By Theadoris Morris | Staff Writer

Two pieces of the Veterans’ Wall at Thorsby’s Richard Wood Park were added Monday.

Some 72 names were inscribed on the first section of the wall.

Ernie Ragsdale, president of the Southern Cruisers Motorcycle Club and leader of the project, and Thorsby Mayor Dearl Hilyer placed the first piece of the wall, including a base and plaque, July 7.

To donate or have a local veteran’s name included on the wall, contact Ragsdale at 646-0338 (home) or 688-0467 (cell).

By Theadoris Morris | Staff Writer

The town of Thorsby received three new welcome signs from a Gateway project grant from the Alabama Power Foundation.

The $1,936 grant was awarded in November 2010, and the signs were installed Tuesday, July 12.

“Our new welcome signs have been installed and look good,” said Thorsby Mayor Dearl Hilyer. “The grant was a zero match for the town.”

The new signs are located on Jones Street off Highway 31, County Road 50 and County Road 37.

By Theadoris Morris|Staff Writer

Jay LeCroy, physics instructor at Isabella High School, is looking to expand the Mustang Engineering program to a county-wide engineering team as presented at the Thorsby Town Council meeting.

“The organization’s mission statement is to inspire and train students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math,” said LeCroy.

The students involved would become a company and compete in the robotics engineering competition at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

This year the Isabella students placed sixth out of 45 teams at the UAB competition and placed 36 out of 60 at the competition at Auburn University; placing above some of the top schools, LeCroy said.

There are numerous benefits for the students and the county including scholarships through the program; but like anything finances play a major role.

LeCroy is looking to get an all-star team together and go to compete to create a name for the county, but with everything finances play a major role.

In other business, the council voted unanimously to change the amount of the smoking fine from a range of $1-$100 to a flat rate of $50. The change was made so officers issuing the fines would not have to determine a level or degree; it would be just one flat rate.

The council also unanimously voted to pledge $1,000 to the Chilton County Transit Authority. Other towns and cities have agreed to the pledge as well.

“The total amount the authority collects, the state will match that amount,” said Mayor Dearl Hilyer. “It is only a pledge, and it will go in our 2012 budget.”

Council member Willis Britt made a motion to pledge $1,000 to the Chilton County Transit Authority, and Council member Marvin Crumpton seconded it. The council members voted unanimously.

Also, sponsors have paid for Thorsby’s Movies in the Park for the entire summer. Each movie is $300 a piece.

By Theadoris Morris

Following Thorsby’s annual Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 4, the Parent Initiative Team is hosting a fundraiser at Thorsby High School to raise money for new auditorium curtains.

A Christmas supper will be held in Thorsby’s lunchroom from 5–7:30 p.m.

Meal tickets are $5 and are being presold for adults and children.

“This is our first time doing this, but we hope to make it an annual event,” said Pam Price. “We hope it goes well because we have some good prizes.”

A child’s meal ticket includes one hotdog, chips, cookie and drink as well as a Christmas craft for the child to take home that night. The children’s meal and craft activity will take place in the Hunt Memorial Gym.

An adult ticket includes one bowl of soup, cornbread and dessert. Those who dine in at the school will be provided a drink.

In addition to the meal, a silent auction will be hosted by radio personality “Dollar Bill” Lawson from 6–8 p.m. in the Thorsby lunchroom.

Bingo cards will be sold at $1 per game, and door prizes will be given away throughout the night.

“The town hall is donating a big gift, and we have lots of gift cards for food places and gas cards,” said Price. “Each teacher at the school is coming up with a basket to give away.

“I’ve heard that teachers are putting together movie, music and candle baskets; I heard one teacher is even putting dollar bills on a wreath to give away.”

THORSBY — The Thorsby Rebels picked up their sixth win of the season Friday night by smashing Central-Hayneville 56-8.

Bo Hoffman was first to cross the goal line with a 15-yard run. Then, Andrew Farris made it look easy with a 40-yard touchdown run and a short pass to Nathan Oldroyd for 6 more points.

Trent McClain recovered a fumble and ran back more than 30-yards to make the score 28-0 by the end of the first.

In the second quarter, it was Oldroyd’s turn to pass the ball, and he connected with B.B. Evans for a 25-yard touchdown play.

A 20-yard run by Hoffman to the 1-yard line allowed Dustin Wilson to power his way into the end zone for another touchdown.

With 1:47 remaining in the half, Central-Hayneville’s pass-heavy offense came through with a 60-yard reception by Matthew Dillon. Then Ashton Ward tacked on a 2-point conversion for the Lions.

Central came close to scoring again before halftime, but despite a pass interference call against the Rebels, Thorsby stood their ground.

The Rebels led 41-8 at halftime, and the third and fourth quarters were shortened to 6 minutes each.

