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

SPRING HOME?IMPROVEMENT?FOCUS:Cut costs by taking on home-improvement projects

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 23 March 2010 18:50

Once spring arrives and the daffodils begin to bloom, your old front door may look pretty drab. Still, many consumers may avoid home improvement projects because of a reluctance to spend money in a questionable economy.

As many as one-third to one-half of consumers expect to stick with money-saving strategies even after the recession ends, according to Retail Forward, a retail consulting firm. However, this could be the season when homeowners can have it all.

“Today, homeowners are still focused on getting the most for their money,” said Kathy Krafka Harkema, Pella Windows & Doors spokesperson. “Home improvement projects can add to the look and comfort of your home, and help reduce monthly utility bills to help make the most...

Read more: SPRING HOME?IMPROVEMENT?FOCUS:Cut costs by taking on home-improvement projects

Outdoor improvements can help a home sell faster

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 23 March 2010 18:47

Many would-be home sellers are concerned about reduced housing prices, and those who are highly motivated are pulling out all the stops to make their homes more appealing than the competition.

If you’re preparing to sell this spring but aren’t in a position to invest in ambitious renovations, such as a kitchen remodel or new hardwood floors, the best advice is to look to the “bonus” spaces in and around your home and maximize their appeal.

Decks, patios, sunrooms and porches have always been popular with home buyers, but real estate agents say that too often those spaces are neglected or not used to their best advantage.

“Anything that adds living space adds value, and the least expensive way to gain space is to build a...

Read more: Outdoor improvements can help a home sell faster

Work begins on city’s new business park along U.S. 56

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 23 February 2010 19:57

Hillsboro city crews were busy last week rehabilitating the former AMPI lagoons as part of dirt work required to prepare Hillsboro Business Park for future tenants. Midway Motors will build its new facility in the 21-acre development. "You don’t have any dirt for sale along the highway.”

That comment more than two years ago from a site developer working for a business interested in locating in Hillsboro is the initial spark that has ignited the city’s newest economic-development venture, according to city leaders.

Hillsboro Business Park, the 21-acre city-owned property on the southeast corner of Ash Street and U.S. Highway 56, began taking shape within the past week or two with the start of initial dirt work.

The site developer was referring to the availability of developed lots along U.S. 56, which would give a business prime exposure to the largest number of people.

“That’s kind of when we got things started about this,” Dalke said of the proposed...

Read more: Work begins on city’s new business park along U.S. 56