Author: Amy Veloz

For many student-athletes, the path to competing at the collegiate level begins long before high school. For Pahrump Valley High School senior Jayden Crisler, that journey didn’t begin until his freshman year—but what he’s accomplished since then has been nothing short of impressive. “I started as a freshman,” Crisler said. “I didn’t do track in middle school.” That late introduction didn’t slow him down. Instead, it gave him the opportunity to explore where he fit best within the sport—and it didn’t take long for him to find his strengths. While Crisler competes in hurdles, a demanding track event that requires…

The Pahrump Valley High School baseball team faced a challenging but productive stretch of games at the Durango Classic Tournament, competing over three days from Monday, March 16 through Wednesday, March 18. Taking on a mix of tough opponents, the Trojans showed resilience throughout the tournament, highlighted by two dominant wins to close out play. The tournament opened Monday with a matchup against the host Durango Trailblazers, where the Trojans fell 11-1 despite a strong start offensively. Tony Whitney led off the game with a single, followed by Vinny Whitney being hit by a pitch and Ben Cimperman reaching to…

Pretty Petite Boutique may still be a relatively new business in Pahrump, but in less than a year, it has already outgrown its first location and stepped confidently into a larger space—an exciting milestone that reflects both strong community support and the dedication behind the brand. Owned by Terrie Goint and managed by her daughter-in-law Liz Goint, Pretty Petite Boutique officially celebrated its new location at 1360 E. Nevada Hwy 372, Unit 4B, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 17 from 4 to 6 p.m., joined by members of the Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce. The event marked not…

The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ basketball team gathered on Monday, March 16 to celebrate a season of hard work, growth and achievement during their annual end-of-year banquet. The evening brought together players, coaches and families to reflect on the team’s progress throughout the season while recognizing the individual contributions that helped shape the Trojans’ success on and off the court. Several players were honored with team awards that highlighted their dedication, versatility and impact. Ella Odegard earned the Utility Player award, recognized for her ability to contribute in multiple roles and consistently step up wherever the team needed her…

By Dr. John RhodesPresident and CEOOptum Nevada Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death among people younger than 50 in the United States, according to a 2026 study by the American Cancer Society published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.[1] At the same time, colorectal cancer diagnosis rates for those younger than 50 have risen by 2.9% per year from 2013 to 2022.[2] As a physician practicing in Nevada for many years, I’ve watched colorectal cancer shift from a condition most patients associated with retirement age to one I’m now discussing with people in their 30s…

Pahrump’s community came together in a powerful way on Saturday, March 14, as Living Free Health hosted its annual Art for Recovery fundraiser at the Pahrump Nugget. The evening drew approximately 180 attendees, all gathered with a shared purpose—to support recovery, healing and hope for individuals working to rebuild their lives. As the nonprofit’s primary annual fundraiser, Art for Recovery plays a critical role in sustaining the programs and services offered by Living Free Health, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction and transition into stable, healthy living. This year’s event proved to be one of the organization’s…

The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ basketball team gathered on Wednesday, March 18 to celebrate a season defined by hard work, perseverance and steady growth, as players, coaches and families came together for the team’s annual end-of-year banquet. The evening served as an opportunity to reflect on a season that saw the Trojans continue to build momentum within the 3A South. Finishing fifth in the league with a 6-8 record, the team also secured a first-round playoff victory, a milestone that highlighted both their progress and potential moving forward. Several players were recognized for their efforts on the court with…

For Natalia Vallin, soccer has never been just a sport—it’s been a lifelong passion woven into the fabric of her family and, ultimately, the path that has led her to the next chapter of her athletic and academic journey. Now, that journey is taking her across the country. The Pahrump Valley High School standout has officially signed to play collegiate soccer at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, marking a major milestone for one of the area’s most dedicated and dynamic athletes. Vallin’s love for the game began almost as early as she can remember. “I started playing soccer around four…

The Pahrump Valley High School Hope Squad is inviting the community to lace up their running shoes and come together for a meaningful cause at its upcoming Fun Run 5K fundraiser, set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Discovery Park. Scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m., the event aims to bring students, families and community members together in support of the Hope Squad’s ongoing efforts to promote mental health awareness, peer support and suicide prevention on campus and throughout the community. The run offers a simple but powerful opportunity for participants of all ages and fitness levels to get involved,…

The Pahrump Valley High School softball team showcased a complete and disciplined performance on their home field Tuesday, March 17, earning a 5-0 victory over Needles behind strong pitching, solid defense and timely hitting. With Evalenne Armendariz getting the start in the circle, the Trojans set the tone early with steady defensive play. Although Needles opened the game with a leadoff single to left field, Armendariz and the defense quickly settled in. A ground out to third, followed by a strikeout and a fly out to left, ended the inning without any damage. Pahrump’s offense was quiet in the bottom…