6-17 News - County Commission set to certify election results 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. 

Another scorcher today with sunny skies and a high near 94 degrees. 

The White Pine County Commission is scheduled to certify the results of last week’s Primary Election during a special meeting Thursday morning.

According to White Pine County Clerk Nichole Stephey, eleven mail ballots will not be counted after the voters failed to respond to requests to verify signatures that did not match those on file. Nevada law allows voters an opportunity to cure signature issues before ballots can be counted.

The commission is expected to canvass and certify the election results during its 9 a.m. meeting in the White Pine County Library Conference Room.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office handled a variety of calls on June 15th, including domestic disturbances, trespassing complaints, accidents, and motorist assists.

Deputies investigated a domestic disturbance in Ely, suspicious activity near a county trailhead, and a report of someone entering a residence unannounced before leaving. A disturbance at a local apartment complex resulted in a warning for disturbing the peace.

Deputies also responded to reports of trespassing at a commercial property and an alleged break-in at a county mine site. The mine trespassing investigation remains active.

Other incidents included two vehicle accidents, assistance to stranded motorists, and several civil disputes involving money and vehicle payments.

In booking activity, Jeremy D. Tebeau was arrested by Nevada State Police on charges of driving under the influence and open container. Bail was set at $1,350.

Nevada drivers are seeing some relief at the pump as gas prices continue to ease across the state.

According to statewide averages, prices have been gradually trending downward heading into mid-June, with several markets now dipping below the five-dollar mark for regular fuel.

Here in Ely, one of the most notable drops is at Golden Gate Petroleum, where prices have fallen to $3.99 per gallon—one of the lowest posted rates in the state right now.  The County average of $4.41remains the lowest average in the state.  Meanwhile on the West side of the state Mineral County is feeling the California effect as prices are stil sky-high at $5.58.   The cheapest gas at the moment is in Pahrump at the Rebel where Regular 85 is down to $3.64.  Oil prices remain near three-month lows as the International Energy Agency warned of a supply ‌overhang next year.  That could drive fuel prices down as well.  

A major new radio astronomy project is planned for Nevada that scientists say could become the world’s most sensitive radio telescope.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported this morning on the project coming to Spring Valley, the Deep Synoptic Array that will include 1,650 radio dishes spread across a remote desert site. The system is designed to “listen” to signals from deep space and rapidly scan the sky for distant galaxies, black holes, and other cosmic events.

Researchers say the project could be 100 times faster than existing radio telescopes and will generate massive real-time data for scientists around the world.

We spoke with Dr Katie Jameson from the California Institute of Technology about the project back in October, and you can hear the podcast of our interview by clicking here.

Construction timelines have not yet been finalized.

Authorities in Winnemucca are investigating what appears to be a murder-suicide that left two people dead early Sunday morning.

According to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of a shooting on Middle Way just before 1 a.m. and found a 59-year-old man armed with a rifle. The man collapsed as deputies approached and was pronounced dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A 53-year-old woman was found nearby with multiple gunshot wounds and was also deceased. Investigators say the two were husband and wife but had been living separately. Detectives believe the man ambushed the woman as she arrived home.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.

The Vegas Golden Knights are looking for a new head coach.

The team announced Tuesday that John Tortorella will not return for the 2026-27 season. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon thanked Tortorella for providing an immediate boost after taking over behind the bench in March.

Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy with just eight games remaining in the regular season and led Vegas to a 7-0-and-1 finish. The Golden Knights then advanced to the Stanley Cup Final before falling to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games.

The Vegas Golden Knights are reportedly considering internal candidate Ryan Craig as a potential replacement behind the bench.

According to Danny Webster at the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Craig, who currently coaches the team’s AHL affiliate in Henderson and previously served as a long-time assistant with the Golden Knights, is being mentioned as a possible successor following John Tortorella’s departure after leading Vegas to the Stanley Cup Final.

Craig has been part of the organization since its inaugural season and was part of the coaching staff during the team’s 2023 Stanley Cup championship run.

No official decision has been announced, and the team is expected to review options during the offseason.

A classic downtown Las Vegas casino favorite is getting a new home.

