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Show ...... , w ! m - ' ir- f . ; . " .' " 'i .tirwA Norton's blackout strange experience someone out there knew our plight. Rory is the Produce Manager at Nortons. More flashlights, more calculators. Nancy Hansen carefully added my purchases in this awkward fashion. This unexpected circumstance didn't alter her composure or attitude in the least, still a helpful, friendly employee. I was impressed. She informed me that it was 9:17. I concluded we had been in the dark about 17 minutes. Now I know how it feels to be lost in a dark grocery store on a rainy March night. Weird. If it ever happens to you I hope it is in a store that is as concerned about their customers as Norton's were. By GWEN PETERSON Once inside Norton's Grocery Store I felt safe and warm from the storm outside. That secure moment lasted just that long as we were all suddenly plunged into total darkness. The usually bright, attractive shelves and displays turned into eerie structures. The blackout occurred in a small area of Pleasant Grove, due to the wind and rain, and lasted for a couple of hours, last Thursday, March 15. Store employees- quickly found flashlights, and the lost customers in the store. One employee in the midst of counting change hesitated in the sudden darkness, then brightened with, "I'll just pretend I'm blind." . . "My lights were flickering at home, Kathy Bair told me. "Bring up a quart of milk," one customer called to an employee going in that direction with a flashlight. . All the "found" customers stood ..silently in check-out lines as employees rushed about. I caught the word "Police," as the front door, was locked. A customer held a flashlight while the checker bent over a calculator, counting up her bill. A bright light appeared at the front door and aimed a steady beam until the door was opened. It was comforting to see Rory Ward coming to our aid at least |