As we close out the year, we take a look back at the big stories of 2020.

Nye County commissioners and other local dignitaries gathered Thursday morning to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new animal shelter in Pahrump. B&H Construction of Henderson is building the new shelter, to be located at the corner of Siri Lane and Floyd Street, just down the street from the current shelter. It's expected to be finished in six to eight months. Koenig says the old shelter will likely be demolished.

Millions of Americans have been impacted by COVID-19. And nearly 350,000 have died from complications linked to the disease. Christmas weekend, a Pahrump man made a moving tribute to the lives lost right here in Nye County.

The first doses of the COVID vaccine are making their way into Nye County. Director of Emergency Management Scott Lewis explains how it's being distributed.

If you're considering the adoption of a local shelter pet for the new year, there are dozens of cats and dogs available locally. In today's Save A Pet, Darbie O'Donnell introduces us to Jace.

Two vehicles were damaged, but there were no serious injuries as the result of a crash Wednesday afternoon in Pahrump. The Nye County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

Brothels across Nevada remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. And that includes several right here in Nye County, including Sheri's Ranch, on Homestead Road in Pahrump. Dena Duff says the brothel had to lay off all its staff in March, after the governor ordered a statewide shutdown. And they're anxiously awaiting the go-ahead to reopen.

If you want to celebrate the new year with some fireworks, you're in luck. The town of Pahrump is opening the fireworks launch site for two nights, so revelers can ring in the new year with a bang.

Winter break is here and a lot of kids are probably asking mom and dad if they can go sledding or skiing. But are those activities safe right now given the pandemic? Cleveland Clinic Children's pediatrician, Doctor Gina Robinson, says many wintertime activities are okay, as long as there aren't too many people around.

It's time to meet another great pet just waiting for their forever home. For today's Save A Pet, Darbie O'Donnell joins us from Desert Haven Animal Society to introduce us to Addy.

Governor Steve Sisolak gave an update this afternoon on the COVID-19 vaccination and the playbook plan for this mass distribution. Currently Tier 2 vaccines are being distributed to frontline essential workers to include educators, childcare providers, public transportation and essential retail workers. The playbook has also been updated to include those aged 75 and older. The governor lauded the work of those involved with planning the distribution of the vaccine and introduced Shannon Bennett, Immunization Program Manager in the Division of Public and Behavioral Health for an update on the nest tier of distribution and playbook updates.

An altercation at the main post office in Pahrump Tuesday afternoon ends with one man in police custody.

The Bob Ruud Community Center in Pahrump is getting a makeover. Thanks to an $8,000 grant, Bryce Chisholm, an artist from Reno, is painting a new mural on the south side of the building. The messaging 'stay safe to stay open' is part of the grant criteria and will be clearly visible as part of the artwork. Pahrump Tourism has long considered a mural trail. Tourism Director Arlette Ledbetter says the community center mural can be considered the inaugural project, with future projects and grants to follow. And one last thing worth mentioning -- the grant required the project to be completed by December 30. Unfortunately, no local artists were able to meet that deadline.

Item number 49 on the December 15th Board of County Commissioners agenda was permission to change point of diversion, manner of use and place of use of the public waters for an outdoor shooting range located on Mesquite Avenue in Pahrump.

The movie Ghostbusters says if you see a ghost, call them. But in Pahrump, if you experience something you can't explain, you have other options. Desert Spirit Seekers helps people -- both believers, and skeptics -- understand the paranormal.

Steve Sanson is President of Veterans in Politics International. He is a Marine Corps Veteran who has made it his mission to hold Family Court judges accountable to the public they serve. Sanson has filmed misconduct in the courtroom and posted the videos on the internet exposing the wrong doings. Many consider Steve a hero who have only him as their last hope to seek justice for their cases. Steve Sanson was honored at the Producers Choice Awards in Pahrump for his work in Public Community Service.

If you're losing sleep over COVID-19, you're not alone. In fact, some people have coined pandemic-related sleeplessness 'coronasomnia.' Cleveland Clinic's Doctor Michelle Drerup says people are stressed over the virus and everything that's changed because of it.

