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Residents enjoying a summer stroll at Richard Wood Park in Thorsby will soon have the opportunity to do so on a paved path.

James Owens is in the process of moving his equipment to Richard Wood Park this week before he lays down a new concrete walking track.

The plan is for the town to save some money by purchasing the concrete themselves and having Owens lay it.

The current walking trail is gravel.

Owens was awarded the job after having provided the lowest bid.

The Thorsby Fire Department has had a busy month of July after having responded to 20 calls as of the Thorsby Town Council meeting on July 15.

According to TFD chief Josh Parker, one of the 20 calls also included a vehicle fire.

TFD is looking into grants to help update the department’s turnout gear, which is about eight years old.

Parker said that the gear goes out of date after 10 years.

Another grant is being explored to possibly upgrade the engines in their arsenal of fire and rescue vehicles.

One engine is 21 years old, and the other is 12 years old.

Equipping the TFD’s Dodge pickup truck to receive EMA calls was also an option discussed during the meeting.

According to Parker, there would be a lot of positives from the change including giving the option for a quicker response time.

Nick Bolen was approved by the Council to serve in a volunteer capacity in a fill-in role with TFD. He has experience as a firefighter and is a trained paramedic.

Thorsby police chief Rodney Barnett mentioned to the Council that drugs continue to be among his top concerns.

According to Barnett, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana are the most common.