Author: Amy Veloz

Brittany (Klenczar) Castro graduated from Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) in 2015 and has since built an impressive academic and professional career. After high school, Brittany attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where she played for the women’s soccer team in 2016. However, her involvement in a research lab eventually led her to focus solely on her studies. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2019 and a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in 2022. Currently, Brittany is an administrative faculty member at UNLV, working as a Program Manager for a research team in the School…

Founded in 2009 by two parents of special needs children, the Pahrump Disability Outreach Program (P.D.O.P.) emerged from a deep need for local support. These parents, realizing the lack of resources and information in Pahrump, committed to creating a supportive environment for families like theirs. “Reaching for the stars, and settling for nothing less” became the organization’s driving slogan, reflecting their aspirations for the community. As Cindy Small, a key figure in the organization, explains, “P.D.O.P. is a growing, non-profit organization that offers families a place for support, information, education, training, and friendship without having to go to Las Vegas.”…

Java Junkies, a beloved local coffee shop in Pahrump, is celebrating a significant milestone this September – its 10th anniversary. Founded by Kris Su, the story behind Java Junkies is one of transformation, perseverance, and community support. Kris recalls the moment that sparked the idea for his coffee shop. “Years ago, I was being transported to federal prison, and I saw a little hut by Carl’s Junior where Starbucks is now. I told myself that if I ever got out, I would come back to this town, rent that building, and start a coffee shop,” he shared. After serving his…

Integrity Flooring, a family-owned business led by Javier Soto, has established itself as a reputable name in Pahrump’s flooring industry. With over 25 years of experience in the flooring business, Javi has combined his expertise with a strong commitment to customer service to create a company that stands out in the community. Javi’s journey in the flooring industry began under the guidance of his father, who also worked in the business. Over the years, Javi honed his skills, starting from small local jobs and gradually moving up to manage larger projects in Las Vegas. “I’ve always been in the flooring…

Hunter Mellinger, a dedicated student-athlete and Senior at PVHS, recently etched his name into the record books by breaking two significant weightlifting records. A four-year football player who currently starts as both right tackle and defensive tackle, Hunter’s journey into weightlifting began during his freshman year as part of summer training. “Football was my introduction to weights,” Hunter explained, emphasizing how the sport necessitated strength, which drew him into the weight room. Hunter’s inspiration to excel in weightlifting comes from a deeply personal place. “Probably younger me,” he shared. “I’ve always wanted to be one of the best to ever…

The Chillin Out Ice Cream Truck is bringing a delightful old-school charm to the streets of Pahrump, offering a nostalgic experience that has quickly become a favorite in the community. This unique venture, spearheaded by Jim Bandazian and supported by his family, including his daughter-in-law Oleta Bandazian, aims to provide joy to both children and adults through the simple pleasure of ice cream. The idea for the ice cream truck was born from Jim’s desire to introduce something different to the community. “Jim wanted to start this ice cream truck business for something new for the community to experience, also…

Mrs. Holly Riggs, currently serving as the Learning Coordinator for Alternative, Distance, and Adult Education at Pathways Innovative Education, has been in her role for nine months but carries with her a lifelong passion for education. “My grandmother was a teacher, and my mother attended college as an education major, so I knew I wanted to be a teacher since the fourth grade,” Mrs. Riggs reflects. This early exposure to education shaped her career aspirations, which were further solidified through her experiences volunteering with teachers throughout middle and high school. “I was able to learn a great deal from their…

Eric Murphy, a dedicated public servant with over three decades of experience in emergency services, has officially retired from the Nye County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) after 21 years of distinguished service. His career is a testament to the values of duty, resilience, and leadership, which have left an indelible mark on the community he served so faithfully. Eric’s journey to law enforcement began long before he donned the uniform. His roots in Nye County were planted early when, at just four years old, his parents relocated the family from Iowa to Pahrump, Nevada. Growing up in the vast and rugged…

As summer winds down, the excitement is just beginning for the Jr. Trojans football program. This year, the program is fielding two flag football teams, one tackle football team, and a dedicated cheerleading squad, all of which have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming season. With practices well underway, the Jr. Trojans are gearing up to hit the field, with games set to start in September. The Jr. Trojans football program has been a cornerstone of youth sports in the community, offering young athletes an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of football, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The program caters…

Michael Hush, the Director of Transportation for the Nye County School District, plays a critical role in ensuring that students across the district, particularly in Pahrump, have access to safe and efficient transportation to and from school. As the school year progresses, Mr. Hush and his team are dedicated to refining bus routes, implementing new technologies, and addressing the growing needs of the community. One of the key responsibilities of Mr. Hush’s role is managing the district’s bus routes. The Nye County School District has a specific policy in place regarding the distance requirements for students to be eligible for…