The iconic mechanical horse racing game known as Sigma Derby is being moved from The D Las Vegas to the Golden Gate Casino. A farewell celebration and Fremont Street procession marked the relocation this week.

The vintage 1980s-era game features miniature horses racing around a mechanical track and has developed a cult following among players.

The game is scheduled to reopen at its new location on June 19th at 4 p.m.

6-16 News - Shellraiser Campground folds the tent

 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. 

Sunny skies and about 15 degrees above normal today, look for the high around 92.   

A well-known rural Nevada campground is shutting down operations for good.

Rudy Herndon, formerly of Schellraiser and now with Humboldt Hideaway, announced the permanent closure of the Schellraiser campground following what he called “The Last Hurrah” — a large private gathering held at the site last weekend.

Herndon says the decision comes after six-and-a-half years of work developing the campground near Ely. Since opening to guests in 2022, Schellraiser was recognized as Nevada’s top campground and among the best in the nation in both 2023 and 2024.

In a social media post, Herndon credited former campground host Brian Luker for helping guests enjoy their stay despite harsh weather conditions that included high winds, blizzards, and flooding in the area.

Herndon also thanked the Ely Shoshone Tribe and tribal council for their partnership. He says plans are now shifting toward the Humboldt Hideaway project in Wells, while the tribe develops its future vision for the Schellraiser property.

A going-out-of-business sale at the campground is expected to be announced in the coming days.

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

Deputies investigated several vehicle accidents, including multiple crashes involving deer on state highways. Nevada State Police assisted with several highway-related incidents, including a stranded motorist and a report of a juvenile soliciting rides along a highway.

Other calls included a fight between co-workers at a local motel, two domestic disturbances where the parties agreed to separate, and a hit-and-run crash involving a parked vehicle outside a local business.

Deputies also handled reports of fireworks in Ely, an ATV being operated on a city street, a propane leak at a residence, and a suspicious online shopping complaint.

Authorities say an alleged sex crime reported Sunday remains under investigation.

Authorities remind residents to use caution on area highways due to increased wildlife activity and to report suspicious or emergency situations immediately.

White Pine County Commission will meet on Thursday to certify the results of last week’s election, but eleven people who voted by mail won’t have their votes counted.  According to White Pine County Clerk Nichole Stephey, those eleven voters signatures didn’t match the signatures on file and didn’t respond to requests to verify their identity.  As a result their votes won’t be counted in the Primary election.  A similar situation exists in Washoe County with nearly a thousand votes there awaiting curing.  The meeting will be held Thursday morning at 9am in the Library Conference Room.  

A giant American flag is once again flying across Hoover Dam after surviving high winds and undergoing repairs for a tear discovered last week.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority says the massive flag measures 300 feet wide by 150 feet tall and was first unveiled on Memorial Day. Officials briefly lowered the display because of windy conditions before removing it for repairs Wednesday.

The flag is now back on display and will remain illuminated nightly through July Fourth, lighting the dam and canyon walls at dusk. Officials say the display could still be lowered again if strong winds return.

A new federal study shows Lake Mead’s water levels could fall even faster than previously expected, raising new concerns about the future of the Colorado River system.

According to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Lake Mead could drop to just over 1,015 feet above sea level by July of next year — far lower than any level seen since the reservoir filled in the 1930s. Federal officials say historically dry conditions and poor runoff into Lake Powell are worsening the outlook.

The latest report also warns Hoover Dam’s hydropower capacity could be affected as lake levels continue to decline. Southern Nevada officials say conservation efforts remain critical as new long-term Colorado River operating rules are negotiated.

Suspended Pahrump Justice of the Peace Michele Fiore has officially lost her bid for re-election, but she’s still receiving her judicial salary while remaining suspended from the bench.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Fiore conceded after finishing behind two challengers in the Nye County primary race. Fiore had been suspended following her federal fraud conviction tied to funds raised for a fallen police officer memorial, though she later received a presidential pardon from President Donald Trump.

Despite losing the race, Fiore reportedly continues to receive pay while disciplinary proceedings remain ongoing before the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline. 

A British Airways flight from London landed safely at Harry Reid International Airport Monday afternoon after a cellphone fire onboard triggered an emergency response.

