Author: Amy Veloz
The Pahrump community is being called on to support Yvonne Percell, a beloved Hafen Elementary School teacher and mother to a Rosemary Clarke Middle School 7th grader, as she battles a newly diagnosed and aggressive form of cancer. Yvonne, who joined the Nye County School District this year and was preparing to teach 1st grade this fall, is now facing a far different journey—one that requires not only strength and resilience, but the help of a caring community rallying behind her. She was recently diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a rare form of cancer that begins in the upper part of…
At Pahrump Valley High School, a group of compassionate, dedicated students is quietly changing the atmosphere on campus—creating a space where mental health matters and no one feels alone. The student-led organization, Hope Squad, is focused on peer-to-peer suicide prevention and mental health awareness, and while the program only formally launched at PVHS toward the end of the 2023–2024 school year, its impact has already been significant. Sophomore Emery Miller-Rocha, one of the founding members, has been involved from the very beginning. As the sophomore representative, Emery plays a leadership role in the class, though he’s quick to point out…
For Makoa Batongbacal, football isn’t just a game—it’s been a lifelong companion, a teacher, and ultimately, a bridge to his future. A 2023 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School, Makoa’s journey from the desert fields of southern Nevada to the vibrant campus of St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, is a story of transformation and self-discovery—both as an athlete and as a student of biomedical sciences. “I’ve been playing football since I was five years old,” Makoa said. “It’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember.” Like many kids in Pahrump, he started with…
Top Dog Real Estate may be a new name in the local housing market, but the team behind it is anything but new to real estate in Pahrump. Spearheaded by top-producing agent Tasha Douglas (B.1003225), the agency is the product of years of hard work, collaboration, and a shared vision between Tasha and fellow agents Alli Murphy (S.0185915), Amanda Nelson (S.0183615), Tony Carlo (S.0171398), and Robin Shrader (S.0196951). After nearly a decade of working together, the team officially launched Top Dog Real Estate with the goal of providing a more connected, hands-on, and team-oriented experience for their clients. Tasha, who…
Miranda Knight’s path to success as a salon owner in Las Vegas traces all the way back to her days at Pahrump Valley High School, where subtle moments and everyday encouragement helped shape her confidence and sense of purpose. Though she wasn’t involved in sports or clubs, Miranda found her footing in the school’s culinary program, where she spent all four years exploring her creative side. “Ms. Nicholas would have cooking competitions and bring in teachers as judges,” she recalled. “It was like being on a cooking show—it was fun.” Those classroom competitions provided her with a sense of excitement…
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…
A new initiative is rolling out across rural southern Nevada to help residents access essential health care and social services, thanks to a $10,000 grant from The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation. In partnership with Molina Healthcare of Nevada and NyE Communities Coalition (NyECC), the funding supports a transportation program aimed at breaking down one of the biggest barriers facing residents in Nye, Lincoln, and Esmeralda counties: the lack of reliable transportation. The program, which officially began in June, offers free rides to medical appointments, mental health services, and other vital resources. Services will be provided either through NyECC’s own fleet…
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 opening the District 4 Junior Baseball Tournament with two impressive wins, the Pahrump Valley Little League Juniors faced two tough matchups to close out their run, ultimately finishing in third place. While the tournament didn’t end the way they hoped, the team showed heart, hustle, and determination every step of the way. On Monday, June 16, Pahrump Valley took the field against Summerlin South, who would go on to win the tournament. Summerlin South got off to a strong start, holding Pahrump scoreless in the top of the first before taking advantage of several walks and base hits to…
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…