By Scott Mims

Editor’s note: We sat down with Thorsby Mayor Dearl Hilyer and asked him 10 questions about his role in the community. Following is each question that was presented and what he had to say:

Q: How long has your family lived in Thorsby?

A: I have lived in the town of Thorsby 18 of the last 20 years. I was raised in the Pates Chapel community prior to moving to Thorsby and moved to Pensacola, Fla. in 2003-05. My wife is Nicole (Parrish) Hilyer, daughters Ashlin, 17, and Anna Grace, 10, who attend Thorsby High School. I also lost a son, Aaron Hilyer, three years ago in a car accident.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: When I am part of a decision that has a positive impact on the town or a citizen. I also enjoy learning the history of Thorsby from citizens who were a part of it. 

Q: What is the most difficult part, and why?

A: Saying no. Everyone’s problem is what’s most important to them, and there are a lot of times that by rule or being fair and consistent you cannot help them and must say no.

Q: In what capacities have you served the town, and for how long?

A: Mayor nine months, park and recreation board five years.

Q: What seems to be the biggest point of concern among the people of Thorsby? How is the town addressing it?

A: Speeding, dogs, unsightly yards, and lack of business. We are spending time patrolling in target areas of complaints of speeding. We created a joint effort with the city of Jemison for a qualified animal control specialist. We enforce the town ordinance for people who refuse to keep their yards up. We are collecting data for potential businesses to review and consider the town of Thorsby for growth. 

Q: What kind of work did you do prior to becoming mayor?

A: I was Environmental Health and Safety Complex Manager for International Paper. I have been involved with facilities in Thorsby, Opelika, Maplesville, Citronelle and McDavid, Fla.

Q: Why did you run for mayor?

A: I wanted to get involved and felt like I had some things to offer. I started attending the council meetings and planned on running for Town Council and from some positive encouragement from my wife we decided to run for mayor. 

Q: What is your favorite hobby?

A: I enjoy coaching kids, car shows with my ’72 Chevy pickup, Alabama football and serving in my church. 

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Barbecue chicken, baked beans, corn on the cob, cherry crème pie. 

Q: Were you named after anyone, or is Dearl an original name in your family?

A: My father’s name is Charles Dearl Hilyer. His mother was running out of names with “Earl” in it and created Dearl so they could all rhyme. His brothers are Thomas Earl, Ray Gearld, and sister Barbra Meryl.

Several projects are on tap for the Town of Thorsby, including a possible 300,000-gallon water tank.

Mayor Dearl Hilyer says the town has reached capacity with its one water tank and may need a second, possibly in the south end of town, in order to serve a growing number of customers.

“We’re at capacity on our water tank right now,” Hilyer said. “We are required to have at least 24 hours worth of water in storage at all times.”

There are at least two reasons why the south end of town would be prime territory for a new tank. First, it could serve the Georgia-Pacific plant, the town’s biggest water customer aside from the city of Jemison.

Second, land for a future Thorsby elementary school has been set aside in that area of town, along Alabama Avenue (County Road 37).

Town leaders also wish to attract retail businesses, such as a department store or pharmacy. Hilyer said the town is currently collecting data to send to prospective businesses, such as Dollar General and Fred’s.

The data includes traffic counts along Highway 31, population estimates, rooftops in and near the town, and land availability.

“Land availability is a big thing,” Hilyer said. “I don’t have all the answers to these yet, but I’m working on them.”

He added that the town wants to find businesses that will complement, rather than hurt, the existing small businesses in Thorsby.

Among other items are repairs and upkeep to the town’s sewer system and the effort to preserve historical landmarks, such as the old Thorsby Elementary School.

Families looking for some Friday night fun this summer in Thorsby were in luck.

The town’s “Movies in the Park” series provided clean, inexpensive, family fun and proved to be a big hit.

For several weeks this summer, films like “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” and “Race to Witch Mountain” were shown at Richard Wood Park.

Hilyer estimated more than 200 people showed up for each of the first two movies in the park and that more than 150 people were present for the third one.

Mayor Dearl Hilyer said the program’s goal “was to try to offer something for citizens, mainly the kids in the area, that wouldn’t cost them anything.”

“Movies in the Park” did just that and was such a rousing success that the town council is already thinking about including some money for the program in next year’s budget.

Currently, the town borrows audio equipment for the events, and a screen that sits higher off the ground would be preferred. Hilyer said such a screen could be purchased for about $1,000.

We hope the town will be able to do that, especially since everyone had only good things to say about the program.