Storage tank removal opens property for development

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 27 April 2010 18:07

The excavator from Stone Sand digs deep to excavate contaminated dirt from the hole that once held four large gasoline storage tanks and one smaller one. In the background is the historic filling station building at right, and in the left corner is the service garage that was razed. Out with the old—now—and in with the new—someday. That’s the upshot of the week-long project at the corner of South Main and A streets last week in Hills­boro.

Five underground tanks were removed near the old filling station, and an adjacent detached service garage was razed last week by Stone Sand Co. of Great Bend.

Stone Sand was sub-contracted for the job by GeoCore Inc., a Salina-based company that provides drilling and environmental services throughout the central states region.

GeoCore, in turn, was hired by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to excavate the tanks as part of its ongoing effort to remove abandoned underground fuel-storage tanks around the state.

Most of the old tanks, including these in...

Read more: Storage tank removal opens property for development

Hillsboro Senior Center president steps down after 10 years

Written by Patty Decker Tuesday, 13 April 2010 18:52

“It has been satisfying as a board member to see and know all the volunteer help that was given (at the center),” says Kermit Ratzlaff. After more than a decade of service to the Hillsboro Senior Center, Kermit Ratzlaff, president of the board, retired in early January.

Replacing him as president was Ray Matz with Charles Rempel serving as vice-president.

To honor his contributions to the center, a celebration is planned from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 19, at the center, 212 N. Main St.

In addition to the many challenges over the years, a lot of positive things have occurred as well, Ratzlaff said.

One of the most important aspects of any non-profit organization is the volunteers.

“It has been satisfying as a board member to see and know all the volunteer help that was given (at the center),” he said. “We also have a good director and a good composition...

Read more: Hillsboro Senior Center president steps down after 10 years

HEALTHY GEEZER:Changing your habits can reduce heartburn issues in later years

Written by Fred Cicetti Tuesday, 13 April 2010 18:51

QI’m getting heartburn a lot since I turned 60. Is more heartburn something that comes with more years?

 

AMore than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and more than 15 million Americans experience heartburn daily. Heartburn is more common among the elderly.

Heartburn two or more times weekly may be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. See a doctor if you have heartburn too often. The doctor can test for GERD.

In the upper GI series, you swallow a liquid barium mixture. Then a radiologist watches the barium as it travels down your esophagus and into the stomach.

Another test is an endoscopy, in which a small lighted flexible tube is inserted into the esophagus and stomach.

GERD makes...

Read more: HEALTHY GEEZER:Changing your habits can reduce heartburn issues in later years

Knee pain doesn’t have to slow you down this spring

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 13 April 2010 18:49

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a condition that causes “wear and tear” to your joint cartilage. With the arrival of spring, millions of Americans are looking forward to getting outdoors—from the garden to the golf course.

But for many, the forecast isn’t always sunny as chronic knee pain limits the mobility and quality of life for the 27 million sufferers of osteoarthritis.

Arthritis affects people of all ages. Fifty percent of people 65 years and older have arthritis. Younger people have a lower risk, yet still make up half of all people affected.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a condition that causes “wear and tear” to your joint cartilage. Joints are the critical parts of the body that allow us to be active.

Osteoarthritis develops after years of constant motion and pressure in the joints. As...

Read more: Knee pain doesn’t have to slow you down this spring