Author: Amy Veloz

An exciting new chapter in Pahrump Valley High School athletics is officially underway, as the school announces the creation of its first girls’ flag football team. Head Coach Jeff Corbett, a familiar face on campus to many students, is leading the charge to bring this fast-growing sport to life. After several years of persistent advocacy and planning, Corbett is thrilled to see the team become a reality—and even more excited to see the girls take the field with the correct lines finally in place. The journey began last January with a short-lived winter trial. “We got about 20 girls who…

Pahrump is set to welcome a new wave of residential development as Century Complete, the groundbreaking online homebuying brand of Century Communities, Inc., expands into Nevada with a brand-new community, Ishani Ridge. The national homebuilder, ranked among the top 10 in the country and recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies for 2025, will begin selling homes at the site in August. Prices are expected to start in the $260,000s. Located at 720 Ishani Ridge Court, the new community will offer more than 170 single-family homes, bringing fresh housing opportunities to a region prized for its scenic…

Stephanie Avena, a local mother and community advocate, is leading a petition to keep the lights on at Ian Deutch Park and Petrack Park until 9 p.m. every night—an initiative aimed at improving safety and expanding access to public spaces for families, children, and individuals after dark. In partnership with Positive Pahrump, Avena is working with Nye County commissioners to bring the issue to the forefront of local government discussions. Her goal is simple yet impactful: ensure that parks remain welcoming and well-lit during the evening hours, providing a secure environment for recreation, fitness, and family bonding. “This started about…

Clear Vision Eye Centers has become a trusted name in eye care for the Pahrump community, offering more than just updated prescriptions and stylish frames. With a focus on patient education, comfort, and meaningful doctor-patient relationships, the clinic is led by Doctors Joseph Fermin and Ashley Henkel, who are continuing the legacy of excellence established by longtime local optometrist Dr. Dutton. Dr. Ashley Henkel, who earned her degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, joined the practice shortly before Dr. Dutton’s retirement. “I worked with him for like two months before he fully retired,” she said. Though her…

For Pahrump Valley High School incoming senior Luigi DeAngelis, the summer of 2025 wasn’t just a break from school—it was the culmination of years of passion, performance, and preparation. Thanks to overwhelming support from the Pahrump community, Luigi had the opportunity to attend the prestigious International Thespian Festival (ITF) at Indiana University Bloomington, where he spent a week fully immersed in the art and magic of theater. The adventure began before he even stepped foot on campus. “We decided to get there a day early, and that was absolutely a genius idea,” Luigi said. “There was a three-hour time difference…

In a growing town like Pahrump, access to quality healthcare can depend on the dedication of providers who are willing to travel, collaborate, and innovate. Thanks to a robust partnership between Las Vegas Surgery Associates and Desert View Hospital, that access has dramatically expanded—bringing highly specialized surgical care right to the heart of the community. The relationship began 15 years ago, with a simple yet powerful goal: to make it easier for Pahrump residents to receive the surgeries and procedures they need without the burden of traveling to Las Vegas. “We see patients at our clinic here in town and…

For Parker Hart, a 2017 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School, success has always been rooted in hard work, discipline, and a deep love for the game of baseball. From his early days on the diamond in Pahrump to a semi-professional playing career, and now as a skilled HVAC technician building a life in Arizona, Parker’s journey reflects the resilience and determination he learned growing up in a tight-knit community. During his time at PVHS, Parker was a standout student-athlete whose commitment to excellence shone brightest on the baseball field. One of his fondest memories is from his senior year,…

A new tradition is teeing off in Pahrump, combining warm summer weather with the spirit of giving. On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Something Positive Inc. hosted its inaugural Christmas in July Golf Tournament at Mountain Falls Golf Course, welcoming 110 golfers and dozens of local sponsors in support of the nonprofit’s mission to brighten the holidays for local children. Founded earlier this year by longtime community advocate Stephanie Avena, Something Positive Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to support the annual Positive Pahrump Toy Drive and other charitable efforts in the community. Avena has organized the toy drive for the…

Pahrump Valley High School’s volleyball program has welcomed a new leader this season—one whose roots run deep in the sport and whose passion for building strong athletes extends far beyond the court. Coach Amber Lugo brings with her decades of experience, a career full of accomplishments, and a clear vision for how to develop not only successful volleyball players but empowered young women. Coach Lugo’s love for volleyball started early and grew into a lifelong pursuit of excellence. A proud graduate of Pflugerville High School in Texas, she was a standout three-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball, and track. She made…

By Moayad Ismail, MD FACPSouthwest Medical, part of Optum When you live in Nevada, you get used to extreme heat. But no one gets used to the threat of wildfire smoke (and even wildfires themselves), even more so for those with medical conditions. Year after year, wildfire smoke can lead to poor air quality conditions that can turn dangerous for those with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions.[1] Pregnant women, children, and responders are also more susceptible to the effects of smoke inhalation.[2] As a physician for Southwest Medical, I’ve seen how quickly wildfire smoke exposure can trigger…