Investors in will apply Wednesday to the New Mexico Racing Commission for a horse-racing track and casino license in Tucumcari, reported the Clovis News-Journal. Coronado Partners' plans to develop the $60 million Coronado Park on 300-acres, featuring live racing from May to August each year during the heart of the triple-crown racing season nationally, and … Continue reading Tucumcari will try again for racino
No friend of Route 66 — again
You have to admit, at least Sen. Tom Coburn is consistent. The Republican U.S. senator from Oklahoma has targeted the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program in his newly published "Oklahoma Waste Report" (pdf document) -- his latest salvo against the much-praised Mother Road program. In one chapter of the report, "Get Your Federal … Continue reading No friend of Route 66 — again
Texas Route 66 group gives donation to Joplin tornado relief
On behalf of the Old Route 66 Association of Texas, Ron Hart of the Route 66 Chamber of Commerce gave a $500 check to the Joplin Salvation Army for tornado relief efforts in Joplin, Mo. More than 150 people died and hundreds were injured in the May 22 twister, which destroyed a third of the town. … Continue reading Texas Route 66 group gives donation to Joplin tornado relief
Springfield takes closer look at motel as museum
The city of Springfield, Ill., again is thinking about converting the ramshackle Bel-Aire Motel into a Route 66-themed visitors center and museum, reported the State Journal-Register today. Springfield is considering other options for the Sixth Street motel after a recent inspection uncovered fire, electrical, and structural code violations. Mayor Tim Davlin first proposed the idea of … Continue reading Springfield takes closer look at motel as museum
2011 cost-share grant awards announced
Today, the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program announced the awarding of 10 cost-share grants to Route 66 property owners for the 2011 fiscal year. Here's the listing, straight from the agency: Route 66 Motel sign and roof rehabilitation, Kingman, Ariz. ($10,319 federal grant, $10,319 match by owner) -- The Route 66 Motel has been a welcoming … Continue reading 2011 cost-share grant awards announced
A new wrinkle on Wrink’s Market
For an all-too-brief period, Terry Wrinkle resurrected Wrink's Market, the longtime Route 66 business in Lebanon, Mo., owned and operated by his late father Glenn Wrinkle. When Terry shut down the business in 2009, the future of the building looked cloudy. However, in recent weeks, the old Wrink's Market has found new life with D.C. … Continue reading A new wrinkle on Wrink’s Market
Two-steppin’ back in time
Someone posted a newscast video from circa 1987 by the now-defunct KTSP-TV in Phoenix about Bert's Country Dancin', a place that held dances only on Saturday nights on old Route 66 between Hackberry and Valentine, Ariz. https://youtu.be/ukXZbnB5gPQ This site had a bit more information about Bert's: That was when Bert Denton, a retired cowboy and sometimes … Continue reading Two-steppin’ back in time
Route 66 Alliance update
Michael Wallis, chairman of the Route 66 Alliance, posted this video update over the weekend. You'll find a few tidbits of info on the clip, including donations to Harley and Annabelle Russell (aka The Mediocre Music Makers) during Annabelle's cancer battle, and a 2012 cross-country caravan to mark the opening of Cars Land at Disneyland … Continue reading Route 66 Alliance update
El Vado seen as catalyst for area redevelopment
It's vague on plans for the historic El Vado Motel in Albuquerque, but a city official indicated that preservation would be a priority in whatever redevelopment plan comes forward, according to a report this weekend in the Albuquerque Journal. Ben Ortega of the city’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency is set to propose to the city council … Continue reading El Vado seen as catalyst for area redevelopment
Closed Silver Moon Lodge in Albuquerque is razed
The closed Silver Moon Lodge along Central Avenue (aka Route 66) near downtown Albuquerque was razed Thursday to make way for a planned grocery store, retail space, and apartments, reported KOB-TV. The motel, which dated to the 1950s, had been closed for several years. Longtime Route 66 roadie Mark Potter said back then, it was … Continue reading Closed Silver Moon Lodge in Albuquerque is razed