Preparation makes cold-weather workouts a good idea

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 07 December 2010 15:42

The first mile or is usually the worst during a run, particularly if you choose to head into a brisk north wind. Proper preparation and a good dose of fortitude is really all any avid runner or walker needs to continue an exercise and conditioning regime during the cold winter months, according to health and fitness experts.

Melissa Batterton, a physician’s assistant at Via Christi Family Practice Clinic in Hillsboro, and a committed runner says there’s little to be concerned, health-wise, about exercising in below-freezing temperatures.

“Even when it’s cold, you can bundle up and get out and exercise,” she said. “Fresh air is good for you, and getting outside is good for you, too—as long as it’s not too terribly cold.”

Batterton does caution certain groups of people about physical exertion in “really cold” weather...

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Carquest moves into larger building

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 07 December 2010 15:42

Bob Williamson, store manager for Carquest Auto Parts of Hillsboro, takes a brief break Monday from moving inventory into the new store in Hillsboro Heights, pictured behind him. Fellow employees and team from Carquest company were working hard to make the transition from the store on North Ash Street. The new building will give the business almost twice as much usable floor space. More room for more inventory is what store manager Bob William­son is anticipating when Carquest of Hillsboro completes its move this week into a new store in Hills­boro Heights.

“We’ve been needing more room for quite some time,” said Williamson, who is in his eighth year as store manager. “Car parts is an immediate kind of business. If we don’t happen to have it (in stock), the customer gets in his car and drives 23 miles to get it.

“We’re looking forward to better-serving our customers.”

The new building will have almost double the square footage of the old store at 607 N. Ash, according to Mike Kleiber, owner.

“We are carrying a lot more inventory on parts now,” Kleiber said. “Our sales have increased...

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Preparation can reduce winter grief

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 07 December 2010 15:41

Taking a few simple precautions, now, can increase your motoring safety this winter season.

Gates Corp., the auto aftermarket’s leading supplier of belts and hoses, offers the following checklist for you and your service technician on how to winterize your car.

• Battery. Icy-cold temperatures can reduce a vehicle’s battery power by up to 50 percent. If the battery is barely turning the engine over now, it is likely to fail during winter. If your vehicle battery is older than three years, have it tested. Also make sure the posts and connections are free of corrosion.

• Oil. Dirty oil makes it harder for the engine to turn over, especially in cold weather, resulting in premature engine wear. Check your owner’s manual for the...

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Martin horse takes first at state fair

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 09 November 2010 15:48

Cara Martin of Marion, daughter of Melissa and Matt Zieammermann, showed her registered miniature horse, Mighty Mick (Micky), taking first-place honors in the 4-year-and-older non-stock division at the Kansas State Fair. This placed Martin in competition with all champion geldings in the show resulting in a reserve grand champion win over the other geldings at the show.

Marion County Home Care ranked in top 500 agencies

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 09 November 2010 15:47

Marion County Home Care has been named one of the Top 500 home-health agencies in the nation, according to the 2010 HomeCare Elite.

Home­Care Elite, in its fifth year, identifies the top 25 percent of home-health agencies in the United States and further highlights the top 100 and top 500 agencies overall.

Winners are ranked by an analysis of performance measure in quality outcomes, quality improvement and financial performance.

“The 2010 HomeCare Elite winners continue to demonstrate a commitment to providing their patients with the best possible care while performing at the highest level,” said Amanda Twiss, chief execuctive officer of OCS HomeCare.

“We congratulate Marion County Home Care on being one of the top home-care...

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