10-16 News - State's Biggest Drug Bust in Lincoln County

 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. 

A mild weekend ahead for the Renaissance Fair and Pumpkin Festival. Look for sunny skies today, with a high of 67, and tomorrow, with a high of 66.  

Lincoln County deputies say a traffic stop on U.S. 93 has resulted in the largest drug seizure in the Sheriff’s Office history. Deputies conducting an interdiction operation Tuesday discovered 13 large storage totes containing suspected narcotics. Field tests indicated approximately 677 pounds of methamphetamine and 30 pounds of fentanyl. Authorities say it’s also among the largest drug seizures in Nevada history. The case has been turned over to Homeland Security Investigations, and the investigation remains active.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of theft, fraud, domestic disturbances, and traffic incidents Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tuesday’s calls included a reported dog theft, a vehicle striking a cow, and a vehicle hitting a building. Deputies also investigated a fraud complaint involving a fraudulent check.

The Sheriff’s Office reported the death of Christopher Frey of Fairbanks, Alaska, following a crash on a state highway. Nevada State Police are investigating.

Wednesday’s calls included threats, an alleged student assault at school, and several domestic disturbances. Deputies also handled traffic hazards and welfare checks.

The booking report lists Charles E. Ross, arrested by Nevada Parole and Probation for a probation violation. No bail was set.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office has welcomed a new drug detection K-9 named Kong. Kong will work alongside Sergeant Mike Stroud, who recently completed three weeks of specialized handler training in California. Both are now certified in controlled-substance detection. The Sheriff’s Office says Kong has already alerted deputies to suspected narcotics during several traffic stops, leading to further investigations and multiple arrests. Officials say Kong will assist with traffic stops, building searches, and other investigations throughout White Pine County.

A 29-year-old Alaska man has been killed in a head-on crash on U.S. 93, about 28 miles north of Ely. Nevada Highway Patrol says the crash happened Tuesday evening near mile marker 83, when a southbound Ram pickup crossed the centerline and struck a northbound Nissan Altima. The Nissan’s driver, identified as Christopher Jon Frey of Fairbanks, Alaska, died at the scene. The pickup’s occupant reportedly suffered minor injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

In High School sports the Bobcats Football team and the Ladycats Volleyball team are on the road today to take on the GV Christian Academy in Henderson.  Meanwhile the Bobcats and Ladycats Soccer teams are in Battle Mountain for double headers today and tomorrow with the Longhorns.   

The Vegas Golden Knights continue to roll, beating the Calgary Flames six to two Thursday night to stay atop the NHL standings.

Mark Stone scored all three of his goals in the third period for the fourth hat trick of his career. Jack Eichel added a goal and two assists, while Brett Howden and rookie Braeden Bowman also scored for Vegas.

Carter Hart made 28 saves as the Golden Knights improved to seven and two, leading the league with 14 points. Calgary drops to one and six.

The Golden Knights host the Pittsburgh Penguins Saturday night.  Pre-game starts at 6 here on KELY.

We’ve been following the story of a Lovelock-area broadband project that went wrong and resulted in $9 million in state money going missing.  

A former Nevada fiber-optic project owner has agreed to plead guilty to federal money laundering charges. Joe Hart at KRNV-TV in Reno reports Stephen Kromer, whose case involves millions of dollars missing from a fiber-optic project, has a change-of-plea hearing scheduled for October 27th in Las Vegas. Kromer still faces 31 felony counts in a separate state case, with a trial scheduled for 2027. He has been under house arrest since May 2025, when state charges were announced.

Joe won a National Edward R. Murrow Award for his investigative reporting into the fiber optic company Uprise. 

Joe was able to receive and celebrate his award in New York City this week.

Meanwhile Nevada is pulling 52 million dollars in federal pandemic relief funding from a rural broadband expansion project because contractors say some connections won’t be completed before a federal spending deadline. State lawmakers were told Thursday that parts of the Pahrump area, particularly northern Pahrump, could be left without planned high-speed internet service. The project was also intended to serve as a hub for expanding broadband elsewhere. State officials have not yet determined exactly which areas will be affected.

