2-12 News - County Commission ignores County Treasurer at Public Comment

 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.

5/100 of an inch of precipitation over the past two days, not much, but better than nothing.  Our last chance for precipitation out of this weather system will be this afternoon with scattered showers and snow flurries.  Look for a high today of 47.  

The White Pine County Commission met February 11th with strong public turnout, as residents voiced both support and concern over county leadership.

Community members backed Rope Ashworth and Caleb Sumrall for the Ag District 13 Fair and Rodeo Board, and Eric Trujillo for the Regional Transportation Commission, citing their experience and long-standing local involvement. Commissioners approved those appointments, with one abstention and one dissenting vote.

Public comment also focused on allegations of nepotism, lack of transparency, golf course subsidies, and recent staff turnover. Several speakers urged improved financial accountability and collaboration.

But whether intentionally or accidentally, the commission passed over County Treasurer Catherine Bakaric for public comment despite one commissioner pointing out the omission.  Commission Chair Paula Carson said because she had closed Public Comment she couldn’t go back and redo it.  KELY called the treasurer’s office and gave her time to make her comment and also gave her the opportunity to remind residents that the fourth installment of Property Taxes was coming up. 

The White Pine County Commission has approved an increase to its annual on-call contract with Resource Concepts Incorporated, raising the amount from $60,000 to $80,000 to cover public lands and water rights work. RCI has assisted the county since 2021, including reviewing water rights applications and supporting hearings that may impact White Pine County. The measure passed unanimously.

Commissioners also filled two open seats on the Agricultural District 13 Fair and Rodeo Board, appointing Rope Ashworth and Caleb Sumrall on a 3-to-0 vote, with Commissioner Pauley abstaining due to a conflict.  Sumrall is Pauley’s son-in-law.  

Eric Trujillo was selected for the Regional Transportation Commission on a 3-to-1 vote. George Chachas was appointed to the Tourism and Recreation Board, representing local hotel operators.

In other action, the board approved a $1,350 reimbursement for plumbing repairs tied to a county home sale, authorized expanded job postings, assigned commissioners to assist finance staff. It approved a $500 per week stipend for Payroll Specialist Terri Martinez for taking on additional human resources duties. The appointment of Commissioner Pauley’s Daughter, Brandi Sumrall, to the Local Emergency Planning Committee was tabled due to possible improper processes.

The Ely City Council will meet tonight at 5 in the Volunteer Fire Hall.  On the agenda is a 5:30 p.m. public hearing on five ordinances updating the Ely Municipal Code. The measures include provisions related to the City Clerk, City Treasurer, Human Resources Director, and deputy positions, with approval to follow the hearing.

The council will also consider accepting the Morley Sewer Project, a CDBG-funded improvement, as recommended by the Municipal Utilities Board.

Other agenda items include agreements tied to a wireline crossing and electrical easement involving the Nevada Northern Railway Foundation and Mt. Wheeler Power, and a review of a revised landlord consent form for a Verizon site. An update will also be provided on cemetery tree removal and pruning.

A Las Vegas attorney has been nominated to serve as Nevada’s next U.S. attorney.

The White House announced Wednesday that George Kelesis has been selected by the Trump administration as its nominee for the state’s top federal prosecutor. Kelesis, a partner at Cook and Kelesis, must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

He is a Las Vegas native who has practiced law since 1981, previously served on the Nevada Tax Commission, and has worked as an adjunct professor at UNLV’s Boyd School of Law.

Sigal Chattah has been serving as acting U.S. attorney since March. Nevada’s two U.S. senators had not commented on the nomination as of Wednesday night.

Sex workers at Sheri’s Ranch in Pahrump are seeking to unionize with the Communications Workers of America, a move organizers say would mark the first brothel union in U.S. history.

A majority of the brothel’s 74 courtesans have signed on to the effort, which began after management introduced a new contract granting the business perpetual rights to workers’ intellectual property and power of attorney over that content.

Union attorneys allege at least three women involved in the organizing drive have been fired. Sheri’s Ranch maintains its workers are independent contractors and not eligible for collective bargaining.

