The ten year period from 1981 to 1991 has been a period of progress for Manning Development Corporation. Although there have been a few disappointments, the last decade has proven in many ways to have been good for the Corporation and the Community of Manning.

The decade started out bad in the fall of 1982; our long-time tenants, the L.R. Nelson Company announced that it was closing the Manning plant. For a while Nelson Irrigation Company operated a distribution center in the building but that came to an early end. The Board of Directors tried various means to market the building. Through the efforts of Laverne Schroeder working with the Iowa Development Commission a new tenant was found. Wells Manufacturing Company of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, was looking for an Iowa location for a plant to manufacture automotive replacement parts. The new tenant moved into the building in December, 1984. The new tenant proved to be a good one for the Manning community with an employment in excess of 180. However, this all came to an end in January, 1990, when Wells closed the Manning plant and moved to Mexico. Working with the Department of Economic Development, a new tenant Burcliff Industries, was found immediately and Burcliff took possession of the building in February, 1990, for the manufacture of electrical harnesses for the appliance industry. This plant continues to flourish and now employs more than 100 persons.

Manning Development Corporation has also been active in the locating of the Quakerdale campus in Manning which now houses and cares for twenty young people who would otherwise be residing in foster homes. The Corporation also aided in the location in Manning of three off campus homes for fifteen residents of New Hope Village. The Corporation also became a shareholder in the German Village Company which renovated a double building on Main Street and converted it into The German Village Mall.

Manning Development Corporation also rented a building to Miller Farms Food Company for the production of a soy beverage product. It is a new company and has been having a difficult time to establish itself. They have had at times an employment of up to ten persons. However, the Company is attempting to reorganize and its status is indefinite at this time.

1909 - Potato farmers in the Manning area harvested 200 bushels per acre. The price was 35 cents a bushel.

A bumper crop of soybeans is shown at the Ag Processing Inc. (AGP) plant north of Manning.

Agri Industries continued to operate the soyplant until December of 1985. Because of financial hardship, Agri sold the Manning and Mason City facilities to AG Processing Inc., (AGP). Tom Ray was the Operations Manager and stayed on during the transition. Since the fall of 1986, Mark Craigmile has been the Operations Manager.

Rich Lee was named Marketing Manager by AGP and stayed until the summer of 1987. Cal Meyer was promoted to Marketing Manager and stayed until the fall of 1991.

AGP has continued to modernize the plant. A major project was completed in 1988 in which the plant's capacity to produce a high-protein meal was greatly increased. In 1991, nearly $3,000,000 was spent in further modifications at the plant.

Employment has been steady over the last four years, with 43 currently on the payroll.

Founded in 1947, by G.H. Cousins in the basement of his home in South Bend, Indiana, as a service packaging and sales firm, the company has continued to grow in a changing economy. Today, Burcliff has 12 plants in 6 states, and has close to 1,500 employees. They have grown in the appliance industry and today supply parts to most mayor white goods manufacturers in the United States.

Burcliff is proud of its people because they are the catalyst that allows them to achieve the quality and ingenuity necessary to stay competitive in a global market.

The facility in Manning started in March of 1990 at the west edge of town. It is a good example of the dedication they have to their people and the community in which they are located.

"We are proud to be a party of such a family oriented community where people are dedicated to family values and concern for each other," Burcliff officials said. "We hope to be part of the next 100 years in Manning, Iowa."

The competitive business of alfalfa manufacturing caused many changes in the alfalfa industry during the 1980's. In 1983, M & I Dehy changed its process of manufacturing alfalfa hay into alfalfa pellets and meal.

With the rising costs of fuel, electricity and natural gas, M & I Dehy changed its manufacturing process by developing a shredder that would shred and chop 30% moisture large round bales instead of green chopping in the field. This process allowed M & I to use two round balers and one semitrailer, which replaced three self unloading choppers and five straight trucks. The day's hay supply could now be delivered to the plant during daylight hours. With these changes, the number of employees was cut by two-thirds and production was increased by 60 percent.

In 1926, Dr. Harry Miller, the world renowned Adventist missionary, surgeon, inventor and teacher, known as the "China Doctor", developed a method of producing a milk substitute from soy that would not create digestive disturbances in humans, especially infants and children. He showed the Chinese how to do it, saving the lives of thousands, ultimately millions of Chinese children.

In 1936 Dr. Miller and his son, Harry Miller Jr., built a soymilk dairy in Shanghai, and commenced retail distribution with bicycle delivery boys. The dairy was destroyed in 1937 by bombs in the Sino-Japanese War.

Dr. Miller and his family came back to the United States where he continued his pioneering work with soymilk and soyfoods. During the years to follow, soymilk plants were built in Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia and elsewhere, mostly based on the Miller technology, often with the technical assistance of Harry Miller Jr.

The soymilk retained a certain bitter, beany flavor with a beany after-taste and resinous mouthfeel which lingered even after the soymilk was gone.

