You Ask... Patch Answers

Does Town Have Surplus Salt From Last Year?

In our latest You Ask...Patch Answers, we look at whether last year's mild winter will pay off this year.

Last year was a mild winter, but will Wilmington reap the benefits this year? Reader Kevin MacDonald asked that question in this week's version of How Wilmington Spent Your Money. "Is there a surplus of salt from from last year?" asked MacDonald in the comments section. Town Manager Jeff Hull provided the answer to that question, and it's good news for the town. "The supply of road salt was not fully depleted from last season due to the good graces of Mother Nature," said Hull. "As a result the town did not need to fully resupply the salt shed." Hull said that while the town did have to purchase some road salt, the amount was much smaller than in previous years. "After the close of the winter season last year, the Department of Public …

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Snow Shoveling Without the Pain

Helpful tips on how to shovel without breaking your back.

With snow removal season almost upon us, it's important to remember that back injuries resulting from shoveling can be avoided. Dr. Leslie Quick of Quick Chiropractic and Associates offered some helpful advice for those who take on this household chore. It is essential to warm up before you begin to shovel, she said, especially if you haven't exercised in a while. Walking and stretching for five to 10 minutes warms up unconditioned muscles and reduces the risk of back injury. "Don't use your back to lift snow, because whenever you do that you put a lot more pressure on your back muscles and spine," she said. Keep your knees bent while shoveling and use your legs to do the lifting. Try not to lift too much weight at once, especially if the …

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