Author: Amy Veloz

For Tayela Brown, dance has never simply been an extracurricular activity. It has been a constant thread woven throughout nearly every stage of her life — from a young child stepping into her first dance classes in Pahrump to now preparing to join the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Scarlet Dance Line. After years of dedication, performances, practices and balancing both competitive dance and high school dance, Brown will continue her dance career at the collegiate level this fall while studying elementary education at UNLV. The achievement marks the culmination of more than a decade of work, passion and personal…

For PVHS distance runner Joaquin Flores, breaking a school record was never just a passing thought. It was a goal he carried with him throughout the entire season — one that became reality at the Richard Lewis Invitational in Moapa, on April 24, 2026, when he shattered a 21-year-old school record in the 3200-meter run. Flores clocked a time of 9:55.28 in the event, surpassing the previous record of 9:57.30 that had stood untouched for more than two decades. “It was definitely a long-term goal,” Flores said. “It’s really exciting when you figure out that you broke a record somebody…

For Ginger Simpson, serving as Nye County Public Administrator is more than a job — it is deeply tied to her lifelong connection to the Pahrump community and the families who call it home. A third-generation resident with roots stretching back to the early days of Pahrump, Simpson is now seeking reelection after serving in the role for the past 10 years. Throughout her campaign, she emphasizes experience, continuity and a commitment to handling difficult situations with compassion and integrity. “I am a true native and Pahrump-raised member of our community,” Simpson said. Her family’s history in the area dates…

For Julianna “Jules” Ondrisko, the 300-meter hurdles became more than another event on a busy track schedule. It became the race where she left her mark on Pahrump Valley High School. Ondrisko, a senior for the Trojans, broke the PVHS school record in the 300 hurdles at Regionals, then lowered her own record again at the State Championship meet, closing her high school career with a milestone she had been chasing all season. “It was actually a really big relief,” Ondrisko said. “I thought I had to break 46, and I was like, this is going to be really tough.…

Pahrump Valley High School seniors were recognized Wednesday, May 27 during the school’s annual Senior Awards Night and Scholarship Ceremony, as students, families, staff members and community supporters gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. Throughout the evening, local organizations, businesses, clubs and scholarship donors honored graduating seniors for their academic achievements, leadership, athletic accomplishments, community involvement and future educational plans. The ceremony highlighted not only the hard work of the students themselves, but also the continued support of the Pahrump community, which annually contributes thousands of dollars in scholarships and opportunities for local graduates. Among the…

A new educational opportunity is preparing to make its way to Pahrump as organizers behind Pahrump Valley Academy (PVA) continue working toward the anticipated opening of the charter school in August 2027. School representatives say excitement surrounding the project has continued to grow as more families throughout Pahrump and the surrounding communities learn about the academy’s planned approach to education and the opportunities it hopes to bring to local students. Although organizers are still finalizing the permanent location for the school, they said updates will be shared publicly as soon as possible through the academy’s website and outreach efforts. In…

A public rally and awareness event in support of Robert “Robby” Walsh is scheduled to take place Monday, June 1, outside the Pahrump Justice Court. According to a media advisory issued by Parole Pathways, the event is planned for 10 a.m. and is intended to raise awareness surrounding Walsh’s case and what supporters describe as concerns regarding his sentence and continued incarceration. Supporters state that Walsh is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole stemming from what they describe as a non-violent drug-related case involving a controlled buy conducted through a confidential informant. Advocates for Walsh argue…

The Pahrump Valley High School softball team saved its best response for when it mattered most. After entering Saturday undefeated in the double-elimination Class 3A State Tournament, the Lady Trojans faced a setback in the opening championship game against the Lowry Buckaroos. But rather than letting the loss derail their title hopes, Pahrump Valley regrouped, settled in and came back with a dominant performance in the winner-take-all final, defeating Lowry 12-1 to claim the 2026 3A State Championship. The Buckaroos struck early in the first championship matchup, taking advantage of timely hitting and a few Trojan miscues to build momentum.…

When Pahrump Valley High School senior Ethan Rouse signed his letter of intent to continue his wrestling career at Wayland Baptist University, it marked far more than the next step in athletics. For Rouse, the moment represented years of growth, resilience, second chances, and the realization that the sport he never intended to love had ultimately transformed the direction of his life. Rouse will head to Plainview, Texas to wrestle collegiately while also pursuing a degree in finance, with long-term goals of becoming an investment banking analyst and eventually starting businesses of his own. But his path to collegiate athletics…

One of my earliest memories is standing in my childhood playroom full of broken toys and being frustrated that I couldn’t find the one thing I wanted to play with. I was tiny for my age, which probably didn’t help the chaos feel any more manageable. I was searching for a palm-sized power rangers coin thing. I’m 90% sure it came from a Happy Meal my grandpa bought me, a rare treat back then. I don’t remember if I found it or not that day, I just vividly remember the frustration, and I think that memory has a lot to…