Latest news with #Route66Centennial
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bernalillo County reopens grant program geared toward neighborhood beautification
May 15—From pollinator gardens to Route 66 murals, neighborhood associations have turned grants from a Bernalillo County program into community hubs. Now, the program is back for another year. Since 2010, neighborhood associations have used money doled out as part of the Bernalillo County Neighborhood Grant Program to beautify the county and build community, said Neighborhood Coordinator Megan Holcomb. "We work really closely with them, but we want to kind of give them another outlet to, you know, organize projects and events in their neighborhood," Holcomb said. The program, which relies on money from the county's general fund, is again accepting applicants for fiscal year 2026. Eligible projects receive grants of $7,500 for bigger projects and $2,500 for smaller ones. According to the county's website, possible projects include workshops, trainings, neighborhood art initiatives, crime prevention projects or anything that brings the community together. The application deadline ends June 11. Interested groups can visit the county's Planning and Development Services website, or contact the department at neighborhoodgrants@ Ken Sears, president of the ABQCore Neighborhood Association, said the money is crucial for groups like his. "Neighborhood associations typically aren't well funded," Sears said, adding that donations comprise the bulk of his group's financial resources. Sears said grants like this allow the association to focus on projects that build community both in the short term and the long term. That's precisely what happened last year when ABQCore was awarded a grant, which they used for a mural project in the Downtown neighborhood in anticipation of the Route 66 Centennial. Sears said his community came together to plan the mural, and even after it was finished, the community still used the space for regular gatherings. One hurdle Holcomb noted is that eligible recipients must have a tax identification number or be registered as a nonprofit. Holcomb said neighborhood associations can still get the grants without that, but they'd have to go through a fiscal sponsor. Last year, the county gave out grants to 16 neighborhood associations. "I think it's just a really good way to provide an opportunity for us to meet our neighbors and build that community and that support system that we all kind of look for," Holcomb said.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Summit promotes interstate collaboration for Route 66 Centennial
Apr. 27—Representatives of Route 66-related organizations from all eight states along the route came together in Albuquerque on Friday to foster collaboration in advance of the Route 66 Centennial in 2026. The U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission hosted its first Mother Road Consortium Summit at the Clyde Hotel in Downtown for a day of panel discussions and networking. Rhys Martin, manager of the Preserve Route 66 Initiative for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, as well as the president of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, said he was pleasantly surprised to see how aligned the various groups appeared to be in terms of their vision. "You have tourism organizations and historic associations and elected officials in each of the eight states, and we all appear to be swimming in the same direction," he said. "We all want to get to the same place, and that really helps, because otherwise it would be something where people are competing for travel tourism, sales tax, and that sort of thing. But from what we've heard today, everybody is of the same mind, and we're all just looking forward to collaborating as much as possible." New Mexico's Route 66 Centennial Commission Chairman Bill Lee said he's excited about cross-state collaborations. "When we first started talking about this (the Route 66 Centennial), we were like, 'How do we make New Mexico shine? How do we make it the shining example of all the states along the route?' We wanted to win, to be the biggest and brightest star," Lee said. "And while I think that's still an admirable goal, it's nice to look out across the other eight states and realize that together we're stronger, and a rising tide raises all ships." Several presenters acknowledged the current uncertainty in the global economy, but Lee said he was optimistic that international travel will remain robust for Route 66's centennial year. "There has been a lot of talk recently about international travelers canceling trips or not being likely to come due to the political climate, tariffs and all that," Lee said. "But I can tell you, in our community (Gallup), that's not what we're seeing. In fact, our international travel is up. And I'm attributing that to Route 66." Acting Secretary for the New Mexico Tourism Department Lancing Adams said he was heartened by the level of support from politicians across all eight states. "It was really great to have the lieutenant governor of Oklahoma here, along with Mayor Tim Keller and Lt. Gov. Howie Morales this morning, speaking on their support. This was a big deal," Adams said. "No other state has done this, in terms of bringing everybody together." Like many participants, Adams said Friday's summit was an excellent way to connect with potential partners for future interstate projects. "We've worked with Texas on a Texas — New Mexico itinerary, and we're looking to do that with Arizona and our other sister states," he said. Brian Brown traveled from Oklahoma City for the summit. Brown directs the Route 66 Centennial Monument Project, which hopes to place 16-foot-tall steel sculptures, modeled on the old shield-shaped Route 66 highway signs, at various locations across the route. The sculptures were designed by VOX Industries in collaboration with public artist Stan Carroll. The goal of the Monument Project is to create a repeatable wayfinding landmark "that is consistent across the route," Brown said. Madison Garay, Visit Albuquerque Route 66 marketing specialist, said she was "excited about the historic preservation initiatives across all eight states." At the same time, she said she hoped the attention being paid to preserving iconic architecture and signage along Route 66 would not come at the expense of more prosaic but equally important buildings. "Certain community centers and gathering places that have historic significance to all sorts of diverse communities tend to get overlooked if they're not considered artistically dynamic enough," Garay said. "Of course, here, we're really focusing on keeping the heritage corridor preserved — which means mid-century modern architecture, primarily — but there are many more buildings that are maybe not as flamboyant and 'Googie' and fun, which are still just as important to the story of the highway." Route 66 is more than just milkshakes and Cadillacs, Martin said. "Every small town has its own story," he said.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
152 years of Joplin history to be celebrated
