Street Manning continues to impress.  We kicked off the year granting three organizations a total of $1,600 through the Refresh Manning Trust Fund.  The funds were divvied up between the IKM-Manning School District ($750), the Manning Historic Preservation Commission ($750), and the Manning Wolves youth wrestling team ($100).  Although the funds didn’t directly relate to Main Street Manning, we still take pride in celebrating and supporting all Manning organizations.  
 
In April, Manning took home not only one, but three awards at the Main Street Iowa Awards Celebration.  Jean Voege was awarded the “Leadership Award” for her “dedication to Main Street Revitalization by enhancing economic development in Manning and the State of Iowa”.  The Market Place was awarded the “Best Interior Rehabilitation” award.  Lastly, a “Superior Marketing Efforts” award was received for the city’s “It’s Refreshing” brand campaign, which was jointly awarded to the City of Manning, the Manning Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Manning. Congrats to everyone for their determination and success!
 
In July, we hosted entrepreneurs and businesspeople from throughout Africa.  Their day in Manning included visits to the Manning Hausbarn-Heritage Park, a tour of the German Hausbarn, lunch at Cliff’s Place, happy hour at Brick Haus Brews, a tour of the Muhlbauer Feedlot, a stop at The Market Place for coffee and shopping, and a bathroom break-turned workout at the Rec Center.
 
To cap off the year, “Imagine My Manning,” a visioning meeting to discuss what project or organization could benefit from a donation of $500, $5,000, $50,000 or $500,000, was held in November. What began as a simple discussion turned into an announcement of various donations to Manning projects totaling approximately $640,000!  That just goes to show how dedicated the residents of Manning are to our community. 
 
As a new resident of Manning and executive director for Main Street Manning, it has been my pleasure to get involved in the community and hear all of the wonderful compliments other Main Street communities and Main Street Iowa have to say about our community.
 
As we reflect on 2017, we continue to be grateful for you, Manning’s faithful residents, business owners and community leaders. Your continued dedication to revitalize our community and reverse the declining trends of rural Iowa are impressive. 
 
As we look to 2018, we anticipate our long-standing events such as Kinderfest, Oktoberfest, Weihnachtsfest and more.  We look forward to welcoming new faces, new businesses, and new amenities added to our community such as the Trestle Park, Trestle Park Trail, and the proposed Splash Pad at the Rec Center. Your support, leadership and involvement in the community is what makes our community thrive. Thank you for your continued support of Manning. Here’s to 2018!

By Sarah McPherson
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​First off…WOW!!  As a newcomer to town all I can say is Manning is definitely an amazing little town.  So full of life!  I love driving in to town whether it be to work, running errands or just out and about and being greeted by countless waves by the cars passing or even by people walking on the sidewalks.  Coming from a larger town on the outskirts of Des Moines that certainly doesn’t happen, unless you pass someone you know.  It certainly makes for a welcoming feeling.  It didn’t take much time for me to feel at home after I moved here. 
I was blessed to be joined on a Manning outing with Nancy Trapolino, the Native of course, her daughter Logan, and my mom Sherry McPherson, the out of towner.  The newbie being me of course.  First stop was lunch at Cliffs where my mom just ooed and awed at the beautiful old-fashioned tin ceilings and the unique brick walls.  She was impressed with the friendly staff, which I told her is very common in Manning, and the great food! 
Next was a stop at the IOWA sign at Trestle Park.  We had so much fun posing for photo ops!  When I told my mom that we had to stop and get our picture at the Iowa sign she gave me a very puzzled look.  I knew what she was thinking, why on earth do we need to get our picture taken at an Iowa sign.  She was thinking it was just going to be a wooden sign of the state of Iowa.  Needless to say, she was taken by surprise when we turned the corner and it came in to view.  There isn’t anything like that back around Indianola, that’s for sure.  In my personal opinion, it is better than anything in the Papajohn Sculpture Park downtown Des Moines. 
A trip to Manning Hausbarn and Heritage Park was a must, so we made our way there after taking our photo at the IOWA sign.  When we first stepped in to the Hausbarn I pointed out the bedroom off to the right after entering.  My mom asked me why there was a bedroom in a barn.  She didn’t realize that Hausbarn actually meant a “house barn”.  We do not come from German heritage so this was all very new to her and I.  Nancy was very good about explaining the technicalities of the rebuilding of the barn that I did not know, the brick floor for example.  I had no idea that the bricks were from the old Main Street, so I learned new things on this adventure as well!  Unfortunately, my mom and I both we so romanticized by the Hausbarn that we totally forgot to take any pictures.  Makes for a great excuse for her to come back and visit again in the Spring.
As we made our way to the Leet/Hassler Farmstead I explained to my mom that it was at one time a functioning farmstead built in the mid to late 1910’s.  Having a strong appreciation for all things vintage and historical my mom was sucked in to the beauty that is the farm house.  As we walked through the house I could see that my mom was imagining herself living there and what life was like in the early 1900’s.  The impeccable shape that the house is in just shows the appreciation Manning has for its history.  Of course, we had to have a little fun on our adventures walking around the farmstead so we stopped for a photo op next to a cool old car pretending we were movie stars showing off our hotrod.  We couldn’t leave out the barn or the chickens so we stopped for pictures there as well.
To end our trip to the Hausbarn and Heritage Park we made our way to Trinity Church.  This was my first trip to the church as well so I knew very little about it.  Thankfully we brought our native with us.  Nancy told us the story of the 11-mile transport to its new home.  Once back home I had to look up more information of this amazing re-location.  The you-tube video alone gave me goosebumps!
Last but certainly not least…SHOPPING!  We stopped in to Kristina’s Flowers first.  We had to check out all the new and fresh ideas she is bringing to the flower shop.  With my brother being in the Air National Guard it is so nice seeing the beautifully crafted wooden American flags in her shop.  Seeing a small-town store owner honoring our military and civil service members is refreshing.  The same can be said about The Market Place.  The first time my mom was up to visit was before Memorial Day and Jaime had a wonderful display including toy army men that you could take home to remember those in service and say a prayer for them.  This time however, she was busy getting her store ready for Christmas.  Want a cup of coffee while shopping?  Or maybe something sweet to munch on while pondering what gift to buy?  No problem!  With the coffee bar located in the store you won’t go thirsty or be distracted by a growling tummy.  I do love my coffee and shopping, so I get the best of both worlds in this versatile little store.  It makes it very easy to spend hours looking around.  Last was the Pharmacy.  When I first moved here a friend of mine told me I had to go shopping at the Pharmacy.  I must admit I was beyond confused.  Why on earth would someone go shopping at a pharmacy?  Finally, one day I decided to venture in.  WOW was I shocked!  Who knew a pharmacy had home décor?  Naturally I had to drag my mom there as well while out on our adventures.  She was just as shocked as I was when I first went in there.  We giggled like school girls over the silly tea towels, and smell tested the numerous candles. 
To say we had a good day would be an understatement.  I had so much fun showing my mom around Manning.  It was nice having Nancy along with us as well because her being the native, she had way more knowledge then me.  I learned a lot about the town just by pretending to be a tourist, which I suppose I kind of was.  I can’t wait for my mom to come back for another visit.  Next time she is bringing a group of her friends with her so it will be fun showing more “out of towners” around.  Manning has so much to offer and I am proud to be a part of it.  I never imagined myself living in a small town like this growing up, but now that I have been here almost a year, I can’t imagine life anywhere else. 