Those involved with Miller Farms believed that these problems could be solved. They were confident that a really good nutritious soymilk could be produced for the millions of people worldwide who do not tolerate lactose in cow's milk, the millions who need to be concerned about cholesterol, plus those millions who want to live on a truly vegetarian diet.

After much research and development, the Miller Farms Food Company was organized in 1985. A unique commerical scale production plant was built and a long series of tests commenced to arrive at the taste, quality and nutritional product desired. The initial plant site was in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

In 1986, tests were successful and the taste, quality and nutritional value were proven with the Miller patented approach plus some other developments.

Market tests and commerical distribution substantiated the early tests in 1987. The beany flavor was gone and the aftertaste was no longer a problem. The product, Solait Powdered Soy Beverage went on the retail market.

The plant was relocated to Manning in 1988. Production capabilities at the plant are approximately 1000 gallons of soymilk per day, operating two shifts. The soymilk, produced in liquid form, is then transported to a drying facility in Minnesota, where it is dried into a powdered form, packaged and distributed nationwide and into Canada through distributors and dealers. Current distribution is in the health industry, health food trade and vegetarian societies.

The corporate office is located in Carroll, IA.

Plastico, Ltd. was founded in 1973 by a group of local investors. The first machinery was moved into the factory located at 303 Center Street (the old Ford garage) in April of 1974. Plastico opened for business in June, and has continued ever since.

Frank Willis arrived to oversee the installation of two plastic molding machines and the hiring of Don Mohr as machine operator.

Four more machines have been added and a work force of nine, or more, keep the various products produced. In 1985 T & C Machine Products joined forces with Plastico to bring a complete machine shop to the area. T & C is owned and operated by Ted Morris.

In July, 1992, Plastico acquired the building at 303 Center and looks forward to many more years there.

The last decade of agriculture has been a wide swing of prices in both livestock and grains and also the cash value of farmland. Corn prices have fluctuated from $1.25 - $3.75, beans from $4.40 $10.40 and oats $.75 - $4.00. Butcher hogs ranged from $35.00/cwt to $65.00. Cattle from $50.00 to $85.00/cwt. High producing farmland peaked out over $3,000/acre, then plunged to below $1,000.00 primarily because of lower grain prices and high interest rates.

This chaotic price pattern resulted in many land transactions to be severely disrupted. Some contracts both private and/or federally funded, were written down, some abandoned, and a few ended in bankruptcy filings. It is anybody's guess what the immediate future holds, but with grain prices on the skids and the possibility of increased interest rates, farmland values at near $2,000.00 probably won't rise too much. Most of the purchases in the Manning area are by owner/ operators; however his average age of 60 years will mean opportunities for younger farmers in the near future.

Credit should also be given for the promotion of farm products by producer-members who have enhanced the image and sale of beef, pork, milk, eggs, and other farm produce.

A list of what has increased in agriculture in this decade is in order:

1. Emphasis on lean beef and pork production (A result of efficient breeding stock and improved feeding methods.)

2. Consolidation of farming operations.

3. Large scale total confinement hog operations, either farrowing to finish or farrowing to feeder pigs.

4. Contract feeding of hogs where farmer receives a set fee to use his facilities and labor to feed out feeder pigs to market weight.

5. Participation in the Conservation Compliance Plan which must be completed by 1995 has boosted (and sometimes reestablished) soil saving farming methods: Included are:

(a.) no till and minimum till,

(b.) drilling soybeans,

(c.) increased chemical weed control,

(d.) terracing,

(e.) waterway construction,

(f.) strip farming,

(g.) rotations, including hay and pasture.

6. Sustainable agriculture (elimination of fertilizer, chemicals, and drugs).

7. Specific weed and pest control recommended by field scouts and hired technicians.

8. Small scale farmers with other jobs.

9. Forward contracting of grain and livestock.

10. Satellite market reports.

11. Co-op mergers and growth.

12. Computer bookkeeping and management services.

13. Small to medium horsepower tractors with 4 wheel drive and cabs.

14. Use of all-terrain vehicles for crop scouting and weed control.

The Dutch have recently set a goal of cutting chemical use 1/3 by 1995 and 1/2 by 2000, primarily by using mechanical weeders and crop rotations. This may reverse the corn-bean rotation that is so popular in this area.

Alternative crops that produce paper, oil, fiber, or other foods may also have a future on Iowa soils. Farmers have to be sure that a dependable market exists before investing too much in exotic crops!

Some things that are disappearing in the local area include partition and border fences, stock cows, dairy herds, feeder cattle lots of 25-50 head, silage cutting and hay ground, maintained farmsteads, cultivated row crops, small grains, and the number of full time farmers.

Dr. Martin (Marty) Ahrens continues to practice dentistry in the office he opened in Manning in July, 1975. In addition to General Dentistry, Dr. Ahrens is on staff at Manning General Hospital.

Marty and his wife Carol have three children, Valery, 6th grade, Nick, 2nd grade, and Ben, alternate kindergarten. They live at 422 11th Street.

