7-23 News - Commissioners claims to have never seen Pay Study

 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 got up to 84 yesterday, and 1/100 of an inch of precipitation at Yellend Field yesterday afternoon.  Look for mostly fair skies today, with a high around 91.

The White Pine County Commission voted to accept a proposed temporary moratorium on new data center development applications at their meeting yesterday while the county develops zoning regulations specifically tailored for future projects.

Map of proposed renewable energy projects on BLM land.  Commissioners and the general public have minimal input on these projects. 

Perhaps the most controversial part of the meeting was during consideration of a raise for county IT employees, which Commissioners claimed they had never seen the pay study the Commission ordered back in 2025, despite KELY publishing the study in February of this year.  The study revealed that on average, county employees were paid seven percent below market rate, with some positions being paid as much as thirty percent below market rate.  During the meeting, Commission Chair Paula Carson claimed that the board had never seen the study.  Former Roads Supervisor Martin Troutt shared on Facebook that he felt they were not telling the truth, saying the study showed his position was paid 10% less than it should have been, and that this was part of his reason to retire.  

Read our previous reporting on the pay study and see the pay study here.

Commissioner Jose Noriega was appointed to replace Commissioner Pat Robison as liaison to the Golf Advisory Board following the recent conflict between Robison and the Advisory Board.  The Commission also mandated that the Golf Advisory Board move their meetings away from the Golf Course to another location, likely the Library Conference Room.  Commissioner Noriega voted against the motion, citing the potential effects on other Advisory Boards. 

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The Ely City Council meets tonight at 5 at the Ely Volunteer Fire Hall with several action items on the agenda. Council members are expected to consider donating 18-hundred dollars from contingency funds to support the 2026 White Pine County Horse Races, decide whether to seek listing of Ely City Hall on the Nevada State Register of Historic Places, and award the construction contract for Phase Three of the Steptoe Valley Trap and Skeet Range Hunter Education Building. A public hearing on Community Development Block Grant priorities is scheduled for 5:30.

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The White Pine County Sheriff's Office made two arrests Tuesday while investigating a storage shed burglary in Ely. Deputies arrested 52-year-old Irene G. Duran and 70-year-old Vickie L. Peterson, both of Ely, on suspicion of burglary of a structure, possession of a controlled substance, and petit larceny. Bail for each was set at $20,000.  They are innocent until convicted in a court of law. 

Deputies are also investigating the reported theft of property from a vehicle at a local casino after the incident was captured on surveillance video. Other calls included suspicious activity at a storage shed, several disturbances at local casinos, a brush fire referred to the Bureau of Land Management, and a reckless driver turned over to the Nevada State Police.

Nevada's unemployment rate edged down to 5.1 percent in June, improving by one-tenth of a percentage point from May, according to the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation. Here in White Pine County, the unemployment rate was 4.4 percent, down from 4.6 percent in May. The county's labor force totaled nearly 3,800 people, with 3,633 residents employed and 166 unemployed. Statewide, Elko County had Nevada's lowest unemployment rate at 3.5 percent, while Mineral County recorded the highest at 8.7 percent.

In news from Southern Nevada:

While White Pine County is likely to impose a moratorium on Data Center projects, a major Southern Nevada city isn’t. 

The Henderson City Council has decided not to impose a temporary moratorium on new data center applications. Instead, the city will evaluate each proposal through a separate development agreement requiring developers to address concerns such as noise, heat, water use, power demand, and impacts on nearby neighborhoods. Mayor Michelle Romero says there are currently no data center applications pending, and any future project would face a detailed review before it could move forward.

Primm Valley Resort and Casino has reopened after a 17-day closure under new management by Terrible's. Employees and longtime customers welcomed the reopening, which restores about 300 jobs at the Stateline property. Terrible's says it plans to invest in the resort by bringing back concerts, slot tournaments, and other amenities to attract visitors from Las Vegas and Southern California. Primm Valley Hotel and Casino is now open, but there's still no announcement on the future of Whiskey Pete's or Buffalo Bill's Resort and Casino.

