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Thursday, August 27, 2026

8/27 News - Commission tables Dress Code, vehicle policies

 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 mix of sun and clouds with a slight chance of afternoon or evening showers or thunderstorms.  Today’s high around 91.  


Here’s your Thursday morning Wildfire Update.  45 miles to the North of Ely, the community of Cherry Creek remains on level 1, Ready, of the three-step Ready Set Go evacuation protocol, as the 300-acre Kearny fire is burning just a couple of miles to the west of the community.  The fire is now 5% contained  

Meanwhile, farther north, the Oxley fire near Wells has consumed over 11,384 acres but is now 15% contained.  and could threaten traffic on US-93.   Drivers heading north on US-93 into Idaho should monitor NVRoads dot com for possible closures, and use caution, slow down and move over for emergency vehicles and personnel.




The White Pine County Commission met Wednesday and heard concerns about county operations, roads and public safety.

Road Superintendent Steve Campbell reported crews have been dealing with significant monsoonal storm damage, including washouts, erosion and drainage problems, particularly in the Baker area. Road crews have also provided equipment and personnel for wildfire response.

The Commission tabled proposed policies covering county vehicles and employee dress codes following public concerns. IT Director Jason Hutchins warned restrictions on county vehicles could delay emergency technology repairs affecting law enforcement, fire, EMS and dispatch.

Commissioners also approved a ten-thousand-dollar grant application to upgrade election equipment and selected Commissioner Jose Noriega as White Pine County's representative to a state land-use advisory council.

The board also approved moving forward with a public hearing on the Charters of Freedom project, scheduled for September ninth.

The Commission tabled consideration of receiving a $5000 donation from Ampry Solar doing business as White Pine Solar and asked the District Attorney to review the implications of accepting the donation. 




The Ely City Council will meet Thursday evening at five at the Ely Volunteer Fire Hall, with several items on the agenda.

The council will consider recommendations from the Historic Preservation Commission concerning potential historic districts along Aultman Street, from First to 11th Street, and along Nevada Northern Railway on East 11th Street. Council members will also consider a system for identifying and registering historic resources in Ely.

Other business includes appointing two city representatives to a joint Building Official Dispute Resolution Committee with White Pine County.  The County appointed Commissioners Tim Pauley and Jose Noriega as their representatives. 

The council will also review an updated City Treasurer job description and recruitment notice.

Following the Ward Fire, council members are expected to consider sending thank-you letters to fire departments in Clark County and the cities of North Las Vegas, Las Vegas and Henderson for their response efforts.

The council will also consider awarding a construction bid for Phase Three of the Steptoe Valley Trap and Skeet Range Hunter Education Building.




The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office responded to several calls Tuesday, including accidents, traffic complaints and a welfare check involving an elk hunter.

Deputies were unable to locate the hunter when a family member reported being unable to reach them.

Three accidents were reported, including a state highway collision referred to Nevada State Police, a vehicle that struck a building and left the scene, and a deer collision on a city street.

Deputies also responded to a reckless driver and a semi-truck blocking a county roadway. The truck driver was warned and moved the vehicle.

Other calls included a school bullying complaint, a domestic disturbance, and suspicious vehicles. Deputies reported no problems with an alarm and two of the vehicle complaints.



Nevada lawmakers are considering new rules for license plate reader cameras, including Flock systems.

An interim legislative committee has unanimously recommended drafting a bill requiring agencies using the technology to adopt written policies, train users and undergo independent audits.

The bill would also require annual reports to the governor, attorney general and Legislature.

Nevada currently has no state laws specifically regulating license plate readers, which critics say can track vehicles and raise privacy concerns.

The proposal has bipartisan support, but lawmakers say there will be plenty of discussion during the next legislative session.



If you thought Yahtzee was just something you played at Grandma’s kitchen table, Las Vegas is about to change the rules — and possibly your wallet.

The Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas is now offering 3-Dice Yahtzee, becoming the first Las Vegas casino to put the classic family game on the casino floor.

Instead of keeping score with a pencil and cup of dice, players bet on whether the red or blue side wins — or whether they tie.

