ENTERPRISE Janet and Mark Baughn are preparing to welcome Enterprise citizens back to the local watering hole and community staple since 1948, with the reopening of the Range Rider Tavern. The Baughns are previous owners of the Range Rider and were busy the week of July 18 adding their own personal touch back to the tavern by displaying saddles, wall decor and a ring of more than 350 Jim Beam canisters in preparation for the July 22 soft opening followed by a grand opening celebration Friday, Aug. 5, and Saturday, Aug. 6.

The work of reopening has fallen mostly on the shoulders of Janet due to a nearly fatal accident suffered by Mark only a couple months ago. The Baughns spend winters in Nevada and work at the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard resort. This past winter, Mark steered his ATV off a 40-foot cliff and in the process broke his neck in two places, his back in two places, his pelvis in four places, shattered his spine, broke four ribs and collapsed a lung. He spent five weeks in the hospital and now performs physical therapy twice weekly.

Physically, Im moving, Mark said with a grin. I get tired real easily and theres still a lot of pain and soreness. I wasnt supposed to walk again. My spine exploded and only by a miracle there was no spinal cord damage. Its just a miracle; God was just there for me. Im full of titanium, but eventually Ill sure be able to run a bar. Hes on full disability until Nov. 1 and Janet keeps a watchful eye out to make sure the worker in him stays at rest, for a couple more months anyway.

The Baughns originally owned and operated the tavern for a year-and-a-half after purchasing the building in 2003. They shared many memories of running the tavern during those approximately 18 months.

Its not uncommon to see a horse tied up out front, Mark said. And historically, weve heard stories of horses riding through here, he said, pointing toward the center of the interior. Janet spoke fondly of the group of ranchers whod come in at 6 a.m. and play cribbage.

Were just going to have fun with it. Its an important part of the community and a much needed gathering place, Mark said. We strive to cater to the local people. Thats our base and who we care most about. Its wonderful to live in a small community. Were glad to be home and back in business. We love the place and the community.

The Baughns plan to offer live music on weekends and are already receiving phone calls from large parties looking to book the joint for special occasions. Theyve booked a party for 40, and during this interview received a call from a patron requesting room to accommodate a party of 100. Were overwhelmed, Janet said of the early support a week from officially turning over the open sign.

The Range Rider reopens on July 22 serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and offering refreshments from a full bar. Business hours are from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 6 a.m. until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Just like we said in the Chieftain article eight years ago, as long as we own the tavern, nobody will go hungry, Mark added.