Author: Amy Veloz

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…

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…

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…

The area surrounding the Calvada Eye in Pahrump came alive on Friday morning as residents gathered to celebrate Independence Day with the town’s beloved Fourth of July Parade, organized by the Pahrump Holiday Task Force and P.D.O.P. With a blend of patriotic tradition, small-town charm, and high-energy summer fun, the event brought together families, veterans, first responders, local businesses, and community leaders for a celebration that perfectly captured the spirit of the holiday. Kicking off the morning’s festivities was a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem performed by Sergeant Gregory Curtin. His stirring performance drew a standing ovation from paradegoers…

The annual Christmas in July craft fair is set to bring a festive mid-summer celebration to the Bob Ruud Community Center on Friday and Saturday, July 11 and 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days. With dozens of local artisans and crafters lined up, this indoor, air-conditioned event promises a full weekend of shopping, creativity, and community spirit—all with free admission. The event was originally started in 2017 by local craft show organizer Randi Case, who helped build it into a beloved summer tradition. In 2023, Ashley Welch took over the event, and this year marks her third…

From the soccer fields of Pahrump to the campus of Azusa Pacific University, Paris Coleman’s path to collegiate athletics has been shaped by faith, dedication, and a lifelong love for the game. Now entering her second year at the NCAA Division II school in Southern California, Paris is embracing every aspect of her student-athlete experience—on the field, in the classroom, and in her spiritual life. Paris plays center back for Azusa Pacific’s women’s soccer team and made the strategic decision to redshirt her freshman fall season, preserving a year of eligibility in exchange for a fully paid master’s degree. “It…