A Yahtzee, with three matching dice, is the top hand, followed by a three-dice straight. Otherwise, the dice are added up and the higher total wins.

And, naturally, there are bonus bets, progressive jackpots and even a special payout for six sixes.

So apparently, the family game has finally grown up — and Dad no longer has to yell, “Quit shaking the dice!”



Wednesday, August 26, 2026

8/26 - Oxley Fire near wells over 11,000 acres

 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 mix of sun and clouds with a slight chance of afternoon or evening showers or thunderstorms.  Today’s high around 91.  



Here’s your Wednesday morning Wildfire Update.  45 miles to the North of Ely, the community of Cherry Creek remains on level 1, Ready, of the three-step Ready Set Go evacuation protocol, as the 300-acre Kearny fire is burning just a couple of miles to the west of the community.  

Meanwhile, farther north, the Oxley fire near Wells has consumed over 11,384 acres and could threaten traffic on US-93. Elko County Fire tells us the fire made a significant push north toward the Bishop Creek Dam area.   Metropolis, Wells, area ranches and homesteads are threatened.    Drivers heading north on US-93 into Idaho should monitor NVRoads dot com for possible closures, and use caution, slow down and move over for emergency vehicles and personnel.




The White Pine County Commission will meet Wednesday at the White Pine County Library Conference Room in Ely.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m., with a number of issues up for discussion and possible action.

The commission is scheduled to consider accepting a five-thousand-dollar donation from Ampry Solar doing business as White Pine Solar Project for promotion of Yelland Field Airport.

County commissioners are expected to consider appointments to several committees, including a Building Official Dispute Resolution Committee and the State Land Use Planning Advisory Council as Governor Lombardo did not reappoint outgoing commissioner Hank Vogler.

The commission will also consider submitting a report prepared with the White Pine Chamber of Commerce outlining the area's strengths and opportunities for state and federal support.

Other agenda items include a proposed public hearing on the Charters of Freedom project, and a bill draft request for the 2027 Nevada Legislature concerning quarterly investment reports from county treasurers.

County Clerk Nichole Stephey is asking commissioners to consider a ten-thousand-dollar grant application to help cover costs of upgrading or replacing election equipment to meet federal voting-system guidelines.

The commission will also consider changes to its November and December meeting schedules around the holidays and the 2026 general election canvass.

Other items include awarding the White Pine County Golf Course bar and grill contract to Perigo’s Corner Market and JT’s Steakhouse, changes to personnel policies, advertising for a district attorney's office investigator, and a proposal to spend up to twenty-five thousand dollars for an artificial intelligence program designed to identify grant opportunities.

The meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast live on KELY beginning Wednesday morning at 9am.




The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several reports of threats and suspicious activity.

On Monday, deputies received reports of threatening text messages and social media threats, including threats of violence directed toward a local school. That investigation remains active.

Deputies also investigated reports involving two children displaying unusual behavior at a local school, a battery at an Ely residence, and a trespassing complaint.

Several fire reports were received, including active flames in the area of the Ward Mountain Wildland Fire. Those reports were referred to the Bureau of Land Management.

Deputies also responded to reports of reckless drivers, suspicious vehicles and a welfare check outside a local casino. The person involved was contacted and found to be fine.





Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has ordered flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Dolly Parton.

The order follows a proclamation from President Donald Trump honoring the legendary singer, songwriter and philanthropist, who recently died.

Lombardo called Parton an American icon who touched millions through her philanthropy, generosity and music. He and his wife, Donna, extended condolences to Parton’s family, friends and fans.

The U.S. and Nevada flags will remain at half-staff until sunset September first.

The governor’s office says other flags, including municipal and corporate flags, should also be lowered during the same period.


Data centers are becoming a key issue in Nevada’s congressional races, including the open race for Congressional District Two.

The Nevada Independent reports that Democrat Teresa Benitez-Thompson and Republican David Flippo agree that local communities should have a major role in deciding where data centers are built.

Benitez-Thompson says she does not want federal action preventing state and local governments from taking action on data centers.

Flippo, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, says the best decisions are made at the most local level possible.

