Small town hospitality supports stranded travelers
The blizzard that resulted in closed roads an highways also stranded motorists as drivers faced roadblocks. The stranded motorists also experienced the heart of small towns.
By News Channel NebraskaPANHANDLE -- The snowstorm that almost missed Sidney closed roads mid-day December 26, resulting in numerous travelers and commuters stranded.
Communities including North Platte and Ogallala reported being overwhelmed with the number of people needing rooms for the night.
Keith County Emergency Management commended the businesses and volunteers who helped accommodate the stranded families. Families opened their homes to travelers in need, schools were opened, restaurants opened to feed the unexpected guests.
In Chappell, stranded travelers were offered housing at the firehall. Deuel County Sheriff's deputies transported many people from stranded vehicles to the safety of the firehall.
Leslie Snell said Chappell doesn't have a 24-hour shelter for travelers, and offered a solution.
At 7:12 a.m. today, Cheyenne County Sheriff Adam Frerichs announced Interstate 80 was open both directions from Wyoming to North Platte. Work is still underway on U.S. Highway 30.