There’s a new Sheriff in Galena

A new attraction has been placed along old Route 66 in Galena, Kansas -- and the folks there are putting the Sheriff of Radiator Springs on a pedestal. A facsimile of the 1949 Mercury police car that served as the Sheriff of Radiator Springs in the 2006 animated film "Cars" now sits on lift above … Continue reading There’s a new Sheriff in Galena

Public TV station profiles writer Michael Wallis

RSU Public TV, based at Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma, recently completed this 25-minute profile in its "Perspective" series about author, actor and speaker Michael Wallis. Wallis remains best-known for two things -- writing the best-selling "Route 66: The Mother Road" that sparked the renaissance of the historic highway and providing the voice of … Continue reading Public TV station profiles writer Michael Wallis

Man vows to restore 1939 Texaco station in Galena

A veteran recently purchased the 1939 Texaco gas station in downtown Galena, Kansas, and plans to restore it in the coming years. Aaron Perry, a veteran from Wakarusa, Kansas, closed on the deal in the fall for the property at Sixth and Main streets (aka Route 66) in Galena. Wakarusa is about three hours' drive … Continue reading Man vows to restore 1939 Texaco station in Galena

“Cars” director John Lasseter hired by Skydance Animation

Former Pixar Animation chief John Lasseter, director of the Route 66-inspired "Cars" film in 2006, recently was hired as chief of Skydance Animation. Lasseter -- along with the film's vision of the fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs -- is the figure most responsible for the Mother Road’s continued renaissance except perhaps Michael Wallis … Continue reading “Cars” director John Lasseter hired by Skydance Animation

Michael Wallis’ “The Coming of Roads” speech

A few days ago, someone at the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training uploaded a video and transcript of Michael Wallis' keynote speech during the "Are We There Yet: Preservation of Roadside Architecture and Attractions" symposium in April in Tulsa. Wallis speech, "The Coming of Roads," contains several familiar themes from those who have … Continue reading Michael Wallis’ “The Coming of Roads” speech

Sign at Jack Rabbit Trading Post gets a face-lift

The co-owners of the historic Jack Rabbit Trading Post near Joseph City, Arizona, announced Friday they had completed a restoration of the west side of the business' iconic "Here It Is" sign. In a Facebook post, the owners said the 27-day project "took longer than expected," but they dealt with rain and wind a few … Continue reading Sign at Jack Rabbit Trading Post gets a face-lift

Man’s cycling trip on Route 66 for cancer charity evokes memories of late son

Once upon a time, a family in Michigan had a small boy named Kevin. Kevin's favorite movie was the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated film, "Cars," the story about a fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. The family vowed to take Kevin on a real-life Route 66 trip. But Kevin contracted neuroblastoma cancer when he was not … Continue reading Man’s cycling trip on Route 66 for cancer charity evokes memories of late son

Galena to redevelop more of its downtown

The city of Galena, Kansas, soon will begin a redevelopment of the rest of its downtown -- which includes Route 66 -- after a similar project about six years ago helped revitalize the area. KSNF-TV filed this report about the project: Most of the work will be installing new sidewalks and street lights. The station … Continue reading Galena to redevelop more of its downtown

Adam the Woo visits Cars Land after Route 66 trip

After 12 days on Route 66, popular videoblogger Adam the Woo decided it was a good time to visit the Mother Road-inspired Cars Land near his home base of Anaheim, California. "It just made sense to go to Disney California Adventure to visit Cars Land while Route 66 was fresh in my head," he wrote … Continue reading Adam the Woo visits Cars Land after Route 66 trip

Disney may remove “Cars” director John Lasseter

Although Walt Disney Co. officials so far remain silent about the issue, reports have emerged that John Lasseter, chief executive of Disney-Pixar's animation divisions, may not return to either company amid allegations of sexual harassment and bullying. The news will dishearten many fans of Route 66. Lasseter, who directed Disney-Pixar's 2006 hit film "Cars" that … Continue reading Disney may remove “Cars” director John Lasseter