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.