Roy McCoy roy@robconews.com Robertson County News HEARNE — A longtime vacant building on 4th Street was demolished this past week, ending the presence of a structure that had stood empty for years. The demolition had been planned by the building’s owner but was delayed due to the building’s age, concerns over possible asbestos, and its close proximity to the LVHC Thrift Store next door. The block has seen recent challenges. A neighboring building collapsed on May 28 of last year, leaving part of the area unsafe and requiring cleanup. After that collapse was cleared, a new food truck moved into the empty lot and has been serving the community for about a month, providing a convenient dining option for residents just beside the cleared space. Doughboy’s Pizzeria, which had previously operated in the area where the first building collapsed, plans to return to its original location once cleanup from the demolition is finished. City officials and residents say the demolition improves safety and clears the way for potential future development. While no specific plans for the cleared lot have been announced, the removal of the old building marks a step forward in revitalizing this section of downtown Hearne.