9-18 News - Nevada Unemployment falls below 5 percent - lowest in six years

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 slight chance of a morning shower will give way to mostly fair skies today, look for the high around 78.

Nevada’s unemployment rate fell below five percent in August, the first time it has done so since February 2020.

The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation reports the state economy continued adding jobs during the month.

Governor Joe Lombardo says the numbers reflect efforts to diversify Nevada’s economy, including tax cuts, regulatory changes and investments in infrastructure, energy and workforce development.

The governor says those efforts are intended to create more businesses, jobs and opportunities for Nevadans.

Nevada gas prices have jumped another 18 cents in the past week, with the statewide average now at five dollars and 19 cents a gallon, according to AAA Nevada.

The average is $5.56 in Reno and $5.15 in Las Vegas.

Here in Ely, the latest KELY gas price check found regular 85-octane gas ranging from 4.65 a gallon at the Shell on East Aultman to 4.79 a gallon at the Silver Sage on the Reservation.

AAA says crude oil is averaging about 100 dollars a barrel amid continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz.

Governor Joe Lombardo has signed an executive order establishing new requirements for data center development in Nevada.

The order requires developers seeking partial tax abatements to pay the Local School Support Tax in full and sign a community support agreement.

Developers also must meet local water standards, cover the cost of providing utility service without shifting those costs to ratepayers, and address potential impacts on the electrical grid and communities during emergencies.

The Data Center Coalition says it supports responsible development, but has concerns some of the new policies could create additional hurdles for data centers in Nevada.

Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony says he’d like the state to consider pursuing NASA’s new U.S. Space Academy.

NASA is asking each state for one submission identifying potential locations, infrastructure and regulatory considerations. The agency hopes to begin instruction for about 300 students in temporary facilities in 2028, with a permanent campus targeted for 2031.

Anthony points to Nevada’s federal land, military facilities and aerospace activity as potential assets. State submissions are due to NASA October 26.

In High School sports it’s Football Friday as the Bobcat Football team hosts the Meadows Mustangs.  Before that 7pm kickoff, the Ladycats Volleyball team hosts the Pahranagat Valley Panthers beginning at 5.  

And the Girls Soccer Team heads to West Wendover for a 1:15 contest tomorrow.  

Want to live like Caesar in Las Vegas? You’ll need about two-point-one million dollars.

The former home of Caesars Palace founder Jay Sarno is now on the market. The eight-bedroom, seven-bathroom mansion is more than 7,200 square feet and once hosted Rat Pack legends including Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Junior.

Sarno’s daughter says the home was all about luxury — and plenty of food. She jokes, “The food had more exercise than the people.”

The house even featured mirrors on the bedroom ceiling. Talk about living large!

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

 

Just a reminder

To those old-school intimidators who don't like our news reporting...

Listen to KELY anytime, anywhere

 Wyatt recommends the Simple Radio app by Streema.  He's had it on his phone for years.  It's available for both Android and Apple.  Download it, search for KELY, and BOOM, we're there!

Android Users Click Here

 

Apple Users Click Here 

 

Desktop Users Click Here 

 

You have NO EXCUSE not to listen! 

And for heaven's sake, get a radio like this one!  

Pay study the Commission wants buried...and the Treasurers comments the Commission wouldn't let her make...

Originally published in February 2026.

 The County Commission wants to bury this study that they commissioned.  We won't let them.  This is the story we reported on February 4th.  

----

White Pine County employees are being paid well below market rates, according to a new compensation and classification study.

KELY Radio has obtained a copy of the report commissioned by the county.  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.  

County leaders will now decide whether and when to implement the recommendations, weighing budget impacts alongside workforce stability, or even acknowledge the study they themselves commissioned!

Decide for yourself - click here for the study!

And during closing public comment, the County Commission "accidentally"skipped White Pine Treasurer Catherine Backaric who was waiting to make Public Comment.  While we aired CBS News, I called Catherine and offered her the opportunity to make her comment over the air - and she agreed.  Listen below.  

And if you didn't hear our commentary on the Commission and this study, listen below!

If it hit the fan like it did in Western North Carolina, would you be prepared?

 After a week, people in Western North Carolina have no power, internet, or reliable cell service.  What's keep them informed?  Radio.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2024/10/07/wnc-listeners-call-into-local-radio-station-seeking-solace-connection/75543836007/

Radio is a lifeline, but how can you be connected to the lifeline if you don't HAVE a radio?  Sadly, people think of radio as an antiquity, a relic of the past.  But when push comes to shove, radio will be here long after the other devices have failed.  

But how do you get a radio?  What little retail business we have in White Pine County doesn't even sell them.  Well, The Greek might, but the others?  Nope. 

Try this inexpensive radio.  Under $20, uses 2 AA batteries.   Add this to your next Amazon order. (I know you're shopping Amazon and not local.  It's no secret.) 

https://amzn.to/3Azpdg5

If nothing else, you might learn some truths that Facebook and TikTok won't tell you.  Because they don't give a damn about you.  You know that. 

OPINION: Local Radio Isn’t Dead—It’s More Vital Than Ever

By Wyatt Cox

In an age when people scroll endlessly through social media feeds, it’s surprising how many folks right here in Ely have never tuned in to their local radio stations. Many assume that if it doesn’t show up on Facebook, it’s not worth knowing.

That’s not just wrong—it’s dangerous.