As Lake Mead heads toward record-low water levels, Nevada Congresswoman Dina Titus is joining a bipartisan group of Western lawmakers in calling for billions of dollars in new federal drought funding. The lawmakers say the money would support water conservation projects, infrastructure upgrades, and other efforts to protect the Colorado River system. Federal projections show Lake Mead, which supplies about 90 percent of Southern Nevada's drinking water, could reach historic lows within the next two years, prompting lawmakers to call the situation an emergency.

A new Democratic-affiliated poll shows Nevada's 2026 race for governor is tied. The survey, obtained by the Nevada Independent, found Republican Governor Joe Lombardo and Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford each with 44 percent support, while 12 percent of voters remain undecided. The poll of 558 likely Nevada voters has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.2 percentage points. The results underscore what analysts say is shaping up to be one of the nation's most competitive gubernatorial races heading into the final months before Election Day.

And Nevada Congressmen Steven Horsford and Mark Amodei are introducing bipartisan legislation today aimed at banning sports betting through prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. The lawmakers say the bill would require sports wagering to follow the same state regulations, taxes, and consumer protections as traditional sportsbooks. Supporters argue the measure protects Nevada's gaming industry and the jobs and tax revenue it generates, while opponents say prediction markets operate under a different federal regulatory system.

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

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!

7-22 News - Data Centers at the top of Commission Agenda

 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 got up to 88 yesterday, and 17/100 of an inch of precipitation at Yellend Field yesterday afternoon.  Look for mostly fair skies today, with a chance of afternoon or evening showers or thunderstorms.   Look for the high today around 87.

The White Pine County Commission is meeting this morning, with a proposed temporary moratorium on new data center development applications expected to be one of the day's biggest issues.

Commissioners will consider pausing acceptance of new data center proposals while the county develops zoning regulations specifically tailored for future projects.

Also on today's agenda are county road updates, transferring the county's 2026 Private Activity Bond allocation to the Nevada Rural Housing Authority, natural resource matters, and a temporary liquor license for the Ely Rotary Club Golf Tournament this weekend.

Commissioners will also consider accepting the Charters of Freedom Project donation, creating a committee to address new state master planning requirements, approving a 10 percent pay raise for county IT employees, creating a county paralegal position, and several other administrative items.

You can hear live coverage of the meeting beginning at 9 a.m. here on KELY.

The White Pine County Sheriff's Office stayed busy over the weekend, responding to dozens of calls across the county. Sunday's incidents included a burglary from a storage shed, a travel trailer fire, a fight at a local bar, and two juveniles accused of trying to start a fire on a county road. On Monday, deputies arrested 67-year-old Robert Pope of Ely on a trespassing charge. They also investigated a report of a person allegedly pointing a gun at a domestic partner. That case has been forwarded to the White Pine County District Attorney's Office. Deputies also responded to several welfare checks, multiple brush fires, and a variety of juvenile, civil, and suspicious activity calls.

Four California residents were killed, and several others remain in critical condition following a head-on crash Monday morning on U.S. Highway 93 north of Wells. The Nevada Highway Patrol says a southbound Honda Odyssey crossed the centerline while attempting to pass another vehicle and collided with a northbound Toyota Tacoma near mile marker 79. Killed were 44-year-old Nazia Salma, 19-year-old Nihaa Shaik, and a 13-year-old boy, all of Union City, California, along with 23-year-old Sophia Weiniger of San Diego. The crash remains under investigation.

New campaign finance reports show Governor Joe Lombardo continues to dominate fundraising in Nevada's 2026 election cycle. Lombardo has raised more than $16 million this year, with much of that support coming through political action committees and affiliated groups. He reports about $9 million in cash on hand after spending roughly $13 million on advertising since late 2025.

Democratic challenger Attorney General Aaron Ford reports about $3.7 million in campaign funds, with nearly two-thirds of his donations over $100 coming from out-of-state contributors. Political science professor Fred Lokken says voters should expect campaign spending to accelerate after the summer, adding that negative advertising is likely to dominate the race.

