3-12 News - Commissioner Vogler now has three opponents

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Look for Sunny skies with a high of 66.

Another candidate files for the White Pine County Commission Seat one.  Incumbent Commissioner Hank Vogler will now be challenged by Gina Cavanaugh and David Pratt, and now former commissioner Mike Coster.  

In the race for Ely City Council, Janet Walker has filed for Seat 1 on the Council.  So far no Ely City council races are contested.  

Candidate filing for the upcoming election continues through Friday at 5 p.m.

As you heard on KELY yesterday’s County Commission meeting was packed with drama as the Commission voted to advise the state that they wouldn’t be able to meet their financial obligations because of a lack of staffing in the Finance Department. Commission chair Paula Carson.

 As we reported previously, the Commission fired Finance Director Kathy Workman, and Deputy Finance Director Courtney Thornal says she resigned after what she claimed was bullying and intimidation by commissioners.  A third individual in the finance department has now resigned, leaving one employee and a contractor to run the County’s finances. 

The Commission also approved a contract with Basin Engineering to complete the bid process and conduct oversight on a well for the Golf Course.  But when Golf Course advisory board member James Linney pointed out that Commissioner Hank Vogler had an undisclosed conflict in the matter since his daughter leased adjacent land on the Georgetown Ranch, Commissioner Vogler took exception. 

 Open meetings law requires disclosure of business relationships that could be interpreted as influencing a commissioner’s vote. 

3-11 News - Incumbent County Commissioner now has two challengers

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Look for Sunny skies with a high of 58.

Only one filing yesterday but it’s a significant one as Gina Cavanaugh filed to run for the White Pine County Commission Seat one.  The Republican primary for that seat now becomes a three way race as incumbent Hank Vogler now will be challenged by Cavanaugh and David Pratt.  

Candidate filing for the upcoming election continues through Friday at 5 p.m.

The White Pine County Commission is expected to tackle a potentially serious financial issue during its meeting Wednesday in Ely.

Along with routine agenda items such as fire district updates, natural resource discussions, grants, and advisory board appointments, commissioners will consider notifying the Nevada Department of Taxation that the county anticipates it may not be able to meet certain financial obligations. County officials say the concern is tied to ongoing staffing shortages and limited administrative capacity.  The Commission fired Finance Director Kathy Workman, and Deputy Finance Director Courtney Thornal says she resigned after what she claimed was bullying and intimidation by commissioners.  A third individual in the finance department also resigned, leaving one employee and a contractor to run the County’s finances. 

The agenda item is already drawing attention beyond the county. Nevada gubernatorial candidate Matthew Rian Winterhawk is in town to attend the meeting and is encouraging residents to follow the discussion closely.  Several Reno and Elko radio and television stations have written about the story and will likely have a presence at Wednesday’s meeting.  

The Commission meeting has been moved from the Library to the courtroom in the old courthouse at 9am.   KELY will broadcast the meeting live.  

3-10 News - No new filings in local races

KELY News sponsored by Sahara Motors.   Ready for all seasons? The Kawasaki RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC side-by-side keeps you cool in the summer, dry in the rain, and warm in the winter. Conquer any trail, creek, or blizzard—while staying comfortable the whole way.  Check one out today at Sahara Motors.

Look for Sunny skies with wind gusts today up to 30 mph, a high of 60.

The first day of the last week of filings for office in White Pine County saw no filings for office.  So far there are a number of races that have no filings or only single-person races.  No one has filed for Ely City Council seat one, with unopposed filings for county clerk, recorder, treasurer, and District Attorney.  

Candidate filing for the upcoming election continues through Friday at 5 p.m.

Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar filed for re-election Monday at the State Capitol, launching a campaign focused on improving the state’s business climate and defending Nevada’s election system.

Aguilar says his office fixed more than a thousand problems in the state’s business licensing portal and cut wait times for entrepreneurs from nearly an hour to under five minutes. As chief elections officer, he also rolled out a new statewide election management system and expanded polling access, including voting at Allegiant Stadium.

His campaign begins as Nevada faces federal legal disputes over voter data and the proposed SAVE Act, which Aguilar says could create new barriers for eligible voters.

Nevada’s race for attorney general is shaping up to be the biggest Democratic primary contest on the June ballot.

State Treasurer Zach Conine filed Monday to run for the office, setting up a primary battle with Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro. Conine has served eight years as treasurer and is term-limited.

He says his executive branch experience managing the state’s finances prepares him for the job. Cannizzaro, a former prosecutor, has highlighted her background in criminal and civil law and her leadership of Senate Democrats since 2019.

The seat is open because current Attorney General Aaron Ford is term limited and running for governor.