The Manning office of the Audubon Manning Vet Clinic was opened in May of 1990. The building was built in the early 80's by Dr. Walter Felker who became the State Veterinarian for Iowa in 1987. The building remained empty for 3 years until the Audubon Veterinary Clinic purchased the building and site in early 1990. Dr. Tom Ulrickson was hired in the spring of 1990 by the Audubon veterinary group to serve as veterinarian for the clinic. Two additional lay persons were hired at that time, Cathy Pfannkuch as secretary and Scott Alt as veterinary assistant.

The building was partially remodeled in the spring of 1990 with the addition of a small animal exam room, an outside corral area to service trailer loads of cattle, and an inside working facility with a large hydraulic tipping chute that is one of only three of its kind in the state of Iowa. A large walk-in cooler and computer capabilities were added later.

The Audubon-Manning Veterinary Clinic provides general veterinary services for both large and small animals. Its practice area reaches into parts of 6 counties around the Audubon-Manning area. The professional veterinarian staff includes Dr. Mark Engle, Dr. Daryl Olsen, Dr. Steve Schmitz, Dr. Bob Bloome of the Audubon office and Dr. Tom Ulrickson of the Manning office. The staff is supported by 7 full-time lay help and a full-time professional nutritionist.

In November, 1981, Jim McLaughlin purchased Chub's Place from Chub Heithoff and renamed it "JD's Bar."

In November, 1988, the business was leased to Norma Wanninger who named it Norma's Tap. In November, 1991, it was named "The Bar."

In November, 1992 "The Bar" was leased to Teresa Benning and a kitchen was added offering mixed drinks. soft drinks, games, and food. At the time, there were 3 employees, and it was hoped more would be hired.

Since 1981, a lot of remodeling has been done to the building located at 4071/2 Main Street. There is a full apartment above The Bar.

Billie Voge purchased the flower shop in Manning in 1964 from her brother, Wesley DeBoth and maintained its' name as DeBoth Florist. The business was sold in 1981 and Billie remained as an employee there through three different owners. In 1987 she put up a small greenhouse on her farm. The business was named "Billie's Hilltop Greenhouse" and sold bedding plants from the greenhouse April through July. The rest of the year is spent with fresh flowers, plants and silk bouquets.

In 1991, a small outlet was set up at Hometown Treasures on Main Street in Manilla, Iowa.

In her 28 years in business and since Billie's mother, Ann DeBoth opened up the first shop in 1949, Billie has had two generations of graduations, weddings, and babies.

Kim Waterbury photo of Cliff's Place, 417 Main Street.

Cliff's Place, owned by Cliff and Vickie Waterbury, has had many changes in the past 10 years. In 1982, the lower level bar and dance floor of the building, located at 417 Main, were closed.

March, 1984, brought the start of prime rib on weekends. Beginning in January, 1987, Cliff's expanded and added a dining room with seating capacity of 235. There is room for meetings, private parties, and other large dinners. Cliff's also features a twelve-foot salad bar area with soup and salads.

In the spring of 1990, Cliff's roof was rebuilt and a Bavarian facelift given to the Main Street facade. July, 1991, was the date of remodeling and expanding the restrooms, making them handicap accessible.

Cliff employs all four of his children and their spouses, making Cliff's Place a family business.

The local CPA firm was established in Manning December 1, 1978, by Morrie Heithoff, CPA and Gaylin Ranninger, CPA. The firm was established to provide area residents with various needed accounting services. Accounting services included tax preparation, auditing, record keeping, consulting, estate planning, etc. The firm was known as Ranniger, Heithoff & Co. thru October 1, 1989.

Effective October 1, 1989, the Manning firm was merged with area CPA firms from Wall Lake, Harlan and Council Bluffs. The firm operated under the name of "Darrah & Company, P.C." from October 1, 1989, thru December 31, 1991. Morrie Heithoff and Gaylin Ranniger remained as principals in the new firm during this period of operation. December 31, 1991, the Manning firm demerged and is no longer associated with Darrah & Co., P.C.

Morrie Heithoff acquired the full interest in the Manning Certified Public Accounting Firm effective December 31, 1991. The name of the new CPA firm is "Heithoff Associates". The following individuals, in addition to Heithoff, were associated with the firm on December 31, 1991: Julie Fogleman, Harriett Gross, Donna Hacker, Jeff Muhlbauer, Gaylin Ranniger, and Betty Ferneding. The office is located at 405 Main Street, Manning.

Manning's Corner Cafe at 326 Main Street has been owned and operated by Thomas and Sharon MacDonald-Williams since 1977 and continues to the present. The first few years of ownership saw the cafe transformed from its 50's formica and chrome to its current half-timbered look decorated with many historical artifacts from Manning's early days.

The Corner Cafe is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and until 4 p.m. Saturdays, serving a full range of home-cooked meals, soups, sandwiches, and home-baked breads, hamburger buns, pies and desserts.

Special events, including weddings, club parties, and dinner theatres, are catered by the owners. Special menu features includes taco salads on Tuesday, light lunches served daily, and the traditional German menus served during Kinderfest, Oktoberfest, and Weihnachtsfest.

