6-29 News - Great Basin fires move region to Preparedness Level Four

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After dragging out the jackets for a cool Monday Morning, we’ll see a nice day today with the high around 74, but by the weekend, we’ll be back to 90 degrees.

Wildfire activity remains high in Lincoln County as firefighters battle three major fires and the Great Basin has been elevated to Preparedness Level Four, reflecting heavy demand for firefighting resources nationwide.

The Parsnip Peak Fire near Pioche has grown to more than 3,000 acres with no containment. The Dry Canyon Fire is now estimated at 1,705 acres and is 10 percent contained, while the Kane Springs Fire near Caliente has reached 75 percent containment at just over 17,000 acres. Fire officials say hot, dry and windy conditions continue to increase the risk of rapid fire growth across the region.

Firefighters have made progress on the Grapevine Fire burning south of Caliente. The fire is now estimated at 26,460 acres and is 6 percent contained.

Fire officials say milder fire behavior allowed crews to establish containment along the southwest edge of the fire. On Monday, firefighters will strengthen those control lines while hotshot crews are deployed into the rugged southeast portion of the fire to expand suppression efforts.

White Pine County Commissioners will hold a special meeting this afternoon at 1 to conduct a public hearing and consider approval of a budget augmentation for Fiscal Year 2026. The proposed resolution would appropriate funds from the county's Emergency Medical Services Fund for payment to the White Pine County Fire District.

The White Pine County Sheriff's Office responded to dozens of calls between June 23rd and 27th, ranging from welfare checks and domestic disturbances to thefts, fraud and suspicious activity.

Deputies made seven arrests during the week, including a Washington man wanted on an out-of-state warrant, two drivers arrested on DUI charges, and several people taken into custody on local warrants and other offenses.

Investigators are also actively working several cases, including reports of suspected drug sales, a bicycle theft, a reported sex crime, a battery at a local motel and package theft. Deputies also responded to a semi-truck fire, a brush fire, multiple accidents and numerous juvenile and animal-related calls across White Pine County.

A Nevada prison healthcare crisis is drawing renewed scrutiny as lawsuits and staffing shortages continue to mount — with Ely State Prison part of a system advocates say is struggling to meet basic medical needs.

One inmate, serving a life sentence, is now suing the Nevada Department of Corrections, alleging years of delayed treatment and failed prescriptions. A federal judge has already approved a court-appointed attorney, saying the case may have merit under the Eighth Amendment.

Kate Reynolds at the Nevada Independent writes this morning how at Ely State Prison and other facilities, officials acknowledge ongoing staffing shortages, leading to delays in care and more outside hospital trips. Lawmakers have approved millions in temporary funding and overtime costs, but critics say the system remains overstretched, with rising medical complaints and preventable health risks behind bars.

6-26 News - Ely City Council votes to accept NNRY trackage agreement

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A windy weekend in store with a Red Flag Warning posted today and a Fire Weather Watch posted tomorrow.  Wind gusts in excess of 40 to 50 miles per hour today and tomorrow.  Cooler weather is ahead.  Look for today’s high around 85, cooling to 66 by Sunday. 

The Ely City Council voted to approve a trackage rights agreement involving the Nevada Northern Railway and the Great Basin & Northern Railway in an attempt to secure federal funding for the rehabilitation of the line from Ely to Cobre.  The agreement saw some pushback from citizens as ongoing criticism of the Nevada Northern Railway management board not complying with Nevada Open Meeting Law despite the affiliation with the City of Ely.  The City also accepted a Community Development Block Grant of more than $603,000 to help fund upgrades to Ely's wastewater treatment plant.

The Council issued a proclamation recognizing Ely an International Mountain Bicycling Association Trail Town, honored retiring White Pine School Superintendent Adam Young for 24 years of service, and approved a new liquor license for Hometown Pizza.

White Pine County Commissioners will hold a special meeting on Monday afternoon at 1 to conduct a public hearing and consider approval of a budget augmentation for Fiscal Year 2026. The proposed resolution would appropriate funds from the county's Emergency Medical Services Fund for payment to the White Pine County Fire District.

