The end of January and beginning of February was a rough time in the Garey household. My father passed away which left me in a sort of fog for a couple weeks. Even when one knows the end is near, it is not made any easier by those who are grieving. While there is a melancholy surrounding the family, blessings were also intertwined in this time. With dad’s passing I was able to see family that I have not seen in over a decade. My kids got to see some family that they have never met. The funeral had so many attending the church parking lot could not hold all of the cars. The amount of people that showed up was profound.

The attendance at dad’s funeral gave me a sort of revelation. While my dad was no millionaire, donating to have hospitals or colleges named after him, he was a generous man where it mattered. He would help out those in need, even if it hurt. He would answer if you called. He would give a ride if you needed it. Perhaps his reach did not cure cancer, but he impacted so many people in his own community to help make their lives better. Even with all his faults, he made a difference in his world. I hope to do the same. To help those I can when I can. To serve people. To lead is to serve.

Death of a parent is hard to deal with. Though I am grieving, I have no option to stop. That is the benefit of the weight of a family. When things get slippery, the weight of responsibility will help to keep you driving straight. Speaking of slippery driving conditions, As these wintry days have poured onto Nebraska with slushy roads and closing schools we still have the hope in knowing spring is just around the corner. I am certainly looking forward to bright warm days, the sound of birds chirping and seeing the first spring flowers show their blooms. We just have to wait a bit longer.

Monthly Reminders

But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD and whose confidence is in him.

Jeremiah 17:7

(NIV)

Around the Village

Our Village Clerk

Madison E. M. Garey

Lindy Cronk joined the Village of Manley as clerk June 4, 2024. In that time she has been found to be an excellent resource for the community. Though only 17 years old at the time of hire, she has taken every opportunity to help with the skills she has. While the Village Board is an elected group, the village clerk is hired as the administrative professional. Lindsy certainly fills that role.

Lindsy has expertise in administrative functions and is excellent in researching needed information, like Nebraska law and statues that direct how the village is to lawfully function. She also is the village treasure, ensuring all banking and claims information is up to date, among other things. Lindsy is sure to stand up for what she knows to be true and is willing to talk to anyone. Residents are welcomed into the office with her warm smile. She is definitely an asset to the village. She will so be attending clerk school for Nebraska clerks to refine her skills. She has a bright future ahead of her.

Growing up mostly in New Mexico, Lindsy found herself moving to Weeping Water in 2018 to complete her high school education. An education provided at home by her role model, her mother. Soon after finishing high school, Lindsy enrolled at Southeast Community College in Lincoln, pursuing a business degree. Aside from being a full time student and part time clerk, she also walks dogs for extra income. She is saving to eventually buy a house. The Cronk family is full of entrepreneurs. Both her little brothers have started their own businesses; one doing landscaping and the other keeping bees providing local honey.

Lindsy is available at the village office Monday through Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Thursday 9:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m.. Thank you Lindsy for all you do and all you have done to assist in getting the village organized!

Pillage the Village

The date for Pillage the Village has been set for Saturday, August 16, 2025. Many of the reliable events will be held: pancake feed, car show, craft fair, kids coloring/cupcake decorating, mini garden making, garage sales and smoked ribs. Newer activities include a lego building contest, face painting and a cornhole tournament.

If you are interested in volunteering for Pillage the Village email ptvmanley@gmail.com or contact the village office for more information.

Speed Bumps

Madison E. M. Garey

Traffic along 160th coming into Manley slowed significantly since the installation of speed bumps in May of 2024. One Manley citizen attended the February 17th meeting of the Board of Trustees speaking out against the speed control devices. His request was simple: “get rid of them”, forever is best. Another property owner mentioned how the issue of speed bumps had been spoken about since April 2023 before being installed and no residents attended the subsequent meetings to articulate their concerns . It was argued that citizens fought for the speed mitigators, the village paid for them, and a resident’s time was volunteered to install them. The local proprietor also mentioned the previous removal of the second speed bump at the request of the same business owner who asked for the removal of the final bump at the February meeting. A motion was made to remove the speed bumps for one month during the third week in February once the snow is adequately melted. In a vote of 3 yeses, 1 no, and 1 abstain, the motion passed. The speed bump has been removed and the issue will be reconsidered during the March Village of Manley Board of Trustees Meeting, March 13, 2025. For more information review the meeting minutes at the village office or here after their approval during the March board meeting.

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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