36 years ago this month

The seams of historic Beatty barely held the huge turn-out of folks during Labor Day weekend; this has been the case every year since the inception of the World Championship Wild Burro Race a decade ago. In 1970, more than 5,000 people jammed the little town to enjoy one of the busiest holiday events offered anywhere. Estimates are 1971 welcomed an increase of a few hundred spectators.

Whoever heard of cooking by committee? We all know too many cooks spoil the broth. And yet, at the increasingly popular Harvest Fall Festival -- which celebrates its eighth year Sept. 11 and 12 in Pahrump Valley -- not one but a batch of cooks each year brings new renown to the old time western beef barbecue.

According to Bob Ruud, "We've got experts on every dish -- the Bolling family for beans, Mrs. "Dutch" Turner on salad, and Bob Owens and Carl Floyd make the cowboy coffee."

30 years ago this week

The 13th annual Harvest Festival and Country Fair is expected to attract more than 3,000 people to Pahrump Valley Sept. 10 and 11. A parade, gymkhana, 4-H fair, off-road rally, softball tournament, barbecue and dance are part of the community-wide effort.

The traditional highlight of the event, the deep pit barbecue, will be served starting Saturday evening; the cost is $3 for adults and $2 for children.

Two burglaries, one at gunpoint, occurred in Pahrump Valley in the past week. The Calvada Inn was robbed Sunday, Sept. 4, as two or more men broke into the south entrance of the grocery store. Sammy Williams, the cleaning man, was tied up and held at shotgun-point. The robbers broke into the slot machines and took an estimated $5,000 in cash, plus about $3,000 in merchandise from the gift counter.

Friday morning, Sept. 2, Carl Moore, manager of Ron Floyd's 76 Station, reported that $100 was stolen during the evening when the store was broken into after closing.

20 years ago this week

Pahrump Valley schools recorded an all-time record high enrollment as school began this week. The total of 1,058 was higher than the record first-day enrollment of 993 last year and also topped the previous record high of 1,033 recorded in February 1987. Enrollments tend to increase until around February each year and decline a little as summer vacation approaches.

Bluegrass music will take center stage at the Harvest Festival with the appearance of one of Southern Nevada's best-know bands. Sagegrass will perform on Friday; on Saturday the Whitewater String Band will perform. Sagegrass has been playing together since 1975; it has appeared throughout the Southwest and won national acclaim for its album, "Just Here Lately," which was released in 1980.

The Pahrump Station Inn, formerly the Starlite Motel, has a new look, as well as a new name. Ray and Irene Wulfenstein have added 11 spacious units to their existing motel for a total of 20 rooms. Also taking shape is the Pahrump Station Inn RV Park, a pond, picnic area and a golf putting green. The swimming pool has been completed and is in use. Several of the recently added rooms include Jacuzzis, microwave ovens and wet bars. Each room is over 500 square feet and has ceiling comfort fans.

10 years ago this week

Show me the money.

Les Bradshaw didn't mince words Monday morning when he met with officials from Pahrump and Nye County to assess the extent of damage caused by last week's flood. Preliminary reports indicate the valley suffered nearly $2.5 million in damage, $2 million of which has been attributed to road damage. "Let's make sure we're all heading in the same direction with the intention of getting money," said Bradshaw, the county manager.

The Nye County Sheriff's Office estimates the storm brought nearly $42,000 in damage and loss to the department, the most notable being the loss of a 1995 four-wheel-drive Bronco, which was swept away following a road washout. The Bronco was valued at $31,500. Other public sector damage from the storm includes substantial destruction of town property, with $49,000 in damage to three fire stations. The most serious was at the main station, where the roof leaked.

Nye County School District indicates more than $150,000 in damages to Pahrump area schools attributed to the storm.

Fire Chief Vern Long received a well-earned round of applause Monday morning at the conclusion of a flood damage assessment update meeting held at the ambulance bay.

County Manager Bradshaw, who chaired the meeting, noted a need to recognize the hundreds of people who responded to last week's flood. Long said it "was a team effort and that everyone involved deserves recognition."

With a few minor corrections, the new multi-purpose building at Manse Elementary could be ready to occupy almost immediately, according to district maintenance and operations supervisor, Don Brod.

Brod took an official walk through the nearly finished building, accompanied by Principal Dale Norton and others.

The building will have rest rooms, a lunch room and four classrooms. There were a few issues and problems that need to be fixed prior to occupying the building, but all are welcoming the addition.