The dispute now heads to federal labor officials, who must determine whether the courtesans qualify as employees before a union vote can proceed.

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

 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!

2/11 News - County Commission meeting to be broadcast today

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.

3/100 of an inch of precipitation overnight with another 1/100 of an inch in the 6am hour, we’re hoping for more today with showers and a high of 47.  

The White Pine County Commission meets today at 9 a.m. in the county library conference room in Ely, with live coverage on KELY beginning at 9.

The agenda includes routine county business, financial matters, and several board appointments. One item drawing attention is the planned appointment of Brandi Sumrall, daughter of Commissioner Tim Pauley, to the Local Emergency Planning Committee as an alternate voting member representing the hospital.

That follows last month’s postponement of reappointments to the Agricultural District 13 Fair and Rodeo Board. One of the candidates for a seat, alongside current member Rope Ashworth, is Pauley’s son-in-law, Caleb Sumrall. As we reported two weeks ago, the delay raised questions about potential family ties.

Commissioners will also address fallout from a recent meeting where an audit-related correction surfaced late. County officials say the issue was not shared with the Finance Department until after Thursday’s meeting, despite information reportedly being available as early as February 3rd. The delay has heightened concerns about internal communication following the dismissal of Finance Director Kathy Workman and the resignation of Assistant Finance Director Courtney Thornal.

Other agenda items include a public hearing on road certification, fire district updates, natural resource contracts, and a proposed golf course well project. The board will also discuss staffing needs, administrative changes, finance support positions, job postings, and stipends for additional duties.

After a Friday morning meeting on the potential closure of the White Pine Care Center, William Bee Ririe Hospital CEO Matt Walker said no decisions have been reached and talks are continuing. Another meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 7 a.m., when greater clarity is expected.  The agenda has been posted on our Facebook page and also at KELY1230.com

Walker said hospital leadership is working with the facility’s business operator, the property owner, and state officials to better understand the situation. He pointed to the cost of the land and building lease as the central challenge, saying the landlord’s monthly rent is too high and is driving the current operator’s decision to step away.

According to Walker, the landlord has so far declined to negotiate on rent or address needed building repairs, limiting the hospital’s ability to consider taking over the facility. If those conditions remain unchanged, Walker said the hospital may have to explore building a new long-term care facility, which could lead to a temporary loss of services.

Walker stressed that no final determination has been made and that additional information is still being gathered before any path forward is chosen.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office has released its blotter report for February 9th.

Deputies are investigating several property crimes, including the theft of gaming equipment from a local casino, a vehicle burglary in a township area, and multiple reports of property damage to vehicles and a county facility. One case involving damage to county property has been forwarded to the district attorney’s office.

Other calls included a report of a suspected prowler who fled before deputies arrived, and a report of possible distress at a local motel, which was determined to be unfounded.

Deputies also investigated a workplace battery, issuing a citation to an employee, and took a report of phone fraud involving someone impersonating a peace officer.

A death in Ely was investigated and ruled due to natural causes. One new jail booking was reported.

The Bobcats Basketball team is still alive in Postseason but it was a nailbiter as the boys went into overtime to beat Awaken Christian Academy 47-46.  They Bobcasts have a real challenge in the Semifinals on Friday as they take on the top seeded Needles Mustangs at 5:10 at Faith Lutheran High School in Las Vegas.  

Meanwhile the Ladycats Basketball team romped over Lake Mead 45-19 to punch their ticket to Faith Lutheran and the Semifinals.  The girls will play longtime rival and number 2 seed Lincoln County Lady Lynx at 3:30 on Friday.  Tickets available through the NIAA website at NIAA.com/tickets

It’s almost time for those lovely Mormon Crickets to invade Eastern Nevada again.  

The Nevada Department of Agriculture is hosting a series of open meetings to gather public input on plans to control Mormon crickets and grasshoppers on public lands.

The meetings will focus on the possible use of pesticides, including Diminlin, Malathion, and carbaryl bait, in areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Districts affected include Carson, Winnemucca, Elko, Ely, and Battle Mountain. Officials say the proposal is aimed at crop protection, residential protection, and public safety.

