Nov 17, 2009 (The Times-Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --

An exploratory team is examining the possibility of erecting a statue of Col. Harland Sanders in downtown Corbin.

Suzie Razmus, chairwoman of the Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission, reported during the commission's Monday meeting that the team is looking for funding for the project and possible locations for the statue, as well as looking into the process of commissioning a sculptor.

A non-profit "Friends of Col. Sanders" corporation may be formed and money might be raised by selling bricks in the courtyard around the statue, Razmus said.

She said local residents may underestimate the fondness the public has for Col. Sanders, who opened his first restaurant with his famous fried chicken just outside of Corbin.

"People love the Colonel," Razmus said.

Razmus also said she has been talking to Corbin officials about the possibility of installing a bicycle trail.

While it's likely that grants are available that would fund the project, Razmus said the trail's route must first be plotted on a map. It is possible the trail will run along Bacon Creek Road and eventually end at Rotary Park.

"There's nowhere to ride around here," Razmus said. "I think that it would draw tourists."

In other business, non-profit agencies who use the Corbin Civic Center will get a bigger break on the rental fee.

The commission voted Monday to increase the discount to non-profit groups from 10 to 20 percent. Suzie Razmus, the commission's chairwoman, said the regular rental fee is $450.

The commission also voted to spend $1,200 for red and green holiday ribbons to decorate the planters in downtown Corbin. Members opted against spending $6,500 for a lighted 15-foot holiday decoration that shows a globe with an angel perched upon it that reads "Peace on Earth."

Corbin City Manager Bill Ed Cannon had provided the board with a photo of the lighted display which he saw while in Tennessee, according to Corbin Main Street Manager Sharae Myers. Cannon had suggested the decoration be placed along the drive to The Arena.

Board members were concerned the display would not be sufficiently visible to passersby near the base of the hill.

Other business discussed by the commission included:

--Tabling a decision about whether or not to install a stove at Corbin Civic Center for use by groups that rent the facility. Members want to wait until more is learned about how the installation may increase insurance and other costs at the facility.

--The need for way signs that direct traffic from I-75 and The Arena to downtown Corbin.