Author: Amy Veloz

Not every successful business begins with a formal business plan. Sometimes it starts with a plate of biscuits and gravy. That’s exactly what happened for Jorge Lopez and Tiffany Ortiz, whose homemade breakfast inspired them to launch Smothered Mule, a veteran-owned and operated Pahrump food truck that has quickly earned a loyal following for its scratch-made comfort food, generous portions and welcoming approach to customer service. For the couple, the business represents more than simply serving breakfast. It also provided an opportunity to build a future together in Pahrump. Ortiz, who was born and raised in Las Vegas, brings formal…

Read More

The Pahrump Valley High School girls soccer team took another step toward the upcoming season with a unique summer tradition, welcoming former Trojan standouts back to the field for an alumni scrimmage that provided the current roster with a valuable opportunity to test itself against experienced competition. Held as part of the team’s summer conditioning program, the event marked the third consecutive year the Trojans have hosted an alumni match. While the contest was originally envisioned as a fundraiser, participation numbers ultimately led coaches to turn it into a practice. Even so, the evening accomplished exactly what the coaching staff…

Read More

The Pahrump Aztecs Silver 14U battled through a back-and-forth contest Tuesday evening, July 7, earning a dramatic 6-5 walk-off victory over Sierra Vista at home after overcoming a late comeback and capitalizing on an opportunity in the bottom of the seventh inning. Pahrump wasted little time taking control of the game behind starting pitcher Kasen Smith, who worked out of a first-inning hit-by-pitch by retiring the side without allowing a run. Defensively, catcher Zayne Tuck threw out the first batter on a ground ball to first baseman Sawyer Tillery, while center fielder Everett Abelar and right fielder Anthony Aguilar each…

Read More

By Dr. Patrick TawilSouthwest Medical, part of Optum Most people already know soda, candy and fast food are not great choices. As a family medicine physician, I find the harder conversation is about everything in between, the foods that feel normal, reasonable and even healthy. They’re the foods people don’t think twice about. And in many cases, that’s where risk quietly builds over time. Take the granola bar. It doesn’t feel like junk food. If anything, it feels like the better choice. It’s small, portable and labeled with words like protein, fiber, whole grains or energy. It fits easily into…

Read More

Pahrump residents turned out in impressive numbers on Saturday, July 4, as the Pahrump Holiday Task Force hosted what became one of the community’s largest Independence Day celebrations in recent memory. Held in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the event drew hundreds of attendees who gathered to celebrate the nation’s milestone birthday with a parade, family activities, food and plenty of patriotic spirit. While Pahrump’s annual Fourth of July parade has long been a hometown tradition, this year’s celebration saw noticeably larger crowds than in years past. Families lined the parade route…

Read More

Robyn Ruggeroli has spent years building Fainting Goat Soap by New Liberty Farm from her home, carefully crafting goat milk soaps, lotions and skincare products in the family kitchen. Now, thanks to a leap of faith—and a little encouragement from those closest to her—customers have a permanent place to shop, watch products being made and connect with the maker behind the brand. Fainting Goat Soap by New Liberty Farm officially celebrated the grand opening of its first brick-and-mortar location at 301 Oxbow Ave. #14 in Pahrump, welcoming an enthusiastic crowd of shoppers eager to browse the handcrafted products that have…

Read More

The Pahrump Aztecs Bronze 14U squad battled through momentum swings and came up with timely plays when they mattered most Monday, June 29, defeating Shadow 8-7 in dramatic walk-off fashion at home. After three scoreless innings highlighted by strong pitching from Kasen Smith and solid defensive play behind him, the Aztecs finally broke through in the bottom of the third. Pahrump loaded the bases through patient at-bats from Anthony Aguilar, Stetson Brown, Trustin Wagnon, Chris Mize Jr. and Sawyer Tillery. Runners eventually crossed the plate on a combination of walks and a balk, giving the Aztecs a 5-0 advantage. The…

Read More

Residents looking to add a little extra fun to their Independence Day celebrations will have the opportunity to support local businesses while capturing holiday memories during the Fourth of July Pop-Up on Saturday, July 4, at the Bob Ruud Community Center in Pahrump. Hosted by Living Water Lab Photography, the event will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., bringing together professional photography and a variety of local vendors for an afternoon designed to celebrate both the holiday and the community. One of the featured attractions will be holiday-themed portrait photography, giving families, friends and visitors the chance to commemorate…

Read More

The Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) will soon begin the search for new leadership following the announcement that Executive Director Timothy Jackson has submitted his resignation. The NIAA announced Wednesday, July 1, that Jackson will step down from the position effective Aug. 1 after leading the statewide organization through a period of legislative changes and operational updates. He will remain in the role through the transition to help ensure a smooth handoff ahead of the 2026-27 high school athletic seasons. “It has been an honor to serve Nevada’s member schools and student-athletes,” Jackson said in a statement. “I am proud…

Read More

The Pahrump Aztecs Silver 17U responded to an early setback with one of their strongest performances of the summer Wednesday, July 1, splitting a home doubleheader against the Las Vegas Aces Silver. After falling 13-1 in the opener, the Aztecs regrouped behind timely hitting, solid pitching and steady defense to earn a 9-3 victory in the nightcap. Cody Fried started on the mound in the first game and received outstanding defensive support early. Center fielder Levi Denton turned one of the game’s best plays in the opening inning, making a catch before doubling a runner off first base, then adding…

Read More