1-12 News - Statewide Speed Awareness campaign comes to White Pine County

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Look for a sunny sky with warmer conditions today, the high around 50. 

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with law enforcement agencies across Nevada for a Joining Forces Speed Awareness Campaign running January 13th through January 31st. Deputies will conduct highly visible patrols to crack down on speeding, one of the leading causes of fatal crashes on Nevada roadways. Officials remind drivers that speeding isn’t just exceeding the posted limit—it also includes driving too fast for conditions like rain, snow, or ice. Authorities say the goal is to raise awareness, improve safety, and save lives. The campaign is funded by the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety as part of the state’s Zero Fatalities initiative.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office handled a wide range of calls between January 8th and January 10th. Deputies investigated several traffic accidents, including a city crash involving a driver cited for failing to stop and multiple licensing and insurance violations, as well as highway crashes involving a deer and a semi-truck rollover. Officers also responded to domestic disturbances, harassment complaints, and multiple welfare checks, with deputies providing guidance on protection orders and confirming individuals were safe. School-related calls included reports of juveniles vaping and an active investigation into a vape sale to a minor. Two Ely men were arrested on municipal court warrants, while other calls included thefts, alarms, a dog bite, stalking complaints, and reported gunshots later determined to be duck hunting.

The Building Inspector position in Ely is still on hold.  At Thursday night’s Ely City Council meeting the City’s choice for Building Inspector Chris Flannery told councilmen that unexpected medical issues have pushed back his starting date again.  Flannery, a former building official in Ely, was appointed by the city to return prior to unexpected medical issues coming up.  The City is pushing back the starting date issue for another two weeks to give Flannery the chance to get the medical issues in order and see what is going to happen.  

Meanwhile, the City heard from representatives from White Pine High School on the upcoming HOPE Week, a special community initiative dedicated to spreading kindness, connection, and positivity throughout our schools and neighborhoods. HOPE Week will take place Feb 9-12th, 2026.  We’re scheduled to be joined by White Pine High teacher Megan Peterson this morning at 8:45 to tell us more about Hope Week.  

The White Pine Ladycats basketball team continued its winning streak over the weekend, matching its Friday performance point for point. The Bobcats defeated American Heritage Academy Saturday by a final score of 60 to 23, the same total they posted in their previous win over GV Christian. The Ladycats have now won eight games this season by 22 points or more and improve to 14 and 3 on the year, averaging 60 points over their last two games. White Pine’s next game is January 23rd, hosting Lake Mead Christian Academy at 5 p.m.

Gas prices dropping as low as $2.60 for 85 Octane Unleaded this morning in Ely at the Shell on Great Basin with Diesel as low as $2.95 at the Golden Gate.  Meanwhile the Pilot in West Wendover is selling 85 octane Unleaded at $1.97 according to GasBuddy.  AAA says the national average for Unleaded this morning is $2.79 per gallon. 

Las Vegas–based Allegiant Airlines has announced a deal to acquire Sun Country Airlines in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at about one-and-a-half billion dollars.  The new company will remain headquartered in Las Vegas and is expected to operate more than 650 routes serving 22 million passengers a year. The deal has board approval and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approval.

The substitute judge appointed to oversee Nye County Justice of the Peace Michele Fiore’s courtroom has filed to run for the seat himself. Attorney Michael Foley, who has served in the temporary role for the past year, filed for election Friday, setting up a race against Fiore, who filed for re-election last week. Fiore was suspended from the bench after her 2024 conviction on federal wire fraud charges tied to misuse of donation funds, though she later received a presidential pardon. Judicial discipline officials have since reimposed her suspension, citing additional complaints. The winner will serve a four-year term.

Deadly crashes caused by extreme speeding and reckless driving continue to plague Las Vegas, with traffic deaths remaining far above pre-pandemic levels. Clark County recorded nearly 300 roadway fatalities in 2024, and while numbers dipped in 2025, Nevada still ranks sixth in the nation for deaths per mile traveled. Officials say speeding, impaired and distracted driving are major factors, prompting stepped-up enforcement, new safety laws, and renewed calls for safer street design. Experts warn lasting progress will require a combination of enforcement, education, and infrastructure changes to protect drivers and pedestrians alike.

