61°F
weather icon Clear

Smokin’ 4th in Beatty

The traditional Fourth of July celebration in Beatty was limited to the fireworks display this year, but the town had something more to celebrate on the 4th this year. That day saw the long-anticipated opening of Smokin’ J’s Barbecue.

Proprietor and grill master Jay Thompson has, for many years, occasionally set up his grill to sell his barbecue on a street corner, and he has had a booth at Beatty Days.

But he has dreamed of having a restaurant of his own. That dream is now a reality thanks to help from Beatty business owner and developer Ed Ringle.

The newly-built restaurant in downtown Beatty is set up to operate in similar fashion to the Dickey’s barbecues. Customers place their orders and pay for them at the counter rather than having their orders taken by wait staff.

It is a bit of a challenge to open a new restaurant in the middle of a pandemic, but Smokin’ J’s was quite busy on the 4th.

It promises to be popular with locals who are familiar with Thompson’s barbecue, and its location should make it an attractive stop for travelers between Las Vegas and Reno, as well as tourists visiting the area.

Richard Stephens is a freelance reporter living in Beatty.

THE LATEST
Nevada Volunteers hosts Pahrump Volunteer Fair

Nevada Volunteers hosted the Pahrump Volunteer Fair this month, the first such fair in a grant-funded series that will take the nonprofit all around the Silver State over the course of the next three years, all in the name of advocating for and educating people on the power of volunteering.

Garage fire destroys 11 classic cars

Close to a dozen classic cars in various states of restoration were consumed by fire at a residence along the 3000 block of North Joanita Street last week.

Repairs underway for wildlife fence

With a variety of free-roaming wild horse and burro herds calling the open land surrounding Pahrump home, car-versus-equine crashes are an unfortunate but all-too-common occurrence. Fencing is essential. Join the effort to protect wild horses and burros — and drivers too.

GALLERY: These community activists are changing Pahrump Valley

A dozen volunteers in the valley were celebrated for their contributions at the Inaugural Hope Floats Volunteer Recognition Luncheon hosted by the NyE Communities Coalition.

Beatty board backs Ash Meadows conservancy plans

At its May 6 meeting, the Beatty Town Advisory Board voted to send a letter supporting the Amargosa Conservancy’s conceptual map showing the boundary of its proposed Ash Meadows mineral withdrawal area.

Memorial service set for former Town Manager Bill Kohbarger

A special Celebration of Life ceremony for former Pahrump Town Manager Bill Kohbarger is scheduled for Friday May 10, at the Pahrump Veterans Memorial at 751 East Street from 12-to-4 p.m.

RENDERINGS: Pahrump OHV Park to be professionally designed

Two years ago, the town of Pahrump broke ground on what will become a 40-acre OHV Park at the Pahrump Fairgrounds but before any actual construction takes place, officials want to have the site professionally designed.

Valley’s ladies treated to the Women’s Expo

Soroptimist International has one main mission – ensuring women and girls can access the resources and opportunities they need to be able to reach their full potential and live their very best lives.

Pahrump Taco Fest making a comeback

Taco-lovers rejoice, the Pahrump Taco Fest is making its return after several years’ hiatus. This June, the Calvada Eye will be overrun with competitors all hoping to score the title of best taco-maker in town and foodies will definitely not want to miss out.