In other statewide contests, Attorney General candidate Nicole Cannizzaro has raised more than $700,000, while Republican Adriana Guzman Fralick reports more than $165,000. Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar has topped $1 million in campaign funds, while challenger Jim Marchant reports only a small remaining balance. In Northern Nevada's Congressional District Two, Democrat Teresa Benitez-Thompson has outraised Republican David Flippo in cash on hand, setting up what some analysts say could become a closely watched race.

A Reno man has filed an ethics complaint against Governor Joe Lombardo over a May traffic stop in Las Vegas. The complaint alleges Lombardo improperly used his position by telling the officer, "I'm Joe Lombardo," in an effort to receive favorable treatment and avoid a citation. The Nevada Commission on Ethics will decide whether there's enough evidence to open an investigation. Lombardo's campaign declined to comment on the complaint but has previously said the governor fully cooperated with the officer and praised the professionalism of law enforcement.

That’s your morning news from the state of Nevada

7-21 News - Flood Watch posted

 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 got up to 93 yesterday, and 3/100 of an inch of precipitation at Yellend Field yesterday afternoon.  Look for mostly fair skies today, with a chance of afternoon or evening showers or thunderstorms.   Look for the high today around 88.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for White Pine County and much of northern and central Nevada from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Forecasters say a surge of monsoonal moisture could produce heavy showers and thunderstorms capable of dropping up to an inch of rain per hour. That could lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas, along creeks, streams, and normally dry washes. Residents are urged to monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to act if Flash Flood Warnings are issued.

The proposed data center moratorium is expected to be one of the biggest topics when the White Pine County Commission meets tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. in the White Pine County Library Conference Room in Ely.

Commissioners will consider adopting a temporary moratorium on accepting new data center development applications while county officials develop zoning regulations specifically designed to address future data center projects. The proposal would pause new applications until those standards are in place.

The commission's agenda also includes transferring the county's 2026 Private Activity Bond allocation to the Nevada Rural Housing Authority, updates on county road projects, and natural resource matters, including ratifying a comment letter to the Bureau of Land Management on proposed grazing regulations.

The Liquor Board will consider a temporary liquor license for the Ely Rotary Club Golf Tournament at the White Pine County Golf Course on July 24th and 25th.

Additional action items include renewing the county's agreement with the Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority, formally accepting the Charters of Freedom Project's donation of engraved replicas of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Civil Rights Amendments, creating a committee to address new state master planning requirements, requiring surplus county equipment to be sold at public auction before being donated, approving outside legal counsel for negotiations with the Seventh Judicial District Court, granting a 10 percent salary increase for county IT staff, and creating a new county paralegal position.

You can hear the meeting live tomorrow morning beginning at 9 o'clock here on KELY.

The White Pine County Sheriff's Office handled a variety of calls Saturday, including harassment complaints, property damage, reckless drivers, and juvenile disturbances. Deputies investigated a damaged mailbox, suspected drug activity at a city residence, and damage to a light pole at a local casino. They also responded to reports of an armed subject near a county business, trespassing, and two juvenile incidents. Fifty-seven-year-old Trent Howes of Ruth was arrested following a traffic stop and booked on charges of driving with a revoked license and expired registration. Several highway-related calls, including reckless drivers and a disabled vehicle, were also reported.

Four people are dead following a head-on, multi-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 93 north of Wells. The crash happened just after 11:30 Monday morning near mile marker 79 and initially involved eight patients. Elko County Fire, Wells Fire, Jackpot Fire and EMS, ground ambulances, and multiple air medical helicopters responded to the scene. U.S. 93 has reopened following an hours-long closure while the Nevada State Police investigated the cause of the crash. Officials have not yet released the names of those killed.

The Republican National Committee says there are nearly 16,000 non-citizens listed on Nevada's voter rolls and is criticizing state election officials over voter registration policies. In a statement, RNC spokesman Nick Poche said Democrats are opposing efforts to remove non-citizens from the voter rolls. The RNC also highlighted previous comments from Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar, who has said accusations surrounding election security can create intimidation and chaos. The issue remains part of an ongoing national debate over election integrity and voter registration.