Touchdowns in the third quarter came courtesy of Farris, who connected with Marcus Bray for 39 yards, and Hoffman with a 4-yard dash across the goal line. After Farris and Bray’s touchdown, C.J. Melendy caught a 2-point conversion pass.

Later, Jacob Hamilton intercepted for Thorsby, but no one else would score.

“We came out and took care of business tonight,” Thorsby coach Billy Jackson said. “We got a bunch of young kids playing experience, which is never bad.”

The Rebels (6-1) face Vincent next week for Thorsby’s homecoming game.

By Scott Mims

A new sign beside Highway 31 welcomes motorists to the town of Thorsby and also bears a reminder of the town’s Scandinavian origins.

The sign, funded by the Thorsby Swedish Fest Committee, was a collaborative effort by several groups and individuals.

Located at the south end of town near Burnett Farms, the sign reads: “Welcome to Thorsby — A Scandinavian Settlement” and has two images of Thorsby’s Coat of Arms, which was designed by Swedes and voted on by town residents during last year’s Swedish Festival.

“I think it’s something that everyone in the town can be proud of,” said committee chairwoman Tracia Bussey. “We feel like it rightly represents what Thorsby’s all about.”

The letters and background are made of a high-density foam material designed for use in signage. The pieces were cut by members of the Cabinet Making and Carpentry Department of LeCroy Career/Technical Center in Clanton, using a CNC (computer numerical controlled) router.

Course instructor Jason Sosa said students designed and illustrated the sign using the computerized tool.

“It’s just a great collaboration with the career/tech center being able to work with a local community to provide a service,” Sosa said.

Thorsby resident Nancy Huett painted the sign, and her husband, Tom Huett, helped hang the sign along with Thorsby Historic Preservation Committee member Glen Littleton.

Town council member Marvin Crumpton oversaw the construction of the rock wall. City workers poured the concrete, and the wall and rock columns were contracted out. Raymond Huffstutler made and fitted the metal brackets.

Two signs were made, and the total cost for both signs and landscaping will come to about $8,000 — to be paid for with proceeds from past Swedish Festivals.

“We have the sign for the other end of town. We just lack a piece of property to put it on,” Bussey said.

Bussey thanked members of the Swedish Fest Committee, the Thorsby Historic Preservation Committee, Mayor Dearl Hilyer and the town council, and anyone else who volunteered their time or support.

An unfortunate incident at a Lowndes County high school on Tuesday has cast doubt on the remaining football schedule, which includes three Chilton County area football teams.

An early morning fire destroyed the Central-Hayneville High School field house, causing the loss of all football equipment and uniforms. The incident came within three days of Central-Hayneville’s Friday night matchup with the Isabella Mustangs in Isabella.

Fortunately, the school has received enough help from around the state that the game is still on, according to Isabella Athletic Director and football coach Scott Booth.

“They’re still going to play, supposedly,” Booth said Wednesday. “I know it’s going to make it tough on them. I know they’re going to be happy just to play this week.”

Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Executive Director Steve Savarese has been coordinating assistance from other schools around the state, Booth said. Anyone in need of more information can reach the AHSAA at 334-263-6994.

“Central-Hayneville…has five regular season games remaining,” read a press release from the association. “The equipment lost includes helmets, shoulder pads, other uniform pads, jerseys, pants, shoes, balls and any other items needed to outfit a team.”

The Central Lions will face Isabella Friday night at 7 p.m. for Isabella’s homecoming. They are scheduled to play Thorsby on Oct. 8 and Billingsley on Oct. 22.
The venue for the Thorsby game has been changed. It was originally going to be played in Lowndes County but has been moved to Thorsby, Thorsby Principal Russ Bryan confirmed.

Meanwhile, Booth wants the Mustangs to stay focused on the game and not get distracted by the homecoming festivities. The Mustangs are currently 0-3 in region play, and this week’s game is a region game.

By Scott Mims

The Jemison Lady Panthers swept the Thorsby Lady Rebels Monday night, 25-12 and 25-8.

Thorsby was first to put points on the board, but Jemison caught up and was soon off to an early lead. The second set was tied 5-5 at one point, but the Lady Panthers never lost their momentum and secured another win.

“Right now, we have some people out of position because we’re hurt,” Jemison coach Leighsa Robinson said. “We’re having to really communicate on the floor and gel well.”

While younger players stepped up for the Panthers, Thorsby senior Kendra Dawson served in place of fellow senior Holly Smith. Dawson’s performance Monday night drew praise from both coaches.

“I thought she did a good job, and the team did a good job getting the ball to their setter,” Robinson said.

The Lady Panthers were 43 for 45 from the service line with Hallie Amos, Haley Smitherman and Morgan Posey all serving 100 percent. Tanya Liveoak was 5 for 6 with 1 ace.

