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.
Clouds this morning will give way to afternoon sunshine, we’ll see a nice day today with the high around 78, but by the weekend, we’ll be back to 90 degrees.
With Independence Day approaching and temperatures expected to climb into the 90s across the region, health officials are reminding residents to stay safe in the heat. Experts say staying properly hydrated is one of the most important ways to prevent heat-related illness during outdoor celebrations and travel. Residents are urged to drink plenty of water throughout the day, avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Officials also recommend checking on elderly neighbors and children, who are especially vulnerable during extreme heat.
If you’re wondering why your clocks are blinking this morning, an early morning car crash took out a pole and killed the power to portions of Ely around 2:30 this morning. Most areas should see service restored thanks to the quick actions of Mount Wheeler linemen.
The White Pine County Sheriff's Office handled several calls on Sunday, June 28th. Deputies investigated reports of suspicious activity outside a local business, a disturbance at a healthcare facility, and a trespassing complaint at a local motel where a subject was removed at management's request. Deputies also investigated the death of Ely resident Thyla Albertson, determining the death was from natural causes. Other incidents included reports of threats, a disabled vehicle initially reported as suspicious, while a reckless driver complaint and a motorist assist were referred to the Nevada State Police.
Fire crews continue battling several large wildfires in eastern Nevada. The Parsnip Peak Fire, burning 18 miles northwest of Pioche, has grown to 2,500 acres and remains zero percent contained. The Dry Canyon Fire east of Pioche is now 1,705 acres and 10 percent contained. Near Caliente, the Kane Springs Fire has burned more than 17,000 acres and is now 75 percent contained. Fire officials say critically dry vegetation, rugged terrain, and windy conditions continue to fuel aggressive fire behavior. The Grapevine Fire has reached 41 percent containment as crews prepare to begin suppression repair efforts.
The Elko Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit has wrapped up a months-long investigation into a narcotics trafficking ring, arresting three individuals who were flooding the Elko community with dangerous drugs.
Since October 2025, detectives tracked a network smuggling substances from across Nevada and California into Elko. The result? The seizure of over five pounds of illegal narcotics, including 3.3 pounds of meth and two pounds of fentanyl. That fentanyl alone is estimated to be worth $272,000 and contains enough material for more than 450,000 potentially lethal doses.
Police also recovered four firearms, including an AR-15 and an AK-47, some of which were reported stolen. The Elko PD credits their Canine Unit, specifically K9s Rudy and Balu, as instrumental to the bust.
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld Nevada’s mail-in ballot “grace period,” allowing ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive up to four days later. The 5–4 decision keeps Nevada’s current system in place ahead of the 2026 general election. Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar said he was surprised by the ruling but noted his office had prepared contingency plans. The Republican National Committee challenged the law, arguing it violated federal election standards, but the court ruled nothing requires ballots to be received by Election Day.
Nevada school superintendents are calling for the repeal of the state’s “Read by Grade 3” retention policy, which would require struggling third graders to be held back starting in 2028. The group argues retention can increase dropout risk and say Nevada lacks stable funding for literacy interventions. State data shows fewer than half of third graders are reading at grade level, though scores are improving. Supporters, including Governor Joe Lombardo’s office, say reading proficiency is a key predictor of success and the focus should be on early intervention and clear standards rather than repeal.
The Reno Rodeo is reviewing how animals are identified during competition after concerns were raised over the name of a bull announced in the arena. Bull number 14, originally named "Nick Gertz," drew online criticism because some listeners said it sounded like a racial slur when read aloud. Rodeo officials say the names are assigned by stock contractors, not the Reno Rodeo, and they do not believe the name was intended to be offensive. The stock contractor, Big Bend Rodeo, has since renamed the bull "Nick" and apologized to anyone who was offended.