Residents may provide oral or written comments. More information is available through the Nevada Department of Agriculture’s Division of Plant Health and Compliance.  Meeting information is at https://agri.nv.gov/entomology/

Don’t tell your County Commisioners this, but Duck Dumping is a problem in Las Vegas.  

A small fundraiser in South Summerlin is taking aim at a big problem — illegal duck dumping.

On February 10th, realtor Rebecca McMahon teamed up with Everbowl to donate ten percent of sales to the Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary. The goal: raise awareness about domestic ducks bought around Easter, then abandoned in local parks.

Sanctuary director Jennifer Langford says dumped ducks are showing up in nearly every city park, and many shelters don’t have space to take them in. Domestic ducks can’t survive long in the wild and require constant water, proper nutrition, and protection from predators.

Organizers say more events are planned ahead of the Easter season.

 

2-10 News - Concerns continue ahead of Wednesday's County Commission Meeting

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.

A Wind advisory this afternoon until 7am Wednesday morning with wind gusts up to 35 mph.  Cloudy with scattered snow showers, accumulations only up to a half inch, today’s high only 46.

The White Pine County Commission meets tomorrow at 9 a.m. in the county library conference room in Ely. KELY will carry the meeting live starting at 9. The agenda covers routine county operations, finances, and board appointments. Notably, commissioners are set to appoint Brandi Sumrall—Commissioner Tim Pauley's daughter—to the Local Emergency Planning Committee as an alternate voting member representing the hospital. This follows Pauley's delay of reappointments to the Agricultural District 13/Fair & Rodeo Board at the prior meeting. Among the candidates for one of those seats—alongside incumbent Rope Ashworth—is Pauley's son-in-law, Caleb Sumrall. We reported two weeks ago that the delay appeared tied to this family connection. Commissioners will also tackle fallout from a recent meeting where an audit-related correction surfaced. County officials, speaking anonymously, say the fix wasn't flagged to the Finance Department until after Thursday's session—even though details were reportedly available by February 3. The lag has sparked concerns about internal communication amid ongoing stress, coming on the heels of Finance Director Kathy Workman's dismissal and Assistant Finance Director Courtney Thornal's resignation. Other items include:

• A public hearing on road certification
• Updates on fire district operations
• Discussion of natural resource contracts
• A proposed well project for the golf course

The board will also weigh staffing needs, administrative moves, finance support roles, job postings, and stipends for extra duties.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office has released its blotter for February 8th.

Deputies responded to a report of a death at a residence in McGill. The individual was identified as Guy Meyer Senior, and the death was determined to be from natural causes.

Several motorist assists were reported across the county, including a driver out of fuel and a disabled semi-truck on state highways. Those incidents were referred to the Nevada State Police. Another vehicle stuck on a dirt road in an unincorporated area was handled by a local towing service.

In the city, deputies investigated a vandalism report involving food thrown on a parked vehicle and assisted an intoxicated pedestrian found near a city street.

Additional calls included reports of a child walking along a state highway, found property along the roadway, and possible gunshots in a township area, with no problems located.

A reckless driver in the city was issued a warning.

Basketball heads into region quarterfinals with the Bobcats hosting Awaken Christian tonight, with the Ladycats hosting Lake Mead Christian Academy tonight at 5pm.  

Congressman Mark Amodei announced nearly 35 million dollars in federal funding to expand the ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system into Nevada.

The funding was included in the 2026 federal appropriations bill, signed into law in January, and directs the U.S. Geological Survey to begin expanding the system beyond the West Coast. Amodei says Nevada has lagged behind neighboring states in earthquake warning technology.

University of Nevada leaders and state seismologists praised the funding, saying it will support research, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness, giving Nevadans critical seconds of warning before strong shaking begins.

For the first time in 15 years, Nevada’s Second Congressional District is wide open after Congressman Mark Amodei announced he will retire at the end of his term.

