Create an outdoor patio design fit for a magazine cover

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 31 August 2010 16:43

While the nice weather lasts, there’s nothing better than expanding your living space to the great outdoors. Luckily, it’s easy and affordable to create a comfortable and chic outdoor room that’s perfectly put together. Use these quick tips and inspiring ideas to transform your deck, porch or patio into one you’ll be proud to show off.

Planning perfection

Simply putting furniture on a deck or patio doesn’t create an inviting outdoor living area. Instead, be sure to look at the bigger picture. Start by viewing your patio as an extension of your home. As you would an interior room, be sure to incorporate a theme and color scheme into your new design.

Whether you have a lot ... or only a little room on your patio, arrange the...

Read more: Create an outdoor patio design fit for a magazine cover

Rejuvenate lawn from heavy summer wear and tear

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 31 August 2010 16:43

As summer winds down, heat and drought may have left your grass a little tired. Soccer, picnics and chasing fireflies have likely taken a toll. Luckily, because of cooler temperatures and an increase in precipitation, fall is the best time for lawn rescue.

To many homeowners, early fall yard work may seem overwhelming, but a few 15 minute projects are all it takes to revive the grass you enjoyed this summer. With these simple tips, you can ensure an inviting gathering space for next year.

• Lush green grass doesn’t just feel good between the toes, it also helps crowd out undesirables. Bare and thin spots provide an opportunity for weeds to get a foot-hold on your lawn, but repairing these troubled areas is quick and easy.

To fill...

Read more: Rejuvenate lawn from heavy summer wear and tear

Quandry grows regarding future of former AMPI facility

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 24 August 2010 16:26

The former AMPI building as it appears currently. The area to the foreground (left corner) of the building houses the Hillsboro Police Department and an office for the Kansas Highway Patrol. The Hillsboro City Council likely set at least a portion of the city-owned AMPI building on a path to demolition when it decided at its Aug. 17 meeting that it is too costly to repair sections of the roof that are now leaking.

At the council’s July 20 meeting, City Administrator Larry Paine had presented an estimate of just under $50,000 from Wray Roofing of Newton to repair two sections of the roof in the middle of the expansive facility.

At the request of the council, Paine secured a second estimate from Larry Boozer Roofing of Wichita and presented it Aug. 17: about $97,000.

Even with the lower estimate from Wray Roofing, Paine had projected the payback period for the city to be 8.25 years.

“I’m still not excited about...

Read more: Quandry grows regarding future of former AMPI facility

Time marches on for AMPI building

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 24 August 2010 16:25

The fire on April 25, 2007, proved to be a turning point in the potential for the former dairy processing facility. Following is a timeline of key events in the city’s involvement with the former AMPI property.

1997 – Associated Milk Producers Inc. merges with three other milk processors in the region to form Dairy Farmers of America.

Aug. 5, 1998 – DFA announces it will close its processing plant in Hillsboro, affecting around 75 local jobs.

November 1998 ­– Ice cream production shuts down at the plant, officially ending a local dairy-processing tradition that began in 1930 as Tip Top Creamery.

July 2002 – City announces its intention to buy the DFA property, including 30 acres of annexed land and buildings totaling around 100,000 square feet.

October 2002 ­– Contract established to purchase property for $75,000.

November 2002...

Read more: Time marches on for AMPI building