Three people linked to Swadley’s Bar-B-Q indicted on felony fraud charges

Three people associated with the Oklahoma-based Swadley's Bar-B-Q chain, including the owner, were indicted by a multicounty grand jury on fraud charges over its operation of restaurants at state parks. According to The Oklahoman newspaper, restaurant owner Brent Swadley and two other company officers were charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the state … Continue reading Three people linked to Swadley’s Bar-B-Q indicted on felony fraud charges

Roadside marker in Bethany commemorates musician Tommy Collins

The Oklahoma City/County Historical Society and the City of Bethany, Oklahoma, recently placed a roadside marker on Route 66 to commemorate the late songwriter and singer Tommy Collins. Collins probably is best known for writing "If You Ain't Lovin' (You Ain't Livin'), which was a big hit both for Faron Young and George Strait. Here's … Continue reading Roadside marker in Bethany commemorates musician Tommy Collins

Swadley’s Bar-B-Q countersuit allegedly implicates Oklahoma governor, Pinnell

Swadley's Bar-B-Q last week filed a countersuit, alleging the governor and Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, who leads the state's tourism department, knew of the arrangement where the restaurant chain spent millions of dollars in inflated reimbursement invoices to upgrade services at several state parks. The Oklahoman newspaper reported some details about the countersuit: Among the claims … Continue reading Swadley’s Bar-B-Q countersuit allegedly implicates Oklahoma governor, Pinnell

Oklahoma Tourism leader resigns, state files suit against Swadley’s Bar-B-Q over park contract

The state of Oklahoma last week filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against Swadley's Bar-B-Q, and Oklahoma Tourism chief Jerry Winchester resigned after he and the small restaurant chain were implicated over allegations of fraud and overspending with concessions at six state parks. The contract is being investigated by state police and is undergoing an audit by … Continue reading Oklahoma Tourism leader resigns, state files suit against Swadley’s Bar-B-Q over park contract

Oklahoma Tourism axes contract with Swadley’s Bar-B-Q due to suspected fraud

The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department this week canceled a state parks contract with Swadley's Bar-B-Q -- a regional chain with Route 66 roots -- “due to suspected fraudulent activity and questionable business practices.” The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has been investigating the contract for several weeks. The local district attorney and state auditor … Continue reading Oklahoma Tourism axes contract with Swadley’s Bar-B-Q due to suspected fraud

Route 66 Veterans Plaza planned in Bethany by November 2022

An artist in Bethany, Oklahoma, plans a Route 66 Veterans Plaza memorial in that city that will be unveiled during Veterans Day, Nov. 11, in 2022. Artist Scott Stearman announced the forthcoming project during the Bethany Route 66 Festival last weekend. After the festival, Stearman posted some images of the Route 66 Veterans Plaza on … Continue reading Route 66 Veterans Plaza planned in Bethany by November 2022

Southern Nazarene University awarded a grant to document Route 66’s effect on Bethany

Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma, has been awarded $8,810 from the Oklahoma Heritage Preservation Grant Program to document the impact of Route 66 on that community. According to The Echo, which is the university's student newspaper: Grant funds will pay for technology for converting older media; a camera, lighting, and wall backdrop arrangement to … Continue reading Southern Nazarene University awarded a grant to document Route 66’s effect on Bethany

Billboard Museum picks up pink Cadillac from closed Ann’s Chicken Fry House

The Billboard Museum Association on Sunday picked up the pink Cadillac that long was on display in front of the now-closed Ann's Chicken Fry House in Oklahoma City and plans to restore it at its future museum home. KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City reported: “We’re going to pull out the ’59 pink Cadi, and that’s been … Continue reading Billboard Museum picks up pink Cadillac from closed Ann’s Chicken Fry House

A profile of a prolific Oklahoma muralist

An Oklahoma City television station recently profiled a Sooner State muralist who's painted up to 4,000 murals during his career, including several on Route 66. Here's the profile of Bob Palmer from KFOR-TV. You can see one of his Route 66 murals in the segment: Dozens of his historic-themed murals can be seen here. You'll … Continue reading A profile of a prolific Oklahoma muralist

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