It was a day of honors at the Lyon County Commission meeting Thursday, and most of the awards went to retiring Commissioner Chet Hillyard.
"As I ride off into the sunset, I want to express my appreciation to all who have assisted me in projects that made this the best county in the nation," Hillyard said.
He was given a plaque by the board of commissioners thanking him for 16 years of dedicated and excellent service to the county.
Bob Hadfield and Janice Ayres of the Northern Nevada Railway Foundation then presented Hillyard with two paintings in honor of his 11 years serving on the Nevada Commission to Reconstruct the V&T Railway.
"He was always there for us," Hadfield said.
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Another Lyon County official who is leaving the public sector is deputy District Attorney Stephen Rye, who was given a plaque thanking him for his service to the county.
Rye lost a bid for district attorney, and after the election decided to return to private practice.
"We appreciate what you have done for the county and glad to know you'll be available to help," said commission Chairman Bob Milz. "There are some issues you have worked on where the knowledge can't be found anywhere else."
Rye thanked the commission as well as "the county employees who have made my job enjoyable."
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Nine people took home prizes for their sumptuous creations at the Gingerbread Social and Auction last week at Piper's Opera House in Virginia City.
There were 15 entries, with gingerbread structures as varied as a replica of the Twin Towers, V&T trains, Noah's Ark and a Nativity scene.
Winners were, in the advanced category, Paul Samsel, of Carson City, first place; Karlyn McPartlin, of Virginia City, second place; and Rose Picard, of Carson City, third place.
In the open category, Janet Rought, of Reno, was first; Susan Lewis, of Dayton, was second; and Sue Jones of Virginia City was third.
There was also a youth contest, and Willie Tankersley, of Virginia City, won first prize; Nikola McPartlin, of Virginia City, won second prize; and Caitlyn Keeler, of Silver Springs, won third prize.
The gingerbread creations were auctioned off for charity.