Just like that 2024 is a year of the past. The New Year brings new hopes, new goals, and at times a new perspective. It is my hope that each year with new resolutions, I keep my resolve longer than March. This year feels like it is going to be the same but different. The same house, the same car, the same town, all things I am used to changing regularly. After ten years with my husband on active duty, living on 3 different continents and five different states, living in Manley for nearly 3 years has set a record of time spent in one place by our family. This is the first time since college that my car registration, drivers license, and all bills are from the same state.

This sameness has brought a comfort that I had not expected. It is (mostly) nice to really get to know your neighbors. To be a part of a church community that right after learning most of the names in the congregation to not have to move again. I know the places I like to go and the places I avoid. This sameness is different to me. Last year brought many changes internally that will continue into 2025.

In 2024 my husband and I decided to give up alcohol for good. It changed so much in my life that I did not realize was wrong. When we told our children that we were no longer drinking, they cheered! I had no idea it impacted them so. I had always more or less believed in God, but I was not until last year that I truly decided to confess and repent of my sin and give the control of my life to Jesus. It has been the most freeing experience I have had in my life. I have been able to forgive those in my life who have never even asked to be forgiven. That is freedom. I have felt the peace over my life that does indeed surpass understanding. I am looking forward to how God leads my in the new year. I hope you too are walking into 2025 optimistic.

Monthly Reminders

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10

(NIV)

Around the Village

Village Improvements

Madison E. M. Garey

Official meeting minutes are available for review during normal business hours at the village office.

All officially approved Manley Board meeting minutes are available online here.

The Coronavirus pandemic created catastrophic loss for most Americans. Jobs were lost, businesses went under, hundreds of thousands of people died. In an effort to support the recovering American population and economy, money was dedicated to municipalities through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. Aside from the personal checks, increased child tax credit, and health insurance subsidies, the ARPA provided the SLFRF which, in turn, provided funds to communities to combat the distressing effects of the pandemic. 

America was handed a $350 billion dollar check through this program. Of those billions of dollars, the Village of Manley received $30,000. After several updates from the initial final rule, the Interim Final Rule of 2023 allowed for more use of the funds to include Title I expenses like “Acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or installation of public facilities” and “Interim assistance where immediate action is required for certain activities such as street repair”(The Department of the Treasury, 2023, p. 16).

In order for the village to utilize these funds, specific measures needed to be implemented. “All recipients of federal funds must complete financial, performance, and compliance reporting as required” (The Department of the Treasury, 2024, p. 13). Among the stipulations was a deadline set for December 31, 2024. Consequently, the village board convened an emergency meeting on New Year’s Eve to finalize project contracts and ensure that funds were properly obligated for the enhancement of the village.

Rodriguez Concrete LLC was selected from three bids to replace cracked and crumbled roads in Manley. The large patch of road north of the Post Office on Main Street needs significant repair. Other areas mentioned needing revision were on South Street and Manley Lane. Manleyians can look forward to construction beginning in 2025. 

The board also voted on an emergency repair. The community center basement had been taking on water from the south east wall. The corrective action needed includes putting up 19 feet of CleanSpace Wall System to cover the walls, 27 feet of WaterGaurd to drain water under the flooring, and install a SuperSump to pump the water out of the building when levels are high enough. Due to the emergent nature of this repair, three bids were not needed. The board was able to approve Thrasher Foundation Repair as the company to fix the leaky building.

Village of Manley: Maintenance Technician needed. Email clerk@manleyne.com or call Denise at 402.677.2587

Cass County Businesses

3B Homestead

A&F Welding Services

Dayspring Academy

Doc’s Choice Pet Food

Elderberry Nectar of Nebraska, LLC

Jennifer Sargent Photography

Scatter Joy Acres

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