Nevada Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar says he will not comply with a federal request to submit the state's voter rolls to a federal database, arguing the request conflicts with state and federal law. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has warned that election officials who fail to act on federal voter information could face fines or even criminal penalties. Aguilar says federal officials have not shared enough information about their data to verify its accuracy and warned that similar systems in other states incorrectly flagged legal voters. He says Nevada will continue following state law while reviewing any credible election information it receives.

A new wildfire burning south of the Emigrant Mine has grown to an estimated 200 acres and remains zero percent contained. The Scott Fire is threatening nearby mine facilities, with firefighters battling active flames fueled by dry vegetation, low humidity, and gusty winds. Crews from Elko County, Eureka County, Pine Valley, Carlin, and several state and federal agencies are on scene, supported by air tankers and helicopters. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the public is asked to avoid the area while firefighting operations continue.

That’s your morning news from the state of Nevada

7-20 News - County Commission meets on Wednesday

 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 got up to 94 yesterday, and just a trace of precipitation in that dusty rain gauge at Yellend Field yesterday afternoon.  Look for mostly fair skies today, with a chance of afternoon or evening showers or thunderstorms.   Look for the high today around 88.

The White Pine County Commission has a full agenda for its meeting next Wednesday, July 22, beginning at 9 a.m. at the White Pine County Library Conference Room in Ely.

Commissioners are expected to consider transferring the county's 2026 Private Activity Bond allocation to the Nevada Rural Housing Authority, hear updates on county road projects, and review natural resource and public lands issues, including ratifying a comment letter submitted to the Bureau of Land Management on proposed grazing regulations.

The Liquor Board will consider a temporary liquor license for the Ely Rotary Club Golf Tournament at the White Pine County Golf Course on July 24th and 25th.

Among the major action items, commissioners will consider renewing the county's agreement with the Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority, formally accepting the Charters of Freedom Project's donation of engraved replicas of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and Civil Rights Amendments, and creating a committee to address new state master planning requirements.

The commission will also consider adopting a temporary moratorium on new data center development applications while county-specific zoning regulations are developed. Other agenda items include a proposal requiring surplus county equipment to be sold at public auction before being donated, approval of outside legal counsel for negotiations with the Seventh Judicial District Court, a 10 percent salary increase for county IT staff, and creation of a new county paralegal position.

You can hear the meeting live on Wednesday morning beginning at 9 here on KELY.  

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Here's a look at the latest activity from the White Pine County Sheriff's Office. On Thursday, deputies investigated the theft of golf clubs from a vehicle, two active property damage cases, and an apparent self-inflicted death involving Carl S. Ryals of Ely. They also handled reports of threats, reckless drivers, abandoned vehicles, and smoke along area highways. Twenty-three-year-old Hailee McQueen of Ely was arrested on a Seventh Judicial District Court warrant. On Friday, deputies arrested 45-year-old Sabrina Talton of McGill on a domestic battery charge. Other calls included a vehicle crash, an elk struck by a vehicle, a fraud report, trespassing, and several reckless driver complaints. 

A proposed data center on federal land near Boulder City is drawing criticism after the Bureau of Land Management approved the project without a new public review or environmental study. A former BLM official told Alan Halaly at the Las Vegas Review-Journal the decision is unprecedented and could become a national test case for future data center development on public lands. The approval follows a Trump administration executive order aimed at speeding permits for data centers. Boulder City officials have voted to appeal the decision, arguing the city and the public were not adequately involved in the approval process.

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Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo says his relationship with President Donald Trump has helped limit federal immigration enforcement activity in Las Vegas. Speaking at a closed-door veterans event earlier this month, Lombardo said that without that relationship, ICE agents would be "walking down Las Vegas Boulevard." The Republican governor compared maintaining ties with the president to working with a commanding officer. His comments come as ICE arrests have increased nationwide and as Boulder City officials and immigration advocates continue to raise concerns about enforcement actions across Nevada. Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford, who is challenging Lombardo for governor, criticized the remarks, accusing the governor of remaining silent following a recent ICE arrest at Harry Reid International Airport.

That’s your morning news from the state of Nevada