Country Interiors located at 409 Main Street, was established in March of 1978. Lois (Younie) Croghan, continues as owner and operator. She employs two part-time employees: Kathy Fara and Karen Vonnahme. Teresa Wanninger (Lois' mother) also helps out.

Country Interiors still offers the best in floor coverings and window treatments. It handles a complete line of nationally known brands of carpets and vinyl and has added wood floors by Mannington. A vast selection of drapery and sheer fabric, vertical, horizontal, and wood blinds, pleated shades, and woven woods area are among the choices to dress your windows.

Custom made frames and mats were an addition to the business in 1986. Any type of cross stitch or needlework, pictures, lace doilies, medals, and writings can be framed. There are many styles of frames and colors of mats to select from.

In 1991, Country Interiors added the Colony Paint line and sundries. A large inventory of paint is kept to satisfy the customer's wish. The wallpaper section has grown to over 100 books. Wallpaper has become more popular in the past ten years.

Country Interiors also has many professionals as installers for the products sold. Listed below are the installers throughout the past 10 years.

Flooring: 1981-1984 Tom Hogan from Denison, dba Hogan's Flooring.

1984-1991 Pete Croghan (Lois' husband) from Manning, dba Croghan Construction

1992 - Doug Weitl from Templeton, dba Weitl Carpet and Vinyl Service.

Wallpapers: 1981-1990 Teresa (Nook) Wurr and Lois Croghan, both from Manning.

1990-1992 Doug Irlmeier from Templeton, dba Irlmeier Painting and Wallcovering.

Framing and Matting: 1986-1992 Karen and Wayne Pickhinke from Early, dba The Customizer.

Country Interiors recently became a targeted small business for the state of Iowa. Lois was notifed in August, 1992.

A remodeling project on the store interior is planned for 1993 in celebration of 15 years in business. Owner Lois states, "it has been fun!"

Pete Croghan bought Dave Croghan's half of the business in 1981. From April, 1982 to May, 1984 Pete left the Manning area to work construction in Wyoming and Montana.

Pete returned to Manning in May of 1984 to continue his construction business. At the present time, he has three full-time employees: Dean Allmon from Manilla, Steve Musfeldt from Westside, and Dave Tietsort from Kimballton. Jerome Croghan from Manning and Paul Croghan from Irwin are part-time employees.

Throughout the years, Croghan Construction has built numerous new homes and has done many remodeling projects. At the current time, they are building two of the New Hope Village Group Homes.

Dan and Jan Lorenzen purchased Schatz Body Shop from Lyle Bald in June, 1983. They changed the name to Dan's Body & Glass. The shop is located in the old Manning Creamery building at 307 Elm Street.

Joe Karsten was their first full-time employee. In 1984 Tom Darveau was hired and he worked until 1990, at which time Jan came to work full-time and Dan and Jan decided to run the shop by themselves. Part-time employees over the years have been Ron Soil, Dan Rosonke, and Doug Dammann.

They provided complete auto body repair, painting, pin striping, and glass installation. Dan also has a 24-hour wrecker service.

The Manning branch of the First Federal Savings Bank continues to operate at 304 Main Street, where it opened as First Federal Savings and Loan in March, 1975. In September, 1991, First Federal signed an acquisition agreement with Heritage Foundation, Ltd. of Boone, Under the agreement, First Federal converted ownership and began operation as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Heritage Financial.

First Federal adopted the federal savings bank charter in the spring of 1992 and became known as First Federal Savings Bank.

First National Bank of Manning celebrated its centennial, a century bank, being in the same family and at the same location for 100 years on November 16, 1986. During these 100 years, it was served by only four presidents: D.W. Sutherland, its founder, R.G. Sutherland, E.D. Sutherland, and Lyle O. Arp.

The bank was remodeled in 1966 and again in 1986. First National Bank has always supported community projects. The bank also formed a social travel club called the "First Club" in February, 1991.

During the spring of 1989, the bank established a one bank holding company and on July 1, 1990, Lyle O. Arp retired from banking after 45 years of service. Gaylin Ranniger succeeded as President. Other employees include Howard C. Roe, Vice President; Terry J. Case, Assistant Vice President; Lee Dreesman, Assistant Vice President; Charles Hughes, Assistant Vice President; Jan Ranniger, Assistant Vice President; Keith Kelderman, Cashier, Jean Kusel, Phyllis Vollstedt, Rose Mary Frahm, Sally Dunshee, Karen Kienast, Bev Ramsey, and Wava Lorenzen.

Still on display in the bank are original $10 and $20 bills, dated from 1902 to 1929, which carry the name First National Bank, Manning, Iowa. At that time the Federal Reserve Bank granted banks of good standing the privilege of having the bank's name and signatures of the bank president and cashier printed on government currency.

The past ten years have brought many changes in the florist business in Manning. In 1981 there was one shop, DeBoth Florist, owned and operated by Billie Voge. Later that year she sold the shop to her son, Jame Switzer. He owned it until 1983 when he sold it to Clariss Jansen. At this time it was renamed The Flower Shop.

In August of 1984 Clariss sold the shop to Freda Dammann and Barb Handlos. In December of that year Freda became sole owner of The Flower Shop.

