8/25 News - Two wildfires north of Ely

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 Look for a mix of sun and clouds with a slight chance of afternoon or evening showers or thunderstorms.  Today’s high around 90.  

While much of the state has its eyes on Reno and the massive Hawk Fire burning there, two wildfires to the North of Ely have our attention this morning.  45 miles to the North of Ely, the community of Cherry Creek is on level 1, Ready, of the three-step Ready Set Go evacuation protocol, according to Sami Jo Blackham of the White Pine County Sheriff’s Office. The 80-acre Kearny fire is burning just a couple of miles to the west of the community.  

Meanwhile, farther north, the Oxley fire near Wells has consumed over 3,500 acres and could threaten traffic on US-93. Firefighters say the fire threatens homes and ranches in the area, though the city of Wells itself is not.    Drivers heading north on US-93 into Idaho should monitor NVRoads dot com for possible closures, and use caution, slow down and move over for emergency vehicles and personnel.

The White Pine County Commission will meet Wednesday at the White Pine County Library Conference Room in Ely.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m., with a number of issues up for discussion and possible action.

The commission is scheduled to consider accepting a five-thousand-dollar donation from Ampry Solar doing business as White Pine Solar Project for promotion of Yelland Field Airport.

County commissioners are expected to consider appointments to several committees, including a Building Official Dispute Resolution Committee and the State Land Use Planning Advisory Council as Governor Lombardo did not reappoint outgoing commissioner Hank Vogler.

The commission will also consider submitting a report prepared with the White Pine Chamber of Commerce outlining the area's strengths and opportunities for state and federal support.

Other agenda items include a proposed public hearing on the Charters of Freedom project, and a bill draft request for the 2027 Nevada Legislature concerning quarterly investment reports from county treasurers.

County Clerk Nichole Stephey is asking commissioners to consider a ten-thousand-dollar grant application to help cover costs of upgrading or replacing election equipment to meet federal voting-system guidelines.

The commission will also consider changes to its November and December meeting schedules around the holidays and the 2026 general election canvass.

Other items include awarding the White Pine County Golf Course bar and grill contract to Perigo’s Corner Market and JT’s Steakhouse, changes to personnel policies, advertising for a district attorney's office investigator, and a proposal to spend up to twenty-five thousand dollars for an artificial intelligence program designed to identify grant opportunities.

The meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast live on KELY beginning Wednesday morning at 9am.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office is reporting several arrests and fire-related calls over the weekend.

On Friday, four people were arrested following a reported fight at an Ely residence. They face various charges including battery, assault with a deadly weapon, child abuse and conspiracy. Bail ranged from 155-thousand to 190-thousand dollars.

Also Friday, Tommy Polk Junior of Ely was arrested on a Justice Court warrant with five-thousand dollars bail.

Deputies received multiple reports of fires and smoke over the weekend, including a lightning-caused fire and smoke near the Ward Mountain wildfire.

On Saturday, Gary North of Ely was found deceased at his home. The Sheriff’s Office says the death was from natural causes.

And Sunday, Jason Rodriguez of Ely was arrested for violating a temporary protection order and contempt of court. He was booked without bail.

Nevada ranks 45th among the 50 states as one of the worst places to live, according to a new WalletHub study.

The state scored especially poorly in affordability, the economy, education, healthcare and safety. Nevada’s economy ranked 45th, with higher-than-average unemployment, debt and foreclosure rates.

The state’s highest ranking was 19th for quality of life.

Idaho ranked first overall, while New Mexico came in last. Another recent study ranked Nevada the sixth-worst state to move to.

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

8/24 News - First Day of School in White Pine 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. 

 Look for a mix of sun and clouds with a slight chance of afternoon or evening showers or thunderstorms.  Today’s high around 90.  

The first day of school is here for students in the White Pine County School District.

Drivers are reminded to slow down and stay alert in school zones, watch for students in and around crosswalks, and use extra caution near school bus loading and unloading areas.

Motorists should also pay close attention to school bus warning lights and be prepared to stop when required.

School officials say students may be excited or distracted as they return to school, and a few extra seconds of caution can help keep everyone safe.

Drivers are encouraged to slow down, stay alert and help make the first day of school a safe one.