The candidates’ comments come amid growing debate over the use of federal land for data centers in Nevada.


Bing Crosby's former Elko County ranch, known as Lawson Ranch, recently sold for $14.2 million, according to a report from the Elko Daily Free Press.  This final sale price is significantly higher than its previous listing of $7.28 million in 2019.  The property, a 3,000-acre working cattle ranch located 45 miles north of Elko, was originally purchased by the entertainer in the 1940s as a summer retreat from Hollywood.


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


Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Just a reminder

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



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!




8/25 News - Two wildfires north of Ely

 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 mix of sun and clouds with a slight chance of afternoon or evening showers or thunderstorms.  Today’s high around 90.  



While much of the state has its eyes on Reno and the massive Hawk Fire burning there, two wildfires to the North of Ely have our attention this morning.  45 miles to the North of Ely, the community of Cherry Creek is on level 1, Ready, of the three-step Ready Set Go evacuation protocol, according to Sami Jo Blackham of the White Pine County Sheriff’s Office. The 80-acre Kearny fire is burning just a couple of miles to the west of the community.  



Meanwhile, farther north, the Oxley fire near Wells has consumed over 3,500 acres and could threaten traffic on US-93. Firefighters say the fire threatens homes and ranches in the area, though the city of Wells itself is not.    Drivers heading north on US-93 into Idaho should monitor NVRoads dot com for possible closures, and use caution, slow down and move over for emergency vehicles and personnel.





The White Pine County Commission will meet Wednesday at the White Pine County Library Conference Room in Ely.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m., with a number of issues up for discussion and possible action.

The commission is scheduled to consider accepting a five-thousand-dollar donation from Ampry Solar doing business as White Pine Solar Project for promotion of Yelland Field Airport.

County commissioners are expected to consider appointments to several committees, including a Building Official Dispute Resolution Committee and the State Land Use Planning Advisory Council as Governor Lombardo did not reappoint outgoing commissioner Hank Vogler.

The commission will also consider submitting a report prepared with the White Pine Chamber of Commerce outlining the area's strengths and opportunities for state and federal support.

Other agenda items include a proposed public hearing on the Charters of Freedom project, and a bill draft request for the 2027 Nevada Legislature concerning quarterly investment reports from county treasurers.

County Clerk Nichole Stephey is asking commissioners to consider a ten-thousand-dollar grant application to help cover costs of upgrading or replacing election equipment to meet federal voting-system guidelines.

The commission will also consider changes to its November and December meeting schedules around the holidays and the 2026 general election canvass.

Other items include awarding the White Pine County Golf Course bar and grill contract to Perigo’s Corner Market and JT’s Steakhouse, changes to personnel policies, advertising for a district attorney's office investigator, and a proposal to spend up to twenty-five thousand dollars for an artificial intelligence program designed to identify grant opportunities.

The meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast live on KELY beginning Wednesday morning at 9am.




The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office is reporting several arrests and fire-related calls over the weekend.

On Friday, four people were arrested following a reported fight at an Ely residence. They face various charges including battery, assault with a deadly weapon, child abuse and conspiracy. Bail ranged from 155-thousand to 190-thousand dollars.

Also Friday, Tommy Polk Junior of Ely was arrested on a Justice Court warrant with five-thousand dollars bail.

Deputies received multiple reports of fires and smoke over the weekend, including a lightning-caused fire and smoke near the Ward Mountain wildfire.

On Saturday, Gary North of Ely was found deceased at his home. The Sheriff’s Office says the death was from natural causes.

And Sunday, Jason Rodriguez of Ely was arrested for violating a temporary protection order and contempt of court. He was booked without bail.


Nevada ranks 45th among the 50 states as one of the worst places to live, according to a new WalletHub study.

The state scored especially poorly in affordability, the economy, education, healthcare and safety. Nevada’s economy ranked 45th, with higher-than-average unemployment, debt and foreclosure rates.

The state’s highest ranking was 19th for quality of life.

Idaho ranked first overall, while New Mexico came in last. Another recent study ranked Nevada the sixth-worst state to move to.


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