According to the Amarillo Globe-News: [T]hree tractor-trailers were tangled together when what is believed to be a tornado crossed Interstate 40 between Groom and McLean. According to DPS, there were two injuries out of one of the trucks, one with serious injuries and the other with critical injuries. The westbound lane was closed. At least … Continue reading Severe storms strike Texas Panhandle
Category: Towns
A whole lotta shakin’
The Alibi, an alternative newspaper in Albuquerque, examines a Duke City issue that likely hasn't occurred to many people -- the area is prone to earthquakes and volcanoes. Route 66 travelers are at least vaguely aware about earthquakes when they travel Southern California. In fact, portions of the San Andreas Fault can be seen from … Continue reading A whole lotta shakin’
“First Snow” opens to limited release
"First Snow," the thriller starring Guy Pearce that was filmed almost entirely in the Route 66 town of Albuquerque, opened to limited release on Friday. According to some stories I read, the film will gain wider release later. Here's the premise: Stranded after an accident outside a desolate town, Jimmy Munson (Guy Pearce) visits a … Continue reading “First Snow” opens to limited release
Tucumcari applies for racetrack, casino permit
The Route 66 town of Tucumcari, N.M., has applied for the state's last remaining permit for a horse-racing track and casino that would be on the Mother Road, reports the Quay County Sun. The ownership would be a joint effort between the county, Tucumcari and the nearby towns of House, San Jon and Logan. The … Continue reading Tucumcari applies for racetrack, casino permit
Atlanta’s Downey Building update
The good folks of Atlanta, Ill., have been working to renovate the historic Downey Building in downtown, which is part of old Route 66. The Bloomington Pantagraph reports that a circa-1938 Palms Grill Cafe will be part of the complex and a local history museum. Around 6:30 p.m. April 24, the replica Palms Grill Café … Continue reading Atlanta’s Downey Building update
College students bring their ideas to Mother Road
This Associated Press story tells about Oklahoma's Scenic Byways program and how its federal funds can benefit towns and attractions along Route 66. It sounds like ideas are being kicked around, such as a Will Rogers statue in Bethany and an information kiosk in El Reno that looks like a vintage gas station. The more … Continue reading College students bring their ideas to Mother Road
Albuquerque’s unusual museums
This story from the Rocky Mount Telegram in North Carolina focuses on a few of the more unusual museums that are in the Duke City, including the Turquoise Museum, the Rattlesnake Museum, the Explora children's science museum, and the Unser Racing Museum (Al Unser is a native of Albuquerque).
Joplin’s Seventh Street may see a rebirth
The Joplin (Mo.) Globe reports an upswing in developer interest in Seventh Street, a prominent alignment of historic Route 66. In the past three years, the city has issued 38 commercial building permits for work on Seventh Street — for a total of more than $6 million in new construction and renovation of existing structures. … Continue reading Joplin’s Seventh Street may see a rebirth
Wearing of the green
St. Patrick's Day is coming up. That means it's time for the annual 61st St. Patrick's Day Celebration in the Route 66 town of Shamrock, Texas, this weekend. The Amarillo Globe-News has a preview story. For a festival schedule of events, go here.
Moriarty takes a shot at beautification
Here's another Route 66 town in addition to the previously mentioned Victorville, Calif., that's trying to spruce itself up -- Moriarty, N.M., east of Albuquerque. A firm presented a master plan to the Moriarty City Council, reported the Mountain View Telegraph. "The big idea behind it is looking at ways to use landscaping and public … Continue reading Moriarty takes a shot at beautification