The White Pine County Commission will meet Wednesday at the White Pine County Library Conference Room in Ely.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m., with a number of issues up for discussion and possible action.

The commission is scheduled to consider accepting a five-thousand-dollar donation from Ampry Solar doing business as White Pine Solar Project for promotion of Yelland Field Airport.

County commissioners are expected to consider appointments to several committees, including a Building Official Dispute Resolution Committee and the State Land Use Planning Advisory Council as Governor Lombardo did not reappoint outgoing commissioner Hank Vogler.

The commission will also consider submitting a report prepared with the White Pine Chamber of Commerce outlining the area's strengths and opportunities for state and federal support.

Other agenda items include a proposed public hearing on the Charters of Freedom project, and a bill draft request for the 2027 Nevada Legislature concerning quarterly investment reports from county treasurers.

County Clerk Nichole Stephey is asking commissioners to consider a ten-thousand-dollar grant application to help cover costs of upgrading or replacing election equipment to meet federal voting-system guidelines.

The commission will also consider changes to its November and December meeting schedules around the holidays and the 2026 general election canvass.

Other items include awarding the White Pine County Golf Course bar and grill contract to Perigo’s Corner Market and JT’s Steakhouse, changes to personnel policies, advertising for a district attorney's office investigator, and a proposal to spend up to twenty-five thousand dollars for an artificial intelligence program designed to identify grant opportunities.

The meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast live on KELY beginning Wednesday morning at 9am.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office is reporting several incidents from Wednesday and Thursday, August 19th and 20th.

Deputies investigated multiple theft reports, including a stolen cellphone from a local casino and an E-bike taken from a city street. A possible child abuse case involving a child at an early learning center remains under investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office also handled reports of harassment, trespassing, civil disputes, vehicle damage and suspicious activity.

On Thursday, deputies responded to reports of a deer collision, disabled vehicles and alarms. A person found lying outside a local business was transported to a healthcare facility.

Deputies also investigated a report of someone allegedly impersonating a government official on social media. That investigation remains active.

The Sheriff’s Office also reported a death in the county on August 19th. The deceased was identified as Andrew McVicars of McGill.

Nevada is suing the Trump administration over a new plan to cut Colorado River water use.

Alan Halaly at the Las Vegas Review-Journal broke the news this morning, writing that the lawsuit, filed in federal court in Nevada, challenges a plan that could reduce the state’s annual water allocation by up to 71 percent — or about 213-thousand acre-feet.

Nevada officials say that would exceed the state’s actual water use, which was about 198-thousand acre-feet last year.

The Colorado River Commission, Southern Nevada Water Authority and the state are seeking an injunction to block the cuts.

Nevada officials warn the reductions could have major environmental, economic and public safety impacts, particularly in Southern Nevada.

The dispute comes as the seven Colorado River states struggle to reach a long-term agreement over declining water supplies.

What this could mean for Southern Nevada Water Authority's efforts to take Northern Nevada groundwater is yet to be seen. 

Data centers are emerging as a major issue in Nevada’s governor’s race.

Democratic challenger Aaron Ford says he would fight against data centers and argues Governor Joe Lombardo has given the industry more than 200 million dollars in tax breaks.

Lombardo’s campaign is firing back, noting Ford helped sponsor the 2015 legislation that created Nevada’s data center tax abatement program while he was a state senator.

News partner KLAS-TV in Las Vegas reports state records show about 340 million dollars in tax abatements have been awarded to companies behind data center projects since 2021.

More than 70 data centers are currently operating or being developed across Nevada.

White Pine football opened its season with a 54-to-13 loss to Battle Mountain Friday night.

The Bobcats struggled to keep pace with the Longhorns, extending their losing streak to 10 consecutive games dating back to last season.

White Pine starts the season 0-and-1 and will look to rebound next Friday at home against American Leadership Academy. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

White Pine boys soccer is still searching for its first win of the season after falling 2-nothing to Moapa Valley Friday.

The loss is the Bobcats’ 11th straight dating back to last season, dropping their record to 0-and-4.

White Pine will have some extra time to prepare for its next match. The Bobcats open conference play September 4th against Dayton, with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m.

