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Wednesday, October 14, 2026

10-14 News - County Commission to discuss pay study - Finally

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. 


Yesterday’s high of 43 is in our rear view mirror with a return to seasonal conditions and fair skies through Tuesday when showers re-enter the forecast.  Today’s high will be around 57



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 investigated several incidents on Monday, including a vehicle and firearms theft, threats, and a trespassing complaint.

Deputies are investigating a report that a family member stole a vehicle and several firearms from a residence in the county. No further details were released.

In Ely, a person accused of trespassing at a local business was issued a citation and left the property. Deputies also investigated a report of threatening text messages and provided information on obtaining a protection order.

Other calls included a landlord-tenant dispute, which deputies determined was a civil matter, and two found-property reports. A recovered cellphone was returned to its owner.

Deputies also investigated the death of Gerlad Wyler of McGill. The Sheriff’s Office reported the death was due to natural causes.




The Vegas Golden Knights bounced back from Monday’s loss with a five-to-two victory over the Nashville Predators Tuesday night.

William Karlsson scored for the second straight game, while Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl, Trevor Connelly and Brett Howden also found the net. Adin Hill stopped 25 shots, including a first-period penalty shot.

Vegas improved to six-and-two on the season and three-and-one on the road.

The Golden Knights return home Thursday to host the Calgary Flames.  Puck dro at 7, pre-game as 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.



A Nevada attorney general’s finding says a Pershing County committee violated the state’s open meeting law while searching for a new county manager.

The committee met behind closed doors in December to review, evaluate, and score applicants. The attorney general’s office says those discussions should have taken place in public because the county manager serves as the county’s chief administrator.

Pershing County commissioners must acknowledge the finding at their next meeting.



Paiute tribal members are demanding a halt to NV Energy’s Greenlink West transmission project near the Singatse Mountains in Lyon County, alleging construction is disturbing sacred land and ancestral burial sites.

Tribal members have held ceremonies at the site for two weeks. Archaeologists surveyed the area Tuesday for potential cultural artifacts.

A meeting between tribal representatives, the Bureau of Land Management and NV Energy is scheduled for today at 3 p.m. at the Yerington Paiute Tribe offices. Tribal members say they may pursue legal action if their concerns aren’t resolved.

 

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.

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

10-13 news - County Commission to finally address 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. 




Another 4/10 inches of precipitation yesterday at Yellend Field.  A mix of rain and snow showers today.  Look for a high of just 45 today. 





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 two arrests and an accidental shooting among its weekend calls.

On Saturday, 76-year-old William Patterson of Ely was arrested on charges of child endangerment, driving under the influence, and expired registration. Bail was set at three-thousand-70 dollars.

On Sunday, 19-year-old Skylar Hall of Ruth was arrested following an incident at an Ely school. Hall faces charges of battery on a public officer, resisting a public officer, and minor in consumption of alcohol. Bail was set at five-thousand dollars.

Also Sunday, deputies investigated an accidental shooting at a county trailer park. The injured person was transported to a healthcare facility.

Other calls included thefts, fraud, traffic accidents involving deer and cattle, and a domestic dispute in Ely. Deputies also continue investigating a stolen wallet and a refrigerator taken from a rental property.




President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a midterm election rally Wednesday at Laughlin Bullhead International Airport in Bullhead City, Arizona.

According to a media advisory, doors open at 9 a.m. Mountain Time, with Trump scheduled to speak at 1 p.m. Attendance requires advance registration.

The president is expected to arrive in Las Vegas Tuesday night, then depart Wednesday ahead of the rally.


Nevada is investing an additional 38 million dollars in housing, with Governor Joe Lombardo announcing funding to support 891 homes and apartments statewide.

The money will support 10 projects across southern Nevada, northern Nevada and Carson City, including land acquisition, single-family homes and multifamily rental developments.

According to the state, the investment will help build 454 homes and 437 apartments, with nearly 17-and-a-half million dollars going toward single-family and smaller-scale residential projects.

State officials say the funding is designed to leverage additional public and private investment and expand access to attainable housing for Nevada families.



The Vegas Golden Knights fell to the Minnesota Wild four-to-two Monday night, surrendering three goals in the first period.

Rasmus Andersson and William Karlsson scored for Vegas, with Karlsson cutting the deficit to one in the third period. But Minnesota added an empty-net goal to seal the victory.

The Knights managed just 11 shots through the first two periods as Minnesota dominated early and killed all five Vegas power plays.

Vegas looks to bounce back tonight on the road against Nashville.Pre-game tonight begins at 4:45.


Nevada officials are ordering the Nye County Sheriff’s Office to tighten its policies governing access to law enforcement databases following an audit that found 102 searches lacked proper documentation.

The review involved Sheriff Joe McGill and other employees accessing databases containing private information, including criminal histories and driver records.

The state is requiring updated policies, employee retraining, quarterly meetings, and regular internal audits with monthly reports.

McGill has acknowledged failures to document some searches but maintains they were conducted for law enforcement purposes. 


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