In 1987 Billie Voge came back into the business when she started a second florist business, Billie's Hilltop Greenhouse.

Freda Dammann continued to own The Flower Shop until the end of 1991. At that time she sold the shop to Lee and Kelly Dreesman who took over in January of 1992. They renamed it The Blumen Haus.

DeBoth Florist, The Flower Shop, and The Blumen Haus have all been in the same location, 309 Main Street.

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In the 1980's a group of interested business persons in Manning purchased the double building at 345 Main, the former location of two grocery stores, and before that, Ohde Furniture Store. It was the desire of the German Village Company to develop the building into a model of Bavarian architecture on the outside, as well as develop smaller affordable business spaces on the inside. As the project progressed from late 1989 to 1990 the mall developed to resemble a Bavarian street with each location looking like the exterior of a small Bavarian business. The mall now houses a video store, optometrist office, several professional offices, and a craft cooperative.

In 1882, Dr. Williams, Manning's first physician kept three teams of his own horses which traveled at 10 miles an hour to make house calls. Even then he had to use livery teams to give his trotters a rest.

The Golden Nugget (formerly Saunders) had its beginning more than 35 years ago. The drive-in and motel were built by Bruce Fuller and Jake Kuker. In 1953 Frank "Shorty" and Lorraine Sextro purchased the business. In February of 1955, the business was sold to Merle Saunders and a dining room was added to the north of the building. Three more motel rooms and living quarters for the Saunders family were added.

In August of 1978, Ray and Kay Houghton purchased the business. They continued to run it until 1986 when they closed the business. The business was sold at auction to Scott and Regina (Halbur) Marshall. They sold it to Dale and Marcy Ehlers in 1988. After the flood in 1990, some repair work was necessary in order to reopen. The Golden Nugget continues as a full service restaurant.

Joyce Dammann opened The Hair Gallery in January, 1981, at 125 First Street.

Joyce graduated from Stewart's School of Hairstyling in Council Bluffs in August, 1979, and took her state boards in September, 1979. She was employed by Eileen Prebeck at LeBoutique Salon from September, 1979, to January, 1981. In January, 1981, she opened The Hair Gallery at her residence. The shop is still located at that same address. (Joyce and her husband and family have moved south of town to the farm and her parents-in-law now live at that address.)

Shop hours have varied over the years as Joyce's family has grown. In 1992 shop hours were: Tuesday-Friday and works late one to two nights a week to accommodate working women and school-aged children with busy schedules.

The Hair Gallery is a full service salon for men, women and children. Also available are ear piercing, waxing, and gift certificates. Joyce retails and uses Matrix, Attractions, and Paul Mitchell lines as well as other hair accessories.

Home Video Electronics building at 311 Main Street.

After working in the field of consumer electronics sales and repair for 15 years, Home Video Electronics was begun by Keith Schroeder in the basement of his home in May of 1988. This was just after Keith had completed additional technical training in VCR repair.

In August of 1989, after marrying Judy Mueller, Home Video Electronics was moved to the lower level of Mueller Furniture building.

In August of 1991, Keith and Judy purchased the building at 311 Main and continue to offer consumer electronics sales and services from that location.

Thomas W. Jacobson graduated from Drake University ;n 1981. He joined the Hansen & Bunz Law Firm that year. In 1987, he left Manning to join a law firm in Rochester, Minnesota.

Jim McLaughlin moved his business from Gray, Iowa to Manning in 1979. Business, at first, was block, brick, stone, and flat concrete work. In 1987, brick-faced concrete forms, for poured walls, was purchased. They now do residential, farm, and small commerical jobs, traveling a 50mile radius of Manning.

The business office is located at 1021 Nishnabotna Drive and the shop is at 407 Main (purchased in November of 1981). Storage land on Elm Street was purchased in 1991, and a storage building on 11th Street was purchased in October of 1992.

The business employs 4 full-time employees and 4 part-time employees.

Under the ownership of publisher, Ron Coiling, The Manning Monitor continues weekly publication. Coiling has headed the newspaper since 1964 and was honored on his 25th business anniversary by his staff in April of 1989. In 1991 he was recognized during the Iowa Newspaper Association convention when The Manning Monitor became a Heritage Club member of the Iowa Press Association.

Located at 411 Main Street, the newspaper is prepared for publication on Monday of each week. It is then printed on presses at the Harlan, Iowa, newspaper plant. In addition to providing weekly news for the community, the Monitor produces a large quantity of commercial printing work.

The business employs a staff of eight people, several of which have served the paper for many years. Wynona Hill, local news correspondent for 14 years, continues to serve in that capacity. Production manager, Pam Kusel, has been with the paper for 20 years. Secretary/bookkeeper, Winona Rowedder, recently retired from the newspaper after 21 years of service.

Eddie and George Fischer, owners of Manning Motor Company, acquired the Buick franchise in May of 1984, and combined it with their Chevrolet line. Manning Motor Company was sold to Lawrence (Larry) Handlos and Robert Ehlers on April 1, 1990.