White Pine volleyball continued its strong start to the season Saturday, defeating Battle Mountain two sets to none.

The Bobcats took the first set 25-to-22 before pulling away in the second, winning 25-to-15.

White Pine is now 3-and-oh on the season and has won 13 of its last 16 matches dating back to last season.

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

8-21 News - Lombardo, Ford both mum on missing $9 Million Uprise Internet project money

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 a mostly fair sky today, the high around 95.   

One word you probably won’t hear much during Nevada’s gubernatorial campaign is “Uprise.”

As Governor Joe Lombardo and Attorney General Aaron Ford compete for your vote, neither is expected to focus on the nearly nine million dollars in state funds that disappeared during a failed Uprise fiber-optic project in 2024.

According to Joe Hart of KRNV-TV in Reno, Lombardo was newly elected when the NDOT Board of Directors approved the Uprise contract in early 2023. Lombardo’s staff says the deal was negotiated under former Governor Steve Sisolak.

Ford’s office also has ties to the case. His deputy attorney general signed the contract allowing Uprise to receive the nine-million-dollar payment up front. Ford’s office is now prosecuting one criminal case involving former Uprise owner Steven Kromer, while also defending NDOT in a civil lawsuit involving Kromer and the missing money.

Ford says there is no conflict because the criminal and civil divisions operate separately.

Both Lombardo and Ford have cited ongoing litigation when asked about the case.

Hart reports that nearly nine million taxpayer dollars remain unaccounted for, with questions still unanswered about how the money was allowed to disappear—and what the state will do to prevent a similar situation in the future.

But Hart says voters shouldn’t expect either candidate to make Uprise a major issue on the campaign trail.

The White Pine County Commissionwill meet next Wednesday, August 26th, at the White Pine County Library Conference Room in Ely.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m., with a number of issues up for discussion and possible action.

The commission is scheduled to consider accepting a five-thousand-dollar donation from Ampry Solar doing business as White Pine Solar Project for promotion of Yelland Field Airport.

The Road Commission will also provide an update on primary and secondary roads, county facilities, completed projects and future road work.

County commissioners are expected to consider appointments to several committees, including a Building Official Dispute Resolution Committee and the State Land Use Planning Advisory Council.

The commission will also consider submitting a report prepared with the White Pine Chamber of Commerce outlining the area's strengths and opportunities for state and federal support.

Other agenda items include a proposed public hearing on the Charters of Freedom project, and a bill draft request for the 2027 Nevada Legislature concerning quarterly investment reports from county treasurers.

County Clerk Nichole Stephey is asking commissioners to consider a ten-thousand-dollar grant application to help cover costs of upgrading or replacing election equipment to meet federal voting-system guidelines.

The commission will also consider changes to its November and December meeting schedules around the holidays and the 2026 general election canvass.

Other items include awarding the White Pine County Golf Course bar and grill contract to Perigo’s Corner Market and JT’s Steakhouse, changes to personnel policies, advertising for a district attorney's office investigator, and a proposal to spend up to twenty-five thousand dollars for an artificial intelligence program designed to identify grant opportunities.

The meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast live on KELY.

Nevada’s unemployment rate dipped slightly in July, while the state added about four thousand jobs.

The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation reports the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell one-tenth of a percentage point from June to five percent.

Nevada’s labor force declined by more than five thousand people, while total nonfarm employment reached one-point-six million jobs—up one-point-one percent from a year ago.

Las Vegas added about twenty-three-hundred jobs during the month, while Reno gained nine-hundred.

Carson City saw employment decline by about two-hundred jobs.

DETR Chief Economist David Schmidt says Nevada’s labor market remains steady, with professional services and health care leading year-over-year job growth.

The public has one month to comment on a Trump administration proposal to repeal the 2001 Roadless Rule, which protects more than 44 million acres of national forest from new development, logging and mining.

The proposal could affect more than three million acres in Nevada, including areas of the Humboldt-Toiyabe, Inyo and Tahoe national forests and the Spring Mountains.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says removing the restrictions would improve access for wildfire prevention and forest management.

Wildlife advocates argue the roadless areas protect clean water and wildlife habitat, and say roads can actually increase wildfire risk.

Public comments are being accepted through the federal rulemaking process.

