Author: Amy Veloz

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

In honor of Juneteenth and the vital role fathers play in their families and communities, a special event titled “No Dads Left Behind: A Juneteenth Car Wash Fundraiser” will be held on Saturday, June 14, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Great Basin College in Pahrump. Sponsored by Doré Foskey of Fresh Image Salon, this community-driven event aims to celebrate both freedom and fatherhood while raising funds for the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund. The scholarship helps support educational opportunities for local students, carrying forward Dr. King’s legacy of empowerment through education. Volunteers ages 15 and older are…

When Johnny “LJ” Reddick stepped onto the field at Saint Norbert College for his first collegiate football season, it marked a milestone that had been nearly 15 years in the making. From his earliest days with the Del Sol Wolverines in Las Vegas to four high school seasons in Pahrump, Nevada, LJ’s football journey has been shaped by hard work, discipline, and a deep love for the game. Now a linebacker and defensive end entering his sophomore year at Saint Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin—just minutes outside of Green Bay—LJ is taking stock of how far he’s come and…

The Nye County School District (NCSD) is taking a proactive and cost-effective approach to protecting its recent investment in gym flooring by partnering with two key vendor partners: Tahoe Supply and Buckeye International. Through annual maintenance, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, the district is ensuring that the newly resurfaced wood floors at several schools will retain their quality and appearance for many years to come. “This process is all about preserving the life of our floors,” explained Nate Cardinal, Director of Maintenance, Operations, Safety, and Security for NCSD. “After last year’s complete sanding, repainting, and re-striping of our wood floors,…