5-22 News - Budgets, Geothermal projects on Ely City Council and County Commission agendas

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Look for Sunny skies and warming temperatures heading into the Memorial Day Weekend.  Today’s high of 74 will heat up to 80 by Sunday. 

The Ely City Council will hold a public hearing Thursday evening on the City of Ely’s final budget for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2027. The hearing begins at 5:30 p.m., with council members expected to consider adoption of the budget following the hearing.

Also on the agenda, the council will consider appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission and receive an update on a federal rail infrastructure grant application involving the Nevada Northern Railway Foundation.  The Council will also consider participation in a geothermal lease sale environmental assessment.  The leases are 18 miles west of Caliente in Lincoln county, 24 miles south of Lund in Nye County, and 15 miles north of Ely.  

Council members are also expected to consider seasonal open burning restrictions within Ely city limits from June through September, along with proposed 2.5 percent cost-of-living increases tied to union agreements for city employees and firefighters.  The meeting begins at 5:30 at the Volunteer Fire Hall.  

The White Pine County Commission will meet on Wednesday, including public hearings on the county’s 2026-2027 budget and a proposed $70,000 budget augmentation to cover grand jury costs.

Commissioners will also consider liquor licenses for upcoming events at the White Pine County Fairgrounds and the White Pine Horse Races, along with a public auction for county-owned property with a minimum bid of 78-thousand dollars.

Other agenda items include updates on county roads and natural resource issues, consideration of cooperating agency status for a geothermal lease sale environmental assessment, discuss awarding the bid for the Marich Field concession stand, and a proposal to donate obsolete fire and emergency vehicles to nonprofit organization Global Peace Partners, Inc. doing business as Care Convoy.

The commission will also consider support for a project honoring entertainer Lawrence Welk.  We’ll have the man in charge of that project, Scott Wheeler, on the morning show Monday morning at 8:45.  KELY will broadcast the meeting live Wednesday morning beginning at 9pm.  

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a variety of calls on Tuesday, May 19th, including reports of vandalism, fraud, reckless driving, and theft. Deputies are continuing to investigate a vandalism case involving damage at a local mine site, as well as a report of a driver allegedly attempting to run another vehicle off a city street.

In other incidents, a juvenile behaving erratically at a city office was detained and transported to the sheriff’s office for holding, and deputies assisted with a reported scam involving money being sent to someone posing as law enforcement.

Deputies also responded to a parking violation that resulted in a vehicle being towed, a harassment complaint, and several welfare checks. One stranded motorist case on a state highway was referred to the Nevada State Police.

The sheriff’s office also reported the arrest of 66-year-old Robert N. Pope of Ely on an Ely Municipal Court warrant. Pope was booked without bail.

5-21 News - Busy week for the Sheriff's Office.

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Look for Sunny skies and warming temperatures heading into the Memorial Day Weekend.  Today’s high of 73 will heat up to 80 by Sunday. 

The White Pine County Sheriff's Office made several arrests over the past week while responding to a variety of calls across the county.

Among the arrests, 28-year-old Zachary Norton of McGill was booked on charges including domestic battery by strangulation, child abuse and drug possession. Fifty-year-old Douglass Kaman Junior of Ruth was arrested following a domestic disturbance investigation and now faces multiple charges, including drug possession with intent to sell and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Deputies also investigated a swatting incident involving threats at a local school, along with reports of thefts, vandalism, trespassing and reckless driving.

The sheriff’s office additionally handled numerous non-criminal calls, including suspicious vehicles, runaway juveniles, dog complaints and several deer-related crashes that were referred to the Nevada State Police.

Nevada fire officials are warning that 2026 could bring a difficult wildfire season as drought conditions, low snowpack and heavy vegetation increase the risk of large fires across the state.

Governor Joe Lombardo received a wildfire briefing this week from state and federal fire agencies, including the Nevada Division of Forestry, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. State Forester Ryan Shane says Nevada saw nearly 457-thousand acres burn in 2025, with northeastern Nevada hit especially hard. Officials say more than 300 of last year’s 579 fires were human-caused.

Fire experts say abundant grass and dry conditions could cause fires to spread earlier this summer. Residents are urged to carry shovels, water, fire extinguishers and communication devices when outdoors and to report fires immediately.

Nevada officials are asking residents to report sightings of Mormon crickets as the insects begin appearing in parts of the state ahead of the summer season.

The Nevada Department of Agriculture says the large, flightless insects are known for forming massive swarms that can damage crops, vegetation and create hazards on roadways. The state saw significant Mormon cricket activity in 2023, especially in rural Nevada communities.

Officials are encouraging Nevadans to report sightings to help track populations and monitor possible outbreaks. State agriculture officials say community reports are an important tool in responding to potential infestations before they spread.  https://agri.nv.gov/entomology/

Early voting for the 2026 Primary Election in White Pine County begins Saturday, May 23rd.

