A bill has been introduced in the Oklahoma Legislature that would end the expiration date of the Oklahoma Route 66 Commission and create a revolving loan fund for the highway. State Rep. Mark Lawson (R-Sapulpa), who also is House Majority Leader, introduced House Bill 1571 for the legislature's 60th session. He also wrote the bill … Continue reading New bill would create revolving loan fund for Route 66 in Oklahoma
Author: Ron Warnick
I'm the editor and publisher of Route 66 News, a clearinghouse of events, information, and entertainment pertaining to historic U.S. 66, the Mother Road.
Royale Cinema Lounge offers vintage feel along Route 66 in Joplin
The Royale Cinema Lounge, located along Route 66 in Joplin, Missouri, contains a lot of things for lovers of all things vintage -- VHS tapes shown on analog televisions, a jukebox, board games, puzzles and a small theater to screen films. Joplin Globe columnist Marta Churchwell recently wrote about the venue, formerly the Bookhouse Cinema … Continue reading Royale Cinema Lounge offers vintage feel along Route 66 in Joplin
Amarillo approves up to a $500,000 grant to restore three historic neon signs on Route 66
The Amarillo City Council accepted a grant of up to $500,000 from the Texas Historical Commission to restore three historic neon signs along that city's Route 66 corridor. Citizen Portal reports the signs in Amarillo earmarked for restoration are The Nat, Cattlemen's Club and Eastridge Lanes. More from the report: This funding is specifically earmarked … Continue reading Amarillo approves up to a $500,000 grant to restore three historic neon signs on Route 66
Oklahoma City approves funds to convert Gold Dome into a concert venue
The Oklahoma City Council this week approved $3 million in tax-increment financing money to help convert the iconic but long-closed Gold Dome bank building into a concert venue. According to The Oklahoman newspaper, the council voted 7-1 to make the money available through a loan to Mike Brown of Tulsa-based Kismet Koncerts. During a presentation … Continue reading Oklahoma City approves funds to convert Gold Dome into a concert venue
Groundbreaking set for Feb. 6 for Hydro Route 66 Bridge Monument
The chamber of commerce of Hydro, Oklahoma, recently announced a groundbreaking for the Route 66 Bridge Monument project. The event will be at 11 a.m. on Feb. 6, where old Route 66 intersects with Highway 58 on the south side of town. The town will relocate and restore a decommissioned Route 66 bridge at the … Continue reading Groundbreaking set for Feb. 6 for Hydro Route 66 Bridge Monument
Oklahoma City armory to become a concert venue instead of a hotel-brewery development
The historic armory building along Route 66 in Oklahoma City will become a concert venue instead after a plan to develop it into a hotel and microbrewery stalled. The Oklahoman newspaper reported that the new, $23 million project for the armory would be led by Oklahoma City investor Mark Fischer and Arkansas-based Beaty Capital Group, … Continue reading Oklahoma City armory to become a concert venue instead of a hotel-brewery development
Lebanon gets sponsorship for a 12-foot-tall, interactive Route 66 shield
The Missouri Route 66 Centennial Commission recently awarded the City of Lebanon a sponsorship worth up to $15,000 for an interactive Missouri Route 66 shield sign that will be 12 feet tall. Nearly a half-dozen others will be installed across the Show-Me State. Lebanon tourism director Rebecca Rupard announced the sponsorship during the annual meeting … Continue reading Lebanon gets sponsorship for a 12-foot-tall, interactive Route 66 shield
Grand Canyon Caverns to hold grand reopening ceremony at 10 a.m. on Feb. 1
After a two-year hiatus, Grand Canyon Caverns near Peach Springs, Arizona, will hold its grand reopening at 10 a.m. on Feb. 1. The ceremony will include a ribbon-cutting, followed by presentations by Grand Canyon Caverns representatives, according to a news release. Starting with the 1 p.m. tour that day at the caverns, it is offering … Continue reading Grand Canyon Caverns to hold grand reopening ceremony at 10 a.m. on Feb. 1
Owner of Gearhead Curios plans gas station-themed motor court in Galena
The owner of Gearhead Curios in Galena, Kansas, soon will break ground on a project to build a gas-station-themed, 10-unit motor court called Petrol Motor Quart in Galena. Aaron Perry announced on Facebook the groundbreaking for the project, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. local time on Feb. 11. The motor court will be at 317 S. … Continue reading Owner of Gearhead Curios plans gas station-themed motor court in Galena
Fire damages Dazy Courts Apartments in Carthage; injuries reported
A fire on Thursday damaged the Dazy Courts Apartments and Sleeping Rooms, formerly a motel just off Route 66, in Carthage, Missouri. KOAM-TV reported several people were treated for smoke inhalation, and one was taken to a hospital. The fire affected the north side of the complex, which contained six units. The south side was … Continue reading Fire damages Dazy Courts Apartments in Carthage; injuries reported