2-20 News - County commission set to approve NO tax cut for the coming year

 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.

Sun and clouds on tap today but not much warmth.  Look for the high today only 31.

Don't get in a hurry to call any State offices in Carson City.  Governor Lombardo has put a two hour delay on opening again today due to road conditions there.  That followed all offices in Western Nevada closing at noon yesterday.  It’s the fourth straight day of delays and closures in Northwestern Nevada as snow totals there over the past three days have ranged from a foot of snow in Reno,  over 18 inches in Carson city,  with some mountain areas getting as much as 40 inches since Sunday.  

The University of Nevada, Reno is delaying non-essential campus operations Friday morning due to weather and road conditions.

University operations in Reno will begin at 10 a.m. Web classes and remote work will continue as scheduled, but all in-person classes before 10 a.m. are canceled.

The Redfield campus and the University’s Lake Tahoe campus will also open at 10 a.m.

University officials say conditions will continue to be monitored and are urging students and staff to use caution, allow extra travel time, and watch for snow and ice on walkways. Updates will be posted on the university’s website and social media channels.

The White Pine County Commission has a full agenda for its upcoming meeting on Wednesday.

Among items on the agenda is a ratification of correspondence with the Department of Taxation that the county will maintain the same tax rates for the next fiscal year as this year.  This follows multiple meetings last year when the commissioners insisted that taxes had to be reduced.  

Commissioners will consider appointing Social Services Director Desiree Barnson as interim grant manager with additional compensation. They’ll also review a corrective action plan tied to a fiscal year 2025 audit violation and take action related to upcoming ad valorem tax rates.

Other items include approving a resolution to assign signatories for county SNPLMA projects, and recognizing Payroll Specialist Terri Martinez as interim human resources officer.

District Attorney Melissa Brown is seeking approval to grant temporary, read-only email access to a financial consultant to ensure continuity of county financial operations.

Much of the agenda is fallout following the dismissal of Finance Director Kathy Workman, the resignation of Deputy Finance Director Courtney Thornal, and the resignation of the County Human Resources Director.  

Nevada’s prison system is facing renewed scrutiny after new data shows a spike in overtime costs tied to ongoing staffing shortages.

Figures presented to the Interim Finance Committee show the Nevada Department of Corrections paid more than $18 million in overtime from July through September 2025 — the highest quarterly total in at least two years and a $7 million jump from the previous quarter.

Leaders with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 21 say the surge is driven by severe staffing shortages, with a third-party review calling for more than 700 additional positions. They also point to rising hospital transports and inmate deaths as contributing factors.

Union leaders criticized agency leadership, lawmakers, and Governor Joe Lombardo, warning that without more staff and resources, safety inside state prisons could be at risk.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a wide range of calls Wednesday, February 18th.

Deputies handled two motorist assists on state highways, both referred to Nevada State Police, and investigated reports of shots fired in a township, where no problems were found.

In Ely, deputies responded to multiple incidents, including harassment complaints, two vehicle accidents, a welfare check at a local motel that proved unfounded, and a report of a family member contemplating self-harm, where assistance was provided.

A sex crime is also under investigation.

In a separate incident, 25-year-old Anthony D. Garcia of Ely was arrested following a domestic disturbance and booked on a charge of domestic battery. Bail was set at $3,000.

Parents across the Washoe County School District voiced frustration Thursday after the district announced a two-hour delay around 5 a.m. as snow moved through the region, rather than canceling classes.

Some parents questioned why schools were closed the previous day during lighter snowfall but remained open during heavier conditions.

District leaders say they begin monitoring weather as early as 3 a.m., working with NDOT and the National Weather Service to review forecasts, road temperatures, and plowing efforts.

Chief Operating Officer Adam Searcy said Thursday’s decision was based on early conditions and projected snowfall of one to four inches, depending on elevation. He noted the district must balance safety across areas ranging from below 4,500 feet to above 5,500 feet, calling weather calls “always a really difficult decision.”

This morning most Western Nevada schools are either on a delay, remote learning, or cancelled altogether.  

And while the big Las Vegas Strip casinos are pulling back, an off-Strip favorite is continuing its big makeover.

Ellis Island Casino & Hotel has unveiled phase two of its $35 million expansion and renovation project.

The latest phase builds on earlier upgrades that doubled the casino floor, added a high-limit gaming area, a new sportsbook, rooftop bar, and a massive LED exterior display.

Now, crews are working to bring the rest of the casino floor fully online, along with updates to the Karaoke Lounge, Ellis Island BBQ, and its bargain-priced Village Pub and Café.

The multi-phase transformation marks a major milestone for the longtime Las Vegas property, thriving while its neighbors are slumping.

2-17 News - Don't forget the Winter Travel Kit

 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.

With winter weather impacting roads across the region, safety officials remind drivers to keep a winter travel kit in their vehicle before heading out in snowy conditions.

