7-8 News - Drought a Concern for Local Co-op

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We got up to 92 yesterday and we expect another scorcher today.  Look for the high today around 94.

Governor Lombardo with Mt. Wheeler Power CEO Kevin Robison
during the weekend of March 15th, 2016

Yesterday’s story about how the decline in hydroelectric power from Lake Mead is affecting small electric companies in Rural Nevada is of indirect concern to Mt. Wheeler Power CEO Kevin Robison.  He told us in a telephone interview yesterday morning that while the cooperative doesn’t get any of it’s power from Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, it does get a lot of power from Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam.  Robison told us they’ve seen a 50% reduction in power from Lake Powell as a result of the ongoing drought affecting the Colorado River.  Other carbon-based solutions, such as Natural Gas and other sources from Deseret Power Electric Cooperative, are covering the power generation deficit.  Having access to lower-cost hydroelectric power is important to cooperatives like Mt. Wheeler, as 70 percent of the co-op's expenses are directly related to wholesale power costs.  

Triple-digit heat could return to Ely this weekend.

Forecasters say highs will flirt with the century mark. If Ely hits 100, it’ll be the first time since July of 2024.

Because of Ely’s mile-high elevation, 100-degree days are incredibly rare—happening only a handful of times since weather records began in the late 1800s.

The city’s all-time record high is 101 degrees, last seen back in 2002.

White Pine County Commissioners will meet this morning at 9 in the White Pine County Library Conference Room in Ely.

Among the agenda items, county officials will receive updates from the Health Officer and local fire chiefs on fire district operations and wildfire preparedness. Commissioners will also consider submitting comments on proposed Bureau of Land Management grazing regulations before a July 13th deadline.

The commission is expected to discuss accepting ownership of the old Lund School property at no cost from the White Pine County School District and consider supporting a nearly half-million-dollar parking lot improvement project at the Kinnear Library in McGill.

Other agenda items include several state grant awards for emergency management, social services, specialty courts, and approval of a temporary management assignment for the White Pine County Golf Course. The meeting will be broadcast live here on K-E-L-Y.

The Ely City Council meets tomorrow evening with several major funding and community development items on its agenda. Council members will consider transferring the city's 2026 private activity bond allocation to the Nevada Rural Housing Authority and decide who will represent Ely at this year's Nevada League of Cities and Municipalities Conference. The council will also receive updates on efforts to secure additional state and federal funding and hear a quarterly report from the White Pine Chamber of Commerce. Other business includes accepting a $603,750 Community Development Block Grant for upgrades to the city's wastewater treatment plant and considering an abatement order to remove trash and debris from two properties on Fay Avenue. The meeting begins at 5 p.m. at the Ely Volunteer Fire Hall.

White Pine County Sheriff's deputies handled a variety of calls on July 6th. Welfare checks in Ely confirmed that family members and children reported as concerns were safe. Deputies also responded to a reported shoplifting attempt at a local business, with the investigation continuing. In the county, deputies are investigating the shooting of a calf after a livestock owner reported the animal had been shot. A juvenile riding a dirt bike on a county roadway received a warning, and a loose dog was picked up and taken to the animal shelter. Other calls included unattended children at a business, a semi-truck creating a traffic hazard on a state highway that was referred to the Nevada State Police, and a dispute over property that deputies determined was a civil matter.

Good news from Lincoln County as the Grapevine Fire is now 99% contained and command is being transferred to local teams today.  It was the largest of four wildfires across Lincoln County over the past month that is now under control 

Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar is criticizing the U.S. Department of Justice after it sent Nevada a letter reminding state officials of federal requirements to ensure only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections. The Justice Department requested a response within five days outlining Nevada's compliance efforts. Aguilar says the state already complies with federal law and called the letter an unnecessary political move that could undermine confidence in Nevada's elections. He added that safeguards are already in place to prevent ineligible voting and said Nevada's elections remain secure.  That despite at least a dozen reports from some Green Card holders that they were registered to vote despite not being eligible.  