The White Pine County Clerk’s Office says voting will take place at the Clerk’s Office inside the new White Pine County Courthouse on Great Basin Boulevard in Ely. Saturday voting hours on May 23rd and May 30th will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weekday early voting will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning May 26th through May 29th, and again June 1st through June 5th. The office will be closed Memorial Day, May 25th.

Election officials are reminding voters to verify their registration, mailing address, and party affiliation before casting a ballot. Same-day registrants must appear in person with valid Nevada identification and proof of residence and will vote using a provisional ballot.

At a special ceremony this week, family, friends and former students gathered to honor longtime White Pine High School coach Dean Thornock by naming the main gym court in his honor. Thornock spent 38 years teaching and coaching in White Pine, leading the Bobcats baseball team and Ladycats basketball team to state championships in 2005. He also served more than a decade as athletic director and was recognized for his dedication to generations of student athletes. A commemorative plaque will be installed in the gym once renovation work is complete.

The Primm family says it is working toward a “return to better days” after casino operator Affinity Gaming announced plans to shut down operations at Primm’s three hotel-casino properties on July 4th.

In an open letter published this week, Cory Clemetson, grandson of Primm founder Ernie Primm, said the closures will affect hundreds of workers and residents who may lose both jobs and housing. Affinity Gaming says 344 employees will be laid off when Whiskey Pete’s, Buffalo Bill’s, Primm Valley Resort and several nearby businesses close this summer.

The once-busy Nevada-California border destination has struggled for years amid growing competition from Las Vegas and tribal casinos in California. The Primm family says it is exploring options to support employees and pursue possible solutions to revitalize the area.

Looking for a cheap Memorial Day getaway?  Don’t look at Vegas!

Las Vegas is seeing a sharp spike in hotel room prices heading into Memorial Day weekend, with some Strip properties charging more than one-thousand dollars a night as the city prepares for the unofficial start of summer travel season.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, premium rooms for the holiday weekend are reaching nearly 17-hundred dollars per night, while other resorts are still offering budget-friendly rates under 100 dollars. Tourism officials say heavy demand is expected as visitors travel for the three-day weekend and summer vacations begin.

The rush is also expected to increase traffic at Harry Reid International Airport, which is preparing for a busy holiday travel period.

 

5/20 News - Early Primary Voting begins Saturday Morning!

 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 Sunny skies and warming temperatures heading into the Memorial Day Weekend.  Today’s high of 68 will head up to 80 by Sunday. 

Early voting for the 2026 Primary Election in White Pine County begins Saturday, May 23rd.

The White Pine County Clerk’s Office says early voting will take place at the Clerk’s Office on the main floor of the new White Pine County Courthouse on Great Basin Boulevard in Ely. Voting hours on Saturdays, May 23rd and May 30th, will be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Weekday voting runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Tuesday, May 26th through Friday, May 29th, and again Monday, June 1st through Friday, June 5th. The office will be closed Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day.

Election officials are encouraging voters to verify their registration information, including mailing address and party affiliation, ahead of time through the Nevada Secretary of State’s online voter portal.

Officials also remind voters that anyone using same-day registration during early voting or on Election Day must appear in person with a valid Nevada driver’s license or ID card, along with proof of physical residence in White Pine County, and will vote using a provisional paper ballot.

The polling location is handicapped accessible. Voters needing assistance or more information can contact the White Pine County Clerk’s Office at 775-293-6509.

Data centers are becoming a growing political issue in rural Nevada as local leaders debate whether the projects bring enough economic benefit to outweigh concerns about water, power use and tax incentives.

Commissioners in Humboldt County recently paused new data center approvals while they study possible regulations, and officials in Lyon County are also discussing future oversight as large-scale projects are proposed.

State lawmakers are reviewing Nevada’s data center tax break program, which has provided more than 457 million dollars in estimated abatements since 2015. Critics argue the facilities create relatively few permanent jobs compared to their impact on infrastructure and resources.

Meanwhile, supporters claim data centers can provide construction jobs, diversify rural economies and generate new tax revenue for counties looking to fund local services.

As Memorial Day weekend approaches and travel increases across Nevada, state officials are reminding drivers to stay safe during what’s known as the “100 Deadliest Days” on Nevada roads.

The Nevada Zero Fatalities program says the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is historically one of the most dangerous times of the year, especially for teen drivers, who are three times more likely than adults to be involved in a fatal crash.

Officials are encouraging teens to avoid distractions behind the wheel, obey speed limits, never drive impaired, and always wear a seatbelt. Parents are also being urged to set a good example by driving distraction-free, practicing defensive driving habits, and giving teens plenty of supervised driving experience.

