Fifth District Judge Robert Lane will run for his third term on the bench, according to a prepared press release.

Lane was the first person elected to serve the new judicial seat in Pahrump in 2000 and was re-elected in 2002.

A resident of Nye County since 1993, prior to donning his robe Lane worked as a deputy district attorney.

During his time on the bench he has helped start a highly successful drug court program and is currently working on starting a new specialty court targeted towards families with domestic violence, alcohol and other programs.

"A judge is in a great position to help people by motivating them to address the needs and obtain the help they need for themselves and their families," Lane wrote. "It's a good job to get paid to help people, but we couldn't do it without the help of volunteers, staff and the community."

Lane graduated from Basic High School in Henderson and went on to serve six and half years in the Navy.

He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and his law degree from the University of Utah.

"UNLV didn't have a law school then so we had to go out of state," Lane wrote. "Now we support the UNLV law school program by employing summer interns and hiring law clerks."

He has continued to take judicial education courses including handling capital cases, scientific evidence and expert testimony, criminal evidence, sentencing and specialty courts, among others.

Lane has also served on a number of state boards including the Judicial Ethics Boards, Judicial Education Board, and the Specialty Court Board.

The Fifth District is the third busiest district in Nevada, but Lane thinks with the help of a supportive staff he has handled the challenge well.

However, he does concede a "pretty desperate need for more courtroom space," but is confident a good relationship with other county departments can result in another court within the next year or so.

"I hope the people will allow me to serve a while longer," Lane wrote. "I very much enjoy the work and I've tried my best to make everyone proud of our court."

Soroptomists craft fair

Soroptomists International of Pahrump is holding a craft fair as a fundraiser, Monday through Friday, 8:30-5 p.m., CC's Beauty Zone, 1231 E. Basin Ave., Suite 3.

This is a great opportunity for last minute gifts. There are crocheted stuffed animals, hand-painted keepsake boxes, pincushions, jewelry and much more.

All of the gifts were handmade by members of the local Soroptomists Club and the funds will support local programs.

For more information, call 537-1717.