For today's Save A Pet, we meet a sweet and playful dog named Sly. He's available for adoption now from Desert Haven Animal Society.

Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue were called for a third time in recent weeks, to the Hemp Farm, this time for a structure fire.

Nevada Highway Patrol responded to a report of a hit and run today.

There's a new option for parents in Pahrump. Be Our Guest Learning Center is open seven days a week, providing daycare and instruction for children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age.

At the December 15 Board of County Commissioner meeting Savannah Rucker, Nye County Financial Director, reported on CARES Act Funding. Funding must be spent by the end of this year. Knowing that there will be funding not used, Rucker asked the Commissioners how they would like to see the remaining funds used.

The Producers Choice Awards were held in Pahrump on December 5th. The awards show recognized talented individuals in the areas of Film, Arts, Music and Entertainment. Pahrump's own Ronda Van Winkle was honored for Outstanding Vocal Performance for her singing of the National Anthem. We caught up with Ronda on the awards show red carpet to talk about her award and the possibility of her recording an album.

The holiday season looks and feels different this year, which could be hard on your kids. They may not get to do traditional activities or see their cousins from out of town. So how do you help them cope?

Megan Hartzell, of Pahrump, was arrested twice in eight days for two different alleged crimes.

A welfare check at a Pahrump residence leads to the arrest of a woman for allegedly 'squatting' on the property.

Can you imagine writing out 850 holiday cards? A caring school principal in Henderson wanted to stay connected with her students over the holiday break, so she started a tradition of personally writing out holiday cards for each and every child! And that's no small task. In fact, she has to start in October just to finish in time. But she says it’s well worth the effort to make all of her kids feel valued and loved this holiday season.

Pahrump was honored to host the FAME and Producers Choice Awards on December 5th. The first part of the awards show honored Community Service in the State of Nevada. Sheriff Sharon Wehrly was celebrated that night and she also had the honor of presenting two very important awards to Detective Brian Cooper. Cooper, a detective with the Nye County Sheriff's Department was injured in the line of duty after being shot 4 times.

Local talent John Michael Ferrari was recently honored at the FAME, Producers choice awards for Outstanding Triple Album of the Year. Ferrari is a songwriter, entertainer and producer. His music is gaining radio airplay and climbing the charts. News 25 spoke with John on the red carpet at the awards show.

If you're in the market for a new desktop computer, Josh Osborne, of Great Computer Deals, has some advice. In today's Quick Tutorial, he explores the top reasons for and against buying a desktop.

If there were any year without a Santa Claus, it would be 2020. But not even a pandemic can keep the man in the big red suit away. Safety is a top concern for Santa's team, and that's especially true when visiting children in a hospital who may be more susceptible to illness and infection. Here's more on how one hospital teamed up with the 'big guy' himself to spread some Christmas magic. Santa says his one wish this Christmas is that everyone remembers to wear a mask to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

The Pahrump Holiday Task Force was hard at work today spreading holiday good cheer and giving away holiday meals. The Community Christmas Dinner was drive thru pick up this year due to the pandemic but that didn't seem to have an affect on the good tidings.

Pahrump families kicked off the week before Christmas with the sights and sounds of the holiday season, during this year's Holiday Winter Drive Through. The annual event is held at the home of Nye County Sheriff Sharon Wehrly.

It's Christmas Eve. And for today's Save A Pet, Darbie O'Donnell joins us from Desert Haven Animal Society to introduce us to the 'Merry' in Christmas.

Flames lit up the sky in north Pahrump Tuesday evening. Pahrump Valley Fire Chief Scott Lewis says there were no serious injuries, but there was quite a bit of damage.

Nye County Sheriff's Office deputies are investigating a hit-and-run crash that happened Tuesday evening in Pahrump.