Fall High School Sports season gets underway tonight as the Bobcat Football team hosts the Battle Mountain Longhorns.  Kickoff is at 7 tonight.  That’ll wrap up a full day of sports with the winless Boys Soccer team hosting Moapa Valley at 7 this morning.  The Boys fell in earlier action this month to Elko, Virgin Valley, and West Wendover.  

Meanwhile, the Coronado boys soccer team has been stripped of its 2025 Class 5A state championship.

According to the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association record book, Coronado’s championship is now listed as “vacated.”

Coronado defeated Hug two-to-one last November to win its third consecutive state title. The Cougars finished the season 25-and-oh, and their championship-game victory was their 55th straight win—a Nevada record.

The NIAA has not said why the title was vacated or when the decision was made. A spokesperson says the organization does not comment on actions involving member schools.

Coronado coach Dustin Barton says the program has moved on and declined further comment.

The decision comes after Coronado’s baseball team was also removed from the 5A Southern Region tournament in May, although no reason was publicly given for that decision.

Coronado’s soccer team suffered its first on-field loss since 2023 this week, falling two-to-one to Palo Verde.

The White Pine County Horse Races and County Fair returns to Ely this weekend, with three days of rodeo action, horse racing, live music, food and family entertainment.

Things get underway Friday, with exhibit registration at nine a.m. and the Ranch Rodeo at nine. Livestock activities begin at two, followed by horse racing at three and team roping afterward. Friday night features a volunteer firemen’s barbecue and live music from “Most Wanted.”

Saturday, the fair opens at nine, with four-H, vendors, livestock shows and kids’ activities. Horse racing begins at one, including the Governor’s Quarterhorse Stakes, followed by team roping and live music Saturday night.

Sunday features a livestock sale, dinosaur mascot races, barrel racing and more horse racing.

The White Pine County Fair runs Friday through Sunday at the White Pine County Horse Races grounds on Aultman Street in Ely.

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

8-20 News - Post-Prison CEO accused of sexual exploitation

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 a mostly fair sky today, with the high around 95.   

A major scandal at a prominent non-profit. Jon Ponder, the CEO of "Hope For Prisoners," is in custody after four women came forward accusing him of using his position to sexually exploit inmates under his care.

According to a new arrest declaration, Ponder allegedly solicited oral sex, engaged in phone sex, and made graphic advances against women at the Jean Conservation Camp and Casa Grande transition housing. The victims report they felt coerced, fearing he would sabotage their chances for release or reunification with their children if they refused.

One victim told investigators Ponder threatened that "things were going to get bad" if she didn't comply, while others said they were afraid to refuse because he controlled their parole recommendations.

The investigation escalated when police executed a search warrant on Ponder's home and office on Monday, discovering methamphetamine on the premises. Ponder, who was pardoned by President Trump in 2020 after serving time for bank robbery, ignored seven calls from police before being arrested.

He now faces multiple felony charges, including sexual assault and custodial contact, and is scheduled to appear in court Thursday.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office handled several calls Tuesday, including child welfare concerns, theft, fraud and reckless driving.

A report of possible child abuse at an Ely business was investigated and forwarded to the Division of Child and Family Services.

Two reports of smoke near the Ward Mountain fire area were referred to the Bureau of Land Management.

Deputies also investigated a theft at a local business. The suspect was trespassed from the business at management’s request.

A reported online rental scam involved money and cryptocurrency sent through social media.

Other calls included reckless driving, a juvenile throwing rocks at motorists on a state highway, and a report involving an individual living in a vehicle with a child.

A harassment complaint was also investigated and determined to be unfounded.

A Lincoln County man died after being arrested Tuesday in Caliente.

Lincoln County deputies executed a search warrant Tuesday afternoon and arrested Bryan Teal. He was transported without incident to the Lincoln County Detention Center.

After arriving at the detention center, staff observed Teal exhibiting concerning behavior and called for an ambulance.

Teal was transported to a medical facility, where he was later pronounced dead.

Because the death occurred following an arrest, the Nevada Department of Investigation is conducting an investigation, as is standard procedure for an in-custody death.

Authorities say Teal’s next of kin has been notified.