A basic kit should include blankets, extra warm clothing, water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and a phone charger. Drivers should also carry an ice scraper, jumper cables, sand or cat litter for traction, and reflective warning devices.

Before traveling, check road conditions and let someone know your route. In freezing temperatures, a simple emergency kit can make a critical difference if you become stranded.

State offices across parts of northern Nevada are closed Tuesday due to severe winter weather.

Governor Joe Lombardo ordered closures in Carson, Douglas, Lyon, Storey and Washoe counties as snow, freezing temperatures and gusty winds move through the region.

The Nevada Department of Transportation and the Nevada Department of Public Safety warn of icy roads and low visibility.

Essential public safety and corrections staff will remain on duty. Everyone else is advised to avoid unnecessary travel and use caution if heading out.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a variety of calls over the weekend.

On Friday, deputies investigated a report of an underage person gambling at a local casino. The individual left before deputies arrived and the case remains under investigation. A semi-truck jackknifed on a state highway and was referred to the Nevada State Police. Deputies also confirmed the death of Tsuneko Irlbeck at a county home from natural causes. In Ely, 36-year-old Bobby J. Boone of McGill was arrested on an Ely Justice Court warrant.

Over the weekend, deputies also handled reports of threats, a protection order violation, a dog bite involving a child, suspicious vehicles, and a possible burial site. Several investigations remain ongoing.

Former Assembly Majority Leader Teresa Benitez-Thompson is entering the race for Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District, following the surprise retirement of Republican Congressman Mark Amodei.

Benitez-Thompson, now chief of staff to Attorney General Aaron Ford, says the open seat creates a new opportunity in a district Democrats have never won. The Cook Political Report rates the district R+7, but she argues voters are ready for different leadership amid concerns about federal policy, the cost of living, and funding for programs like Medicaid and SNAP.

A former social worker and the first Latina Assembly majority leader, Benitez-Thompson served in Carson City for more than a decade. She joins a growing Democratic primary field in a race expected to draw national attention in 2026.

A chief of staff in the Nevada lieutenant governor’s office is facing ethics complaints over a recent visit from federal education officials to North Las Vegas. Critics allege the aide used his government position to promote a private charter school’s AI tutoring program during the stop, raising concerns about mixing official duties with private interests. The matter has been referred to the Nevada Commission on Ethics for review. Filing a complaint does not itself mean a violation has occurred, and the panel will determine whether the conduct breached state ethics laws as it examines the allegations.

Former President Barack Obama said during a weekend podcast interview that extraterrestrial life is “real,” but he has never seen it and dismissed claims that aliens are hidden at Nevada’s Area 51 military facility.

Obama responded to a rapid-fire question about aliens by saying they exist somewhere in the universe but are not being kept at Area 51 unless there’s an enormous conspiracy unknown even to a U.S. president.

In a follow-up clarification, he said the vastness of space makes life elsewhere statistically likely, but there’s no evidence that aliens have made contact with Earth.

2-16 News - Bobcats Wrestling team finishes second at state

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.

A wind advisory is in effect until 10pm Tomorrow night and a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 4pm today until 10pm Wednesday night.  Look for cloudy skies and wind gusts up to 50 mph with the high today around 49.  

Most Governmental offices will be closed today. Banks are closed, the landfill is closed, but the Aquatic Center will be OPEN today from 1 until 4 for Open Swimming and Lap Swimming. 

White Pine High School came within a half-point of a state championship over the weekend at the 2026 NIAA 2A State Wrestling Championships at the Winnemucca Events Center.

The Bobcats finished second as a team with 167-and-a-half points, just behind Pershing County’s 168-and-a-half, in one of the tightest finishes of the tournament.

White Pine crowned three individual state champions. At 106 pounds, Jacob Reynoso secured the title with a third-round pin over Battle Mountain’s Lance Stewart. Cainen Sedlacek dominated the 175-pound final, needing just 45 seconds to record a first-period fall. Maddox Sedlacek added another championship at 215 pounds with a pin in one minute, 32 seconds.

The Bobcats also stacked up key runner-up finishes. Cooper Reed placed second at 126 pounds, Theron Hernandez finished second at 138, and Jacob Hall took runner-up honors at 190. White Pine added crucial team points with third-place finisher Landon Neilson at 132 and fourth-place finishes from Talviano Sifre at 144 and Marshall Miller at heavyweight.

Meanwhile The Ladycats wrestling team closed out its season at the 2026 NIAA Girls State Wrestling Championships at the Winnemucca Events Center.

The Ladycats did not score team points in the final standings, as Centennial captured the state title with 124-and-a-half points, followed by Reed and SLAM Nevada.

Although White Pine did not place a wrestler on the podium this year, the team qualified five athletes to compete against the state’s top talent, gaining valuable experience at Nevada’s premier event.

