JACKSON -- Century Propane Co. Inc. of Jackson has acquired Jim Thomas Propane Co. of Paducah and Mayfield, Ky.

"The acquisition of Jim Thomas Propane will add more than 1,500 residential, commercial and agricultural customers to Century, opening up new Century markets in Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky and Western Tennessee," said R.L. "Rick" Humphrey, chairman and president of Century Propane.

Kevin Aubuchon, former Century Potosi district service manager, has been appointed district manager at Paducah.

Humphrey said Century has also opened retail distribution facilities in three Missouri areas this year: Rocky Ridge, De Soto and Troy.

"We're considering bulk-plant construction at two new Missouri locations: De Soto and Rocky Ridge," said Humphrey.

Stephen Miles, who previously worked with Ferrell Gas at Liberty, Mo., has been named district manager at Rocky Ridge. W.L. Ball, former Century production manager at St. Louis, has been promoted to district manager at De Soto.

J.D. "John" Veach, former Century Potosi district manager, has been appointed vice president of operations and supply with the firm.

In another personnel move, Ron Brown has been named Century alternative fuels manager at St. Louis and Chicago. Brown, who was previously associated with American at Valley Forge, Pa., will oversee Century's carburetion service and motor fuel supply distribution facilities at Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports and at St. Louis International Airport.

Century, headquartered at Jackson, also maintains retail operations in Ironton and Paris, Mo. The firm distributes 3.5 million gallons of propane to more than 4,500 customers.