1-9 News - Medical Issues push back starting date for new Building Inspector

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.

3.2 inches of snow yesterday here in Ely but look for much of it to be gone by Monday.  Today we’re looking for a sunny sky and a high of 32.

The single digit overnight temperatures combined with the blowing snow yesterday has led to some icy conditions this morning on the roads.  Be extra careful as you’re out this morning. 

The Building Inspector position in Ely is still on hold.  At last night’s Ely City Council meeting the City’s choice for Building Inspector Chris Flannery told councilmen that unexpected medical issues have pushed back his starting date again.  Flannery, a former building official in Ely, was appointed by the city to return prior to unexpected medical issues coming up.  The City is pushing back the starting date issue for another two weeks to give Flannery the chance to get the medical issues in order and see what is going to happen.  

Meanwhile the City heard from representatives from White Pine High School on the upcoming HOPE Week, a special community initiative dedicated to spreading kindness, connection, and positivity throughout our schools and neighborhoods. HOPE Week will take place Feb 9-12th, 2026.  We’re scheduled to be joined by White Pine High teacher Megan Peterson on Monday morning to tell us more about Hope week.  

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo is backing a new effort to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports statewide.

Lombardo joined the political action committee Protect Girls’ Sports, which filed a petition to amend Nevada’s equal rights amendment to base athletic participation at state-funded institutions on sex assigned at birth. The proposal would prohibit anyone assigned male at birth from competing in female sports.

Supporters say the measure ensures fairness and safety in athletics, while LGBTQ advocacy groups oppose it, calling the issue discriminatory. Organizers hope to place the initiative on the 2026 ballot, with a second vote required in 2028 to amend the state constitution.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office handled several calls on Wednesday, according to its daily blotter.

Deputies assisted Animal Control after two dogs were found running at large and chasing cattle on a county roadway.

Investigators also looked into suspicious circumstances after a resident reported fear for their safety involving a family member and a life insurance policy.

In the city, a reckless driving complaint ended with deputies finding no issues. Deputies also responded to two harassment reports, including one involving an ex-roommate and another involving juveniles and an adult harassing a child. One investigation remains active.

A burglary was reported after a firearm was stolen from a vehicle outside a residence. No new bookings were reported.

Nevada ranks third in the nation for cybercrime risk, according to a new analysis of FBI data.

The study, based on 2024 figures from the Internet Crime Complaint Center, shows Nevada recorded 328 cybercrime complaints per 100,000 residents, with victims losing an average of more than 25,000 dollars each. Total losses in Nevada topped 268 million dollars.

Alaska ranked first, with by far the highest complaint rate, while Indiana placed second. Wyoming, though lower in total complaints, had the highest average losses per victim.

Researchers say scams involving credit cards, identity theft, phishing, and cryptocurrency are driving the numbers, highlighting the growing financial impact of cybercrime nationwide.

Governor Joe Lombardo has announced federal approval of Nevada’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment, or BEAD, plan, unlocking more than 170 million dollars for high-speed internet projects statewide.

The approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration will expand broadband access to more than 28-thousand homes, businesses, and community facilities, with an additional 65 million dollars coming from private-sector investment. State officials say the funding is part of Phase Three of the High-Speed Nevada Initiative.

Construction on BEAD-funded projects is expected to begin in mid-2026, using a mix of fiber, wireless, and satellite technology. Leaders say the effort represents the largest public broadband investment in Nevada history and is aimed at connecting every unserved and underserved community across the state.

A man accused of helping an international crime ring steal money from senior citizens has been sentenced to prison in Clark County.

Vladimir Pavlov, 51, took an Alford plea to a theft charge and was sentenced to 30 to 75 months behind bars. Prosecutors say Pavlov acted as a courier, traveling across the U.S. to collect cash from victims targeted in cyber and phone scams. One victim told the court she lost more than 63-thousand dollars she had planned to rely on later in life.

During sentencing, prosecutors said the crime ring focuses on frightening seniors with fake claims about compromised Social Security numbers. Pavlov told investigators the best way to stop the scams was public awareness, even suggesting a televised warning to grandparents.