Emily Smithey had 9 digs; Kasie Wells racked up 6 assists, 4 kills and 2 blocks; Denton Ellison made 4 kills; Kortney Robinson had 2 blocks and a kill; and Ashley Evans had 4 digs and 2 kills.

For Thorsby, Dawson was credited with 6 assists and Desiree Evans had 5 digs.

“At times tonight we looked very good,” said Thorsby coach Ginger Williams, adding that consistency is the team’s biggest goal.

Thorsby won their junior varsity match against Jemison, 25-12 and 25-18, and the Thorsby Middle School team won two out of three games, 25-17, 21-25 and 15-12.

By Scott Mims

It will be early October before businesses in Thorsby can start selling alcoholic beverages, town leaders estimate.
The reason is because the state ABC Board is waiting until the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1 before mailing any beer or liquor licenses.
“It looks like it will be around Oct. 5 or 6 (before alcohol will be sold in the town),” Mayor Dearl Hilyer said after Friday’s council meeting.
The town has changed the date of its second council meeting to Monday, Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. to fall in line with the second of two public hearings on alcohol licenses for Mizzell’s Super Saver and Main Street Market. The hearing will precede the meeting at 6 p.m., and both will be held at the Thorsby Annex.
The Town Council voted Friday to amend its business license ordinance to include licensing regulations for alcoholic beverages.
In other business, the town is planning its proposed budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Town department heads reported to the council Friday with expectations for the new year.
Water Superintendent Terry Jackson said the generator at the town’s main well is in need of repair. The cost is unknown, but he said he would report it to the council.
“It’s something to run the whole plant if we lose power for any amount of time,” Jackson said. “It’s a valuable tool for us.”
Fire Chief Lee Gunn said his department has been purchasing two sets of turnout gear per year for nearly $3,000 until all sets are replaced. At Gunn’s request, the council approved the hiring of Shelby Lockhart and Jeffrey Blow.
Also, upon the request of Police Chief Rodney Barnett, the council approved new employee safety manuals.

By Scott Mims

The town of Thorsby’s annual Swedish Festival has maintained a tradition of celebrating the town’s heritage — but in the past, the fest has offered very little Swedish culture. That will change this year.
The Oct. 16 event will offer authentic Swedish cuisine, the harmonies of a Swedish choir and the dedication of a Scandinavian flag court in the town center. It will also likely draw a few Swedish dignitaries.
Eva-Lena Gustavsson, town council chairwoman of similarly named Torsby, Sweden, has requested an invitation to the festival, said Tracia Bussey of the Swedish Fest Committee.
“She has let us know she is extremely interested in attending and possibly bringing some of the council members with her,” Bussey said.
With the help of Per-Erik Persson of the Scandinavian-American Economic Development Alliance, Thorsby is continuing to pursue a sister city relationship with Torsby. Bussey said Gustavsson is “definitely interested” in pursuing such a relationship.
Torsby is known for being a center of American culture, particularly American music culture, in Sweden. The town, which has a population of about 6,000, regularly hosts bluegrass festivals and other events.
Torsby-based bluegrass band G2 performed here at Richard Wood Park in July and plan to return in the future.
“They are extremely interested in our music culture as well as other areas of our culture,” Bussey said. “They’re very interested in us. That could mean some open doors.”
Also on the invitation list is Swedish Ambassador Jonas Hafstrom. Bussey is confident that either Hafstrom or one of his staff members will attend as a representative of the Swedish Embassy, known as the “House of Sweden” in Washington, D.C.
During the three days leading up to the festival, from Oct. 13-15, Chilton County will host a “trade mission” for several CEOs of major Swedish companies. The mission is sponsored by CAWACO Resource Conservation and Development.
The businessmen will meet at Holiday Inn Express and the Alabama Power Conference Center in Clanton, where they will be exposed to potential economic opportunities in Chilton County.
“The Swedish Fest will be the finale for the CEOs that are coming in that week,” Bussey said. “It’s going to be a big week. Having the Swedish Festival here lets them know there is a connection with their country.”
The morning of Oct. 16, entertainment in Richard Wood Park will be provided by Swedish men’s choir Vasa Drangar of Atlanta.
The group will also perform during the dedication of a historical marker in observance of the Alabama Year of Small Towns and Downtowns. The marker will be unveiled in the center of the new flag court, and the group will sing the national anthems of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and the United States.
As for the Swedish cuisine, there are three primary foods representative of the culture — meatballs, potatoes and lingonberries. All of these, in addition to other items, will be served at the Swedish Fest.
“That’s as Swedish as it gets,” Bussey said.
To apply for a booth or for more information, call Bussey at 217-0978 or visit thorsbyswedishfestival.com.