That's just being facetious, of course. Yerington has been making news in three centuries now, and lots of folks have fallen under the spell of its unique combination of small town Americana, bucolic farm country, and Nevada-style fun.

Yerington began life as "Pizen Switch," which local lore says refers to some bad liquor -- "poison," filtered through the local accent -- served at The Switch, a thatch-covered saloon.

Gentler sensibilities came into play in the 1870s and the town was re-christened Greenfield -- a reference to its surprisingly-verdant surroundings. A contemporary account in the Lyon County Times detailed the change: "About 20 Virginia and Gold Hill people including several ladies went out to Pizen Switch in Mason Valley last week to assist in dedicating the new dance hall put up lately by the Brant Brothers. Whiskey and hard cider flowed freely but there were no fights. The music was furnished by a fiddle and two banjos. The place was re-christened 'Greenfield' and an organization was formed, to be known as the Committee of Vengeance, whose duty it shall be to murder and scalp any and every person who shall hereafter call it 'Pizen Switch.'"

Yerington earned its permanent moniker when residents decided they needed to be connected to the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, and naming the town after the V&T's head honcho, Henry Marvin Yerington, might be a case of flattery getting them everywhere -- at least to Virginia City.

Unfortunately for the canny townsfolk, the V&T declined the offer, but Yerington grew anyway, spurred on by the lure of copper mining in the surrounding hills, and the farming and ranching which always have been a mainstay, owing to the area's beneficial climate. Mason Valley's large agricultural operations -- some dating back a hundred years or more -- connect Yerington to the land, and to a simpler past.

While the community maintains its close-knit, small town atmosphere, there is a lot of Nevada in it as well. A popular spot for generations is the Lucky Club, owned by popular longtime state legislator Joe Dini, and the traveler will find other enticements as well, promising good food, a well-mixed cocktail, and Nevada-style games of chance. The newer Casino West, too, promises a great time amongst friendly people.

And recreational activities abound. Wilson Canyon is known throughout the state for its camping, fishing and picnicking facilities. The nearby Walker River, Walker Lake, Lahontan Reservoir and Topaz Lake are ideal for fishing and boating, as is the fishing lake at beautiful Mountain View Park. Veterans Park, another isle of greenery, features a historic fire station among its attractions, while Kiddie Park, as its name implies, offers much for the young'ins -- including a swimming pool and playground equipment.

Yerington also boasts softball, baseball and soccer fields that rival any in Nevada, and shooting sports enthusiasts won't want to miss the trap shooting and firing range on Pete Hendricks Road. The local golf course is well-tended and open year-round.

Other area attractions include the Mason Valley Wildlife Manage-ment Area and Fish Hatchery on Miller Lane, and the old Anaconda Copper pit, a look-out point which provides a breathtaking view of the entire valley.

History buffs won't want to miss the picturesque ruins of Fort Churchill, Nevada's first and largest military post, which was constructed in 1860. Located just north of Yerington, the site includes a museum detailing and interpreting the heritage of the fort and the U.S. Cavalry. Other fascinating relics of the city's storied past may be discovered at the Lyon County Museum, 215 South Main Street, which displays military, Native American and Chinese artifacts, as well as intriguing remnants of the area's ancient history.

Yerington is small town America at its best -- offering a captivating mix of both rich heritage and 21st century convenience. Its stable, friendly and unhurried lifestyle is just the tonic for the traveler yearning for a taste of simpler times.