Manning Pharmacy, Inc. was purchased by Robert and Lois Stessman and opened for business on September 1, 1988. Bob and Lois came to Manning from LeMars, Iowa where Bob worked for Medicap Pharmacy, a nationwide pharmacy franchise group.

Since opening the doors of Manning Pharmacy, many operation changes and remodeling has occurred: replacement and upgrading of fixtures, replacement of older.„equipment in the front areas of the Pharmacy, expansion of inventory, and addition of new services not provided in the past.

The pharmacy area itself has been computerized and is in the process of a complete remodeling in order to improve service.

Manning Pharmacy also increased the number of employees from 3 to 7. The business has prospered due to a great number of people in the Manning area willing to do business in the store. Bob and Lois are constantly changing the business and product selection to meet the needs of the hospital, Manning Plaza, the community, and the Manning area.

Manning Trust & Savings Bank received its bank charter from the State of Iowa on July 15, 1924 and did business at 721 3rd Street until it moved to its current facility at 223 Main Street June 1, 1980. The Bank was purchased in 1984 by American Interstate Bancorporation which owns banks in Nebraska and Iowa. The Bank's employees include Kevin Boyle, President, Denise Doyel, Vice President, Patricia Mohr, Cashier,

JoAnn Karsten, Bookkeeper, Debra Gordan, Bookkeeper/Loan Secretary, and Cindy Craigmile, Teller. The Board of Directors include Kevin Boyel, Kenneth Puck, Gilbert Phillips, Scott Renze, Don Ringgenberg and Barry James.

The banking industry has changed greatly over the past ten years and the Bank has become much more automated in order to effectively keep pace with these changes. The Bank currently does all of its data processing through a computer link with a large financial institution in order to streamline costs while still providing immediate account information. The Bank also uses a system of computers for loan and account processing, credit bureau reports, financial statements, cash flow budgets, financial analysis forms and amortization schedules.

As the banking industry has changed, so have the job responsibilties for the Bank's employees. The Bank currently issues ATM debit cards as well as Visa and Mastercard credit cards. These cards allow the Bank's customers to receive cash or credit on virtually a worldwide basis, but require the Bank's employees to be able to handle the processing of these transactions either directly or indirectly. The Bank's employees are also responsible for reviewing, and remaining in compliance with, a seemingly limitless amount of new regulations. These regulations require additional employee training and paperwork which in turn make the Bank's job of providing first rate service on a timely basis that much more difficult.

Through all of these changes the Bank has been able to maintain a steady growth of its balance sheet while not falling prey to any of the pitfalls which have caused a number of banks to fail during the past ten years. Since 1982 the Bank has increased its assets by approximately 2.6 million dollars, its loans by approximately 3.1 million dollars and its deposits by approximately 2.6 million dollars. Manning Trust & Savings Bank has implemented a number of policies and procedures in order to ensure that the residents of Manning, and its surrounding communities, continue to receive the same friendly, personal service to which they have become accustomed.

Mueller Furniture has gone through a number of changes. In January, 1983, Elmer Mueller had a heart attack and stroke, confining him to a wheelchair until his death in November, 1988. His wife, Pat died three months later, in February, 1989. Since then the store has been operated by son, Bob and daughter, Judy.

In 1989, Judy married Keith Schroeder. Keith's business (Home Video Electronics) was relocated to the lower level of Mueller's from 1989 to 1991, when that business moved to its present location.

1992 was Mueller's 100th year. That same year the main floor and lower level were remodeled followed by an open house that spring.

During the years of 1981-91 Ohde Funeral Home, Inc. continued to operate facilitites in Manning, Manilla, Coon Rapids, and Bayard. During these years Wlliam F. Ohde retired and the business is essentially run by his children, William G. Ohde and Ruth Anne Ohde. For most of the past 10 years Carla Hacker and Deb Knueven have completed the Manning staff.

In 1983, Karl and Donna (Rosonke) Rutz purchased the Piccadilly Circus Pizza restaurant from Rick and Sue Grage. The business was converted from a franchise to a locally owned and operated business and was renamed the "Pizza Palace." Mexican food, sandwiches, ad specialty pizzas were added to the existing menu. Throughout the years of business, some remodeling was done, including the addition of booths that were originally in "Chub's Place" tavern in Manning.

Besides being known for delicious food, the Pizza Palace assisted many local clubs and organizations with fund raising projects. These groups included the Manning Chamber of Commerce, Manning Woman's Club, the Lutheran Youth Foundation, and Manning Little League.

Having run the business for over nine yeas, the Rutz's sold Pizza Palace to Conrad Kurth of rural Manning in August, 1992.

The decade from 1981 to 1991 was a period of growth for Puck Implement. Due to the drop in land values and depressed commodity prices from 1981-1984, the farm machinery business was also depressed. Restructuring in the industry by manufacturers and dealers created an opportunity for Puck Implement Company to open a second store in Audubon, Iowa.