Fire crews continue battling two large wildfires south of Caliente in Lincoln County. The Grapevine Fire has grown to more than 23,000 acres and remains zero percent contained as firefighters work in steep terrain within the Clover Mountain Wilderness Area. Active fire behavior continues on the fire's eastern flank.

Meanwhile, the Kane Springs Fire is now 50 percent contained at just over 17,000 acres, with crews making steady progress securing fire lines and extinguishing hotspots.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Saturday, bringing strong winds, low humidity, and critical fire conditions. Beaver Dam State Park remains closed until further notice due to the Grapevine Fire.

Nevada drivers are getting a break at the pump. AAA Nevada reports gas prices have fallen for the fifth straight week, with the statewide average dropping 13 cents over the past week to $4.71 per gallon.

AAA says lower crude oil prices are helping drive the decline as the U.S. and Iran work toward a long-term agreement. The average price is now $4.98 per gallon in Reno and $4.70 in Las Vegas.  The average price in White Pine County is $4.13 per gallon, second lowest only to Lander County at $3.97 per gallon. 

Despite the lower prices, AAA expects heavy holiday travel, with a record number of Americans expected to hit the road for the Independence Day weekend.

An inmate at Ely State Prison has died. The Nevada Department of Corrections says 24-year-old Otis Bishop died Wednesday at University Medical Center in Las Vegas. Bishop was serving a sentence of four to 15 years for attempted lewdness with a child under 14 and had been in state custody since September.

Corrections officials also reported the deaths of two other inmates this week at facilities in Southern Nevada. Causes of death have not been released, and autopsies have been requested in all three cases.

6-25 News - County Commission votes to leave tax rates unchanged

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3/100 of an inch of precipitation yesterday, with a very slight chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon.  Look for the high this afternoon around 90. 

The White Pine County Commission tackled taxes, infrastructure, wildfire preparedness, and staffing during its meeting Wednesday morning.

As you heard on KELY, Commissioners voted to keep the county's 2026-27 property tax rate unchanged despite public requests for a reduction, citing economic uncertainty and concerns about impacts to local services.  Commissioner Vogler voted against maintaining of the current tax rate.

The board also approved expanded insurance coverage, increasing protection from 300 million to 500 million dollars while lowering premiums by more than five percent through a higher deductible.

Road officials outlined maintenance projects completed this year and plans for additional gravel, chip seal, and roadway improvements in the coming fiscal year. Commissioners also approved an updated hazard mitigation plan aimed at improving eligibility for FEMA funding, with wildfire prevention identified as a top priority.

Other actions included creating a new building inspector position, approving a two percent cost-of-living adjustment for elected officials on a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Vogler voting no, accepting grants for library accessibility and senior meal programs, appointing Lloyd Eugene Phillips Junior to the Airport Advisory Board, and approving the annual Arts in the Park street closure for July 31st through August 2nd.

Commissioners will hold a special meeting on Monday afternoon at 1 to conduct a public hearing and consider approval of a budget augmentation for Fiscal Year 2026. The proposed resolution would appropriate funds from the county's Emergency Medical Services Fund for payment to the White Pine County Fire District.

The Ely City Council meets this evening with several major items on the agenda.

Council members will consider proclaiming Ely an International Mountain Bicycling Association Trail Town, honoring White Pine School Superintendent Adam Young for 24 years of service, and approving a new liquor license for Hometown Pizza.

The council will also review a trackage rights agreement involving the Nevada Northern Railway, consider renewing the city's insurance coverage, and discuss accepting a Community Development Block Grant of more than $603,000 to help fund upgrades to Ely's wastewater treatment plant.

The meeting begins at 5 p.m. tonight at the Ely Volunteer Fire Hall.

Firefighters continue battling two large wildfires south of Caliente in Lincoln County.

The Grapevine Fire has grown to more than 23,000 acres and remains zero percent contained as crews contend with rugged terrain, dry fuels, and active fire behavior, including wind-driven runs and spotting. Aircraft and ground crews continue working to strengthen containment lines.