The surprise decision has sparked interest in a district that has long been safely Republican. Political analysts say the open seat creates the likelihood of contested primaries for both parties, with no clear successor waiting in the wings.

Several Republicans are considering runs, though State Senator Ira Hansen has already ruled himself out. Other potential GOP candidates include Joey Gilbert, Sam Brown, Danny Tarkanian, Tony Grady, and Paul Enos.

Democrats see a long-shot opportunity to flip the seat, citing national trends in recent elections. At least eight Democrats have already declared, with more possibly entering the race.

Candidate filing runs March 2nd through the 13th.

Nevada’s legal cannabis industry saw a decline in sales last year, even as consumer demand remained steady. State data shows regulated cannabis sales totaled nearly 758 million dollars in 2025, down almost nine percent from the year before.

Policy experts say the drop reflects falling prices, not fewer buyers, as dispensaries lower costs to compete with a strong illegal market. Researchers also point to ongoing restrictions on cannabis use and delivery along the Las Vegas Strip as a factor.

Despite the slowdown, nearly 96 million dollars in cannabis revenue went to Nevada’s State Education Fund.

 

2-9 News - More discussion pending on the Care Center

 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.

Clouds and possbly a sprinkle or flurry today with snow showers overnight, look for the high only 49.

Following a Friday morning meeting regarding the possible closure of the White Pine Care Center, William Bee Ririe Hospital CEO Matt Walker said no decisions have been made and discussions are ongoing. Walker said the group plans to meet again next Thursday at seven a.m., when a clearer decision is expected.

Walker said hospital officials are meeting with the business owner, the property owner, and state representatives to gather more information. He identified the cost of the land and building lease as the primary obstacle, saying the landlord’s monthly rent is too high and is the main reason the current operator plans to leave.

Walker said the landlord has so far been unwilling to negotiate on rent or building repairs, making it difficult for the hospital to consider taking over operations. If that does not change, Walker said the hospital would likely have to explore building a new long-term care facility, which would result in a loss of services during the transition period.

Walker emphasized that no final determination has been made and that the hospital is awaiting additional information before moving forward.

The White Pine County Commission will meet Wednesday, at nine a.m. at the county library conference room in Ely. KELY will broadcast the meeting live beginning at 9am.   The agenda includes a wide range of county operations, financial oversight, and board appointments, including appointing the daughter of Commissioner Tim Pauley, Brandi Sumrall to the Emergency Management Committee.

At the last meeting, Commissioner Pauley delayed reappointments to the Agriculture District 13 board.  One of the people now seeking the nomination to that seat in addition to the incumbent, is the son-in-law of Commissioner Pauley, Caleb Sumrall.  We reported two weeks ago that Commissioner Pauley delayed the reappointments for just this reason.  

In addition to scheduled items, commissioners are expected to address concerns raised following a recent meeting about an audit-related correction. According to county officials familiar with the issue, the correction was not brought to the Finance Department’s attention until after Thursday’s meeting, despite information reportedly being available as early as February 3rd. Those officials, speaking on condition of anonymity,  say the delay prevented finance staff from addressing the issue sooner and has raised questions about internal communication in this stressful time.  The issue was raised after the Commission dismissed Finance Director Kathy Workman and Assistant Finance Director Courtney Thornal resigned.  

The meeting also includes a public hearing on road certification, updates on fire district operations, discussion of natural resource contracts, and a proposed golf course well project. 

Commissioners will also consider staffing and administrative actions tied to finance support, job postings, and stipends for additional duties.

Find the Meeting agenda Here

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office reports a busy three-day period from February 5th through February 7th, with numerous calls for service and several arrests across the county.

Deputies investigated reports of suspicious activity, burglaries, fraud, and welfare checks within the city and surrounding areas. Several incidents, including attempted thefts, shots-fired reports, and suspicious persons, were resolved with no immediate threats found, while multiple investigations remain ongoing, including vehicle burglaries and a stolen handgun.

