On Sunday, the Amarillo Globe-News (free registration required) published an article about nearby Vega, Texas, and its Route 66 heritage.

The article contained some updates on a few longtime favorites:

• Dot Leavitt, founder and caretaker of Dot’s Mini-Museum, died about a month ago. But the museum was willed to her daughter, Betty Carpenter, and she’s keeping it going. In fact, Dot’s home may be converted into part of the museum complex. The number there is (806) 267-2367.
• Roark’s Hardware, which has been on Route 66 since 1925, recently added a coffee shop, decorated with outmoded farm tools. “I wanted to create a little atmospheric getaway for people coming through on Route 66,” general manager Randy Roark said.

In a side story, the Globe-News has an article about Rory Schepisi, the “Popularity Contest” runner-up who moved to Vega full-time and is building her Boot Hill Saloon & Grill there.