Meanwhile, the Kane Springs Fire has burned just over 17,000 acres and is now 45 percent contained. Firefighters report steady progress as crews secure fire lines and mop up remaining hotspots.

Staff from U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen’s office will be in Ely this morning  to meet with residents and provide assistance with federal agencies.

The senator’s staff will hold office hours from 9 to 10 a.m. this morning at the White Pine County Library on Campton Street. While Senator Rosen will not attend, staff members will be available for one-on-one consultations regarding issues involving federal agencies and government services.

Residents will also have an opportunity to share concerns and opinions on federal matters for follow-up by the senator’s office.

A fire destroyed a fire truck traveling on Interstate 80 in Elko County on Wednesday morning.

According to the Elko County Fire Protection District, the truck caught fire near mile marker 328 around 8:45 a.m. Because of the risk of the blaze spreading into nearby wildland, additional firefighting resources were dispatched.

Crews from Elko County Fire, Deeth Volunteer Fire Department, Ryndon-Osino Volunteer Fire Department, and state and federal agencies responded to the scene. No injuries were reported. The firefighters involved were transported back to Elko to make arrangements for their trip home.

NV Energy has issued a Public Safety Outage Management Watch for parts of East Elko and Spring Creek due to forecasted fire weather conditions. The potential power shutoff could occur Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., affecting more than 8,000 customers if conditions warrant. Officials stress this is only a watch and not a confirmed outage. The precautionary measure is designed to reduce wildfire risk during periods of extreme fire danger. Residents are encouraged to charge electronic devices, stock up on water, food and medications, fuel vehicles, and know how to manually open garage doors in case power is interrupted.

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Northern California Wednesday morning, shaking communities across a wide area of the state.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake was centered near Redwood Valley in Mendocino County and occurred at a depth of about five miles. Many residents received ShakeAlert warnings on their phones seconds before the earthquake hit.

The shaking was felt from the North Coast to the Sacramento Valley and the Bay Area. Several small aftershocks followed, but no major damage or injuries had been reported as of Wednesday afternoon.

A Las Vegas man is facing federal charges in what prosecutors describe as a $1.2 billion health care fraud scheme. The U.S. Department of Justice says 47-year-old Brian Rowan was indicted in Arizona on multiple counts, including health care fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, kickback violations, and money laundering.

According to the indictment, Rowan served as vice president of sales for a company that marketed amniotic wound allografts and allegedly helped orchestrate hundreds of millions of dollars in illegal kickbacks to sales representatives and medical providers to boost product sales.

Federal prosecutors say the scheme resulted in more than $1.2 billion in false claims submitted to Medicare, TRICARE, CHAMPVA, and private insurers between 2021 and 2024. About $614 million was reportedly paid out. Authorities allege Rowan personally received more than $24 million from the scheme. The indictment was filed June 17.

That’s your morning news from the state of Nevada

6-23 News - County Commission meets Tomorrow

 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 hot week ahead with highs in the 90’s.  Today’s high should be 93.

The White Pine County Commission has a packed agenda for its upcoming meeting this week, covering everything from infrastructure to community festivals.

Topping the schedule, commissioners will vote on renewing the county’s insurance coverage through the Nevada Public Agency Insurance Pool, and Road Superintendent Martin Troutt will deliver the latest updates on local road and infrastructure projects.

In personnel matters, the board is set to recognize Payroll Specialist Terri Martinez and Social Services Director Desiree Barnson for their additional service to the county. They will also consider appointing Lloyd Eugene Phillips Junior to a vacant seat on the Airport Advisory Board, and are looking to advertise an opening for a new building inspector.

On the financial front, County Treasurer Catherine Bakaric will present the proposed property tax rates for the 2026 to 2027 fiscal year. Commissioners will also review several funding requests, including a ten-thousand-dollar library grant for A-D-A improvements and over ninety thousand dollars in grant applications for the senior meal program.

