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Warmer temperatures are ahead for the weekend, just not as warm as originally projected. Look for Sunny skies through Monday, with today’s high around 60 and a warm 65 tomorrow, the warmest day of the week.
The White Pine County Commission essentially dismissed the long-ignored pay study at yesterday’s meeting, saying the comparisons were of unequal-sized communities and areas.
KELY Radio obtained a copy of the report commissioned by the county back in February. 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.
Meanwhile at yesterday’s meeting, Commissioners voted to move ahead with a plan to address serious and significant public nuisance complaints in the county on a 4-1 vote. Commissioner Pauley voted against the plan.
A motion to move Golf Course Advisory Board meetings back to the Golf Course Clubhouse failed on a 3-2 motion following claims by commissioners that the board was not, in Commissioner Carson’s words, behaving properly. The meetings were ordered by the Commission moved out of the Golf Course following an altercation at the beginning of the June 29th meeting. That altercation led to the resignation of Commissioner Pat Ranson Robison from the board, with her place taken by Commissioner Jose Noriega. Minutes of that meeting are posted on our Facebook page and at KELY1230 dot com.
A reminder that the Golden Knights return to the Fortress at T-Mobile Arena tonight to host the Calgary Flames. Puck drop is at 7, pre-game at 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.
Nevada has recorded 244 fatal crashes so far this year, according to Zero Fatalities Nevada. Northern Nevada State Police have investigated 39 fatal crashes resulting in 46 deaths. Officials meeting at this week’s Traffic Safety Summit say impaired driving and speeding remain leading causes of deadly crashes. They’re urging drivers to buckle up, avoid distractions, and slow down. Safety advocates also warn that shorter autumn days increase risks for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially after dark.
A Las Vegas man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for firebombing Tesla vehicles at a collision center in March 2025. Federal prosecutors say Paul Hyon Kim shot security cameras, spray-painted the word “RESIST” on the building, and threw three Molotov cocktails at vehicles, destroying five Teslas. Kim pleaded guilty in February to arson-related charges and possessing an unregistered destructive device. Prosecutors had sought a 20-year sentence.
Nevada could have up to one-point-six billion dollars more available for its next two-year state budget, according to economic forecasts presented Wednesday. State revenues have outperformed expectations, despite declining Las Vegas tourism and concerns over tariffs and rising costs. Economists expect continued growth, particularly in sales tax revenue, but say inflation accounts for much of the increase. The state Economic Forum will finalize its budget forecast next month, helping guide spending decisions by the governor and Legislature next year.
Nevada breweries are raising a glass to some national recognition — and apparently, they’re not just blowing foam!
Three Silver State breweries brought home medals from the Great American Beer Festival in Colorado. Big Dog’s Brewing Company in Las Vegas took gold for its Tripel Dog Dare. Great Basin Brewing in Sparks earned silver for Mystic Voyage, a blueberry-and-lemon sour ale. And Able Baker Brewing in Las Vegas grabbed bronze for Waddle, a New England-style IPA.
So, whether you prefer your beer bold, fruity, or a little on the hoppy side, Nevada’s brewers have given beer judges something to cheer about. That’s a pretty good reason to raise a glass — responsibly, of course!
That’s your morning news from White Pine County and the state of Nevada
