The City of Lincoln recently made the decision to withhold funding to the Logan County Tourism Department and take over its own tourism.

Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch says this decision was made for the City to go in a different direction for its tourism. He feels the decision to run its own tourism department gives them a little more control. 

Mayor Welch has been busy visiting local communities to get a feel for what they are doing to promote Route 66. Two places he's been have been just up the road in Atlanta and then up Interstate 55 in Pontiac.

The Lincoln City Council was split in its decision, and the Mayor had to break the tie. The Mayor admits while they have a long way to go to be ready for the 100th anniversary of Route 66, they are actively trying to get the right people in place to make sure they are ready for that milestone and celebration next year.

The Mayor believes the City Council has the vision for what needs to be done to move Lincoln forward. But he is also excited about the potential of working with a consultant to utilize their knowledge and expertise in moving the City forward as well.