Michael Wallis, author of "Route 66: The Mother Road" and other best-selling books, this week reprised what probably remains his best-known role -- the Sheriff of Radiator Springs in the Disney-Pixar "Cars" animated movies -- for a video about the dangers of texting and driving. The video was shot with a replica of a 1949 … Continue reading Michael Wallis reprises his Sheriff of Radiator Springs role for PSA
Midpoint Cafe reopens with new owners March 28
The landmark Midpoint Cafe and Gift Shop in Adrian, Texas, will hold its grand reopening for the season March 28 with its new owners, Brenda Hammit and Carrie O'Leary. According to a post Thursday on the restaurant's Facebook page, Hammit had worked at the Route 66 landmark for five years. Her sister, O'Leary, recently relocated … Continue reading Midpoint Cafe reopens with new owners March 28
Towns in Oklahoma City metro want to spruce up Route 66
Several towns in the Oklahoma City metro area have pledged to improve the look of Route 66 on the west side. According to a story by KWTV in Oklahoma City: The mayor of Bethany is calling for other cities to assist in fixing the seemingly forgotten highway, Route 66. Oklahoma City, Warr Acres, Bethany and … Continue reading Towns in Oklahoma City metro want to spruce up Route 66
Land dispute may hold up restoration of Threatt Filling Station
Descendants of the family that ran the Threatt Filling Station near Luther, Oklahoma, want to reopen the Route 66 landmark as a visitors center and museum, but they first must resolve a land dispute involving the property. Built by Allen Threatt in 1915, the gas station remains one of the few surviving African-American-owned businesses along … Continue reading Land dispute may hold up restoration of Threatt Filling Station
MoDOT seeks new owners for Gasconade River Bridge
The Missouri Department of Transportation announced Monday it would seek a new owner for the closed Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen after a preservation organization backed out of the project last month. MoDOT stated it would accept proposals through March 15, 2019, from those interested in maintaining the former Route 66 bridge. Those interested should … Continue reading MoDOT seeks new owners for Gasconade River Bridge
Former AC/DC singer gets his kicks
The rock-music world was abuzz last week when this video surfaced of former AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson showing up at Mick Fleetwood's restaurant in Maui, Hawaii, to sing "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" during a jam session. The song begins about the 1:40 mark after some chitchat: https://youtu.be/dCM4EspPBp4 The reason Johnson's performance caused … Continue reading Former AC/DC singer gets his kicks
Powerhouse Visitors Center in Kingman greets 2 millionth visitor
The Powerhouse Visitors Center in Kingman, Arizona, celebrated its 2 millionth visitor since opening in 1997 by giving the winning Michigan couple a gift basket worth $400. The Kingman Daily Miner reported Tom and Lisa Maletic were there Tuesday afternoon to visit the center's Route 66 Museum. Tom said he wanted to see the museum's “The … Continue reading Powerhouse Visitors Center in Kingman greets 2 millionth visitor
Former Midpoint Cafe owner running for mayor of Adrian
Fran Houser, former longtime owner of the landmark Midpoint Cafe and current owner of the nearby Sunflower Station in Adrian, Texas, is running for mayor in the tiny Texas Panhandle town. Houser filed for candidacy two weeks ago, but her campaign got a boost Thursday with a semi-viral video from a local woman on Facebook. … Continue reading Former Midpoint Cafe owner running for mayor of Adrian
Official: Only 50-50 chance of getting federal money for ART
Albuquerque's chief operating officer said the city has only a "50/50" chance of receiving a $75 million federal grant to help pay for the troubled Albuquerque Rapid Transit project. Lawrence Rael gave the grim assessment to Albuquerque Journal editors and reports last month, and that getting the money for the new mass-transit project depends on … Continue reading Official: Only 50-50 chance of getting federal money for ART
Giant cashew among the proposals for downtown Springfield
A developer proposed building of a giant cashew near downtown Springfield, Missouri. It's not a joke. The Springfield News-Leader reported Mat Burton of the Vecino Group recently made the pitch for the art installation at Idea Commons, an area between downtown, which carried an early alignment of 66, and Chestnut Expressway. Missouri State University, the … Continue reading Giant cashew among the proposals for downtown Springfield