Pavlov will be eligible for parole in about two years and is expected to be deported after serving his sentence. Police and the FBI continue to urge the public to report suspected scams and verify suspicious messages before taking action.

The Bobcats and Ladycats Basketball team head to Henderson this weekend to take on American Heritage Academy.  The Ladycats tip off at Noon, and the Bobcats follow at 1:30.  

Competitive eating star Joey Chestnut is returning to Las Vegas later this month to defend his world bagel-eating title.

Major League Eating says Chestnut will compete in the Siegel’s Bagelmania World Bagel Eating Championship on Saturday, January 31. Eaters will battle for a championship belt and a share of 10-thousand dollars in prize money.

Chestnut won last year’s contest by eating 15 bagels with cream cheese in eight minutes. He’ll be challenged by past runner-up Patrick Bertoletti and world-record holder Geoffrey Esper. The contest begins at 11 a.m. at Siegel’s Bagelmania near the Las Vegas Strip.

A man is walking 100 miles across Nevada’s Highway 50, known as the Loneliest Road in America, to raise money and awareness for long-term shelter dogs.

Kris Rotonda, founder of Jordan’s Way, is livestreaming the journey as he walks alongside Aria, a shelter dog available for adoption. Rotonda has spent nearly six years traveling the country, visiting shelters and advocating for animals that have spent months or even years in kennels.

He says the walk is meant to spotlight dogs that are often overlooked and raise funds to help with adoption and transport costs. Rotonda’s trek across central Nevada continues this week and can be followed online through jordanswaytour.com

1-8 News - Radon Action Month - Protect your family

 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.

Snow should end by midday but wind gusts as high as 30 miles per hour will cause blowing and drifting of snow today.   Look for a high today of just 30.  

As of 8am:

Snow Tire and Chain requirements US6-93-50 East of Ely all the way to the Utah state line

January is National Radon Action Month, and University of Nevada, Reno Extension is urging Nevadans to test their homes for radon, a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.

The Nevada Radon Education Program is offering free short-term radon test kits statewide through February 28, while supplies last. Radon is colorless and odorless, and the EPA estimates it causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year.

Program officials say testing takes just three days, and one in four Nevada homes tested has elevated radon levels. Residents are encouraged to test and use certified professionals if mitigation is needed.

Kits are available at the Extension Office in the White Pine Library

After historic gains in 2025, gold and silver prices are still drawing strong interest from buyers and sellers in northern Nevada.

Gold rose about 65 percent last year, its best performance since 1979, while silver jumped more than 145 percent, according to Reuters. Local dealers say activity has shifted, with more customers now buying after missing last year’s surge.

Nevada, the nation’s top gold producer, remains closely tied to price swings, as precious metals make up the majority of the state’s mineral value. Analysts expect continued volatility in 2026 as investors look to gold and silver as a hedge against inflation.

Governor Joe Lombardo has announced new appointments to Nevada’s Fuel Resiliency Committee, a statewide group focused on protecting the state from fuel supply disruptions tied to California.

The committee brings together state agencies, local governments, emergency managers, and major fuel producers, transporters, and retailers to assess risks and improve coordination during emergencies. Lombardo says reliable fuel access is critical to Nevada’s economy and public safety.

The committee will review vulnerabilities in the fuel supply chain and explore ways to strengthen infrastructure and response planning. Its first meeting is scheduled for January 13.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office reports several incidents from Tuesday. Deputies handled a juvenile issue involving a child who initially refused to attend school but later reported after a school resource officer responded. In Ely, deputies investigated reports of a reckless driver near a school, two separate thefts involving a generator and a motorcycle, a vehicle collision in a city parking lot, and a harassment complaint involving repeated phone calls. Deputies also took reports of a lost driver’s license in Florida and a missing dog in the county. 

Nevada officials are seeking federal approval to limit what SNAP recipients can buy with food benefits, including sugary drinks, energy drinks, and certain candies.

The state plans to ask the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a waiver, saying the goal is to promote better health while also allowing recipients to purchase hot foods, such as rotisserie chickens. Supporters say the changes would help improve nutrition, while critics argue restrictions should involve legislative approval.

The waiver request has not yet been submitted, and if approved, the changes would not take effect until early 2028.