Arrests during the period included Anthony J. Martinez of Ely on a charge of open and gross lewdness, Ashly Endicott-Correia on an out-of-state warrant, Koston Burgett on a probation violation, and Christopher M. Davidson of Ely. Davidson was arrested after deputies responded to a report of a driver possibly under the influence and contemplating self-harm. He was transported for medical assistance and later booked on DUI and firearm-related charges.

Deputies also handled reports involving juveniles, animal and traffic hazards, protection order violations, and potential child abuse, with appropriate referrals made to state agencies.

The Bobcats Basketball team wrapped up their road trip to Las Vegas this weekend with a split, losing a tight one to Founders Christian 52-50 but winning against Awaken Christian 56-53.  

And the Ladycats Basketball team is getting warmed up for post season with a 52-11 romp over Founders Christian.  

White Pine High Boys dominated the wrestling mat Friday, capturing the 2026 NIAA 2A Southern Region wrestling championship at Tonopah High School in convincing fashion. The Bobcats piled up 283 points, nearly doubling second-place Founders, to secure the regional team title and underline their depth across the lineup.

White Pine crowned multiple regional champions, including Jacob Reynoso at 106 pounds, Cooper Reed at 126, Theron Hernandez at 138, Jacob Hall at 190, Maddox Sedlacek at 215, and Marshall Miller at heavyweight. Several other Bobcats added key podium finishes, helping White Pine run away with the team victory.

The regional win sends White Pine into the state tournament with strong momentum and championship expectations.

Meanwhile White Pine High’s girls wrestling team sets its sights on this weekend’s state meet in Winnemucca.

The Lady Bobcats finished fifth overall in a deep, 30-team field, scoring 92-and-a-half points and placing among many of the state’s largest programs. White Pine earned several key podium finishes, led by Brooklyn Reed’s third-place finish at 100 pounds, along with fourth-place efforts from Constance Gubler, Valivia Weiland, and strong third-place finishes by Juliana Hughes and Adelaide Costello.

With multiple wrestlers qualifying and momentum building, White Pine heads to Winnemucca confident and ready to compete for state medals this weekend.

A shocking political announcement Friday morning as Nevada Congressman Mark Amodei has announced he will retire after completing his current term. Amodei is the only Republican in Nevada’s congressional delegation and represents most of Northern Nevada, including White Pine County.

Governor Joe Lombardo praised Amodei’s service, calling him an unwavering advocate for northern Nevada. Lombardo said Amodei worked tirelessly to represent Nevadans’ interests at both the state and federal levels and thanked him for his partnership and years of public service.

The Congressman says politics and health had nothing to do with his decision to retire at the end of his term. In his first interview since the surprise announcement, the Nevada Republican told The Nevada Independent that after 15 years in Congress, the time simply felt right. Amodei said his re-election prospects were strong, he’s satisfied with the GOP agenda on the economy and border security, and concerns about Republicans losing the House in 2026 did not factor into his choice. He also dismissed health speculation, saying he is not undergoing treatment and that cancer he faced in 2021 was cured. Amodei plans to remain active in Congress through the end of his term, focusing on DHS funding and Nevada public lands issues.

Governor Joe Lombardo hosted a ceremonial bill signing Friday marking passage of the Nevada Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act. The new law strengthens protections for victims of stalking and domestic violence, increases penalties for crimes against children and seniors, cracks down on DUI offenders, and holds repeat and violent criminals more accountable. The legislation also makes retail theft of 750 dollars or more a felony and treats each child exploitation victim as a separate felony offense. Lombardo says the reforms put victims first and give law enforcement stronger tools to protect Nevada communities.

In a bizarre twist, a federal judge has ordered the release of a Las Vegas property manager connected to a suspected bio-lab investigation tied to the Chinese Communist Party. U.S. Magistrate Judge Elayna Youchah released 55-year-old Ori Solomon on a personal recognizance bond, requiring him to surrender his passport and remain in the continental U.S. Solomon is charged federally with unlawfully possessing firearms while in the country on a non-immigrant visa. Police and the FBI searched two homes January 31, finding what they described as a possible biological laboratory with vials of unknown liquids. Solomon is not facing federal charges related to the bio lab but does face a state hazardous waste charge.