Social media may be quick, but it’s shallow. It can’t match the depth, context, or local commitment that radio offers—especially when it comes to accurate news and timely information.

Better listening tips

 Originally published in 2025.  Facts remain relevant today. 

So.  I went out and drove our signal last night I had a clear and audible signal from Majors Place to Lages Junction.  The minor improvements in our audio processing have made a significant improvement in our signal.  

So, why are you not able to hear us better?  

1) Try turning your radio. Many radios have a ferrite antenna inside that runs the length of the radio. It is a very directional antenna.  Try rotating the radio to improve the signal.  No, I'm not going to move the 200 foot tower to help. 

2) Move the radio away from florescent or LED lighting, computers, or television sets.  The FCC knows these (mostly Chinese-made) devices interfere with AM (and in some cases FM) broadcast signals in violation of Part 15 of their rules and regulations and the FCC doesn't give a crap.  So listeners blame the stations instead of the FCC.  I'm used to it.  So, there you go.

3) Add a simple antenna.  Here are a couple of suggestions.

Unequal treatment for all?

Originally published in 2024.  You need to know how radio is treated differently from other media. 

Why are we treated differently than newspapers and social media?

 

Do you know that candidates for Federal office - President, Senate, and House - get the best advertising rate on radio and television stations that we give anyone? No newspaper or social media platform has their advertising rates dictated by federal law.

 Did you know that as a broadcast station licensed by the Federal Government, we cannot refuse to accept advertising for ANY candidate for Federal office? No newspaper or social media platform is required to accept advertising from anyone!

 Did you know that if a candidate for state or local office purchases advertising on a broadcast station, another candidate for the state office has to be granted equivalent time at the exact same rate. Again, No newspaper or social media platform is required to accept advertising from anyone nor have their rate dictated.

Did you know that broadcasters are required to identify who purchases advertising? No newspaper or social media platform is required to identify who bought advertising!

When you buy advertising on Social Media, the money goes out of your community and into a billionaire's pocket.

When you purchase advertising on KELY or KDSS, that money goes to keep these local resources on the air.  We aren't millionaires.  We're your neighbors. 

 

Think about it!

9/17 News - Another complaint filed over Flippo's missing reports

 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. 

The Fire Weather Watch has been cancelled, but we still expect wind gusts of up to 40 mph today under mostly fair skies, with a slight chance of a sprinkle.  The high will be around 78.

Republican Congressional candidate David Flippo is facing a second complaint over his required personal financial disclosure.

The Campaign Legal Center filed a complaint with the U.S. House Ethics Committee on September 11th, alleging Flippo failed to file the disclosure. The group says 66 House candidates from both major parties are facing similar complaints.

Federal Election Commission records show Flippo’s campaign reported more than one-point-six million dollars in candidate loans through June 30th.

The Campaign Legal Center says Flippo has not filed the separate personal disclosure required by law.

Flippo’s campaign says he filed for an extension and has criticized the Campaign Legal Center. The campaign has not provided KOLO with a copy of that extension.

The complaint follows a separate investigation request filed by Northern Nevada voter Susan Fisher earlier this month over the same disclosure issue.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office is reporting several investigations and arrests from Monday and Tuesday.

A 19-year-old Ely man, Elijah Rubio, was arrested on a grand larceny charge stemming from an embezzlement investigation involving a local business. Bail was set at 10-thousand dollars.

Deputies also investigated a temporary protection order violation, a domestic disturbance, a missing juvenile who was later reunited with a parent, and multiple trespassing complaints.

Tuesday brought reports of fraud involving an elderly person, theft of a Wi-Fi antenna, threats at an Ely apartment complex, and a vehicle accident.

Deputies conducted several welfare checks, with the people contacted reported to be safe. Other calls included suspicious activity near a school, reckless driving and assistance to Nevada State Police.

A second booking was reported for Denim Jensen, facing charges including DUI, eluding police and obstructing a public officer. Bail was set at 11-thousand, 562 dollars.

An Elko County Sheriff’s deputy pulled over a vehicle in Elko Monday night after noticing it was traveling without proper nighttime lighting.

Deputies say the driver, identified as Pedro Rivera-Cortes of Spring Creek, was driving on a suspended license, and the vehicle displayed a fictitious license plate.

During an inventory of the vehicle, deputies reportedly found about four ounces of methamphetamine in seven baggies.

Rivera-Cortes was arrested on charges including drug trafficking, driving an unregistered vehicle, operating an unsafe vehicle and driving with a suspended license.

The White Pine Aquatics Center will remain closed this week as crews continue repairs to the facility’s system. Officials say the pool will reopen when repairs are complete. Representatives say they will notify members and the community when a reopening date is available.

Nevada could face a share of a nearly two-billion-dollar bond as it joins 11 other states fighting Paramount Skydance’s proposed 110-billion-dollar acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Paramount is asking a federal judge to require the states and the Writers Guild of America to post a one-point-88-billion-dollar bond, arguing the company faces significant financial losses while the merger is delayed.

The Justice Department is supporting the requirement, saying plaintiffs seeking to block the deal should post a bond to cover potential damages if an injunction is overturned.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford joined the antitrust lawsuit, which argues the merger could reduce competition and consumer choices.

The judge is scheduled to consider Paramount’s bond request September 24th. The states have argued they should be required to post only a nominal bond.

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