Author: Amy Veloz
The holiday spirit was unmistakable outside Walmart on Saturday, December 6, as Something Positive, Positive Pahrump, Pahrump Valley Fire & Rescue, and the Pahrump Disability Outreach Program (PDOP) came together for the 15th annual community Toy Drive. Under a gorgeous, sunny sky, families stopped by to donate toys, enjoy the warm weather, and even climb into a parked fire engine for photos—an unexpected highlight that brought smiles to kids and adults alike. The relaxed, cheerful atmosphere set the perfect tone for a day focused on giving back and supporting local children. By the end of the day, the teams collected…
In a project that blends skill-building, creativity, and community service, students in Pahrump Valley High School’s Building Construction classes are putting the finishing touches on 250 handmade wooden toys for the preschool program at Mt. Charleston Elementary School. Under the guidance of teacher Doug Nelson—who is completing his first semester at PVHS after 27 years teaching in Clark County—the students have spent several weeks preparing gifts that will be delivered just in time for the holiday season. Nelson, who previously taught at Desert Rose High School, said the idea was inspired by a tradition he carried out for years. “We’d…
For more than six decades, Country Financial Insurance has been woven into the fabric of Pahrump’s history—long before the town began its steady transformation into the vibrant, growing community it is today. What started in the 1960s as the Northwest Farm Bureau, serving early agricultural families like the Hafen farmers, has evolved into one of the area’s most trusted and enduring insurance and financial service providers. Today, that legacy continues under the leadership of Lisa Marie Spahitz-Plassmeyer, whose passion for service and community echoes through every aspect of the business. The company’s journey mirrors the evolution of Pahrump itself. As…
The Bob Ruud Community Center was filled with cheer, creativity, and Christmas spirit as Hometown Holidays returned December 5 and 6, offering one of the season’s most beloved craft shows in Pahrump. Hosted by Ashley Welch of Art from the Heart by Ashley, the two-day event once again proved why so many local makers and shoppers look forward to it all year. Vendors lined the community center with handmade gifts, holiday décor, baked goods, art, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind creations that made the show feel like a locally crafted winter marketplace. According to Welch, the turnout was strong from start to…
The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans boys’ varsity basketball team showed grit, heart, and unwavering determination on Friday, December 5, as they traveled to Pinecrest Academy Sloan Canyon. Despite falling behind early and trailing by as many as 25 points, the Trojans stormed back in the second half, ultimately closing the deficit to just four points before the Mustangs held on for a 69–61 win. PVHS came out with energy to start the night, winning the tip and getting on the board immediately as senior Keir Sheppard drew a foul and sank both free throws for a 2–0 lead. Moments…
A burst of color, creativity, and Trojan pride is lighting up Romero’s Mexican Restaurant this season, thanks to a special Holiday T-Shirt Design Contest that showcased the talents of Pahrump Valley High School art students. The community-minded collaboration invited students to submit original holiday-themed artwork, and the results were nothing short of inspiring. This year’s first-place design, created by Larissa Mendoza, appears proudly on the front of Romero’s 2025 holiday staff shirt. Second-place artist Marely Gomez is featured on the back of the shirt, and third-place winner Ella Mayen Ubana joined them in receiving gift cards as recognition for their…
The Pahrump Valley High School gym was buzzing Tuesday night as alumni from across nearly four decades laced up their sneakers, reunited with old teammates, and put on a show that was equal parts basketball and comedy. With players from the 1980s through the Class of 2025, the first annual alumni games delivered exactly what the crowd came for—friendly rivalry, surprising highlights, and nonstop fun. The women kicked off the evening with a Red vs. Blue matchup featuring standouts like Veronica (Villa) Montanez ’05, Darla (Hopkins) Sheppard ’05, Maddy Souza ’21, Tayla Wombaker ’22, Kylie Stritenberger ’20, and Suzie Wulfenstein…
The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans boys’ basketball team opened their week with an impressive road victory on Monday, December 4, defeating the Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas Falcons 56–47 in a fast-paced, high-pressure matchup defined by defensive intensity and relentless effort. The Trojans kept their composure through four quarters of full-court pressure on both sides of the ball, turning steals into momentum and teamwork into points. Pahrump Valley struck early in the first quarter when Trae Plein put the Trojans on the board at 6:32, and from that point forward the team settled into a steady rhythm. After…
The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ basketball team put up a determined effort on Monday, December 8, as they hosted the Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas Falcons. Though the night brought its share of challenges, the Lady Trojans worked hard on both ends of the floor, showing strong teamwork, hustle, and several momentum-building plays throughout the 42–30 contest. PVHS opened the night by winning the jump, and Addi Nelsen immediately putting up a three-point attempt. While the shot bounced out, the early rebound and ball movement showed the team was ready to run its offense. Autumn Colon made her…
The Pahrump Valley High School Lady Trojans junior varsity basketball team delivered a determined and energetic performance on Monday, December 8, defending their home court with a hard-fought 29–22 victory over the Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas Falcons. Coral Academy opened the scoring, applying pressure early and forcing several turnovers, but the Lady Trojans quickly settled in. Adrian Rogers put Pahrump on the board by sinking her first free throw of the night, and moments later, after a defensive stop, she finished a clean look inside the paint to give PVHS a 3–2 lead. From there, the Trojans began…