Clark County firefighters responded after the crew reported smoke from the device during the flight. Airport officials say the fire was quickly extinguished, and the plane safely taxied to the gate with passengers exiting normally.

The FAA says it will investigate the incident involving British Airways Flight 271. Aviation safety experts say lithium battery fires on planes, while still uncommon, have been increasing in recent years. Officials remind travelers to monitor electronic devices closely and report overheating batteries immediately.

6-15 News - Gas Prices Fall Again!

 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. 

Sunny skies and about 10 degrees above normal today, look for the high around 90.   

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office responded to numerous calls over the past several days, including arrests, reckless driving complaints, fraud cases, and domestic disturbances.

Deputies arrested 48-year-old Danule Pope of Ely on charges of domestic battery on an older person resulting in substantial bodily harm and elder abuse. Bail was set at 160-thousand dollars.

On Friday, deputies also arrested 23-year-old Mark Leal and 20-year-old Kenna VanCamp, both of Ely, on child abuse or neglect charges following a reported vehicle crash.

Other recent incidents included vandalism, trespassing, welfare checks, reports of reckless drivers on state highways, and fraud involving stolen debit and credit cards. Deputies also responded to juvenile complaints, abandoned animals, and a bonfire complaint in a residential neighborhood.

Gas prices are continuing to ease across Nevada and the country, according to AAA and GasBuddy, marking the third straight week of declines nationwide.

In Las Vegas, AAA reports the average price for regular unleaded is about $4.93 a gallon, down roughly 10 cents from a week ago. That drop pushes Las Vegas prices back below the five-dollar mark after recent highs.

Here in Ely this morning, drivers are seeing even lower prices, with some stations reporting regular 85 octane unleaded as low as $4.09 a gallon.

Analysts say the nationwide decline is part of a broader seasonal trend, offering some relief for commuters and businesses heading into the summer travel months. Some drivers say the lower prices may encourage more road trips, while others say fuel costs are still high enough to keep travel plans limited.

AAA and GasBuddy both note this marks the third consecutive week of falling gas prices across the U.S.

Nevada officials say a woman previously arrested in a SNAP benefits fraud case is now facing additional charges as the investigation expands.

Mychelle Lay was first arrested in March following what authorities describe as a large-scale public assistance fraud scheme.

State officials now say she faces 21 counts of identity theft-related charges, along with public assistance fraud, multiple fraudulent transaction charges, and theft involving between $25,000 and $100,000.

Governor Joe Lombardo announced the new charges Friday, saying state agencies will continue efforts to “root out fraud and abuse” in public benefits programs.

Fire officials across Nevada are warning that dry weather conditions and rising temperatures are increasing the wildfire danger across the region. Grasses and brush are drying out quickly, creating conditions that can help fires spread fast. Residents are urged to use caution with campfires, trailers, and equipment that could spark a blaze. If you see smoke or spot a wildfire, call 9-1-1 immediately. Quick reporting can help firefighters respond faster and protect lives, property, and rangeland during Nevada’s wildfire season.

Fire crews in Elko County responded to at least three separate fires over the weekend, including two wildland fires and a fully engulfed side-by-side vehicle fire near the Bear Creek Summit and Jarbidge area.

Officials say the Saturday night vehicle fire prompted a response from Elko County Fire, Jackpot Fire, and the Jarbidge Volunteer Fire Department, with additional wildland engines sent as a precaution against the fire spreading into nearby brush.

Crews also stopped forward progress on a 1-point-2 acre wildland fire along railroad tracks south of Interstate 80 near Elburz, and a 4-point-3 acre fire west of Elko along Interstate 80 on Friday afternoon.

Multiple agencies responded to the fires, and the causes remain under investigation.

The Vegas Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup run has come to an end. The Carolina Hurricanes shut out Vegas 3-to-nothing Sunday night at T-Mobile Arena to capture the Stanley Cup in six games.

Taylor Hall, Jackson Blake, and Nikolaj Ehlers scored for Carolina, while goaltender Brandon Bussi stopped 22 shots for the shutout. Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal was named playoff MVP after helping lead Carolina to its second Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.

The loss marks the second Stanley Cup Final defeat for the Golden Knights franchise.

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That’s your morning news from the state of Nevada

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!

Just a reminder

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