Three men have been convicted in federal court for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl in southern Nevada.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Darrell Glen Harris, Joey Lamar McRoyal, and Lamar Deshawn Rosser conspired to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl between August 2022 and June 2023. Prosecutors said Harris supplied McRoyal and Rosser with methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and other illegal drugs for distribution in the Las Vegas area.

Harris was convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute. McRoyal and Rosser were also found guilty of conspiracy and distribution charges, along with possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.

The three men are scheduled to be sentenced October 1 and each faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Nevada's voter registration numbers have shifted, with Democrats once again holding a slight edge over Republicans in active registered voters.

A new report from the Nevada Secretary of State's Office shows the state added nearly 21,600 active voters in June. Nonpartisan voters saw the largest increase, adding almost 10,900 registrations and remaining the state's largest voting bloc.

Democrats gained 7,792 voters during the month, compared with 3,681 new Republican registrations, giving Democrats a narrow lead of just 502 active voters statewide.

Nevada now has more than 2.09 million active registered voters, with Nonpartisan voters making up just over 38 percent of the electorate. Democrats and Republicans each account for just under 28 percent, while the remaining voters are affiliated with minor political parties.

The developer of what would become Nevada’s largest solar and battery storage project is facing allegations of illegally using water for construction.

Amy Alonzo at the Nevada Independent reports this morning that the Nevada State Engineer’s Office has issued cease-and-desist orders to Libra Solar and a geothermal company, accusing them of diverting water from unauthorized sources in Lyon County. State officials say water trucks were used to transport water from a geothermal facility and a local rancher’s property for construction of the $2.3 billion project.

Libra Solar says contractors were working to secure additional water supplies, and the company has agreed to stop using the disputed sources while permits are obtained. The project is expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 200,000 homes.

And if you needed more reasons to oppose data centers…

Eglė Krištopaitytė in the trade publication Cybernews reports that a contractor working on Meta’s data center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, has been blamed for contaminating the city’s wastewater system with a rare bacterium.

Officials with Cheyenne’s Board of Public Utilities say Goat Systems LLC violated industrial wastewater regulations, leading to the discovery of *Cupriavidus gilardii* earlier this year. The bacteria affected wastewater operations, but officials say it was never found in the city’s drinking water and no human infections have been reported.

The city has stopped accepting industrial wastewater tied to data center operations while cleanup and investigations continue. The incident comes as communities nationwide debate the environmental impacts of large-scale data centers.

7-7 News - Hot Weather Ahead

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More clouds than sun today, a slight chance for an isolated thunderstorm.  Look for the high today around 92.

Triple-digit temperatures could return to Ely this weekend, with the forecast calling for highs near the century mark.

If Ely reaches 100 degrees, it would mark the first time the city has hit triple digits since July 11th, 2024, when the official high temperature reached exactly 100 degrees.

Ely’s high elevation, at about 6,400 feet above sea level, helps keep extreme heat events relatively uncommon compared with much of Nevada. Since official weather records began in the late 1800s, Ely has only reached 100 degrees or higher a handful of times.

The city also recorded a 100-degree day on July 16th, 2023. Ely’s all-time record high is 101 degrees, reached twice — once on July 18th, 1998, and again on July 12th, 2002.

In fact, 2002 remains the hottest year on record for Ely when it comes to triple-digit heat, with just two days reaching 100 degrees or higher. Even with Nevada’s reputation for summer heat, Ely’s mountain climate usually keeps those extreme temperatures rare.

Keep your local area cool with an Arctic Air Evaporative Cooler.  Order one here!

White Pine County Commissioners will meet tomorrow morning at 9 in the White Pine County Library Conference Room in Ely.

Among the agenda items, county officials will receive updates from the Health Officer and local fire chiefs on fire district operations and wildfire preparedness. Commissioners will also consider submitting comments on proposed Bureau of Land Management grazing regulations before a July 13th deadline.

