Author: Amy Veloz

Amber Randle’s career path and personal journey are a testament to resilience and adaptability. A proud graduate of Pahrump Valley High School in 2012, Amber pursued her passion for the culinary arts by attending CSN. Her plan was to work at Bizarre Meats on the Las Vegas Strip. However, life had different plans for Amber, who soon found herself pregnant and back in Pahrump. “My career journey definitely took a path of its own rather than following the plan I perceived,” Amber reflects. This unexpected turn led her to the Nye County Planning Department, where she now serves as a…

Amanda (Kunzi) Sage, a 2004 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS), has built an impressive career in law while maintaining strong ties to her hometown. Her journey from a small-town high school student to a Deputy District Attorney in Reno, Nevada, showcases her dedication, resilience, and commitment to justice. After graduating from PVHS, Amanda attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication. Her academic journey continued at Seattle University School of Law, where she earned her law degree. Reflecting on her law school experience, Amanda says, “Just surviving and graduating law…

Nestled next to Albertsons at 250 S. Highway 160, Suite 8, The Wine Down has quickly become a beloved haven for locals and visitors alike. Co-owners Joelle and Keith Bolton officially opened the doors on July 1, 2023, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The couple’s journey to opening The Wine Down is both inspiring and filled with passion. Joelle Bolton’s introduction to the world of wine began in 2012 when she started working at the Pahrump Valley Winery under Bill and Gretchen Loken. “I fell in love with wine there,” she recalls. “Gretchen, with her teaching background, took…

Ashley Welch’s journey into the world of arts and crafts started as an unplanned venture. Growing up in a creative household, with her mother and stepfather deeply involved in artistic endeavors, she was surrounded by inspiration. “My mom was very artistic, and my stepdad was a paint contractor. I grew up around color and painting, watching my mom create murals in our house,” Ashley recalls. Ashley’s mother, who passed away in 2015, was her best friend and an incredibly creative individual. She had the unique talent to transform a piece of trash into something beautiful, and she believes she inherited…

In a heartfelt ceremony, Nevada State Assemblyman Gregory Hafen II presented a proclamation to former Nye County Detective Bryan Cooper, recognizing his exceptional bravery, dedication, and service to the community. This honor comes as a testament to Cooper’s remarkable career and his extraordinary resilience in the face of danger. Assemblyman Hafen expressed his gratitude to Cooper, saying, “Thank you for all you’ve done for our community. We wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t here today. We are very happy and thankful you are.” The proclamation, also supported by Senator Goicoechea, serves as a small token of appreciation for Cooper’s…

Mr. Jared Peruch, the dedicated principal of Hafen Elementary School, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for education to his role. After nine months in the position, Mr. Peruch has already made a significant impact, driven by a deep-seated desire to help others reach their potential for greatness. His journey to becoming an educator and school administrator is rooted in his upbringing on an almond farm in rural Central California, near the town of Madera. Reflecting on his path to education, Mr. Peruch shared, “I chose to be an educator to help others along their path of reaching…

Pahrump Valley High School senior Matt Lopez has achieved a significant milestone in his weightlifting journey by joining the prestigious 1800-pound club. This accomplishment, which combines the total weight lifted in bench press, squat, clean, and deadlift, is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and determination. Matt’s journey in weightlifting began in his freshman year. “I started lifting my freshman year, but I didn’t really take it seriously until my sophomore year. I began setting goals like 900, 1200, and 1500 pounds, with the ultimate goal of reaching 1800 pounds,” Matt recalls. This goal motivated him to push his…

The Nye County School District recently completed a significant project to install new gym floors at several schools in the district, including JG Johnson, RCMS, Pathways, PVHS as well as Round Mountain, Tonopah High, Tonopah Elementary and Beatty High. The initiative was driven by these floors being beyond repair through routine maintenance capabilities. Joseph Schmidt, Director of Maintenance & Operations for the district, explained the reasoning behind the project: “Our gym floors were showing their age, striping was faded and scratched, and the top coats were worn beyond what routine maintenance could overcome.” Recognizing the necessity for a safe and…

Rosemary Clarke Middle School is gearing up for an exciting start to the sports season with practice and tryouts for various teams set to begin next week. Students are encouraged to come out, showcase their skills, and join the athletic community. Cross Country Boys and girls interested in running cross country should come prepared for an invigorating start to the season under the guidance of experienced coaches. This is not a sport that has cuts. Volleyball Aspiring volleyball players will have the opportunity to demonstrate their talents and secure a spot on the team. This sport will have cuts. Football…

The Nye County School District (NCSD) is pleased to announce that it will continue offering free lunches to all enrolled students in the district, through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. This initiative, which has been part of NCSD’s commitment for many years, ensures that every student has access to nutritious meals without any cost, fostering better learning and overall well-being. The CEP program, combined with the temporary Universal Free Meals program over the past two years, has enabled NCSD to receive the highest reimbursement rates for breakfast and lunch. This temporary funding from the Universal Free Meals program has…