Author: Amy Veloz
The 2025 Miss Pahrump Pageant brought grace, sparkle, and heartfelt community spirit to the stage on Friday, June 20, as a new queen and court were crowned during one of the most seamless and enjoyable pageants to date. Held in the elegant showroom at Saddle West Hotel & Casino—generously donated for the event each year—the annual tradition drew a supportive audience and featured a group of contestants who were as poised as they were enthusiastic. This year’s theme, “Sparkle & Shine,” set the tone for a dazzling evening celebrating the accomplishments and potential of local young women. Organizers noted that…
Under sunny skies on June 19, 2025, members of the community gathered at the Calvada Eye in Pahrump to honor one of the town’s most cherished and influential figures—B.J. Hetrick-Irwin—on her 100th birthday. The milestone celebration was filled with laughter, hugs, dancing, and heartfelt tributes, reflecting the deep appreciation the community holds for a woman whose century of life has been defined by generosity, elegance, and service. The event drew longtime friends, former students, pageant queens, and community leaders, all eager to express their gratitude and admiration for the woman affectionately known simply as “B.J.”. Known for her boundless energy,…
After nearly three decades of dedicated service to the Nye County School District, Assistant Principal Jason Odegard has retired, closing the final chapter of a career marked by consistency, humility, and heart. A familiar and respected presence at Pahrump Valley High School and throughout the district, Odegard’s journey through education has touched countless lives—those of students, colleagues, athletes, and community members alike. Born and raised in the tiny town of Milnor, North Dakota, Odegard was one of only 19 graduates in his high school class. “I guess I was a good student for my class,” he said with a modest…
For Lucy Smith, this year as Miss Pahrump has been about more than crowns, pageants, or trophies—it’s been about growth, service, and the power of connection. Lucy, a Pahrump Valley High School senior and accomplished dancer, began her journey with the Miss Pahrump Pageant as a freshman. Encouraged by her friends and drawn in by the fun and feminine energy of the event, Lucy saw it as a chance to express herself and connect with her peers. “I’m a girly girl,” she said with a smile. “I love dresses, I love dancing—it just sounded like something I’d love to be…
Pahrump is preparing to celebrate a living legend. Barbara Jean “BJ” Hetrick-Irwin—dancer, mentor, founder, veteran’s advocate, and pillar of the community—will turn 100 years old on June 19, 2025. But age, as BJ herself would say with a laugh, is just a number when your heart is still dancing. Born June 19, 1925, in Des Moines, Iowa, BJ’s life has been one of determination, resilience, and joy. “I have one master,” she said with conviction. “When I get anxious or overwhelmed, I ask Him to squeeze my hand a little harder. I’m a positive person. I want people to be…
The Pahrump Valley Little League Juniors All-Star team opened the District 4 Junior Baseball Tournament with back-to-back wins, combining power at the plate, smart base running, and determined pitching to stay in the winner’s bracket. Their first game, held Thursday, June 12, against Western, was a commanding 15-3 win that showcased both their offensive depth and defensive coordination. On Friday, June 13, they returned to the field against Peccole and fought through a nail-biting, seven-inning battle to edge out a 4-3 victory. “These kids are resilient,” said Head Coach Scott Brown. “They’re a good group of kids. I saw it…
The Nye County Sheriff’s Office teamed up with Walmart on Saturday, June 14, for a special fundraising event in support of the Children’s Miracle Network. Held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pahrump Walmart, the event brought law enforcement and community members together to raise money for children’s medical care, ultimately collecting $762 in donations. Throughout the morning and early afternoon, deputies were on-site engaging with shoppers, collecting contributions, and sharing information about the cause. The atmosphere was one of goodwill and community connection as residents stopped by to offer their support and chat with officers. Sheriff Joe…
From the time he could walk, Kyle McDaniel had a bat in his hand. Growing up in Pahrump, surrounded by red dirt fields and a tight-knit community, he quickly found his passion for baseball—and thanks to supportive parents, talented coaches, and his own relentless drive, he’s turned that passion into a thriving collegiate career as a second baseman at Utah Tech University. Kyle, a 2023 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School, now plays second base for Utah Tech in St. George, Utah. For him, choosing Utah Tech wasn’t a difficult decision. “It’s beautiful and close to home—just about three hours…
With soapy sponges, smiling volunteers, and the scent of grilled hot dogs in the air, the “No Dads Left Behind” car wash fundraiser brought the Pahrump community together on Saturday, June 14, 2025, in the parking lot of Great Basin College. Organized as a Juneteenth celebration and a tribute to fathers, the event raised funds for the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund—an ongoing effort to support local students in their pursuit of higher education. The idea behind the event came from Doré Foskey, a longtime member of the Martin Luther King Foundation and a driving force behind many of…
When Sarah Crawford first launched her business, Glam Ink by Sarah, she wasn’t just starting a business—she was rebuilding her life. What began as a necessary reinvention after personal upheaval has blossomed into a thriving service in Pahrump’s beauty scene, offering clients everything from expertly tattooed eyebrows to radiant, rapid spray tans. “I tattoo faces,” Sarah said with a laugh. “Eyebrows, lash liner and lips. And I do rapid spray tans, too.” Her permanent makeup services are available through Honey&Sage, where she works as an independent contractor. The spray tans, however, are done in her garage—an intentional choice after learning…