The commission is expected to discuss accepting ownership of the old Lund School property at no cost from the White Pine County School District and consider supporting a nearly half-million-dollar parking lot improvement project at the Kinnear Library in McGill.

Other agenda items include several state grant awards for emergency management, social services, specialty courts, and approval of a temporary management assignment for the White Pine County Golf Course. The meeting will be broadcast live here on K-E-L-Y.

The Ely City Council meets Thursday evening with several major funding and community development items on its agenda. Council members will consider transferring the city's 2026 private activity bond allocation to the Nevada Rural Housing Authority and decide who will represent Ely at this year's Nevada League of Cities and Municipalities Conference. The council will also receive updates on efforts to secure additional state and federal funding and hear a quarterly report from the White Pine Chamber of Commerce. Other business includes accepting a $603,750 Community Development Block Grant for upgrades to the city's wastewater treatment plant and considering an abatement order to remove trash and debris from two properties on Fay Avenue. The meeting begins at 5 p.m. at the Ely Volunteer Fire Hall.

The White Pine County Sheriff's Office responded to a variety of calls on July 5, including several involving juveniles. Two juveniles were detained after a traffic stop for minor in possession of alcohol, with the driver also cited for driving without a license and failing to stop at a stop sign. Both were released to their parents, and the case was referred to Juvenile Probation.

Deputies also arrested 36-year-old Vincent Marotta of Elko after locating a stolen vehicle entering White Pine County. He faces charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, evading law enforcement, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and resisting an officer.

Other calls included a cow blocking a state highway, welfare checks, stranded motorists, juveniles riding dirt bikes on a county road, and an intoxicated pedestrian who was safely picked up by a family friend.

Firefighters continue making steady progress on two wildfires in eastern Nevada. The Grapevine Fire remains 95 percent contained at nearly 26,500 acres, with crews now focused on patrols and repairing fire lines. Meanwhile, the Parsnip Peak Fire northwest of Pioche is holding at 2,264 acres and is now 65 percent contained. Firefighters continue mopping up hot spots and strengthening containment lines around the fire's perimeter as suppression efforts move into the next phase.

Nevada rural utilities are bracing for major changes as Lake Mead continues to fall, threatening hydropower production at the Hoover Dam. 

Jeniffer Solis at the Nevada Current quotes federal projections showing the lake could drop below 1,035 feet within the next year—cutting dam output by about 70 percent as older turbines shut down, according to the Bureau of Reclamation.

That drop would sharply reduce low-cost electricity for providers like the Lincoln County Power District and the Overton Power District, which rely heavily on Hoover Dam power.

Officials say utilities are already locking in higher-cost market electricity and expanding solar, as federal and state leaders, including Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Congresswoman Susie Lee, push new investments to stabilize dam operations.

Hydropower from the Hoover Dam could see steep reductions if drought conditions persist.

Nevada voters will see just two statewide ballot questions on the 2026 General Election ballot. Question 6 asks voters whether to add abortion protections to the Nevada Constitution, while Question 7 would require voter identification for in-person voting and new ID verification requirements for mail ballots. Both measures passed their first required vote in 2024 and must be approved again this November to become constitutional amendments. Several other proposed ballot initiatives failed to gather enough signatures to qualify.

7-6 News - County Commission meeting will be as hot as the weather

KELY News sponsored by Sahara Motors.   The Kawasaki KX450 is built out of the box with everything you need to dominate the track. Check it out today at Sahara Motors and let the Good Times Roll. 

More clouds than sun today, a slight chance for an isolated thunderstorm.  Look for the high today around 90 with the possibility of triple digits by the weekend. 

White Pine County Commissioners will meet Wednesday, July 8th, beginning at 9 a.m. at the White Pine County Library Conference Room in Ely.

Among the agenda items, county officials will receive updates from the Health Officer and local fire chiefs on fire district operations and wildfire preparedness. Commissioners will also consider submitting comments on proposed Bureau of Land Management grazing regulations before a July 13th deadline.

The commission is expected to discuss accepting ownership of the old Lund School property at no cost from the White Pine County School District and consider supporting nearly a half-million-dollar parking lot improvement project at the Kinnear Library in McGill.

