By Doug Barber and Jerry Shottenkirk
Independent Staff Writers
Originally Published Wednesday, June 4, 1980

While several citizens in Grand Island were cleaning up from Tuesday evening's tornadoes, others were just looking for supplies.

Since power is out throughout the city, the vast majority of stores in the community are closed. Even the stores that remained open Wednesday morning, sold only vital items such as batteries, liquids, some bakery goods and emergency drugs.

Skagway is one of the larger supermarkets in the city to have remained open, although several items could not be sold due to spoiling.

"We have trucks right now taking the perishable things away," said Lou Kober, general manager of Skagway. "Basically what we're waiting for is power."

"We do have emergency drug service for people who need prescriptions filled," Kober added. "We hope to keep that open as long as we can."

Safeway on West Second Street was also selling vital supplies as was Ace Hardware. According to a Safeway cashier, distilled water, milk and rolls were to most needed items by customers.

Safeway opened at 8 a.m., but the cashier did not know exactly how long the store would remain open.

K-Mart on South Locust is open, but for emergency use only. According the Civil Defense officials, it was being used as a temporary morgue Wednesday morning.

All the fast food restaurants were closed Wednesday.

The Holiday discount store on West Second was also selling batteries and food early Wednesday, but officials said they did not expect to operate very long, due to the power outage.

Gasoline was not available to the city, but a number of surrounding places were open.

Bosselman's Truck Plaza and Freeman's Conic, both located at Interstate 80 and Highway 281 junction were not affected by the tornadoes and were open for motorists needing gas.

"We have standby power and I guess we're one of the only places open around here," said Chuck Bosselman. "Our Alda sore is open, and there are stations in the surrounding towns open."

Bosselman also said that all the Pump & Pantry stores, except the one located at the Ramada Inn, were open, but they didn't have gas or refrigerated items.

Both Frontier Airlines and Air Wisconsin were flying as usual Wednesday, although the first two Frontier flights originated in Lincoln rather than Grand Island, agents said.

Air Nebraska's plans were undetermined at mid-morning.

Water is available from many private individuals throughout the city. Grand Island city officials are asking individuals not to use the city water supply.

Water can be obtained at:

-Bee-Line Motor Freight, 1706 E. Fourth

-Boltz's Market, 508 East Sixth

-Kmart, 1607 S. Locust

-Barbara Bosak, 326 N. Grace

-Al Sinsley,2725 O'Flanagan

-Stanley Peterson, 940 North Road

-Don Kiser, 1617 Engleman Road.