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

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.  

----

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!

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!  

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.

10-15 News - County Commission dismisses 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. 

Warmer temperatures are ahead for the weekend, just not as warm as originally projected.  Look for Sunny skies through Monday, with today’s high around 60 and a warm 65 tomorrow, the warmest day of the week. 

The White Pine County Commission essentially dismissed the long-ignored pay study at yesterday’s meeting, saying the comparisons were of unequal-sized communities and areas. 

KELY Radio obtained a copy of the report commissioned by the county back in February.  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.

Meanwhile at yesterday’s meeting, Commissioners voted to move ahead with a plan to address serious and significant public nuisance complaints in the county on a 4-1 vote.  Commissioner Pauley voted against the plan. 

A motion to move Golf Course Advisory Board meetings back to the Golf Course Clubhouse failed on a 3-2 motion following claims by commissioners that the board was not, in Commissioner Carson’s words, behaving properly.  The meetings were ordered by the Commission moved out of the Golf Course following an altercation at the beginning of the June 29th meeting.  That altercation led to the resignation of Commissioner Pat Ranson Robison from the board, with her place taken by Commissioner Jose Noriega.  Minutes of that meeting are posted on our Facebook page and at KELY1230 dot com. 

A full podcast of the meeting is available for your listening on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, and more! Just search KELY 1230 98.5 — or visit KELY1230.COM 

A reminder that the Golden Knights return to the Fortress at T-Mobile Arena tonight to host the Calgary Flames.  Puck drop is at 7, pre-game at 6 on KELY.

Longtime Ely resident and military veteran Ray Richard Bradley Sr. has passed away at the age of 82. He died Friday, October 9th, at his home, surrounded by family, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Bradley served in the U.S. Air Force and Nevada National Guard before working in electronics and telecommunications, including for Nevada Bell and AT&T.

He was a devoted husband of 45 years to Frances, a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a familiar face in the Ely community. He also enjoyed restoring and showing his beloved 1958 Chevrolet Impala.

Graveside services with military honors will be announced at a later date. Our condolences to his family and friends.

Nevada has recorded 244 fatal crashes so far this year, according to Zero Fatalities Nevada. Northern Nevada State Police have investigated 39 fatal crashes resulting in 46 deaths. Officials meeting at this week’s Traffic Safety Summit say impaired driving and speeding remain leading causes of deadly crashes. They’re urging drivers to buckle up, avoid distractions, and slow down. Safety advocates also warn that shorter autumn days increase risks for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially after dark.

A Las Vegas man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for firebombing Tesla vehicles at a collision center in March 2025. Federal prosecutors say Paul Hyon Kim shot security cameras, spray-painted the word “RESIST” on the building, and threw three Molotov cocktails at vehicles, destroying five Teslas. Kim pleaded guilty in February to arson-related charges and possessing an unregistered destructive device. Prosecutors had sought a 20-year sentence.

Nevada could have up to one-point-six billion dollars more available for its next two-year state budget, according to economic forecasts presented Wednesday. State revenues have outperformed expectations, despite declining Las Vegas tourism and concerns over tariffs and rising costs. Economists expect continued growth, particularly in sales tax revenue, but say inflation accounts for much of the increase. The state Economic Forum will finalize its budget forecast next month, helping guide spending decisions by the governor and Legislature next year.

Nevada breweries are raising a glass to some national recognition — and apparently, they’re not just blowing foam!

Three Silver State breweries brought home medals from the Great American Beer Festival in Colorado. Big Dog’s Brewing Company in Las Vegas took gold for its Tripel Dog Dare. Great Basin Brewing in Sparks earned silver for Mystic Voyage, a blueberry-and-lemon sour ale. And Able Baker Brewing in Las Vegas grabbed bronze for Waddle, a New England-style IPA.

So, whether you prefer your beer bold, fruity, or a little on the hoppy side, Nevada’s brewers have given beer judges something to cheer about. That’s a pretty good reason to raise a glass — responsibly, of course!

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