Other agenda items include several state grant awards for emergency management, social services, specialty courts, and approval of a temporary management assignment for the White Pine County Golf Course. The meeting will be broadcast live here on K-E-L-Y.

The White Pine County Sheriff's Office responded to a busy mix of calls during the first four days of July. Deputies investigated several traffic accidents, including multiple collisions with deer, along with thefts, fraud, trespassing, domestic disturbances, welfare checks, and reports of illegal fireworks. Active investigations continue into the theft of camping gear, a reported apartment burglary involving two cats, and a child abuse case. Over the Fourth of July holiday, deputies also arrested four people, including three drivers on DUI-related charges and one McGill man on charges of domestic battery involving a pregnant victim.

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Fire crews continue making steady progress on the Parsnip Peak Fire in the remote wilderness northwest of Pioche. The fire remains at 2,264 acres, but containment has increased to 65 percent. Crews are mopping up hot spots and securing fire lines, allowing command of the incident to transition to a smaller Type 4 team. Meanwhile, the Grapevine Fire remains 95 percent contained at more than 26,000 acres, with crews now focused on repairing fire lines, restoring access routes, and reseeding disturbed areas with native grasses.  Beaver Dam State Park has reopened, but use caution around heavy machinery still in the area.

Firefighters have stopped the forward progress of the Alpine Drive Fire in Spring Creek. The blaze, reported Sunday evening, burned about a half-acre and threatened four to five structures. Elko County Fire, along with state and federal crews, remains on scene working to strengthen containment lines, mop up hot spots, and protect nearby homes. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Motorists and residents are urged to continue avoiding the area while firefighting operations continue.

A high-stakes lawsuit that could reshape Nevada water law goes to trial this week in Las Vegas. Alan Halaly writes in the Las Vegas Review-Journal that developers of the long-stalled Coyote Springs project are seeking at least $1.5 billion from the state, claiming Nevada improperly blocked groundwater pumping needed for the planned community. The case follows a 2024 Nevada Supreme Court ruling that upheld the authority of the state engineer to regulate groundwater. Water experts say a ruling for the developers could expose the state to billions in liability and fundamentally change how water rights are managed in Nevada's already limited water supply.

Nevada prison officials are considering adding drug-detection dogs to state prisons as overdose cases continue to climb. Isabella Aldrete writes in today’s Nevada Independent that overdoses inside Nevada correctional facilities have increased from just 12 in 2021 to more than 120 last year. Supporters say K-9 units could help detect fentanyl and other contraband before it reaches inmates, while also reducing gang activity and violence. The proposal would begin with a pilot program at High Desert State Prison, although funding and final approval have not yet been secured.

Primm is getting a fresh start. Terrible's officially took over management of the Primm resort properties Sunday, retaining about 300 employees and preparing to reopen Primm Valley Casino in the coming weeks. The company has already reopened several travel-related businesses ahead of the Fourth of July weekend and says its long-term plans include investing in Buffalo Bill's and Whiskey Pete's to restore the Interstate 15 landmark as a destination for travelers entering Nevada from Southern California.

That’s your morning news from the state of Nevada

 

7-2 News - Elevated fire risk heading into Independence Day

 KELY News sponsored by Sahara Motors.   The Kawasaki KX450 is built out of the box with everything you need to dominate the track. Check it out today at Sahara Motors and let the Good Times Roll. 

More sun than clouds today with a slight chance of an afternoon or evening thunderstorm.  Look for the high around 82, but by the weekend, we’ll be back to 90 degrees.

The National Weather Service has issued an elevated fire weather outlook for southern White Pine County and eastern Nye County today. From 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., south to southwest winds of around 15 miles per hour, with gusts up to 25 miles per hour, combined with humidity as low as 10 percent, could cause any new wildfire to spread rapidly. Officials say critically dry vegetation and gusty winds create dangerous fire conditions. Outdoor burning is not recommended, and residents are urged to avoid activities that could spark a wildfire and report any smoke or fire immediately by calling 911.

