Topaz Lodge Opens

The line began forming at 4 a.m. Tuesday with customers waiting to the first to walk through the doors of the newly renovated Topaz Lodge and Casino.

Topaz Ranch Estates resident Dewey Dodson was first through the front doors at 10:30 a.m. after the Nevada State fire marshal and building inspectors gave owners Bob and Robb Cashell and General Manager Rick Ross the go-ahead to reopen for business.

"I was first in line this morning," Dodson, a retired employee of the lodge said. "I was a security guard here at the Lodge when Jay Paige was general manager. I retired 10 years ago.

"Now I have to go call my wife so she can meet me down here for lunch."

The regular lodge patron was treated to lunch for being the first customer but not before he added a few coins to the new gaming machines. Twenty more machines have been added.

Lakeview hostess, Jackie Thompson was standing at her station ready to seat the first customers.

"I have worked for the lodge for 13 years," Tompson, a TRE resident, said. "It was great to be off for the three months. I spent a lot of time with family but I missed being here and it is great to be back."

A whole new menu featuring new as well as old favorites is also being offered.

The downstairs buffet and steak house are still under renovation from the water damage received in the April 3 fire but are scheduled for opening by the end of July.

For information call the lodge, 266-3338.