By THEADORIS MORRIS / Staff Writer

The town of Thorsby will celebrate its history and heritage during a monthlong celebration in October.

The council unanimously approved October as Thorsby’s History and Heritage Month as requested by Historical Committee Chairwoman Tracia Bussey during Thorsby’s town council meeting Monday.

The month will highlight the unique history of the town. Bussey said she has come up with new events and ideas to observe the month.

A few ideas she said she had in mind are a history walk, oral history day and story telling.

A cornerstone of the celebration, the Swedish Festival, will remain in October as well as.

In other business, Bussey and Bill Evans, the newest member to the Historic Committee, asked the council for their support with restoring the old Thorsby Elementary School and turning it into a community center.

Each member said they would support Evans’ efforts because something good needs to be done with the building.

“We encourage anything positive that could happen,” said Mayor Dearl Hilyer.

In addition, Dollar General has scheduled their opening day for May 14 but hopes to open as early as May 7, said Hilyer.

Also, the council decided not to participate in the annual sales tax holiday, which would have been held in August 2011.