The Nevada Department of Education is bringing back the DonorsChoose grant program, making 15 million dollars available to support classroom projects statewide.

Funded through Senate Bill 90 passed in the 2025 legislative session, the program allows Nevada public school educators to receive up to 500 dollars for supplies and hands-on learning projects, with requests funded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Officials say the grants help reduce out-of-pocket costs for teachers, with funding set at 7.5 million dollars per year through 2027. Eligible projects are expected to be funded within about a week of posting.

Two people were killed and six others injured in a shooting outside a Salt Lake City church Wednesday night while a memorial service was underway inside, police said.

The shooting happened in a parking lot of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building. All of the victims were adults, with at least three in critical condition. Police say no suspect is in custody and do not believe the attack was random or motivated by religion.

Authorities are reviewing surveillance video and license plate reader data as the investigation continues. City leaders called the violence tragic and said it should never happen outside a place of worship.

Police in Henderson, Nevada, have released body cam video and 9-1-1 audio of a confrontation with a man who stole a front-end loader and drove scoop into a police cruiser, and then drove onto the S-U-V's hood. Police fired multiple times, hitting the suspect in the arm and leg and eventually arrested him. The suspect is expected to survive.

1-7 News - Snowfall on the way, but we won't get much. But Gas Prices fell again!

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.

Cloudy skies today with a good chance of snow between 2am and 7am tomorrow.  Look for a high today of just 42.  

That storm system will impact Northern and Central Nevada Wednesday through Friday morning. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Elko and Southern Lander/Eureka Counties from 10am this morning until 4pm tomorrow afternoon due to accumulating snow and gusty winds.  Snow accumulations 2 to 4 inches in Southern  Lander and Eureka Counties. Total snow 1 to 3 inches in the valleys of Elko County, while travelers can expect 2 to 5 inches driving through the mountain passes.  If you’re heading West on US-50 or north on US-93, be aware.  

A six-cent gas drop for Regular Unleaded in East Ely this morning.  The Golden Gate dropped the price for Regular Unleaded to $2.69 per gallon and that was followed at the East Aultman Shell and Chevron stations. Meanwhile, the Great Basin Shell and the Sinclair stations dropped Regular to $2.70 per gallon. 

And while Diesel is still in the $3.30 per gallon range at most stations, East Ely has Diesel at $2.97. The Golden Gate, and the Shell and Chevron stations on East Aultman have dropped the price this morning.  Meanwhile, GasBuddy reports that the prices in West Wendover have risen from those $2 per gallon prices.  The Maverik reports the lowest price at $2.13 with the Smiths at $2.19.  With prices in Wells still in the $2.89 range, the Wendover detour may still be attractive with a 70-cent price difference.  

Nevada is getting national recognition for its business climate in a new 2025 report from Area Development. Las Vegas ranked number one among large metro areas, driven by growth in logistics, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing beyond tourism. Carson City also topped the list for economic strength among smaller regions, earning praise for workforce alignment and effective state government. Governor Joe Lombardo says the rankings show Nevada’s economic momentum is translating into jobs and long-term opportunities statewide.

Nevada’s unemployment rate edged down slightly in November, according to a new report from the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation. The state’s jobless rate fell to 5.2 percent, while the labor force grew by nearly 10,000 people. Overall nonfarm employment was up a tenth of a percent over the past year, though the state lost a net 1,100 jobs across October and November. Las Vegas saw modest job declines, while Reno posted gains and Carson City remained mostly flat. State economists say the labor market is steady but mixed, with continued job losses in construction and finance even as wages keep rising.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office reports several calls for service on January 5th. Deputies investigated reports of suspicious vehicles in the city and along a state highway, along with an alarm call at a city business, all with no issues found. Deputies also responded to a juvenile truancy complaint, a domestic disturbance that was resolved without arrests, and a report of threats where parties were advised to keep the peace. In Ely, deputies are investigating the death of Brian W. Bainbridge Jr., while traffic complaints including reckless driving were referred to Nevada State Police. No new bookings were reported.