The long awaited agricultural recovery began in 1987 and continued through 1991. This recovery helped to remodel office space in Manning and to add a new service building at the Audubon location. The number of personnel employed increased from 17 in 1981 to 26 in 1991. New Model 50 series tractors were introduced in 1985 and the new Maximizer 9000 series combines were introduced in 1989.

Ken and Warren Puck continue to own and operate the business and their motto continues to be "Where serivce to our customers has made the difference since 1927."

In 1977, Rasmussen Lumber Company purchased property along Highway 141 West which joined the property already occupied by the Manning Ready Mix. This unified their operation and was enhanced by the purchase of the abandoned railroad right of way that linked the property along the east. Rasmussen Lumber Company converted the grain storage building already at the site to a material warehouse and then added a 10,000 square foot farm and home store complete with a show room for kitchen and baths, carpets, linoleums, and cabinets. The new store more than doubles the previous store size and the new facility has more parking and warehouse space to better serve the community.

The second generation of Rasmussens - Leo, Jack, Bob and Otto - are still part owners, but only Bob remains active in the business. The third generation - Jim, Jerry, Mike, and Dennis have worked into the business and already there are some 4th generation family helping during the summer.

The Manning Ready Mix portion of Rasmussen Lumber was expanded in 1991 to include two new plant locations in Denison and Carroll. The new businesses are Crawford County Ready Mix in Denison and Carroll County Ready Mix in Carroll. This business actively services farmers and contractors in a 4-county area. The addition of these plants further enhances Rasmussen Lumber Company's ability to provide the area with quality products and good service.

In the mid-70's while still in high school, Karl Rutz began exterior painting. After graduation, he worked in construction, and in 1985, .he formally began on his own as Rutz Painting. He specializes in exterior and interior painting and has expanded his business to include remodeling projects. Karl is a native of the community.

Wayne Schroeder Trucking Service, started in 1951, has continued another 10 years to serve the rural community in and around Manning. Having eliminiated the gas transport and corn sheller, they have gone to fertilizer along with grain and livestock.

Leonard Damman bought into the business with Wayne in 1982. Steve Koch purchased a unit in March of 1984, and Lyle Bald added another partnership in November, 1987. Office management is done by Wayne and his wife, Lila.

The many services, none too large or small, are still first with the operation of a successful business.

Stammer's Personalized, Printing was a custom garment printing business started by Nancy Stammer in April, 1982, at her home west of Manning. She printed caps, t-shirts, jackets and other printables with two main kinds printing methods: the traditional screen printing method and a unique way called sublimation. At that time, she had one of four such machines in western Iowa.

Stammer moved the business into Manning in September, 1985, locating at 315 Main Street with a clothing store called the Main Station. January 1, 1986, Stammer's Printing was moved back to the farm, allowing Stammer to attend college classes. Stammer began teaching at Lake View-Auburn School in the fall of 1988, and sold the business to Vicki Cadwell of Manilla. Cadwell renamed it The Mark-It Place, and moved the printing equipment and retail garments to Harlan.

Lynn Stein operated Stein's Oil & Service from 1975 until the present time. He merged with Cal-Car Services, Inc. from Rockwell City, Iowa, March 15, 1991. He continues to sell Farm Service (FS) bulk fuel products to farm and home residences through Cal-Car Service.

March 1, 1990, Lynn and Lee Stein formed the partnership of Steins' Service. They continue to give quality auto repair and service to their customers.

December 31, 1990, the former Dime Store closed its doors when the building, located at 303 Main Street, was purchased by Dave and Kristin Dailey. The previous owners, Joyce Zubrod and Marsha Clausen, had owned and operated The Dime Store for 12 years.

The Dailey's opened their new business, "Strip to Finish" on May 18, 1991. They handle retail paint. The main part of the building is used for a stripping and refinishing shop. The building was altered to suit the business and many shelves were removed giving extra space. Much of the shelving on the main level was torn down and converted for use as work benches. Stripping equipment and an exhaust system were added to the basement.

Eventually the Daileys plan to get into the selling of antiques. They have been collecting old toys, games, and books. Many visitors each year stop in to see the old "Dime Store" and relive some of the memories.

In 1981, Dr. Rexanne Struve purchased the SPF laboratory in Manilla from Dr. Boyd Merrick. The purpose of the SPF lab is to raise Specific Pathogen Free pigs which have been delivered by Caesarian Section and raised in a laboratory without ever being exposed to the sow, thus preventing transmission of disease from the sow to her piglets.

The use of the laboratory increased throughout the 80's so that by 1990, a second laboratory was built in Manning to accommodate more pigs.

In February, 1990, the first pigs were introduced to the new, state-of-the-art laboratory which is located 3 miles east of Manning on Highway 141. The laboratory is the first in the US to use hot water boiler heat regulated by computers, allowing exact temperatures to be maintained in each of the 31 pig rooms contained in the lab. Future expansion was anticipated, so the lab was designed to allow additions to be built on easily.

The Upper Cut was purchased in October of 1986 by Jean Stadtlander. Since then she has relocated to 315 Main Street. The space was remodeled to suit the needs of a salon. Throughout the years, it had previously contained a wide variety of businesses: a utility office, the Virginia Cafe, The Daisy, an arcade, a clothing store, and a consignment shop.

