Author: Amy Veloz

The Pahrump Valley High School Trojans ended their 2025 football season with determination and pride Friday night, November 7, in a thrilling semifinal playoff matchup against the Moapa Valley Pirates. Despite an explosive start and several standout performances, the Trojans came up just short, falling 35–27 on the road in Moapa. The game opened with the Trojans setting the tone early. After Moapa deferred the toss, Pahrump received the kickoff, and Lucas Gavenda returned it for five yards to the 23-yard line. Quarterback Kayne Horibe got the offense rolling with short gains from running back Austin Alvarez and a quick…

The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ cross country team closed out an incredible season with a record-breaking performance at the Class 3A State Championships, held Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno. The Lady Trojans ran with determination and heart, earning a third-place team finish—the highest in school history for cross country. Tahoe Truckee claimed first place with 41 points, followed by Lowry with 58. Pahrump Valley finished close behind with 69 points, a testament to their depth and consistency across all seven runners. Leading the charge for the Trojans was Sophie Romero, who delivered her…

The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ cross country team capped off a strong 2025 season with a solid performance at the State Championships, held Saturday, November 8, at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno. Facing some of the toughest competition in Nevada, the Trojans battled through the challenging course to finish sixth overall as a team, demonstrating their depth, consistency, and potential for the seasons ahead. Leading the charge for Pahrump Valley was Joaquin Flores, who finished 24th overall with a time of 18:35. Close behind came Logan Tilley, finishing 30th at 18:55, followed just hundredths of a second later…

When Joel Oscarson first crossed paths with Aspen Insulation founder Stu Bogart more than a decade ago, he never imagined that one day he’d be leading one of the most successful insulation and energy testing companies in southern Nevada. But after years in construction, energy auditing, and even military service, Oscarson saw an opportunity—not only to build a business, but to improve how homes were built in Pahrump and beyond. Aspen Insulation first took root in 2010 under Bogart, a Minnesota native who brought his trade west to Nevada. The company started modestly, earning around $40,000 a year in revenue…

For two Pahrump women, last year’s Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women from Soroptimist International of Pahrump Valley meant more than just financial relief—it represented hope, encouragement, and a reminder that their community believes in them. Both Stephanie Lopez and Angela Pemberton were among five local recipients of the 2024 awards, which are given annually to women who are the primary wage earners for their families while pursuing education or training to improve their lives. Stephanie received a $500 award, while Angela received $1,500. Stephanie, a nursing student at Great Basin College, said she learned about the…

As Thanksgiving approaches, Nevada Outreach is once again stepping up to ensure local families have what they need for the holiday season. While resources are limited, the organization is doing its best to provide complete turkey dinners and shelf-stable food to those in need — and they’re asking the community to lend a helping hand. According to Executive Director Kathie McKenna, Nevada Outreach receives a few full Thanksgiving meal donations each year, but demand always exceeds supply. “We do get a few full turkey dinner donations that we hand out,” she said. “Of course, we can always use more.” Anyone…

The spirit of giving is once again shining bright across Pahrump as Something Positive and Positive Pahrump launch their annual Angel Tree and Toy Drive—now in its 15th year. What began in 2011 as a small local effort to help families in need has grown into a beloved community tradition, touching hundreds of lives each holiday season. “This program has always been about community helping community,” said founder Stephanie Avena. “Our Angel Trees are designed to supplement Christmas for families that just need a little extra help, while the toy drive ensures that others who are really struggling still have…

The Pahrump Valley High School girls’ cross country team delivered an extraordinary performance at the Class 3A Southern Region Championships on Friday, October 31, at Veterans Memorial Park in Boulder City, capturing first place overall as a team and claiming six of the top seven individual spots. Leading the charge was Senior standout Julianna (Jules) Ondrisko, who crossed the finish line in 22:53.7, earning the title of Regional Champion in just her third race of the season. Close behind her were teammates Sophie Romero (23:22.6) in second, Rylan Bliss (24:04.4) in third, and Kaylan Robinson (24:15.6) in fourth. Rosie Miller…

The Pahrump Valley High School boys’ cross country team raced to victory at the Class 3A Southern Region Championships on Friday, October 31, at Veterans Memorial Park in Boulder City, capturing the Regional Championship for the first time since 2017. Leading the way for the Trojans was Joaquin Flores, who finished second overall and first for the team with a time of 18:05.1. Josh Gent followed close behind, finishing fifth overall in 18:32.1, with both runners earning podium medals for their efforts. Logan Tilley (8th, 19:01.2), Aydon Veloz (9th, 19:13.5), Timmy Stutzman (10th, 19:19.1), Ben De Santiago (11th, 19:26.7), and…

The Pahrump Junior Trojan basketball program has announced that registration and evaluations will take place earlier than usual this year, giving young athletes an opportunity to prepare for another exciting season on the court. Open to boys and girls in 3rd through 6th grade, the program combines skill development, teamwork, and friendly competition in a community-centered environment. Registration, payment, and player evaluations must all be completed to secure a spot on a team. Families can start by completing the online registration form at https://forms.gle/b1TNHqvKXTBGPvDc8, then attend one of the in-person evaluation sessions at J.G. Johnson Elementary School: The participation fee…