Finally, looking ahead to the summer, the board is expected to authorize the closure of Clark Street for the annual Arts in the Park Festival, scheduled for July 31st through August second.

You can catch the entire meeting live right here on K-E-L-Y tomorrow morning starting at nine o'clock.

The White Pine County Sheriff's Office responded to numerous calls over the weekend, including reports of vandalism, trespassing, fraud, domestic disturbances, vehicle accidents, and suspicious activity.

Among the incidents, deputies investigated a scam in which a resident reportedly sent money to someone posing as a law enforcement officer, claiming they had an outstanding warrant.

The weekend's most serious case resulted in the arrest of 35-year-old Joshua Doty of Ely. Deputies say Doty was booked on charges of battery on an older person resulting in substantial bodily harm and abuse of an older person resulting in substantial bodily harm. Bail was set at 20-thousand dollars.

Deputies also assisted a lost motorist in a remote mountainous area of White Pine County and handled several animal-related calls.

Firefighters continue battling two large wildfires burning south of Caliente in Lincoln County. The Kane Springs Fire has grown to more than 14,300 acres and is now 25 percent contained, while the Grapevine Fire has burned about 14,500 acres and remains uncontained.

Crews are strengthening fire lines on the Kane Springs Fire and working rugged terrain in the Clover Mountain Wilderness Area on the Grapevine Fire. Hot, dry conditions and the threat of isolated dry lightning later this week continue to challenge firefighting efforts as crews work to protect lives, property, and natural resources.

Staff from U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen’s office will be in Ely later this week to meet with residents and provide assistance with federal agencies.

The senator’s staff will hold office hours Thursday, June 25th, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the White Pine County Library on Campton Street. While Senator Rosen will not attend, staff members will be available for one-on-one consultations regarding issues involving federal agencies and government services.

Residents will also have an opportunity to share concerns and opinions on federal matters for follow-up by the senator’s office.

A transformer behind Ridleys was damaged yesterday afternoon, causing a power outage that impacted the store only.

Mount Wheeler Power crews say early indications suggest the transformer may have been struck by a vehicle, though no vehicle was found at the scene and the cause remains under investigation.

Utility crews worked through the afternoon heat to complete repairs safely and quickly. Power was restored last night.

Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar is pushing back against a reported Department of Homeland Security proposal that would require states to turn over voter information and make major changes to election procedures.

Aguilar says elections are the responsibility of states, not the federal government, and argues Nevada law prohibits the release of certain voter data. The proposal reportedly calls for states to rely on hand-marked paper ballots and use a federal database to verify voter rolls.

Aguilar says Nevada will continue to defend its authority over elections, adding that federal election security funding at stake amounts to about 140-thousand dollars—far less than the cost of implementing the proposed changes.

A state inspection report released to Nevada lawmakers has raised concerns about child safety and welfare at several children's care facilities across Southern Nevada.

Tabitha Mueller at the Nevada Independent writes this morning that the December 2025 report found inspectors questioned whether children were adequately protected at nine of the 25 facilities reviewed. Concerns included fire safety violations, medication procedures, reporting requirements, and missing documentation. In one case, inspectors found a loaded firearm accessible to children in a foster home.

The findings come as Nevada faces a separate lawsuit alleging widespread abuse in juvenile detention facilities. Child welfare advocates say the report highlights ongoing concerns about the state's ability to protect children in government care and are calling for stronger oversight and accountability.

Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley is taking steps to bring the NBA to Las Vegas. Foley announced today that he's pursuing an expansion franchise and has hired financial and legal advisors to help build an ownership group around his existing Southern Nevada sports holdings. Foley says Las Vegas has proven itself as a major sports market and points to the success of the Golden Knights, who captured the Stanley Cup in 2023. The proposed NBA franchise would utilize T-Mobile Arena and include a dedicated practice and player-health campus. Foley says his group will be ready whenever the NBA moves forward with expansion.

That’s your morning news from the state of Nevada

6-19 News - Primary Election Results official

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. 

A Red Flag Warning has been posted from 11am until 11pm today with winds up to 35 mph, but today, hot with a high near 91. 

