Author: Amy Veloz

For Pahrump Valley High School Class of 2021 graduate Jalen Denton, baseball has always been more than a game—it’s been a part of his identity since he was just four or five years old. Now heading into his senior year at Mayville State University, Jalen has spent the last several years navigating the challenges and rewards of playing college ball, building lasting relationships, and preparing for life beyond the outfield. Jalen’s journey began at Williston State College, a junior college (JUCO) in North Dakota, where he spent three years developing both as an athlete and a student. “My freshman year…

Pahrump residents are invited to celebrate Independence Day in true community spirit on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Calvada Eye, thanks to the efforts of the Pahrump Holiday Task Force and P.D.O.P. (Pahrump Disability Outreach Program). The festivities begin at 9:00 a.m. with a lively Fourth of July parade at the Calvada Eye, located at 2101 Walt Williams Drive. Locals can expect a festive lineup of floats, decorated vehicles, performers, and community groups all showing off their patriotic pride. Parade-goers are encouraged to arrive early, wear red, white, and blue, and bring chairs or blankets to enjoy the show.…

The Pahrump Valley Little League All-Star team (12s) took the field with pride and determination in the District Tournament, playing hard through two tough matchups that highlighted their grit, talent, and teamwork. Though the road ended earlier than they hoped, the players gave it their all and represented Pahrump with heart. In their opening game on Sunday, June 26, Pahrump faced a strong Cheyenne squad. While Cheyenne put up early runs, Pahrump Valley’s players didn’t back down. A third-inning rally gave fans something to cheer for, with Luis Montoya reaching base, followed by a walk from Kody Osterhaut that brought…

The Pahrump Valley Little League 10-Year-Old All-Star team gave it their all in the double-elimination tournament this past weekend, showing grit, growth, and sportsmanship across two tough matchups. While the team ultimately exited the tournament after back-to-back losses, the effort, improvement, and enthusiasm displayed by the young athletes were unmistakable and commendable. In their first game on Saturday, June 28, Pahrump Valley faced off against a strong Peccole team as the visiting side. Despite a tough first inning that saw Peccole jump to a 7-0 lead, the Pahrump team didn’t back down. The squad responded in the top of the…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…