The numbers are in, and June was another hot, dry month across eastern Nevada. The National Weather Service says Ely recorded an average temperature of 64-point-6 degrees, more than 3 degrees above normal, tying June 2026 as the fifth warmest June on record. Just four-hundredths of an inch of rain fell during the month, well below the normal 0.56 inches. No snowfall was recorded, which is typical for June. Climate records for Ely date back to 1893.

A reminder that Friday is Independence Day, a federal holiday, and many government offices will be closed. Federal, state, county, and city offices, along with banks and post offices, will observe the holiday. There will be no regular mail delivery on Friday, and many public services will resume normal business hours on Monday. If you need to conduct banking or government business, plan ahead before the long holiday weekend. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

With Independence Day approaching and temperatures expected to climb into the 90s across the region, health officials are reminding residents to stay safe in the heat. Experts say staying properly hydrated is one of the most important ways to prevent heat-related illness during outdoor celebrations and travel. Residents are urged to drink plenty of water throughout the day, avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Officials also recommend checking on elderly neighbors and children, who are especially vulnerable during extreme heat.

Firefighters continue to make steady progress on the Grapevine Fire burning south of Caliente in Lincoln County. The fire has now grown to 26,464 acres and is 72 percent contained. Crews are continuing mop-up operations to strengthen containment lines and extinguish remaining hot spots. Fire officials are reminding residents that elevated fire weather conditions are expected each afternoon through Sunday. With hot, dry, and breezy conditions in the forecast, any new fire start could spread rapidly. Everyone is urged to use extreme caution and practice good fire safety.

Ely and White Pine County are gearing up for a full slate of Fourth of July celebrations as the “Red, White Pine, and Blue Independence Day Festival” returns July 3rd through the 5th.

The four-day community celebration features more than 50 events across Ely, McGill, Ruth, and Cave Lake, including museum tours, live entertainment, art exhibits, and family activities.

Highlights include the annual downtown Ely Independence Day Parade at 11 a.m. on July 4th, a free community breakfast at the Bristlecone Convention Center, and the Chamber of Commerce “Red, White and Blue Blowout” at Broadbent Park.

The celebration wraps up Friday night with fireworks at the White Pine Golf Course at 9 p.m., along with additional events throughout the weekend, including train excursions, concerts, and community gatherings.

Organizers say the festival is designed to bring the entire county together for a weekend of patriotic celebration, history, and hometown pride.

Details are available online at elynevada dot net

Fire officials in White Pine County are reminding residents that fireworks are illegal throughout the county and on all Bureau of Land Management lands, especially as wildfire danger continues to climb across eastern Nevada.

Authorities say the dry conditions and windy weather greatly increase the risk of fast-moving fires sparked by fireworks or other open flames.

Instead of setting off personal fireworks, residents are encouraged to attend the official Independence Day fireworks show Saturday night at 9 p.m. at the White Pine Golf Course.

The display, presented by Great Basin Pyrotechnics, will provide a safe, professional celebration for the entire community.

Officials are urging everyone to help keep the holiday safe and avoid activities that could spark a wildfire.

A Las Vegas-area woman accused of making terrorism-related threats is now facing a judge after an armed standoff at Sunset Station Casino.

Authorities say 36-year-old Allison Howlett was arrested after police located her in a parking garage with a vehicle reportedly loaded with firearms and ammunition. Investigators later recovered additional weapons at a Henderson home, totaling dozens of firearms along with suppressors and thousands of rounds of ammo.

Police say the investigation began after a domestic dispute call in which the suspect allegedly made threats of “suicide by cop” and a possible mass shooting. Federal and local agencies, including the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, assisted in the case.

A judge has set bail at $500,000, and Howlett is due back in court later this month.

Nevada has a brand-new state park near Carson City—and state leaders are asking the public to help name it.

