Author: Amy Veloz

The Nye County School District Board of Trustees has taken a decisive step to create a more focused learning environment by approving a district-wide cell phone policy. The policy, passed on December 12 in a 4-3 vote, will go into effect across all Nye County schools when students return from Winter Break on January 6. This new policy builds upon existing restrictions but introduces stricter enforcement and consistency. While many schools in the area, including the middle and high school, have had cell phone rules in place for years, students will now be prohibited from having their phones out at…

Pahrump Valley High School’s fall sports teams had an outstanding season, with athletes earning recognition at both the league and state levels for their performances across soccer, football, cross country, volleyball, and tennis. These honors reflect not only athletic excellence but also the students’ hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship. The girls’ soccer team had an exceptional season, led by goalkeeper Madison Mendenhall. In the Southern 3A Mountain Division, Mendenhall earned Goalkeeper of the Year and 1st Team All-League honors. She was also named Goalkeeper of the Year by the NIAA Coaches Association and received 1st Team All-Region recognition for the…

The Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) girls’ basketball team embarked on a challenging but rewarding journey at the Bullhead City Shoot-Out Tournament in Arizona from December 19-21. Over the course of three days, the Trojans faced formidable opponents, showcasing determination and a drive to grow as a team, despite being shorthanded due to injuries and illnesses. The Trojans opened the tournament on December 19 against Murrieta Valley High School from California. Known as the Nighthawks, their opponents were a larger and highly disciplined team, presenting a tough challenge from the start. PVHS struggled to find its rhythm early in the…

The holiday spirit was alive and well in Pahrump as the second annual Last Stop Santa Shop brought joy, connection, and generosity to the community on Saturday, December 21. Hosted at 775 Realty on Highway 160, the pop-up event, organized by Ashley Welch, featured eight local vendors showcasing a variety of holiday goods and crafts, while Our Place provided a cozy touch with their delicious coffee. The event wasn’t just about shopping—it was a testament to the strength and compassion of the Pahrump community. Outside the venue, Alice and Keoki Cummings sold Hawaiian Taco plates to raise money for Joelle…

Nathan Trudeau, a 2017 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School, reflects on the pivotal role his high school years played in shaping the man he is today. From his time on the wrestling team to valuable lessons in perseverance and independence, his experiences in Pahrump laid the groundwork for a career as a compliance engineer for the Server Technology group with Legrand, a global leader in power distribution for data centers. During his time at Pahrump Valley High, Nathan joined the wrestling team, an experience he describes as both rewarding and formative. Though he participated for only two years, he…

Aspiring drivers in Nevada now have an accessible and affordable option to fulfill their driver’s education requirements through Great Basin College (GBC). For just $99, participants aged 15 and older can enroll in a comprehensive 30-hour online Driver Education course designed to prepare them for the road ahead. The course is available 24/7, allowing students to complete the material at their own pace and on their own schedule. This flexibility is ideal for busy students balancing school, extracurricular activities, or part-time jobs. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certificate from GBC, which they can present to the…

The second quarter at Manse Elementary School has been a whirlwind of activity, bringing together students, staff, families, and the wider community for a series of memorable events. The school’s dedication to fostering a strong sense of community and promoting engagement has been on full display. Here are some of the key highlights from this exciting period: First Annual Turkey Trot 5K Kicking off the quarter with energy and enthusiasm, the Turkey Trot 5K, organized by Manse’s social worker Sierra McKillips, was a resounding success. This event encouraged fitness and wellness among students, staff, and families. Parents joined their children…

The Nye County School District (NCSD) is rolling out a new system to enhance student safety and improve bus tracking, starting in January. The program includes the use of student ID cards and the StopFinder app, providing families with real-time bus tracking and improved peace of mind. Student ID Cards for Bus Riders Starting January 6, all students will be required to scan their student ID cards when boarding and exiting the school bus. This system will help ensure that each student boards the correct bus and arrives safely at their designated stop. Students without an ID card will not…

The Pahrump Valley High School Auditorium was packed to capacity on Wednesday, December 18, as music lovers gathered for a thrilling evening of performances by the PVHS Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, and the ever-energetic Garage Band, “Garage the Band.” Following the choir’s stellar concert the night before, this second night of musical festivities cemented the season’s spirit with a dynamic blend of rhythm, melody, and holiday cheer. Before the show even began, audience members were greeted with warm smiles and the comforting aroma of hot chocolate, sold by band members raising funds for the music program. As the last cups…

At Rosemary Clarke Middle School (RCMS), the LEGO Robotics Club is doing much more than building robots—it’s shaping futures, sparking creativity, and fostering teamwork among its members. Advisor Renee Marsh has been guiding the club for three years, helping students develop critical STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills while preparing them for exciting competitions. The club operates under the framework of the FIRST® LEGO® League, a global robotics program that introduces students to STEM through hands-on learning. “The mission of FIRST LEGO League is to provide young people with robotics programs that help them develop the skills, confidence, and…