Unemployment line you'd want to join

Every weekday morning, the benches in front of the Nevada Trading Co. in Topaz Ranch Estates are occupied by members of the "TRE unemployment office." Their standards are high. They promise to give a "fools" day of work for two-days pay - now how's that for a deal? All claim to be "operators" (of something). The president "pro-temp" of the association is Bobby Arden, supported by Dave Arden, Mike Offenstein, Steve Peterman, Paul Longnecker, Jerry Eckart and Ole Chavez. You may contact any one of them by calling (800) FREE-TRE on days that don't end in "Y" or visit them at the bench by appointment only. Way to go guys. Where do I apply for a job and do you mind if I join you for coffee?

Water reminder

Ole Chavez from the TREGID water and road department would like to remind the residents that water tank No. 3 will be off line until May 23 for general maintenance and repairs. A temporary bladder tank has been set up. Water service could periodically be interrupted. Please restrict excess water usage until May 23. For information or to report any problems call 266-3212 or 790-0187.

Breakfast at Joe's

Mike Smith will be cooking breakfast at the Nevada Trading Co. starting Monday. Smith was formerly the breakfast cook for LaBrandi's in the Topaz Nugget when it was open and he was doing breakfast at the Bank Parlor and Pub in Minden. It will be a welcome addition to our area so get cookin' Mike.

Garage sale

Smith Valley will be having a community garage sale, May 26 beginning at 8 a.m. You may set up a booth at the Wellington Deli or give your name, address and phone number to be placed on a map. Donations will also be collected at the community hall from noon to 4 p.m. to be sold at the annual Community Hall Rummage Sale in October. For more information contact Judy Jacobsen, Smith Valley Realty, 495-9989.

Topaz Lodge

Rick Ross announced that the re-opening date of the lodge has been pushed back to the middle of June. Management is currently looking at an opening date of June12-15. It is going to be exciting to see the new look when the doors open. Special art work has been commissioned from Kathy Hammill, a Carson City artist, who will create murals of Nevada scenery to accent certain areas on the main floor of the casino. Ross promised that the lodge atmosphere would remain the same with plenty of knotty pine and the whole decor will be an enhanced, old-fashioned, lodge feeling.

New restaurant

If you haven't tried the food at the Iron Horse, formerly Topaz Joe's lake location, you are missing out on a great eating experience. Owner, Pete Karkos and cook, Johnathan Spears, have perfected the art of outstanding hamburgers as well as pulled pork, steak or grilled chicken sandwiches and other goodies. The menu is a simple one, the atmosphere is warm and friendly in the newly decorated interior as well as decks and umbrella-shaded tables to sit at outdoors over looking the spectacular view of the Sweetwaters, Antelope Valley and Topaz Lake. Great place to spend a quiet afternoon.

Until next week, keep on keepin' on.

-- Jonni Hill can be reached through The Record-Courier at jhill@recordcourier.com or by calling 782-5121, ext. 213, or after hours at JHILL47@aol.com