Gary Leonard sold to another franchisee his six Steak 'n Shake restaurants in the Springfield, Missouri, region, including the historic one on Route 66. The Springfield News-Leader reports Leonard is retiring after 48 years in the business. The new owners are Mike and Lisa Stennett, who hold franchises in Missouri and Arkansas. The story contains … Continue reading Owner of Steak ‘n Shake restaurants in Springfield, Missouri, sells them to a franchisee
Author: Ron Warnick
I'm the editor and publisher of Route 66 News, a clearinghouse of events, information, and entertainment pertaining to historic U.S. 66, the Mother Road.
More details found about MIA who is memorialized at Cool Springs Camp
For years, a section of a wall inside Cool Springs Camp near Kingman, Arizona, paid tribute to Tech Sgt. Thomas Walker, who went missing during a bombing run over Germany in 1944 and later was declared dead. Walker's parents, Tom and Mary, owned Cool Springs Camp from 1936 to 1940. A visitor to Cool Springs … Continue reading More details found about MIA who is memorialized at Cool Springs Camp
Long-term redevelopment plan for Sapulpa includes big changes to Route 66
Consultants for the downtown master plan in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, are advocating for significant changes, including rerouting highway traffic from Dewey Avenue (aka Route 66) and narrowing it to two lanes from four. The Sapulpa Times reported that consultants Ken Boone and Taylor Plummer of Ochsner Hare & Hare said the plan “is an articulation of … Continue reading Long-term redevelopment plan for Sapulpa includes big changes to Route 66
Golden Driller Plaza in Tulsa undergoes renovations
The plaza for the Golden Driller just off Route 66 in Tulsa is undergoing a face-lift, including a new coat of paint for the statue itself. The Tulsa World newspaper had the details on the $3 million project at Expo Square: A key element of the new design is the construction of three drop-off lanes … Continue reading Golden Driller Plaza in Tulsa undergoes renovations
Train derailment near Ludlow closes Route 66 indefinitely
The derailment Wednesday of a freight train east of Ludlow, California, has closed National Trails Highway (aka Route 66) "for an unknown duration" due to a hazardous liquid spill. The Victorville Daily Press reports the accident just east of town shortly after noon involved 25 to 35 railcars. San Bernardino County Fire Department spokesperson Tracey … Continue reading Train derailment near Ludlow closes Route 66 indefinitely
Neon relighting ceremony for Gearhead Curios in Galena set for April 24
The Route 66 Association of Missouri on Sunday announced a date of April 24 for the neon relighting at Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas. The new neon will involve several elements at the former Texaco gas station: Around dusk approximately 6:30PM on April 24th we will "flip the switch" and light beautiful red TEXACO and … Continue reading Neon relighting ceremony for Gearhead Curios in Galena set for April 24
Demolition begins on Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge in San Bernardino
The razing of the historic but closed Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge in San Bernardino, California, began a few weeks ago. Though it's not on Route 66, many travelers heading to and from the Mother Road undoubtedly used the railroad viaduct over the decades. The span lies immediately south where Route 66 turns west onto West … Continue reading Demolition begins on Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge in San Bernardino
Arizona Route 66 Association today offers two new grant opportunities
The Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona and the Arizona Community Foundation again are partnering to offer cost-share grant opportunities. The association, in a new program, is offering cost-share grants from $500 to $10,000 to businesses, attractions, chambers of commerce and community organizations. Applications, which are available here, will be taken from today through April … Continue reading Arizona Route 66 Association today offers two new grant opportunities
COVID-19 concerns prompt postponement of Route 66 Road Fest to next year
The Route 66 Road Fest in Oklahoma City and Tulsa in June has been postponed to 2022 due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a story in the Claremore Daily Progress: “Like everyone in Oklahoma, we must do all we can to ensure public safety,” said Jared Peterson, president of AAA Club Alliance … Continue reading COVID-19 concerns prompt postponement of Route 66 Road Fest to next year
Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita creates Giving Wall for helping customers in need
The historic Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita, Oklahoma, created a "Giving Wall" so customers can discreetly pay it forward for those who are less fortunate, especially during economic hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The wall inside the Route 66 restaurant two miles west of town has a message that states: "If you are hungry or … Continue reading Hi-Way Cafe near Vinita creates Giving Wall for helping customers in need