The White Pine County Commission is expected to tackle a potentially serious financial issue during its meeting Wednesday in Ely.

Along with routine agenda items such as fire district updates, natural resource discussions, grants, and advisory board appointments, commissioners will consider notifying the Nevada Department of Taxation that the county anticipates it may not be able to meet certain financial obligations. County officials say the concern is tied to ongoing staffing shortages and limited administrative capacity.  The Commission fired Finance Director Kathy Workman, and Deputy Finance Director Courtney Thornal says she resigned after what she claimed was bullying and intimidation by commissioners.  A third individual in the finance department also resigned, leaving one employee and a contractor to run the County’s finances. 

The agenda item is already drawing attention beyond the county. Nevada gubernatorial candidate Matthew Rian Winterhawk says he plans to attend the meeting in person, encouraging residents to follow the discussion closely.  Several Reno and Elko radio and television stations have written about the story and will likely have a presence at Wednesday’s meeting.  

The Commission meeting has been moved from the Library to the courtroom in the old courthouse at 9am.   KELY will broadcast the meeting live.  

3-9 News - Vogler files for re-election to County Commission

KELY News sponsored by Sahara Motors.   Ready for all seasons? The Kawasaki RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC side-by-side keeps you cool in the summer, dry in the rain, and warm in the winter. Conquer any trail, creek, or blizzard—while staying comfortable the whole way.  Check one out today at Sahara Motors.

Look for Sunny skies ahead for the next several days, today’s high 64.

White Pine County Commissioner Hank Vogler has officially filed to run for reelection to Commission Seat One.

So far, Vogler is the only candidate to file for that seat. Meanwhile, three candidates have filed for Commission Seat Five. Jose Noriega filed Thursday as a Republican, joining Republican David Pratt and Democrat George Chachas in that race.

In other local filings, Lindsay Costello and Blase Griffin have filed for the White Pine County School Board, while Laurie Carson has filed for the White Pine County Hospital Board.

Candidate filing for the upcoming election continues through Friday at 5 p.m.

Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Director James Settelmeyer has announced he’s running for Nevada’s Second Congressional District seat, currently held by Congressman Mark Amodei.

Amodei announced in February he will retire after 15 years representing the largely Republican northern Nevada district.

Settelmeyer, a Carson City rancher and fourth-generation Nevadan, previously served in the Nevada Legislature, including time as Senate Republican leader before term limits ended his tenure in 2022. Governor Joe Lombardo appointed him to lead the state’s conservation department in 2023.

Settelmeyer says his campaign will focus on limited government, fiscal responsibility, and representing northern Nevada’s families, workers, and businesses in Washington.

Several Democrats have also entered the race, including former Reno Assemblywoman Teresa Benitez Thompson and investor Greg Kidd.

The White Pine County Commission is expected to tackle a potentially serious financial issue during its meeting Wednesday in Ely.

Along with routine agenda items such as fire district updates, natural resource discussions, grants, and advisory board appointments, commissioners will consider notifying the Nevada Department of Taxation that the county anticipates it may not be able to meet certain financial obligations. County officials say the concern is tied to ongoing staffing shortages and limited administrative capacity.

The agenda item is already drawing attention beyond the county. Nevada gubernatorial candidate Matthew Rian Winterhawk says he plans to attend the meeting in person and encourages residents to follow the discussion closely.  Several Reno and Elko radio and television stations have written about the story and will likely have a presence at Wednesday’s meeting.  

The Commission meeting has been moved from the Library to the courtroom in the old courthouse at 9am.   KELY will broadcast the meeting live.  

3-6 News - More challengers for County Commission, Sheriff

 KELY News sponsored by Sahara Motors.   Ready for all seasons? The Kawasaki RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC side-by-side keeps you cool in the summer, dry in the rain, and warm in the winter. Conquer any trail, creek, or blizzard—while staying comfortable the whole way.  Check one out today at Sahara Motors.

Look for Sunny skies ahead for the next several days, today’s high 42, warming to the mid 60’s by Monday

A challenger has filed for White Pine Sheriff.  Robert D Whiteside has filed to challenge Captain Todd Fincher.  And in the race for County Commission seat 5, Jose Noriega filed as a Republican yesterday.  Sources tell us that Governor Lombardo has or will appoint Noriega to fill the remaining unexpired term of Janet Van Camp for Seat 5, but the Governor’s office has not responded to our inquiries.  Incumbent Catherine Bakaric has filed for reelection as County Treasurer, and Rebecca Murdock has filed for reelection to the School Board.  Six days remain for filing, ending next Friday at 5pm.  

Douglas County Commissioner Danny Tarkanian has officially filed to run for Nevada attorney general, putting to rest speculation that he might instead seek the open 2nd Congressional District seat.

