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.

Report from the racino hearing

Richard Talley, owner of the Motel Safari in Tucumcari, N.M., sent an e-mail report about the public hearing Thursday night on whether the town should be awarded a license for a horse-racing track and casino, which would be on Route 66 on the city's east side: The meeting went very well last night, with New … Continue reading Report from the racino hearing

The story of Budville, Part 1

The Valencia County News-Bulletin in New Mexico published an excellent story about the history of Budville, the old Route 66 trading post between Albuquerque and Grants, N.M. Go read it. The 1967 slaying of owner Bud Rice and a retired schoolteacher who helped him is a tragic tale. But, as the article ably describes, the … Continue reading The story of Budville, Part 1

Indie film being shot in Missouri, Oklahoma

A crew from Sleuth Productions in Brooklyn, N.Y., was in Webb City, Mo., on Thursday to shoot footage for an independent film, titled "Soft Rot." Route 66er Rod Harsh wrote in an e-mail: The first location was a 1915 U.S. Filling Station at Daugherty and Liberty Streets, one block off Old 66 that is owned … Continue reading Indie film being shot in Missouri, Oklahoma

Downtown Joplin named to National Register

According to an e-mail I received Thursday from the National Park Service, the Joplin (Mo.) Downtown Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, effective July 16. The district is South Main Street, between Fourth and Sixth streets. Main Street is a primary alignment of Route 66 through town. More information from … Continue reading Downtown Joplin named to National Register

Housing bust hits Victorville

I always liked Victorville, Calif. It's got a lot of old-style charm, unlike many other communities in Southern California. So it's a bit distressing to read this article from the Christian Science Monitor about the bursting of the U.S. housing bubble in a Route 66 town. Victorville and other exurbs like it lie at the … Continue reading Housing bust hits Victorville

Hal Blaine to be honored by Route 66 Rendezvous

Hal Blaine will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Route 66 Rendezvous Cruisin' Hall of Fame in San Bernardino, Calif., in September, reports the Press-Enterprise. If you don't know who he is, chances are almost certain you've heard him. He's a session drummer who's played on albums by Frank Sinatra, Simon & Garfunkel, Neil … Continue reading Hal Blaine to be honored by Route 66 Rendezvous

Racino hearing preview

The Route 66 town of Tucumcari, N.M., is preparing for the public hearing Thursday on whether the state should award it a horse track/casino license. The Clovis News Journal lays out what's at stake. The Quay County Sun is reporting on how the town is decking itself out for the event. Here's a startling excerpt: … Continue reading Racino hearing preview

Attendance at Fire and Ice Rally holds steady

Attendance at the Fire and Ice Route 66 Bike Rally in Grants, N.M., last weekend was an estimated 15,000, reported the Cibola County Beacon. Last year's flood had no effect on the attendance for this year’s Eighth Annual Fire and Ice Route 66 Bike Rally which saw a slight increase from last year, he said. … Continue reading Attendance at Fire and Ice Rally holds steady

New mural at Tucumcari motel

Richard Talley, owner of the Motel Safari on Route 66 in Tucumcari, N.M., sent along these photos of a new mural that's been painted on the motel's drive-up canopy. It was painted by local artist Doug Quarles, and it depicts a young Elvis Presley in a 1959 Cadillac, stopping for the night at the motel. … Continue reading New mural at Tucumcari motel