A three-car collision Wednesday afternoon resulted in some body damage, but only to the cars. The Nye County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

Firefighters and paramedics with Pahrump Valley Fire and Rescue were busy this morning. But they weren't fighting a fire. Instead, they were delivering Christmas meals to area seniors.

As holiday packages pile up on your doorstep, you might be wondering if those cardboard boxes carry more than a gift. Cleveland Clinic's Doctor Kristin Englund says it's not likely you'll catch COVID-19 from delivery boxes.

It's time for today's Save A Pet, where we meet a local shelter pet awaiting their forever home. Today, Darbie O'Donnell joins us from Desert Haven Animal Society, where she introduces us to a cat named Wolf.

The Board of County Commissioners moved another step forward on construction of a new animal shelter on Tuesday when the commissioners set a date and time for public hearing to authorize financing for the project.

Pahrump's Holiday Task Force is getting ready to serve up their annual Community Christmas Dinner. Linda Wright says everyone is invited. The Pahrump Community Christmas Dinner is being served on Christmas Eve... from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, at NyE Communities Coalition. And a reminder too, that social distancing and masks are required.

Exit Tours, a group out of Colorado recently held a 300 mile dirt bike ride that left out of Pahrump. News 25 spoke with Michael Brown of Exit Tours about the ride.

Water Rock Ranch, in Pahrump, is recognized as one of the best hipcamps in Nevada. But it's more than just a great place to camp. Water Rock Ranch also hosts youth groups from across the country. Owner and operator Pepper Jay says Water Rock provides an atmosphere that allows young people to thrive. To discover more of what Water Rock Ranch has to offer, you can check them out on Facebook, at Water Rock Ranch.

A Pahrump woman is sporting a new 'doo' today -- courtesy of Simply Divine Hair and Nail Salon. Kristine Miller-Anderson was selected as the winner of a makeover contest sponsored by Simply Divine and KPVM-TV.

It's Friday. Time to meet another great pet awaiting their forever home. For today's Save A Pet, Darbie O'Donnell joins us from Desert Haven Animal Society, where she introduces us to a cat named Old Lady.

The loss of a loved one is never easy. And it can be especially tough this time of year. But that's exactly what one Pahrump family is facing. And they're leaning on each other for support. If you'd like to help Kristen's family with a monetary donation, you can do so through GoFundMe. Just go online to GoFundMe.com, and search for 'Kristen Reddick.'

An 8-year-old Pahrump girl wants to make sure other children have a nice Christmas. So she had an idea. And now, she's bringing that idea to life. Brad Francis introduces us to Avery Sampson -- a little girl with a big heart.

Award-winning local singer, songwriter and recording artist John Michael Ferrari will be among the honorees at Saturday's Producers Choice Honors -- that big red carpet event being held at the Pahrump Nugget. Ferrari is also excited to announce the release of his latest album. To learn more about John Michael Ferrari and check out some of his music, you can visit his website, at JohnMichaelFerrari.com. You can also hear some of his songs on our sister station, Ace Country Radio 103.1 FM.

The crash of an Off Highway Vehicle Friday afternoon in Pahrump sends at least one person to the hospital.

Some tense moments in a Pahrump neighborhood Thursday evening, as Nye County deputies responded to a report of an active shooter. Today, the suspect -- 62-year-old Steven Burson -- is under arrest and facing a number of charges. The sheriff's office says it appears that in 2001, Burson was involved in a similar situation with officers in Las Vegas. While the exact number is unknown, investigators estimate Burson fired hundreds of rounds during the standoff.

It's going to be a big weekend in Pahrump! In addition to the Producers Choice Honors at the Pahrump Nugget Saturday evening, there's another event taking place Saturday that's raising money for local veterans. Gary Edwards, also known as Bryan Scott, has a rundown of what's on tap. For more information about tomorrow's events, search for 'Joy to the Vets' on Facebook.

There are lots of pets available for adoption now from shelters in Pahrump. For today's Save A Pet, Darbie O'Donnell visits Desert Haven Animal Society, where she introduces us to Alex.

