After being open for one year, the 2nd Street Family Market, 1710 W. 2nd St., will close within the next week, said the grocery store's primary owner, Filemon Sanchez.

The store, which filled the space vacated by a Bag 'N Save, was billed as Grand Island's first "blended grocery store," offering aisles of both traditional and Latino food.

Sanchez said it was the high level of competition in Grand Island's grocery market that likely led to the store's closure.

The store's employees have gradually lost their jobs. The store currently has only one employee, who may go to work for Sanchez's other grocery and restaurant business, Sanchez Plaza.

The 2nd Street Family Market will remain open this week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sanchez said.

YWCA has reached $35,000 of $55,000 fundraising campaign

The Grand Island YWCA has raised $35,000 of the $55,000 it hopes to receive during its annual fundraising campaign.

Money raised during the campaign, which began Nov. 1 and lasts until March 15, will go toward the organization's operating fund and programs, said Jennifer Larson, YWCA executive director.

Mark Stelk, owner of General Collection in Grand Island, has offered to give the YWCA a $5,000 match gift if the organization hits its $55,000 goal, which will increase the total amount raised to $60,000.

"The money will be put back into our programs to provide services to the community, women and children," Larson said.

Those interested in donating are encouraged to call the YWCA at 384-9922.

Central Plains Chapter Bloodmobile results

Eighty-five persons were present to donate blood at the Red Cross Bloodmobile the week of Feb. 4.

Willie Schmidt, Jon Hodson, James Marton, Ken Simpson, and Emily Zimmerman were first time donors.

Stanley Johnson reached the one-gallon level. John Anderson and Peggy Klein reached the 13-gallon level. LeRoy Bilslend reached the 24-gallon level.

The Central Plains Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold a bloodmobile Monday through Friday at 404 E. Third St. Call 382-3790 to schedule an appointment.

Bickford Cottage hosting Alzheimer's education seminar

Bickford Cottage Assisted Living is hosting a free informative and educational seminar on Alzheimer's Disease from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Feb. 23 at Bickford Cottage.

General information will be provided along with the following topics: signs and symptoms, stages and the advanced disease, social stigma, and behavioral changes.

This seminar will be conducted by Diana Wing, Registered Nurse and Coordinator of the Parish Nurse Program at Saint Francis Medical Center.

Space is limited, call 380-8764 to reserve a space. Bickford Cottage Assisted Living is located at 3285 Woodridge Blvd.

* hastings

CCC to dedicate new Harlan Transportation Building

The public is invited to attend an open house and dedication ceremony on Thursday for the new Harlan Transportation Building at Central Community College-Hastings.

The 11,000-square-foot building houses the college truck driving program. The $1.4 million structure includes three truck bays, two classrooms, a computer lab and driving simulator lab, an observation tower for the driving range, and offices.

Interested individuals may take tours of the new building at the open house, which will run from 2 to 4 p.m. Refreshments also will be served.

The dedication ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. with a flag presentation by the Knights of Columbus and the singing of the national anthem by the Adams Central High School Madrigals.

Speakers will include Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy; Wayne Sasges, chairman of the Central Community College Board of Governors; College President Dr. LaVern Franzen; and CCC-Hastings President William Hitesman.

The ceremony will conclude with the laying of the cornerstone by the Nebraska Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M., and a ribbon-cutting by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.