Hunting conference returns to Reno

RENO, Nev. >> One of the biggest hunting conventions in the world is returning to Reno for three years beginning in 2019.

Bob Lucey, board chairman for the Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, announced the agreement Thursday with the Safari Club International Annual Hunters’ Convention.

Lucey said the last time the convention was held in Reno, in 2013, it had a $21 million impact on the local economy. He said 20,000 conventioneers from 103 countries are expected to attend the event in January 2019.

Reno has hosted 20 previous gatherings of the hunting and conservation organization, including all but one during the 11 years from 2003-2013.

The club had planned to hold its 2015 in Reno but instead went to Las Vegas, citing primarily travel costs and options.

Albuquerque to restore 2 motels

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. >> A $20 million restoration project is poised to revive two shuttered motels along separate sections of Historic Route 66 in Albuquerque, where the neon signs of motor inns once lit the highway’s miles-long run through New Mexico’s largest city.

Standing in front of the boarded-up De Anza Motor Lodge (opened in 1939) on Wednesday, Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry announced plans for the renovation project, saying it will turn the sprawling inn and another historic road stop — the El Vado Motel (opened in 1937) — into extended-stay motels with breweries and food carts.

The city and private developers will fund the project, Berry said.

“Everything we’re doing on this — the signage, the lighting along the way, the landscaping — we’re trying to stay true to that historic Route 66 form,” he said.

“That’s what Route 66 is known for are these motor lodges.”

Community Land Trust and Portland, Ore.-based Pacificap were selected to perform the restoration work. Construction is expected to begin by January.