10-12 News - Commission to finally take up Pay Study

 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. 

We had 1.3 inches of rain yesterday at Yellend Field, breaking the 1945 record of 89/100 of an inch, with another 6/100 of an inch overnight.  A good chance of showers today that will turn into snow overnight.  Look for a high of just 54 today. 

Today is Columbus Day, also observed as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in many communities, and a federal holiday. In Ely and across White Pine County, U.S. Post Offices are closed, and regular mail delivery is suspended. Most banks are also closed, while federal government offices and federal courts are observing the holiday. However, many private businesses, grocery stores, and restaurants are expected to remain open, so check locally before heading out. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will operate on their normal schedules. Most government offices and postal services return to regular hours Tuesday.

The White Pine County Commission will finally review a county pay study and workforce planning Wednesday, as commissioners consider several proposals involving development, county regulations, and the future of the Baker Multi-Use Trail.

Commissioner Jose Noriega has placed the pay study on the agenda for discussion.  Commissioners have claimed they have never seen the study, despite KELY receiving a copy, posting the study at our web page, and reporting on the study in February.  Noriega is also asking for a proposal to coordinate with the Ely Building Department and city officials to form a committee. The committee would work with a contractor to develop a joint master plan addressing zoning and establishing guidelines for renewable energy projects, data centers, and other development.

Noriega is also seeking updates to the Regional Planning Commission’s memorandum of understanding and county ordinance, along with a plan for addressing serious or significant public nuisance complaints.

Commissioners will also consider whether to schedule a public hearing on continuing or terminating the Baker Multi-Use Trail project.  The project was originally funded in 2021 but the only bid received on the project was $150,000 over budget.  

The Commission will also consider approving a $32,000 payment to Sutton Law for defending Commission Chair Paula Carson in a lawsuit seeking her removal from office.  

The joint County Commission meeting begins Wednesday at nine a.m. in the White Pine County Library conference room on Campton Street in Ely.  KELY will broadcast the meeting live and will post a podcast of the meeting following the conclusion on all major podcast platforms by searching KELY 1230 98.5.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office reports an arrest and several ongoing investigations in its Wednesday and Thursday blotters.

On Wednesday, deputies investigated a reported battery at an Ely apartment complex and a possible child-abuse case that was forwarded to Child and Family Services.

Thursday’s calls included stolen and damaged campaign signs, debit-card theft, a stolen wallet at a local casino, and a checkbook reported missing from a camp trailer. Several investigations remain active.

Twenty-year-old Emmamarie Parmley of Ely was arrested Thursday on warrants from Ely Municipal Court and Pahranagat Valley Justice Court.

The Sheriff’s Office also reported the death of Ely resident Jim Holt, whose death was attributed to natural causes.

In White Pine Sports over the weekend the Bobcats Soccer team blanked Battle Mountain - twice!  On Friday the boys won 8-0 and repeated on Saturday 6-0.  They Bobcats and the Longhorns will face off again this weekend. 

The Ladycats Soccer Team had a good weekend as well with a 5-2 win over Battle Mountain on Friday, and a 2-1 win over West Wendover.  The Girls head to Battle Mountain with the Boys for a double header Friday and Saturday. 

Bobcats Football and Ladycats Volleyball are off until Thursday when the both face Lake MEad Christian Academy.  

The Vegas Golden Knights are off to a five-and-one start after beating the Los Angeles Kings two-to-one in overtime Saturday night. Mitch Marner scored the game-winner on a power play just seven seconds into overtime, while rookie Trevor Connelly also scored for Vegas. Mark Stone recorded two assists, and Carter Hart stopped 26 shots. The Golden Knights now head to Minnesota to face the Wild Monday night.

Nevada is temporarily suspending enforcement of restrictions on red-dyed diesel, a lower-tax fuel normally reserved for off-road uses such as farming and construction equipment. Governor Joe Lombardo has directed the Highway Patrol to stop enforcing the highway-use restrictions, contingent on federal penalty relief taking effect. President Donald Trump’s October fifth executive order expands permitted highway use of the fuel and defers certain taxes through December thirty-first. Nevada also plans to waive qualifying state administrative fines.

Concerns are growing over whether Nevada could face a botched execution as the state considers resuming capital punishment. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports death row inmates are worried after Christa Pike survived a lethal injection attempt in Tennessee last month. Legal experts say Nevada’s proposed drug combinations have never been fully tested in an execution, raising questions about the potential for complications. Nevada has not executed since 2006. State prison officials say no executions are currently scheduled, and the state’s execution procedures remain subject to legal challenges.  Some groups believe the state should consider moving to another form of execution.

That’s your morning news from White Pine County and the state of Nevada

Just a reminder

To those old-school intimidators who don't like our news reporting...

Listen to KELY anytime, anywhere

 Wyatt recommends the Simple Radio app by Streema.  He's had it on his phone for years.  It's available for both Android and Apple.  Download it, search for KELY, and BOOM, we're there!

Android Users Click Here

 

Apple Users Click Here 

 

Desktop Users Click Here 

 

You have NO EXCUSE not to listen! 

And for heaven's sake, get a radio like this one!  

Pay study the Commission wants buried...and the Treasurers comments the Commission wouldn't let her make...