The focus now shifts to offseason development as the Bobcats continue building their girls wrestling program for next year.

The Basketball teams fell in the regional semifinals to the eventual champions.  The Bobcats fell on Friday to the Needles Mustangs 93-54 who then went on to beat Lake Mead 73-57 to take the 2A Southern Championship back to California. 

Meanwhile the Ladycats fell to long time Rival Lincoln County Lady Lynx 57-21.  The Lady Lynx went on to upset the top seeded Needles Lady Mustangs in the finals to bring the 2A Southern Championship back to Panaca.  

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office handled multiple calls February 12th, including several involving juveniles.

Deputies investigated reports of social media harassment, phone threats, and a battery between students that was forwarded to Juvenile Probation. A separate incident involved a student leaving campus without permission but later returning.

Other calls included a domestic disturbance, two vehicle accidents — including one involving a cow on a county road — and suspicious activity at two homes.

A reckless semi-truck driver and a disabled semi creating a hazard on a state highway were referred to the Nevada State Police.

Gas prices took a dip over the weekend with prices falling to as low as $2.57 for Regular 85 octane at the Golden Gate and at the Silver Sage.   Meanwhile East Ely still has the cheapest Diesel prices with the Golden Gate down to $3.36.  Statewide the average for Regular is $3.63 with the national average at $2.92.  Those $2 per gallon prices at West Wendover seem to be gone, though, as GasBuddy is reporting Maverik and Pilot are also at $2.57.  

Dwayne McClinton is stepping down as director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy after three years on the job. He confirmed the move Friday to The Nevada Independent.

McClinton, a Democrat appointed in 2023 by Republican Governor Joe Lombardo, says he’s headed to the private energy sector but declined to share specifics.

During his tenure, the office secured millions in federal infrastructure funding for grid resiliency, rural utilities and workforce development. His last day is set for March 13.

A mysterious company is drawing scrutiny in the tiny Northern Nevada town of Gerlach, near the Black Rock Desert and the annual Burning Man gathering.

The Nevada Independent reports BRDR Properties LLC purchased the 320-acre Iveson Ranch and sought county permits to conduct explosives testing about 11 miles from the Black Rock Playa and six miles from Fly Geyser. Company manager Mike Arth has described the venture only as an early-stage startup and “tinker space for engineers,” declining to disclose its mission or ownership.

Some residents have criticized the secrecy, though Washoe County has approved the permits with conditions. Public records suggest possible ties to billionaire Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, who has a history of attending Burning Man. Emails seeking comment were not returned.

 

2-12 News - County Commission ignores County Treasurer at Public Comment

 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.

5/100 of an inch of precipitation over the past two days, not much, but better than nothing.  Our last chance for precipitation out of this weather system will be this afternoon with scattered showers and snow flurries.  Look for a high today of 47.  

The White Pine County Commission met February 11th with strong public turnout, as residents voiced both support and concern over county leadership.

Community members backed Rope Ashworth and Caleb Sumrall for the Ag District 13 Fair and Rodeo Board, and Eric Trujillo for the Regional Transportation Commission, citing their experience and long-standing local involvement. Commissioners approved those appointments, with one abstention and one dissenting vote.

Public comment also focused on allegations of nepotism, lack of transparency, golf course subsidies, and recent staff turnover. Several speakers urged improved financial accountability and collaboration.

But whether intentionally or accidentally, the commission passed over County Treasurer Catherine Bakaric for public comment despite one commissioner pointing out the omission.  Commission Chair Paula Carson said because she had closed Public Comment she couldn’t go back and redo it.  KELY called the treasurer’s office and gave her time to make her comment and also gave her the opportunity to remind residents that the fourth installment of Property Taxes was coming up. 

The White Pine County Commission has approved an increase to its annual on-call contract with Resource Concepts Incorporated, raising the amount from $60,000 to $80,000 to cover public lands and water rights work. RCI has assisted the county since 2021, including reviewing water rights applications and supporting hearings that may impact White Pine County. The measure passed unanimously.

Commissioners also filled two open seats on the Agricultural District 13 Fair and Rodeo Board, appointing Rope Ashworth and Caleb Sumrall on a 3-to-0 vote, with Commissioner Pauley abstaining due to a conflict.  Sumrall is Pauley’s son-in-law.  

Eric Trujillo was selected for the Regional Transportation Commission on a 3-to-1 vote. George Chachas was appointed to the Tourism and Recreation Board, representing local hotel operators.

In other action, the board approved a $1,350 reimbursement for plumbing repairs tied to a county home sale, authorized expanded job postings, assigned commissioners to assist finance staff. It approved a $500 per week stipend for Payroll Specialist Terri Martinez for taking on additional human resources duties. The appointment of Commissioner Pauley’s Daughter, Brandi Sumrall, to the Local Emergency Planning Committee was tabled due to possible improper processes.

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

 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.  

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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!