It's going to be a big weekend in Pahrump! In addition to the Producers Choice Honors at the Pahrump Nugget Saturday evening, there's another event taking place Saturday that's raising money for local veterans. Gary Edwards, also known as Bryan Scott, has a rundown of what's on tap. For more information about tomorrow's events, search for 'Joy to the Vets' on Facebook.

A crash Wednesday evening caused some delays for motorists traveling along Highway 160 in Pahrump.

Item number 6 on the Board of County Commissioners agenda is General Public Comment. At the December 1st meeting of the BOCC, the public had comments had questions regarding the Thanksgiving weekend arrest of Commissioner Leo Blundo.

As COVID-19 continues to spread, get-togethers, shared meals and travel carry extra risk for those we love. Erica Foreman has more on the safest way to celebrate this holiday season.

Governor Steve Sisolak held a press conference yesterday to update Nevadans on preparation for a the possible release next week of a COVID-19 vaccine. The Governor also stated that trends are not going in the right direction to mitigate the spread of the virus despite the statewide pause announced before the Thanksgiving holiday. The Governor also shared a statement sent to him by the White House Task Force.

Pahrump will host a big event this weekend, honoring people working in film, art, music and entertainment. Due to COVID restrictions in Clark County, the 2020 Producers Choice Honors will be held in Nye County, at the Pahrump Nugget. Founder and executive producer Al Bowman is excited to bring the red carpet event to Pahrump. For more information, or to purchase tickets for Saturday's event, just head to ProducersChoiceHonors.com. Festivities begin at 5:30 pm.

The number of COVID-19 cases has been rising across the country. And traditional in-person schools are debating going back to full-time online learning. While the majority of the nation's school children remain in flux... there are hundreds of thousands of students who haven't been effected by COVID at all when it comes to their education. That's because these students were already attending one of the nation's top online schools. Today, we check out K12, which has been teaching children virtually for the last 20 years.

The building of a new Nye County animal shelter was on the November 16 Board of County Commissioners meeting once again. The agenda item was to adopt or reject a resolution authorizing a medium-term obligation, or loan, for the purpose of constructing a new animal shelter.

The building of a new Nye County animal shelter was on the November 16 Board of County Commissioners meeting once again. The agenda item was to adopt or reject a resolution authorizing a medium-term obligation, or loan, for the purpose of constructing a new animal shelter.

If you're working from home these days, you may find yourself in a lot more virtual meetings -- which can be exhausting. Jane Pernotte-Ehrman is a behavioral health specialist with Cleveland Clinic. She recommends scheduling a five minute break between calls, to allow yourself and others to gather their thoughts.

It's Wednesday. Time to meet another great pet just awaiting their forever home. Today, we drop in at Desert Haven Animal Society, where Darbie O'Donnell introduces us to Emma.

Erin Sharron has been arrested for alleged domestic battery by strangulation after a call to 911.

It has been a while since NyE Communities Coalition has been able to host a job fair due to the pandemic. But that hasn't stopped the need for people to find jobs and employers need to hire. News 25 spoke with Ed Kelly and Rachel Leddy of NyECC about an upcoming job fair that will incorporate social distance safety protocols.

One person was injured in a single-vehicle crash at Homestead and Manse Road in Pahrump.

One man is taken into custody on suspicion of DUI after a rollover crash in north Pahrump.

A two-vehicle crash in south Pahrump leaves some minor damage, but no serious injuries.

Failure to yield appears to be the cause of a crash on the north side of Pahrump.

A missed turn leads to a crash on Highway 160 near Gamebird Road in Pahrump.

Authorities are investigating the cause of a structure fire that destroyed a trailer at a home on Happy Lane in Pahrump.

Scott Lewis, Director of Emergency Management reported at the November 16th Board of County Commissioners meeting. Lewis provided an update to the Board regarding the status of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The race continues to release a COVID-19 vaccine. Right now, most of the drug trials are focused on adults. And while kids can be infected too, Cleveland Clinic Children's Doctor Frank Esper explains why more children aren't being included in the research.