By Heather Kusel

August 28, 2014 is a day I’ll never forget.  It was the day I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer.  By the time I finished seeing the doctor and arrived at home, our friends, family, and pastor were there waiting for us to give their prayers, support, and encouraging words.  Immediately following my diagnosis, we had people sending cards, gifts, organizing meals, watching our kids, and giving support no one can ever even imagine.  Then came a benefit fundraiser that was unimaginable and filled with so much love and support for my family and me.  Three years later, I am still fighting cancer and we still have the same support as we did on day one.  As I shop up town or walk down the street, people stop me to give encouraging words to continue this fight.  There is no where I’d rather be than living in small town Manning, Iowa. And for that I am beyond thankful! 

By Pam Kusel, Manning News Journal

​Have you thought about your legacy?  Webster’s definition of legacy is “money or property left to someone in a will; bequest, inheritance, endowment, and gift.”
But how will you be remembered after you’re gone?  People are often remembered for life’s work or projects about which they were passionate.  The name Fredda Hinz will forever evoke thoughts of the library. Mention Dan Peters and the German Hausbarn comes to mind, as well as the Trinity Church.  LeRoy and Freda Dammann have been dedicated to the success of the Hausbarn-Heritage Park and tourism for many years.
A friend recently said, “I want to leave this place better than I found it.”  That’s admirable. I’d like to think many of us want to do the same.
We are all caretakers of our community, and judging from our busy Main Street, our continual community improvements and projects, along with the compliments paid to Manning by visitors and returning alumni, we’re all doing a mighty fine job. 
This town is blessed with caring people who don’t hesitate to roll up their sleeves and help with anything from community cleanup to supporting the local food pantry.  It has also been blessed with bequests, endowments, and financial gifts.
Warren Timmerman is known for his financial gift to Manning; enabling the construction of buildings, expansions, and the purchase of hundreds of items. There are many others. Funds have been bequeathed to Manning by Lyle Schrum, Erwin Hansen, Grace Hansen, Rose Lampe, Max and Leola Timmerman, Richard Knowles, Lola Ahrendsen, and Alice Stevens, to mention only those who immediately come to mind. The benefits of this generosity to Manning cannot be measured. By developing a culture of giving, Manning can continue to reap rewards and remain a strong and progressive community.
 
 
Imagine ... My Manning
 
Ron Reischl is planning a community conversation to discuss this very topic. People are asked to come and share ideas. How would you foresee the future of Manning? What would you like to see accomplished?  You’ll be asked to “imagine your Manning.” Several local foundations and charities will be on hand to explain current projects and goals.
If you were a trustee and had to designate the use of a $5,000 bequest, what would you choose? Which charitable group or project would you give it to?  What if the donation was $50,000 or $500,000? 
You are asked to be part of this conversation Wednesday, Nov. 15. Doors of the VFW Hall will open at 6:00 pm with discussion starting at 6:30 pm.  The cash bar will be open and attendees will spend about an hour sharing ideas.  Come, “Imagine Manning.”