The present and future of Wood Lake lies in the hands of a local board consisting of five members, one being the board chairperson.  Board members must live in the village and attend all of the meeting.  If a board member misses several meeting they are removed from the board as an administrative matter.  The primary reason for electing a board member from the board is that this individual does not need to run in the primary and main election and can serve for as long as they are wanted in that position.

    It is believed that the Wood Lake board is at a “turning” point for the future of Wood Lake.  Most of the residence are seventy years and older.  Now, it seems appropriate to draft some ideas about creating a “retirement village” so that Wood Lake remains a viable growth village in Nebraska.  For the past many years, the village board has only raised the budget by the Nebraska minimum amount allowed by law.  This amount does not allow for positive enhancements to entice or encourage outsiders to move to Wood Lake making this their home.

   Many ideas and suggestions through dialogue and sharing of thoughts can be debated by all for the future of this small community.  Ten years ago, Wood Lake’s population moved to about 72 residences. Now, the figure has dropped considerably to around fifty plus people.  Wood Lake does not have medical, dentist or groceries available.  The closest towns are Ainsworth and Valentine, Nebraska and this distance is around 24 miles to either city.  If ambulance serves is needed in Wood Lake, it takes about twenty to twenty-five minutes for either Valentine or Ainsworth to respond. 

   Now, more then ever, if Wood Lake is to survive the “drying” up equation, ideas must be generated to change the direction of a village soon to be the size of “Sparks” Nebraska.  Wood Lake does have a modern “fire” department.  This unit serves many square miles and currently provides sufficient members to handle most hazards.  A person can belong to this unit and can serve in most capacities until they reach 65 years of age and due to insurance requirements cannot serve in most needed areas.

Currently, this department serves the community with seven fire vehicles.  The cost to operate and maintain these vehicles can be a major factor.  Several years ago, a newer fire truck was added to there fleet of vehicles.

   For many years Wood Lake only means for security is limited to the assistance from the Valentine Sherriff’s department the State Highway Patrol.  Wood Lake does not pay for the Cherry County Sheriffs use, so assistance can be slow or not at all for the Village of Wood Lake.  Therefore, local ordnances often cannot be enforced due to this ‘non-existence arrangement. 

   It seems obvious Wood Lake can be a future “retirement Village” with some thought, ideas and positive generated rules and ordnances.  The ideas indicated below are few, yet could be considered a positive “stepping” stone in a positive growth village that is in need of new ideas.  Last, this web site is asking for your ideas and comments.  Your views are encouraged and they can be sent to the address at the bottom of the first page of this web site. 

Consideration could be given for:

a.       Street Signs and assigned home addresses.

b.      Appointing a security person to enforce the ordnances.

c.       Provide a monthly fee to the Cherry County Sheriffs department for on-going needs and help when required.

d.      Review and establish a need for cleanup of property ordnances.

e.       Provide needed maintenance for the Village Board City Office.

f.        Provide the Village clerk a computer to assist in the daily required work.

g.       Appoint a committee to look at the potential of up-grading the lake on the West

side of Wood Lake to be used for future sport fishing.

   This question must be asked, “Will Wood Lake become a “ghost” town in the future or will the Village Board take a look at new opportunities for changes?  Time will tell!