The White Pine County Horse Races and County Fair returns to Ely this weekend, with three days of rodeo action, horse racing, live music, food and family entertainment.

Things get underway Friday, with exhibit registration at nine a.m. and the Ranch Rodeo at nine. Livestock activities begin at two, followed by horse racing at three and team roping afterward. Friday night features a volunteer firemen’s barbecue and live music from “Most Wanted.”

Saturday, the fair opens at nine, with four-H, vendors, livestock shows and kids’ activities. Horse racing begins at one, including the Governor’s Quarterhorse Stakes, followed by team roping and live music Saturday night.

Sunday features a livestock sale, dinosaur mascot races, barrel racing and more horse racing.

The White Pine County Fair runs Friday through Sunday at the White Pine County Horse Races grounds in Ely.

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

8/19 News - County Commission addresses Ward Fire in Special Meeting

 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 a mostly fair sky today, the high around 94.   

The White Pine County Commission has ratified a memorandum of understanding between the County Fire District and Road Department following the Ward Fire at a special meeting yesterday.

The agreement outlines how county road crews and equipment can be used to support wildland firefighting.

Commissioners stressed the need for proper training, equipment inspections and clearer responsibilities for employees operating heavy equipment during fires.

The Commission also approved standardized billing rates for fire district equipment, while tabling a broader wildland fire policy for further review.

Officials praised county personnel for their work during the Ward Fire and for documenting the costs and equipment used.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office handled several calls over the weekend, including welfare checks, disturbances, traffic complaints and a sex crime investigation.

On Sunday, deputies conducted a welfare check on a person slumped over in a vehicle. The person was contacted and found to be okay. Deputies also investigated harassment, disturbances, a possible intoxicated driver and reports of smoke.

A sex crime reported in Ely remains under investigation.

On Monday, deputies conducted two more welfare checks, with both individuals found to be okay.

Other calls included reckless driving, abandoned and improperly parked vehicles, a custody dispute and a report of someone screaming for help along a county roadway.

A brush fire near a county road was referred to the Bureau of Land Management.

Drivers traveling U.S. 50 in Nevada and Utah can expect to see a dozen massive superloads heading to the Thacker Pass lithium project.

The oversized shipments, carrying crystallizer components manufactured in Utah, will travel nearly 600 miles over the next several weeks.

The loads may be accompanied by law enforcement escorts, staging trucks and temporary traffic pauses as they move across the Nevada desert.

The Nevada Department of Transportation will post specific travel times at NVRoads.com ahead of each shipment.

The deliveries mark another step forward in construction at Thacker Pass.

Details online at lithiumamericas dot com 

The Nevada Department of Transportation is warning drivers to expect massive superloads carrying mining equipment across northeastern Nevada this summer.

The oversized shipments will travel several major routes, including State Route 233, Interstate 80 near Wells and Winnemucca, U.S. 93 between Wells and Ely, and U.S. 50 from Ely to Austin.

Travelers may encounter law enforcement escorts and temporary traffic stops as the wide loads move through.

NDOT says drivers should plan ahead and allow extra time when traveling these routes.

A packed Nye County Commission meeting in Pahrump drew hours of public comment Tuesday over proposed data centers and changes to solar farm applications.

Residents raised concerns about water use, noise, light pollution and impacts on land.

After lengthy discussion, commissioners approved a ban on data centers in Pahrump Water Basin 162.

The commission also heard hours of public comment on proposed changes to county planning and zoning rules for solar projects. Opponents cited concerns over land and water, while supporters said solar development could create jobs for local workers.

The data center proposal had originally called for letting voters decide the issue, but the county missed the deadline to place the question on the November ballot.

With a little more than two months until the general election, two election forecasting models show Republican incumbent Joe Lombardo with an advantage over Democratic challenger Aaron Ford in the Nevada governor’s race.

Statistician Nate Silver’s FLIPR model shows Lombardo leading Ford by about four percentage points among voters surveyed, based largely on five July polls.

Meanwhile, the Race to the White House forecasting model has increased Lombardo’s estimated chance of winning from about 68 percent at the beginning of August to nearly 79 percent.

The model gives Ford about a 21 percent chance of winning.

Other national election forecasters also show the race close, but with Lombardo holding an advantage.

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