The Upper Cut is a one operator salon that offers a wide range of service for family hair care needs. Along with hair care service and products, the salon also contains a tanning booth.

In 1989 Dr. Robert H. Vonnahme became the first chiropractor to receive hospital privileges in the State of Iowa, at Manning General Hospital.

On May 10, 1990 Dr. Vonnahme ended his association with Dr. Blankenbaker and Dr. Kraus. Full-time office hours at 714 3rd Street in Manning are 9-5 Monday through Friday, with Thursday afternoon's closed.

Dr. Vonnahme is a member of the Iowa Chiropractic Society and on the Board of Directors for six years. Dr. Vonnahme has completed three hundred hours of orthopedic study. He also also earned one hundred hours of Sports Orthopedics and is certified.

Presently Dr. Vonnahme has two employees, Beck! Ehlers has been with the Manning office six years. Lois Ramsey joined the offices in Manning, March, 1992.

Warner Welding was opened March 26, 1985, by Mike Warner. Warner graduated from Iowa Western Iowa Tech's welding program in Sioux City. He worked for Manning Equipment and Repair for 6 years before going into business for himself.

The shop was first located next to Rasmussen Lumber, in the front of their warehouse on Highway 141 west. In December, 1990, the former Christensen building was purchased and the business moved across the street.

As the business grew, the new building was soon full of lathes, mills, drill press, hoist, brake, and lots of steel. The shop provides a wide variety of services for area farmers as well as the town citizens. Work can either be done in the shop or on the site with the business' service truck. Repair work can consist of machine work, tool and die work, mechanic work, or welding.

Throughout the years, Warner has also tested yearly and maintained a state certification for Natural Gas Line Welding. Since his college graduation in 1981, he has been the cities of Manning and Manilla Municipal Gas Department's certified welder. This position is done on a 24 hour on-call basis.

The past 7 years have brought lots of growth and change to the business. As of October, 1992, Mike works along side 2 fulltime and 3 part-time employees. Jon! (his wife) is and always has been his fulltime bookkeeper.

Warner Welding hopes to continue as a vital part of Manning's future. They contribute their stability to their loyal customers and the support of their families.

When our two daughters were born, we paid the doctor bills of $125 over a period of years at the rate of $25 per month.

Elsie Wilhelm

Over the past 11 years the West Central Iowa Rural Water Association has grown by increasing its customer base by approximately 25% and now services over 1,000 area farms and unincorporated communities with a total of 600 miles of pipeline.

During the 1981 year, the North Audubon Subsystem was constructed which covers territory north and east of the town of Audubon. An additional 75,000 gallon water tower located north of Gray was constructed for this area. Many large livestock producers benefited from this extension, as well as the unincorporated community of Ross.

The towns of Westside and Halbur have also joined West Central during the past 10 years, as well as many other short rural line extensions.

The water to serve the approximately 1,000 households and 7 towns is supplied by seven wells which are about 60 feet deep. Two treatment plants are of the aeration, filtration, chlorination, and fluoridation design. The fluoridation was also a recent addition to the treatment process. The distribution system includes six towers, two booster stations, and 600 miles of pipeline ranging from 2" to 8" diameter pvc pipe.

To better serve the customers, an alarm system was connected to the Manning Control System to give customers 24 hour service. An additional 107,000 gallon treated water storage tank was constructed at the Manning Nishnabotna treatment plant.

The present board members include Raymond Ehlers of Manning, who has served as President since the inception of West Central; Ronald Frahm of Manning, Vice President; Ray Wlllhoite of Wall Lake; Lynn Phillips and Wesley Nulle of Manning, Ted Bauer of Audubon, Kenneth Bromert of Carroll, Allan Sander of Arcadia, and Tim Steinkamp of Wall Lake.

Employees include Dean Lorenzen, Manager; Bob Mohr, Boyer plant operator; Keith Misselhorn, Nishnabotna plant operation; Jean Hargens as office coordinator and Maureen Halbur as secretary.

The 1955 Manning basketball team would have been among the "sweet sixteen" teams in state finals, but regulations last season allowed only eight teams to compete in Des Moines. Instead, Coach Ray Standerwick's lads played its substate game against Abraham Lincoln of Council Bluffs at the Boys Town (Nebraska) gym. The Bulldogs lost a heart-breaker before a crowd of 4,000 with a final score 76-59.

Starters for the team were Jon Groteluschen, Ronnie Frahm, Burton Sander, George Eschenbacher, and Junior Lake.

Lois and Ronnie Frahm

February 1905 - The Manning Fire Department called Carroll for help! The call went out at 10 a.m. After an hour delay caused by having to wait for the Northwestern to steam up an engine, the Carroll firemen loaded their apparatus on the flat car and arrived in Manning about 12 o'clock to assist in pouring a stream of water on the ruins of the Moershell and Gilbert Store. The temperature was 12 below. After it was over they were dined at the Bucheit & Rice Restaurant.