36 years ago this month

An effort to gain a broader sample of opinion regarding the proposed Farmer's State Bank in Pahrump Valley is under way.

About 10 percent of 1,000 questionnaires were answered and returned. Of the 119 responses, all but six indicated an affirmative intention of doing business with a new bank.

Projections based on the replies suggest potential deposits amount to about $1.5 million. This does not include possible large commercial accounts. The state requires about $2 million in deposits before granting a charter.

A handful of hard-running youngsters from Pahrump Valley Grade School scored a whopping 13 first-place wins during the southern Nevada Junior Olympics for 13-year-olds and younger. Pahrump Valley competitors collected 45 medals in all during the Las Vegas event.

30 years ago this week

A report from the state fire marshal's office on the fire-bombing of the Chicken Ranch brothel in Pahrump is expected by Aug. 1.

Fire Marshal Tom Huddleston said the report is part of an intensive and exhaustive investigation being handled by his office and the F.B.I.

The brothel was totally destroyed by a fire-bombing several weeks before. One masked individual reportedly forced his way into one of the trailers and threw the explosive, which set fire to the building. No one was injured outside of minor cuts and bruises.

Funds for added police protection in Pahrump Valley were approved by the Nye County Commission. Money was allotted for salaries for two additional deputies for Pahrump and for insurance coverage for deputy volunteers, enabling them to augment the regulars at the discretion of the sheriff.

The town board and chamber of commerce, with strong public support, complained about the continuing number of burglaries at local businesses during the night hours. The two positions were deemed necessary to help curb the problem.

Jane Logan drew the high card, a nine of hearts, and thereby became the choice to fill the post of Nye County clerk until the newly elected clerk takes over on the first Monday of January.

Three ladies, all Democrats, were judged qualified to hold the post by the Nye County Commission. It was decided that appointing anyone to fill the post temporarily might provide an unfair advantage in the coming primary election. So the lottery was decided upon. All three candidates agreed to the method of filling the post.

20 years ago this week

Nye County residents were shocked by the unexpected resignation of Sheriff Harold A. "Stick" Davis.

Davis' letter to the Nye County Commission said he felt the time has come to place his health and his family before his duty to the people of Nye County. The commission has the authority under state law to appoint an interim acting sheriff.

Davis' surprise resignation means that a temporary sheriff will be appointed for the rest of this year, and then voters will choose a sheriff in November to fill the remaining two years of Davis' term.

Davis resignation was so sudden, it appears even his wife was caught unaware. Commissioner Bob Revert told the Times that Undersheriff Mark Zane appears to be the logical interim sheriff based on his experience in running the department under Davis.

Pahrump Valley's Last Chance Range became the new home for 24 bighorn sheep as 55 volunteers from the Fraternity of Desert Bighorn, the BLM, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service participated in a Nevada Department of Wildlife program designed to reintroduce bighorn sheep into 11 areas from which they disappeared.

The animals, trapped in the mountains near Lake Mead, were hauled to the site and released.

10 years ago this week

Although the results vary substantially, the latest estimates compiled by Panning Information Corp. and the Pahrump Valley Times share a common trait: Both show rapid growth is continuing in the community.

The latest information from PIC, through the first quarter of 1998, pegs the population at 22,963 for an increase of 2601 residents over the last 12 months.

The Pahrump Valley Times, meanwhile, offers an estimated population of 27,822, an increase of 1704 since Jan. 1. This shows a growth rate that is on track at 12.6 percent for the year.

Many meetings are canceled due to a lack of interest. The Regional Planning Commission meeting was canceled due to too much interest.

Too many people in too little space prompted the cancellation.

As many as 200 residents crowded into the community center, every chair was used and people lined the walls. Outside about 50 more people milled about, unable to get in.

The issue promoting the huge turnout was the plan to begin the building permitting and inspections in Pahrump Aug 1.

Pahrump Town Manager Mike Cosgrove announced the Nevada Department of Transportation has agreed to pay for the engineering and design of a traffic signal at Highway 160 and Basin.

According to Cosgrove, the light at the intersection will cost roughly $120,000. He said World Premier Investments; the developer of the Lucky shopping center will pay 38 percent of the cost.

The remainder represents roughly $74,000, and Cosgrove suggested the town board ask the county for assistance.