Out of nearly 1,600 applications from non-profit organizations and government entities across the country, Manning has been selected to receive one of the 129 AARP Community Challenge grants. Now in its second year, the program will distribute a total of $1.3 million to quick-action projects that help communities make improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages. Main Street Manning will receive $5,000 to be used toward the purchase of custom-made decorative post lights along Main Street. The artistic lighting has been designed by the Iowa State University College of Design and will feature renditions of Manning’s skyline from their logo: the German Hausbarn, Trinity Church, the Trestle Bridge and the historic water tower. This money will be combined with an earlier $5,000 grant from the Manning Masonic Lodge. The lights will be installed by the end of this year.