10-30 News - Over a Third of White Pine County Voters have Cast Ballots

 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. 

It will be a dark and stormy night…well, not really, just cloudy with showers through Sunday.  Look for a high today of 56.

Today is the final day of Early Voting, and White Pine County voters continue to turn out to the polls for the November General Election. According to the Nevada Secretary of State's VIVID dashboard,  another 62 people cast early in-person ballots on Thursday, with 7 registered Democrats, 41 Republicans, and 14 voters registered with other parties. Over the first eleven days, 542 voters cast in-person ballots. 

The county's mail-ballot pipeline also shows 1150 mail ballots returned, with 1138 accepted for counting.  1680 voters have already cast ballots, roughly 35 percent of registered voters.

Early voting concludes at the Historic Courthouse in Ely today.  You can return your ballot securely 24 hours a day at the dropbox at the rear entrance of the courthouse off Campton Street. You’re encouraged to return your ballot in person to the clerk's office or use the drop box, rather than mailing it, to ensure it is returned in time to be counted. 

White Pine County voters are reminded to sign their ballot return envelopes before mailing or submitting their mail ballots.

The signature is required to verify the ballot and protect election security. Ballots submitted without a signature cannot be processed until the voter is contacted and corrects the problem.

Voters should also make sure their ballot is sealed inside the return envelope and that they sign in the designated signature box.

White Pine County election officials say checking these steps before returning a ballot can help ensure it is counted.

Nevada gas prices are heading lower ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections, but drivers in White Pine County are finding considerably cheaper fuel than the statewide average.

AAA reports Nevada’s average price for regular gasoline has fallen eight cents over the past week to $5.25 a gallon.

A local check of eight Ely-area stations found regular gas ranging from $4.39 to $4.49. Diesel prices ranged from $6.69 to $6.88.

AAA says crude oil prices above 100 dollars a barrel are limiting further declines at the pump.

White Pine’s football team was shut out Thursday night, falling to Lincoln County 32-nothing.

The Bobcats struggled against the Lynx defense, marking the first time White Pine has failed to score since August 28th.

The loss drops White Pine to 4-and-5 on the season, while Lincoln County remains unbeaten at 10-and-0. The Lynx have now won 13 of their last 14 games dating back to last season.

The Bobcats will host Lake Mead Christian Academy next Friday in the first round of the 2A state playoffs. 

White Pine High School will host its first-ever state soccer tournament this Friday and Saturday, with both the Ladycats and Bobcats competing for state championships on their home field.

Friday’s semifinal action begins at noon, with the Yerington and Pershing County girls. The White Pine Ladycats take on Dayton at two p.m.

On the boys’ side, Yerington faces Battle Mountain at four p.m., followed by the White Pine Bobcats against Dayton at six p.m.

The state championship games are Saturday, with the girls playing at ten a.m. and the boys at noon.

Tickets are available online only through GoFan. Daily admission, including fees, is 13 dollars and 60 cents for adults and six dollars and 25 cents for students. Children eight and under get in free.

White Pine High School is encouraging the community to fill the stands with blue and support both local teams during this historic weekend of soccer.

The Ladycats Volleyball team is at GV Christian Saturday for the 2A Southern Championships. 

LeAnna Joy Larsen Anderson, 92, passed away on October 28th, surrounded by the legacy of a life devoted to family and service.

Her family says she and her husband shared 73 years together. Throughout her life, Anderson served the communities where she lived and was an example to her children and grandchildren.

She taught her family the importance of hard work, kindness and serving others. Above all, she devoted her life to caring for her family, making sure her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always knew how much she loved them.

A woman from the Republic of Congo is facing federal charges after allegedly voting in the 2024 general election in Washoe County despite not being a U.S. citizen.

The U.S. Department of Justice says Mlebinge Riziki Ramadhani, a lawful permanent resident, voted on or around November 8th, 2024, in races for president, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Ramadhani is charged with one count of voting by an alien. If convicted, she faces up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 100-thousand dollars, or both.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney for Nevada Sigal Chattah says protecting the integrity of elections remains a priority, and that violations of federal election laws will be prosecuted.

The U.S. Department of Justice plans to send election observers to Nevada on November 3rd, including polling locations in Clark County.

Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar says the observers will be allowed to watch voting from designated areas but cannot interfere with the process. They must also follow state law and respect election workers.

Aguilar says there is no indication whether ICE or other federal law enforcement agencies will be present. He says any interference with voting would violate state law.

An Election Integrity Task Force, including state and local law enforcement, is prepared to respond to any verified incidents.

In Las Vegas, the house usually wins. But one casino is getting ready to give one lucky customer the house!

The Rio Hotel and Casino is launching a promotion offering a newly built Las Vegas-area home valued at 400 thousand dollars.

The giveaway begins November first, with eight preliminary drawings offering free play prizes. The grand-prize drawing is scheduled for March 6th.

Entrants must be at least 21, have a Rio Rewards account and activate their entry on drawing days.

Apparently, in this case, beating the house could mean getting a house!

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

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!  

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. 

Just a reminder

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

10-29 News - County Fires IT Manager

 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. 

Look for clouds today ahead of showers tomorrow through Sunday.  Today’s high around 58.

On a 4-1 vote, the White Pine County Commission terminated IT Director Jasen Hutchins yesterday.  Numerous people during the performance evaluation, which was held in open session at Hutchins request, spoke highly of Hutchins performance in the improvement of the County’s infrastructure.  But in what appeared to be a pre-determined decision by four members of the Commission, Hutchins was terminated.  Only Commissioner Jose Noriega voted against the termination.  Questions remain about what will happen in the event of IT issues in the immediate future, particularly during election season.  The termination was similar to the dismissal of the Finance Director earlier this year, which led to the resignation of almost all of the Finance Department staff.  

The Commission also refused to even vote on the Memorandum of Understanding between the County and the Seventh Judicial District Court regarding judicial branch employees and budget.  A motion by Commissioner Noriega died without a second. 

The Commission voted to spend $20,000 on two speed-flasher signs along Highway 487 in Baker and to contract with Great Basin Law to assist the County with nuisance abatement proceedings.  The Commission voted to table consideration of the Baker Multi-Use Trail project until next month to see if the trail could be converted from a paved surface to something more durable. 

A podcast of most of yesterday's meeting is available on Spotify, Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other major podcast platforms. Search for KELY 1230 98.5.

With just two days left in Early Voting, White Pine County voters continue to turn out to the polls for the November General Election. According to the Nevada Secretary of State's VIVID dashboard,  another 59 people cast early in-person ballots on Wednesday, with 7 registered Democrats, 43 Republicans, and 9 voters registered with other parties. Over the first ten days, 421 voters cast in-person ballots. 

The county's mail-ballot pipeline also shows 1059 mail ballots returned, with 1048 accepted for counting.  1469 voters have already cast ballots, roughly 30 percent of registered voters.

Early voting continues at the Historic Courthouse in Ely through Friday.  You can return your ballot securely 24 hours a day at the dropbox at the rear entrance of the courthouse off Campton Street. You’re encouraged to return your ballot in person to the clerk's office or use the drop box, rather than mailing it, to ensure it is returned in time to be counted. 

White Pine County voters are reminded to sign their ballot return envelopes before mailing or submitting their mail ballots.

The signature is required to verify the ballot and protect election security. Ballots submitted without a signature cannot be processed until the voter is contacted and corrects the problem.

Voters should also make sure their ballot is sealed inside the return envelope and that they sign in the designated signature box.

White Pine County election officials say checking these steps before returning a ballot can help ensure it is counted.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office handled several accidents, civil disputes and traffic complaints in Tuesday’s report.

Deputies investigated two vehicle collisions, including one involving a deer, and separate family disputes over access to a locked garage. A roommate disturbance was resolved after those involved were advised to keep the peace.

Other calls included a report of a phone scam involving a claim of missed jury duty and a workplace safety complaint.

Three traffic complaints were referred to Nevada State Police, involving a semi-truck allegedly driving recklessly, a motorcycle traveling without headlights, and a person flagging down motorists on a state highway.

White Pine Sports tonight as the Bobcats Football team hosts hundred year rival Lincoln County tonight at 7.  That’s before White Pine hosts the state 2A Soccer Championships for both Boys and Girls starting tomorrow, and the Ladycats Volleyball team is at GV Christian Saturday for the 2A Southern Championships. 

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