Conservative firebrand Michele Fiore has filed to run for re-election as Pahrump justice of the peace, according to the Nevada Secretary of State’s office. Fiore still technically holds the seat but has been suspended with pay since 2024, after a federal jury convicted her of wire fraud and conspiracy related to misuse of donated funds. Although she later received a presidential pardon, the Nevada Supreme Court has declined to pause her suspension while expediting its review. The filing deadline for judicial candidates is January 16.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has temporarily denied the Oakland A’s request to trademark the names “Las Vegas Athletics” and “Vegas Athletics,” saying the term “Athletics” is too generic and could cause confusion. The team has three months to seek an extension or refile. The A’s plan to move to Las Vegas in 2028 and are currently playing in West Sacramento. Construction is underway on a 33,000-seat stadium on the Strip, scheduled to open for the 2028 season.

The Ladycats Basketball team came up short last night against a fired up Lincoln County Lady Lynx team.  The Ladycats trailed after the first half 38-15 and couldn’t catch up, falling in Panaca 59-37.  The Ladycats are still 12-3 on the season as they prepare to head to Henderson this weekend, taking on GV Christian on Friday and American Heritage Academy on Saturday.  

 

1-6 News - U-Hauls busy moving in and out of Nevada

 

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.

Look for sunshine today to melt off much of the remainder of yesterday’s snowfall, but a cold front heading our way on Wednesday could bring not only cold but snow that will stay a while.  Look for Today’s high around 44.  

Nevada is on the move, climbing 15 spots in U-Haul’s latest Growth Index of one-way customer moves. The Silver State ranked 20th nationwide for growth in 2025, with incoming moves accounting for just over 50 percent of U-Haul traffic, slightly outpacing departures. While both arrivals and departures declined compared to last year, out-migration dropped more sharply. U-Haul says the data reflects moving trends, not population growth, but Governor Joe Lombardo called the ranking a sign that people are choosing to stay and build their lives in Nevada.

The Ely City Council meets Thursday evening at five at the Ely Volunteer Fire Hall. On the agenda are a presentation on Hope Week 2026 and possible approval of a proclamation recognizing February ninth through twelfth as Hope Week in Ely, along with discussion of a start date for the city’s new building official. Council members will also take first looks at updates to city administrative ordinances, review bids for tree removal and pruning at the Ely Cemetery, and consider raising the city’s asset capitalization threshold to five thousand dollars beginning July first.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests and several calls for service over January 3rd and 4th. Deputies arrested 36-year-old Javier Valentin Valdivia of Ely for DUI on a state highway and 48-year-old Jacob Lowery of Ely for driving on a suspended license following separate traffic stops. Deputies also investigated a reported battery at a healthcare facility, responded to complaints about loose dogs chasing children, and documented a custody dispute. Other calls included suspicious activity, parking and traffic complaints, property damage, and a vehicle striking a cow, with several incidents referred to Nevada State Police or Animal Control. All persons innocent until convicted in a court of law.  

Nevada drivers could face higher fuel prices and possible shortages as California shuts down oil refineries that supply most of the state’s gasoline. California provides about 88 percent of Nevada’s fuel, and the recent closure of a Los Angeles–area refinery, along with plans to shut another by 2026, would remove roughly 17 percent of California’s refining capacity. Experts warn reduced supply could push prices higher, though higher costs may also limit shortages. Governor Joe Lombardo has formed a fuel resiliency group to explore ways to diversify supply and protect critical services.

Nevada has written off more than 106 million dollars in uncollectible, or so-called “bad,” debt since the start of 2023, according to an analysis by The Nevada Independent. Eric Neugeboren reports the debts include millions owed by both businesses and individuals, with the largest single case tied to a Las Vegas man convicted of Medicaid fraud in 2013.

State officials say the write-offs come only after years of unsuccessful collection efforts, including attempts by multiple collection agencies, or when debts are cleared through bankruptcy, legal rulings, or a debtor’s death. While the lost revenue has not affected state programs, Deputy Controller James Smack says the total raises concerns from a taxpayer perspective and highlights the need for improvements. The controller’s office is now exploring new tools, including the possible use of artificial intelligence, to boost future debt collection rates.

The Bobcats and Ladycats Basketball teams are on the road tonight heading to Panaca to take on the Lincoln County Lynx, with the Girls game starting at 5 and the boys at 6:30.