Star event would bring bikers to town ♥

As published in the Courier-Tribune on February 16, 2012

By Hugh Martin

STAR — The annual Star Heritage Day event may get some wheels.

The Star board of commissioners heard a presentation during their regular monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 13, about a proposed bicycle ride event that would start and finish in town.

David Wilkie of Troy, who is an avid cyclist, had been approached by Commissioner Eddie Bernard about mapping a route for a bicycle ride. Wilkie presented maps of three proposed routes that would begin and end at the STARworks complex.

Each route would travel north on Alternate U.S. 220 with variations that would determine distances of 18, 32 and 50 miles. Wilkie estimated that the event could take place within a three-hour time frame.

Bernard will chair a committee to organize the event, possibly in conjunction with the annual Star Heritage Day event that takes place June 2.

On another matter, the board tabled a plan to allow officials of the Montgomery County Airport to remove trees at the Star Heritage Center in order to open the flight path for instrument approaches to the runway. The board agreed to allow the removal of the tree and stumps but want to complete a plan for replanting trees and shrubs on the site before agreeing to an amount for the landscaping.

In other business, Commissioners Bernard, Steve Lassiter, Richard Hinson, Jennifer Fountain, Alice Clemens and Mayor Susan Eggleston:

* Heard a report from Liz Honeycutt, physical education teacher at Star Elementary School, on the Twinkletoes 5K that was held in December. Honeycutt said that 150 runners took part in the event and raised $600 for use by the town’s Parks and Recreation Department.

* Noted that the first installment from the STEP grant has been received.

*Were brought up to date on activities for upgrades in the town park by Commissioner Fountain, who announced that a community cleanup event will take place in the park on March 10 at 10 a.m. Volunteers are invited to assist with the cleanup and to help with or donate to a hot dog lunch for the volunteers.

Anyone who can help or make a contribution toward the lunch can contact the town hall at (910) 428-4623.

* Were advised that a newsletter had been created and distributed to town residents.

* Heard that the county airport staff was planning a Fly-In event in the spring.

* Were updated that a lease agreement for the vacant medical clinic building on Okeewemee Road was in the process.