Originally published in February 2026.

 The County Commission wants to bury this study that they commissioned.  We won't let them.  This is the story we reported on February 4th.  

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White Pine County employees are being paid well below market rates, according to a new compensation and classification study.

KELY Radio has obtained a copy of the report commissioned by the county.  The independent review found county wages average about seven percent below comparable public employers across Nevada, with some departments falling much further behind. Human Resources pay was more than 30 percent below market, while Emergency Management and Fire Protection were each nearly 20 percent under market rates.

The study reviewed pay for 154 employees across 89 job classifications and found no positions paid above market levels. Consultants say the gaps are contributing to recruitment and retention challenges.

To address the issue, the report recommends phased salary adjustments totaling about 922 thousand dollars, with no wage reductions proposed. The largest increases would go to positions currently well below market and those affected by wage compression.

At the January 14th County Commission meeting, Commissioners approved a 2% cost-of-living increase for elected officials on a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Vogler and Pauley voting no.  Included in the Cost of Living increase was approval of the Legislative-approved 35% increase in pay for commissioners from $24,513.60 to $33,660.  But Commissioners opposed a similar increase for rank-and-file employees on a 4-1 vote, with former Commissioner Janet Vancamp voting no.  

County leaders will now decide whether and when to implement the recommendations, weighing budget impacts alongside workforce stability, or even acknowledge the study they themselves commissioned!

Decide for yourself - click here for the study!

And during closing public comment, the County Commission "accidentally"skipped White Pine Treasurer Catherine Backaric who was waiting to make Public Comment.  While we aired CBS News, I called Catherine and offered her the opportunity to make her comment over the air - and she agreed.  Listen below.  

And if you didn't hear our commentary on the Commission and this study, listen below!

Unequal treatment for all?

Originally published in 2024.  You need to know how radio is treated differently from other media. 

Why are we treated differently than newspapers and social media?

 

Do you know that candidates for Federal office - President, Senate, and House - get the best advertising rate on radio and television stations that we give anyone? No newspaper or social media platform has their advertising rates dictated by federal law.

 Did you know that as a broadcast station licensed by the Federal Government, we cannot refuse to accept advertising for ANY candidate for Federal office? No newspaper or social media platform is required to accept advertising from anyone!

 Did you know that if a candidate for state or local office purchases advertising on a broadcast station, another candidate for the state office has to be granted equivalent time at the exact same rate. Again, No newspaper or social media platform is required to accept advertising from anyone nor have their rate dictated.

Did you know that broadcasters are required to identify who purchases advertising? No newspaper or social media platform is required to identify who bought advertising!

When you buy advertising on Social Media, the money goes out of your community and into a billionaire's pocket.

When you purchase advertising on KELY or KDSS, that money goes to keep these local resources on the air.  We aren't millionaires.  We're your neighbors. 

 

Think about it!

Better listening tips

 Originally published in 2025.  Facts remain relevant today. 

So.  I went out and drove our signal last night I had a clear and audible signal from Majors Place to Lages Junction.  The minor improvements in our audio processing have made a significant improvement in our signal.  

So, why are you not able to hear us better?  

1) Try turning your radio. Many radios have a ferrite antenna inside that runs the length of the radio. It is a very directional antenna.  Try rotating the radio to improve the signal.  No, I'm not going to move the 200 foot tower to help. 

2) Move the radio away from florescent or LED lighting, computers, or television sets.  The FCC knows these (mostly Chinese-made) devices interfere with AM (and in some cases FM) broadcast signals in violation of Part 15 of their rules and regulations and the FCC doesn't give a crap.  So listeners blame the stations instead of the FCC.  I'm used to it.  So, there you go.

3) Add a simple antenna.  Here are a couple of suggestions.

If it hit the fan like it did in Western North Carolina, would you be prepared?

 After a week, people in Western North Carolina have no power, internet, or reliable cell service.  What's keep them informed?  Radio.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2024/10/07/wnc-listeners-call-into-local-radio-station-seeking-solace-connection/75543836007/

Radio is a lifeline, but how can you be connected to the lifeline if you don't HAVE a radio?  Sadly, people think of radio as an antiquity, a relic of the past.  But when push comes to shove, radio will be here long after the other devices have failed.  

But how do you get a radio?  What little retail business we have in White Pine County doesn't even sell them.  Well, The Greek might, but the others?  Nope. 

Try this inexpensive radio.  Under $20, uses 2 AA batteries.   Add this to your next Amazon order. (I know you're shopping Amazon and not local.  It's no secret.) 

https://amzn.to/3Azpdg5

If nothing else, you might learn some truths that Facebook and TikTok won't tell you.  Because they don't give a damn about you.  You know that. 

OPINION: Local Radio Isn’t Dead—It’s More Vital Than Ever

By Wyatt Cox

In an age when people scroll endlessly through social media feeds, it’s surprising how many folks right here in Ely have never tuned in to their local radio stations. Many assume that if it doesn’t show up on Facebook, it’s not worth knowing.

That’s not just wrong—it’s dangerous.

Social media may be quick, but it’s shallow. It can’t match the depth, context, or local commitment that radio offers—especially when it comes to accurate news and timely information.

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