JOPLIN, Mo. — Although the City of Joplin's birthday isn't until later this month, residents can't wait to celebrate 'The City that Jack Built'. The Joplin Celebration Commission has a lot planned through 2026 — The Route 66 Centennial and USA 250, and two events scheduled for Joplin's 152nd birthday. Two Years Ago: City of Joplin Celebrates 150 years At 1:30 p.m., the Celebration Commission will showcase new storyboards for its legacy project — The Heritage Trail. The Unrest will tell the story of tensions between mining camps of yore. There will also be a storyboard about John C. Cox, who established the City of Joplin. These will be unveiled at the end of the Cox Family Estate's driveway, at 618 E. Persimmon. This event is open to the public. A special presentation will be held at the start of Monday's City Council meeting — focusing on Irish heritage, recognizing Joplin City Hall, and city birthdays of years past. Speakers at Monday's presentation will include Dr. Chad Stebbins, who will speak about Irish heritage. Brad Belk will discuss the significance of remembering Joplin's founding, and Patrick Tuttle will discuss Joplin City Hall's important role in shaping the city's past and present. The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. in Joplin City Hall's Council Chambers, located on the 5th floor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Election 2025: Here's more about the two Republicans running to be Pontiac's next mayor
There's only one race on Pontiac's primary ballot Feb. 25, but it's a big one. Two candidates from the Republican party are competing against each other for the Republican nomination for mayor. Incumbent Bill Alvey is being challenged by city council member Kelly Eckhoff. The Daily Leader sent questionnaires to the candidates. Here are some their responses. Occupation: worked at Wright's Furniture for 39 years. Before that, he was advertising manager at the Daily Leader. Background: Zoning Board 2½ years; Ward 1 Alderperson 5 years; Mayor 6 years (replaced Bob Russell, then elected in 2021); also served on Chamber of Commerce Board, PROUD Board (including as president), Downtown Merchants Association (4 years as chairman) Family: wife, Diana, one son and two grandchildren Education: Graduated from Pontiac Township High School and attended Illinois State University. Why are you running for mayor? Running for re-election is important to me. I want to make sure plans we have started are finished. What policies are most important to you? Among the projects in the works for the city are the fire department's substation, which has a very high priority. Also in the plans are the upcoming Route 66 Centennial plans (which is in 2026), work to be done on streets and so many other projects. We have put together a great team and staff to make our town the best we can. What challenges does Pontiac face? Like so many other communities, we are facing issues on affordable housing, finding staff for our departments, which has brought us a loss of residents. We are working with state, county groups to build up our reach and improve our spread of information. How do you plan to face these challenges? It comes down to working together and make the best outcome. Working together, we find ways to improve and overcome. What are your accomplishments as a member of the city council? I'm very proud of our departments and staff. 1) Our fire department's growth and the way we have been able to take on the ambulance duty with 24-hour notice; 2) Our parks and rec growth, the addition of the ice rink, the buildup of Block 59. I'd love to take credit for all the improvements and success we have had over the last 6-plus years, but it's been a group effort with the council, city administrator and city staff. Working with Adam Dontz and GLCEDC; working with each department has been easy with help of city administrator, monthly visits keep everyone thinking of team — from library to airport to state and federal government office holders. Occupation: Eckhoff manages the farm properties owned by herself and her siblings. Her 'full-time' job has been volunteering in the community for more than 20 years. Her volunteering efforts have been at St. Mary's School/Church and Pontiac Elks #1019. Background: Ward 2 alderperson since May 2007. Currently serves as chairman of the Finance & Administration Committee, chairman of the Housing Study Committee, and member of the Infrastructure Committee and Community Service committee. Council representative on the Citywide Heart & Soul community engagement process that was done in 2018-19. Was the lead planner for the city's weeklong celebration of its 175th birthday in 2012 Family: husband, Bob, three daughters and eight grandchildren Education: Graduated from Pontiac Township High School and Illinois Wesleyan University, bachelor of arts degree in Accounting. Why are you running for mayor? Pontiac needs to remain attractive to the next generation or our city will shrivel up and die. I will dedicate to making a difference so it can happen. I have the time and energy to commit to leading the decision-making process that will build a better tomorrow for Pontiac. What policies are most important to you? Proactive planning has to be a priority. Communication and collaboration between local government and residents is critical to revitalizing our civic pride.' What challenges does Pontiac face? Transportation maintenance is a never-ending challenge. Adequate housing is a critical challenge, and energy in our central business district — more retail, more shoppers, more events to engage people — is necessary. Also spending tax revenues wisely. How do you plan to face these challenges? Council recently adopted a five-year infrastructure maintenance plan that will need periodic review. Increased sales tax revenues may allow us to make additions to the plan. The reality of infrastructure maintenance is that we are never going to keep up with it. Keeping the residents informed is a monumental task that I want to conquer. If elected, I will plan for monthly (minimum) resident engagement events. The event will be an opportunity for residents to gather in a casual setting to learn what's going on with the city, and for them to share ideas/concerns. My intention is to create a positive platform for community engagement. What are your accomplishments as a member of the city council? Our city council is comprised of a good team of people that work very well together. I am proud that we do maintain a fiscally responsible budget. That is not an individual accomplishment but is attributed to a good collaboration between the council and city staff. Erich Murphy is a reporter with the Pontiac Daily Leader. This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Alvey faces challenge from Eckhoff for Pontiac mayor
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tourism department looking to bring ‘New Mexico True' to international audience
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The New Mexico Tourism Department is asking lawmakers to help the department go international. This Monday, the NMTD will make the case to the legislature to bring New Mexico True to an international audience. Albuquerque mayor responds to DOJ threat to cut funding for sanctuary cities The department's acting secretary said Munich and London are two markets they intend to target as part of the 2025 spring and summer campaign in partnership with Brand USA. It will be centered around the Route 66 Centennial. NMTD is requesting a $16 million special appropriation to improve both national and international marketing. This is all part of their Fiscal Year 26 budget request. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