Local government offices and most banks are closed today in observance of Juneteenth.  That includes the Ely Landfill. 

Services including county offices, post offices, and financial institutions will remain closed throughout the holiday, with normal business hours set to resume on Monday.

At yesterday’s White Pine County Commission special meeting commissioners voted unanimously to certify the results of last week’s Primary Election.

According to White Pine County Clerk Nichole Stephey, over 35% of registered voters turned out, an even 1900 ballots cast.  She credited her staff and poll workers for their hard work, which made for a smooth process.  And though over a thousand of those 1900 votes were cast by mail, there was a downside in that.  Of the 4300 mail ballots distributed, over 3021 were not returned.  Commissioners Hank Vogler and Tim Pauley did not attend, citing work obligations. 

Stephy clarified for us that since Todd Fincher received more that 50 percent of the vote in the primary election for Sheriff, state law says he is declared elected, while Dr. David Pratt and Burton Hilton will both appear unopposed on the General Election ballot for County Commission Seat One and Assessor, respectively 

The White Pine County Sheriff's Office responded to a variety of incidents on June 17th, including a vehicle fire on a state route that remains under investigation. Deputies were assisted by White Pine County Fire, Nevada State Police, and Search and Rescue in extinguishing the blaze.

Other calls included a domestic disturbance, a child bitten by a family member's dog, and a harassment complaint that resulted in a citation being issued.

Deputies also recovered a scooter reported stolen by a juvenile at a city park and issued a warning to an underage side-by-side driver operating on a city street.

Additional calls involved welfare checks, traffic hazards, reckless drivers, and reports of smoke in a mountain range, which was referred to the Bureau of Land Management.

Fire crews are continuing to battle two lightning-sparked wildfires burning south of Caliente in Lincoln County along the Nevada–Utah border.

The Bureau of Land Management says the Kane Springs Fire is now estimated at about 6,000 acres with zero percent containment, while the Grapevine Fire has grown to roughly 3,949 acres, also uncontained.

Officials report extreme fire behavior on both incidents, including wind-driven runs, torching, and spotting in steep, rugged terrain. Gusty southwest winds, low humidity, and critically dry fuels are making suppression efforts difficult.

Interagency crews have been working through the night, using road systems and previous burn scars as containment lines where possible, while aircraft drop water and retardant when conditions allow.

No evacuations are currently in place.

U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen have introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring the life and legacy of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch.

The resolution was introduced alongside North Carolina Senators Ted Budd and Thom Tillis.

Busch, a native of Las Vegas and one of the most accomplished drivers in NASCAR history, died in May after being hospitalized with a serious illness.

The senators say the resolution recognizes Busch’s impact on motorsports and honors his contributions both on and off the track. The measure highlights his Nevada roots and celebrates a racing career that inspired fans across the country.

And over the past two weeks Regular 85 unleaded gasoline in Ely has dropped roughly 40 cents a gallon, from $4.39 to $3.99 per gallon. That price at one outlet will drop tomorrow.  The Golden Gate next to the White Pine Golf Course will be offering free food and prizes tomorrow from 11am until 4pm, but the most anticipated prize will be discounted gasoline.  Representatives of Golden Gate aren’t being precise on what the discount will be…

Los Angeles County prosecutors have announced 12 felony counts of tax fraud against Las Vegas comedian Carlos Mencia.

District Attorney Nathan Hochman says the charges include six counts tied to alleged unfiled personal tax returns and six more related to corporate filings. Prosecutors allege Mencia failed to report about $8.7 million in income between 2019 and 2024, resulting in more than $300,000 in unpaid state taxes.

Officials say the case is the first brought by a new Business Tax Fraud Unit created to target complex financial crimes. If convicted on all counts, Mencia could face more than 10 years in prison.

Mencia, who performs in Las Vegas and is known for his stand-up career and former Comedy Central show “Mind of Mencia,” has not commented on the charges.

And for Sahara Motors, that’s your morning news from the state of Nevada