By Justin Averette

A train collided with a flatbed truck Tuesday afternoon in Thorsby.

The accident happened at approximately 2 p.m. at the intersection of U.S. 31 and Chilton County 623 near Georgia Pacific.

No one was injured in the accident. Thorsby Police Chief Rodney Barnett said the train’s conductor and engineer said the driver never stopped.

“They have to stop, look and listen,” said Barnett. “Nobody’s injured, and that’s a good thing.”

The truck was traveling north toward U.S. 31 when the train hit it. The truck’s bed was knocked off the track and turned nearly 90 degrees.

CSX officials were on the scene of the accident. The truck was marked as belonging to Maverick Transportation LLC.

By Scott Mims

A local company’s generosity will help Thorsby Fire Department update an important piece of lifesaving equipment.

Georgia-Pacific’s Thorsby facility donated $1,500 to the fire department Friday for the purchase of a new cardiac defibrillator.

“With between 200 and 300 employees, we do have incidents when we need emergency help,” said Georgia-Pacific Safety Manager Justin Hayes. “These guys are always willing to help, and we appreciate the help they provide to not only us but also the entire community.”

Thorsby Fire Chief Lee Gunn said the new defibrillator will replace a similar piece of equipment that is about 13 years old.

A cardiac defibrillator is a machine that monitors heart rhythm and administers a controlled electric shock in the case of cardiac arrest. The shock is intended to restore the heartbeat to a normal rhythm.

“We’re obviously in a big budget crunch,” Gunn said. “So, donations like this truly help our department to get vehicles and other needed equipment.”

The donation check was presented to Gunn and other representatives of the department at the company’s facility Friday.

“We just really appreciate this donation,” Gunn said.

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.