Governor Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Division of State Parks announced the addition of “State Park Number 28,” a 1,627-acre site along the Carson River corridor just east of Dayton. The property protects about four and a half miles of riverfront land that had been in private ownership for more than 150 years.

Officials say the land preserves cultural resources dating back to the late 1800s and includes portions of the historic California and Pony Express trails. During the 1940s, part of the property also operated as a so-called divorce ranch, reflecting a unique chapter of Nevada history.

Name suggestions will be accepted starting July 1 through July 15, with public voting on finalists set for August 1 through the 14th. The official name will be announced at a dedication ceremony this fall.

That’s your morning news from the state of Nevada

7-1 News - One Arrest on Monday Police blotter

 KELY News sponsored by Sahara Motors.   The Kawasaki KX450 is built out of the box with everything you need to dominate the track. Check it out today at Sahara Motors and let the Good Times Roll. 

More sun than clouds today with a slight chance of an afternoon or evening thunderstorm.  Look for the high around 81, but by the weekend, we’ll be back to 90 degrees.

The White Pine County Sheriff's Office responded to a variety of calls on Monday. Deputies investigated two reported thefts, including a stolen package from a county residence and a shoplifting incident at a local convenience store that remains under investigation.

Deputies also arrested 38-year-old Brandlynn Stotler of Ely following a reported domestic disturbance. Stotler was booked on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, with bail set at $10,000.

Other calls included a welfare check on a motorist found slumped over a steering wheel, who was determined to be okay, reports of juveniles riding dirt bikes on city streets, a civil dispute over unpaid vehicle repairs, and a disabled electric vehicle and reckless driver, both of which were referred to the Nevada State Police.

The Parsnip Peak Fire in Lincoln County has grown to 2,265 acres and is now 15 percent contained. Three hotshot crews, an initial attack crew, and eight helicopters are battling the blaze in rugged terrain where fire engines can't reach, making air support essential. Meanwhile, containment on the nearby Grapevine Fire has increased to 55 percent. Fire officials say eastern Nevada remains at an above-normal risk for large wildfires as both Nevada and the nation are now at Preparedness Level 4 due to heavy fire activity and high demand for firefighting resources.

Several new Nevada laws take effect today, including changes that could affect schools across the state. School districts can now hire licensed teachers from other states for up to a year while they complete Nevada licensing, a move aimed at easing the teacher shortage. Students will also have more opportunities to attend public schools outside their attendance zone if space is available. In classrooms, updated rules expand restrictions on cell phones and other electronic devices, with progressive discipline for repeat violations. Other new laws affecting larger urban counties will have little impact on rural communities like White Pine County.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office will be joining agencies across Nevada for a Joining Forces Speed Awareness Campaign running July 1st through July 20th, 2026. Officials say the effort will focus on reducing speeding-related crashes through highly visible patrols and public education. Law enforcement warns speeding remains one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities statewide and includes driving too fast for road and weather conditions. The campaign emphasizes that speeding increases stopping distance, crash severity, and the risk of losing control. Officials say the goal is zero roadway fatalities through awareness, education, and enforcement.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states may bar transgender athletes from competing on girls' sports teams, a decision expected to influence future policy debates across the country. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo welcomed the ruling, saying it allows lawmakers to pursue what he called a permanent, common-sense solution during the 2027 legislative session. LGBTQ+ advocacy group Silver State Equality criticized the decision, arguing it unfairly targets transgender youth and urging Nevada to instead adopt policies protecting their participation in school sports.

Republican leaders are quickly unifying behind 2nd Congressional District nominee David Flippo following his primary victory. Mini Racker in the Nevada Independent writes that several prominent Republicans who had backed former state Sen. James Settelmeyer, including Senate Minority Leader Robin Titus of Wellington, have now joined Flippo's campaign, saying party unity is essential ahead of November. Titus says she's encouraging Flippo to spend time in rural Nevada to better understand the region's needs. Flippo has recently campaigned in Northern Nevada.   Governor Joe Lombardo and Congressman Mark Amodei have not yet publicly endorsed his campaign.

That’s your morning news from the state of Nevada