The Pontiac (Ill.) City Council voted Monday night to approve the creation of two new Route 66-themed murals in town, reported the Bloomington Pantagraph. That wasn't a surprise, as Pontiac's zoning board greenlighted the murals, which will be painted by Diaz Sign Art, last week. But there's this new item that was interesting: Bill Diaz … Continue reading Pontiac may host mural festival
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.
Rory is in the finals
Will she be a bridesmaid again, or the bride? Rory Schepisi, who finished runner-up in the CMT's "Popularity Contest," made the finals of another reality TV show, "The Next Food Network Star." Schepisi is about to open a restaurant, Boot Hill Saloon and Grill, on Route 66 in Vega, Texas. A short video recap of … Continue reading Rory is in the finals
Dean Walker will appear on Leno
Dean Walker, a Kansas Route 66 advocate and one of the inspirations for Mater in last summer's animated movie "Cars," will appear on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on Wednesday. Prominent Route 66 author Michael Wallis, who's known Walker for years, said that Walker will do his turning-his-feet-backwards trick during an audience segment … Continue reading Dean Walker will appear on Leno
Wrink’s Market seeks to ‘recreate’ dad’s legacy
Terry Wrinkle, the son of the late Glenn Wrinkle of Wrink's Market in Lebanon, Mo., was interviewed by the Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader before the store reopens sometime next week as a deli, diner, florist and convenience store. "Route 66 was more than a highway across the country," said Terry Wrinkle, son of the store's longtime … Continue reading Wrink’s Market seeks to ‘recreate’ dad’s legacy
County gives grant for Route 66 garage sale
The finance committee of Logan County, Ill., awarded a $4,000 grant to the Route 66 Heritage Foundation of Logan County to help with next year's 37 Miles of Smiles, also known as the Route 66 garage sale, reported the Lincoln Courier. "It was really a remarkable first-time event," Ladd said. "Being that it was a … Continue reading County gives grant for Route 66 garage sale
El Vado decision delayed
The City of Albuquerque's Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission has deferred a decision on whether to again designate the historic El Vado Motel on Route 66 a city landmark until Sept. 12. The decision was scheduled to be made during the commission's regular meeting on Wednesday. The city has been in negotiations for months with … Continue reading El Vado decision delayed
More signs, please
Rod Harsh of Visit66.com in Carterville, Mo., told the city council of nearby Carthage that the city and southwest Missouri in general needs more signs to help guide travelers on Route 66, reported the Carthage Press. Rod Harsh, who has a Route 66 Welcome Center in Carterville, said that people from as far away as … Continue reading More signs, please
Lady Bird’s mixed legacy for Route 66
I loathe to speak ill of the dead, except for the biggest scoundrels. Lady Bird Johnson, the wife of President Lyndon Johnson who died at age 94 on Wednesday, certainly wasn't a scoundrel. But the Highway Beautification Act of 1965, which restricted billboards along our nation's highways, proved to be damaging to Route 66 businesses … Continue reading Lady Bird’s mixed legacy for Route 66
Pontiac panel approves two Route 66 murals
The Planning and Zoning Board for the city of Pontiac, Ill., approved variances for two Route 66-themed murals, reported the Pontiac Daily Leader. One of them is on a brick wall behind the Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum at 110 W. Howard St. The second is on a wall at Diaz Sign Art … Continue reading Pontiac panel approves two Route 66 murals
Rory Schepisi advances to top three in series
Rory Schepisi, the former "Popularity Contest" reality TV series contest who's about to open a new restaurant on Route 66 in Vega, Texas, advanced to the final three of another reality series, "The Next Food Network Star." Tune-in on Sunday, July 15th, at 9pm ET/PT as the remaining three finalists test their media skills when … Continue reading Rory Schepisi advances to top three in series