Tarkanian confirmed Thursday he has no interest in running for Congress, even though the seat is opening with the retirement of Republican Congressman Mark Amodei.

The 64-year-old said he believes he could accomplish more as attorney general than starting a career in Washington.

Tarkanian will face attorney Adriana Guzmán Fralick in the Republican primary. He predicts he’ll win the nomination, but says the general election could be tougher in what he expects to be a strong year for Democrats.  State Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro also filed yesterday as a Democrat to run for Attorney General.  

Nevada State Controller Andy Matthews, thought to move to Congressional District 2,  has officially filed to run for re-election.

Matthews, a Republican elected to the office in 2022, says he’s seeking a second term to continue pushing government transparency and accountability.

During his first term, Matthews launched Nevada’s online checkbook website, giving taxpayers real-time access to state spending data. His office has also worked with local governments to create similar transparency tools.

Matthews says if re-elected, he plans to continue modernizing the state’s financial systems and will again push for the creation of a Nevada Office of Inspector General to audit how taxpayer dollars are spent.

The White Pine County Commission is moving its meetings to the second-floor courtroom in the old courthouse on Wednesday, and commissioners will receive updates on several major issues, including a proposed groundwater pipeline and the county’s financial outlook.

During the 9:30 a.m. natural resources agenda, officials will hear an update from the Bureau of Land Management on the Greenlink North transmission project and discuss ongoing public lands and water issues. Commissioners may also consider sending a letter to the BLM regarding the Pine Valley Water Supply Project, urging federal officials to consider a “no action” alternative or prepare a new environmental review.

Later in the meeting, commissioners are scheduled to consider grant approvals for county social services programs totaling more than 75-thousand dollars.

The board will also discuss reassigning commissioner liaison roles and may authorize outside consulting help for the county’s fiscal year 2027 budget following the commission’s firing of the Finance Director.

In addition, the commission could notify the Nevada Department of Taxation that the county anticipates difficulty meeting certain financial obligations beginning March 16th, citing staffing shortages and limited administrative capacity.

KELY will broadcast the meeting live on Wednesday beginning at 9am.

Another resignation in the White Pine County Finance Department.  County Sources pointed out a new posting on the county website for a finance clerk.  That listing in addition to the Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director positions.  

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a wide range of calls this week, including an arrest, threats, and several welfare checks.

Deputies arrested 33-year-old Juan C. Gonzalez Lona of Indio, California during a traffic stop on a state highway after discovering he had an active warrant out of Nebraska. He was booked into custody with no bail.

Deputies also investigated reports of threatening text messages and advised the reporting parties on how to obtain protection orders.

Other calls included a domestic disturbance where deputies separated family members, a welfare check in Ely where the individual was found safe, and a report of possible drug activity at a local motel that remains under investigation.

Additional incidents included a suspected fraud attempt involving a cellphone payment link, a juvenile marijuana issue, and a suspicious person reported near a local school. Deputies say no problems were found in that case.

The White Pine baseball team came up just short Thursday, falling to Parker 3 to 2.

White Pine took an early lead but couldn’t hold off the Broncs. Maddox Sedlacek led the effort, going one-for-three with a home run, two runs scored, and a stolen base.

The loss drops White Pine to 0 and 2 on the season, while Parker improves to 4 and 2.

White Pine returns to the field this afternoon against Pinecrest Academy Cadence.

The Girls Softball team heads to Alamo for a tournament there for two games today, the Track Team heads to Spring Creek for a meet today, and tomorrow the Swim team will be in Las Vegas.  

A reminder for listeners — Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend.

Clocks will “spring forward” one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday, meaning we’ll lose an hour of sleep but gain more daylight in the evening. Be sure to set your clocks ahead before heading to bed Saturday night.

It’s also a good time to check smoke detector batteries and review emergency plans.

A Bill to eliminate the clock switching failed in the Nevada Legislature last session. 

Daylight Saving Time starts this Sunday.

Time for your KELY Gas Price Check — and White Pine County drivers, heads up: The Iran war has prices are on the move.

Regular 85 octane climbed at every station in Ely between Thursday and Friday. Shell Great Basin and Sinclair jumped from two-fifty-seven to two-eighty-five. Shell and Chevron on East Aultman rose from two-fifty-nine to two-ninety-five. Golden Gate remains the highest in town at two-eighty-nine — up from two-eighty-nine on Thursday.

Diesel also climbed across the board — Love's and Shell Downtown now sit at four-sixty-eight and four-seventy-four respectively.

Still, local prices remain well below the Nevada state average of three-eighty-seven and the national average of three-twenty-five for regular 85 octane.