Pinocchio Dance students perform at the start of the Route 66 Cruise-A-Palooza Friday evening. Younger students (below) await their turn to be on stage.

Route 66 Cruise-A-Palooza cut short by thunderstorms

Final band scheduled to come back in August

The annual Route 66 Cruise-A-Palooza was going great Friday and Saturday, until the threatening clouds moved in early Saturday evening.

The big attractions were dance performances, movie night, band concerts, craft vendors, food trucks, monster truck rides and the car show.

Tulsa Wind Riders’ large, waving kites were quite an eye-catcher from the highway.

Erin Turner, Webb City economic and community development coordinator, says the main band concert by Mayday by Midnight will be rescheduled for later this summer.

Council member Jerry Fisher (3rd Ward) complimented all staff members who worked hard to make the event a success. “The park looked beautiful.” And it was mentioned that the event drew shoppers downtown.

The air-filled kites of Tulsa Wind Riders fill the sky early Saturday afternoon as part of Route 66 Cruise-A-Palooza in King Jack Park.

Webb City Project Graduation received approval from the City Council Monday to hold the annual Paint the Town Red Parade and Community Bonfire on Wednesday, Sept. 29.

The event coincides with Homecoming Week at Webb City High School, Sept. 26 – Oct. 1.

For information about business sponsorship, contact the Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce.

JLT Auditions set for ‘Plaid Tidings’ and ‘Clue: On Stage’

Joplin Little Theatre will hold auditions for the first two productions of its 2021-22 season soon.

Auditions for “Plaid Tidings,” a musical comedy directed by Carolyn McGowan, will be held at 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 2-3.

Director Tegan Whited will cast the mystery comedy “Clue: On Stage” at 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 9-10.

Show dates are: “Clue: On Stage,” Sept. 29 – Oct. 3; “Plaid Tidings,” Dec. 1 – 5.

Season tickets are now available by calling (417) 623-3638 or online at joplinlittletheatre.org.

COVID infections, deaths continue to climb

Four additional deaths attributed to COVID-19 have been recorded by the Jasper County Health Department.

The death of a man in his 60s was announced Friday. And the deaths of three men were announced Tuesday. They were one each in the 70s, 60s and 50s age groups. 

There have now been 169 Jasper Countians whose deaths have been caused by the coronavirus.

The Joplin Health Department reported Tuesday that its 138 death was that of a 64-year-old female. 

Webb City Fire Chief Andrew Roughton reported to the City Council Monday that his staff “continue to take precautions for COVID-19 on calls as we have seen an increase in calls for COVID-related symptoms and diagnosis.”