Nevada Zero Fatalities says the state has already recorded 105 roadway deaths this year.

The Vegas Golden Knights may only be in their ninth season, but they’ve already become the NHL’s most-hated team, according to a new study by Rotowire.

The report found the Golden Knights are the team most disliked by hockey fans in 11 states, more than any other franchise in the league. Analysts say much of that resentment comes from Vegas’ dominance in the Pacific Division, where the Knights have won six division titles since joining the NHL in 2017.

The study also points to shifting fan loyalties in the western United States following the arrival of newer franchises like the Seattle Kraken and Utah Mammoth. During this year’s first-round playoff series between Vegas and Utah, the Mammoth even hosted a jersey exchange event encouraging fans to trade in Golden Knights gear.

Fans across much of the western U.S., including California, Oregon, Washington and Utah, reportedly listed Vegas as their least favorite team. Meanwhile, Nevada hockey fans named the Edmonton Oilers as their most disliked franchise after Edmonton eliminated Vegas from last year’s playoffs.

The study notes that being the league’s most-hated team often comes with success — and the Golden Knights continue to be one of the NHL’s top contenders.

5-18 News - Late Season Snow leads to plane crash in Elko county

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Yelland Field picked up 17-hundredths of an inch of precipitation yesterday afternoon after reaching a high of 47 degrees. Meanwhile, Elko saw an inch and a half of snowfall. Sunny skies and warmer temperatures are expected this week, with today’s high reaching 54.

A pilot survived a plane crash Sunday morning in the remote East Humboldt Mountain Range near Clover Valley. According to the Elko County Sheriff’s Office, dispatch received an iPhone crash alert around 10:30 a.m., leading rescuers to the rugged area south of Hole in the Mountain Peak.

Authorities say the small plane struck the mountain at roughly 10-thousand-200 feet above sea level, above the snow line and in poor weather conditions. Ground crews hiked toward the crash site while heavy clouds prevented air rescue operations.

By mid-afternoon, conditions improved enough for a helicopter rescue, and the pilot — the plane’s only occupant — was safely airlifted with minor injuries.

Snowfall in much of White Pine County was minimal, but at Great Basin National Park, it was enough to close Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive at Upper Lehman Creek Campground due to snowfall.

The Ladycats Softball Team’s strong regular season came to a tough end Friday, falling to the Needles Mustangs 8-6 in postseason play. The loss marks White Pine’s fourth straight defeat as the Bobcats finish the year with a 17-and-10 record.

Despite the loss, Gracie Hall led the offense, going 3-for-4 with two RBI, a stolen base, and a run scored. Emmy Costello also had a solid day at the plate, finishing 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.

White Pine kept it close throughout, but couldn’t overcome Needles late in the game.  

The home field advantage for Needles took them all the way to the State 2A Championships beating Yerington in a first round rematch before beating Battle mountain twice on Saturday for the title. 

Meanwhile the Ladycats only swim team competitor finished sixth in state competition on Saturday in the Girls 100 Yard Butterfly.  Congratulations to Livi Weiland.  

5-15 News - The Race is on! This Weekend!

 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. 

We did see a trace of precipitation overnight at Yellend Field where the thermometer topped out at 78 yesterday.  Today look for Sunny skies and cooler temperatures with a high around 77 with a chance of rain and snow showers on Sunday.

It’s Race Weekend in Ely as the Nevada Open Road Challenge takes place on Sunday.  State Road 318 between Lund and Hiko will be closed much of the day, so if you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas, be aware of the road closure.  There will be events all weekend long in connection with the race, including the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast at Broadbent Park from 8 until 10 and a big Kickoff to Summer event taking place from 11 until 1.  The race itself is not open to the public.  Details on all the events are available at elynevada.net   

The Ely City Council voted last night to reinstate the licenses for the Club Rio after the owners presented a compliance program to address issues of compliance.   The City also approved acceptance of a Nevada Department of Wildlife Subgrant to the City of Ely to complete the Steptoe Valley Trap, Skeet & Target Club Hunter Education Building for $654,793.00, with a $72,755.00 in kind/cash match from the Steptoe Valley Trap Skeet & Target Club and the City of Ely.

The Ladycats are on the brink of elimination at the state 2A softball championships.  The Ladycats fell to Battle Mountain, 7 to 4. The loss marks White Pine’s third straight defeat, dropping the team to 17- 9 on the season. Cecilia Barbosa highlighted the effort, going one for four with a double, a stolen base, and a run scored. Battle Mountain improved to an impressive 30- 3 with its second consecutive win. Both teams return to playoff action Friday, with The Ladycats taking on Needles in the elimination bracket at 11 a.m., while Battle Mountain faces Yerington at 1 p.m.