10-28 News - County Commission to consider Baker Multi-Use Trail project

 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. 

Mostly fair skies in the outlook through Wednesday.  Today’s high around 58.

White Pine County commissioners will take up several projects and funding requests Wednesday, including the future of the Baker Multi-Use Trail.

The meeting begins at nine a.m. in the White Pine County Library conference room in Ely, with a public hearing on whether to continue or terminate the trail project.  Below is information on why the project is in question as provided in the October 14 Commission agenda.

Commissioners will also consider spending 20 thousand dollars on two speed-flasher signs along Highway 487 in Baker, updating nuisance-abatement procedures, and approving up to 19 thousand dollars to revise the county’s emergency evacuation plan.

Other business includes a proposed County Investment Advisory Committee, reinstating the Economic Diversification Council, road projects, financial reports, and additional funding for victim and witness services.

The agenda also includes closed personnel evaluations for the directors of the Aquatic Facility, Social Services, and Information Technology departments with actions up to and including termination possible.

You can follow the meeting live on KELY, 1230 AM, 98.5 FM, or at KELY1230.com. A podcast will be available afterward on Spotify, Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other major podcast platforms. Search for KELY 1230 98.5.

With just three days left in Early Voting, White Pine County voters continue to turn out to the polls for the November General Election. According to the Nevada Secretary of State's VIVID dashboard,  another 57 people cast early in-person ballots on Tuesday, with 5 registered Democrats, 38 Republicans, and 14 voters registered with other parties. Over the first nine days, 421 voters cast in-person ballots. 

The county's mail-ballot pipeline also shows 937 mail ballots returned, with 926 accepted for counting.  1358 voters have already cast ballots, roughly 28 percent of registered voters.

Early voting continues at the Historic Courthouse in Ely through Friday.  You can return your ballot securely 24 hours a day at the dropbox at the rear entrance of the courthouse off Campton Street. You’re encouraged to return your ballot in person to the clerk's office or use the drop box, rather than mailing it, to ensure it is returned in time to be counted. 

White Pine County voters are reminded to sign their ballot return envelopes before mailing or submitting their mail ballots.

The signature is required to verify the ballot and protect election security. Ballots submitted without a signature cannot be processed until the voter is contacted and corrects the problem.

Voters should also make sure their ballot is sealed inside the return envelope and that they sign in the designated signature box.

White Pine County election officials say checking these steps before returning a ballot can help ensure it is counted.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office investigated several incidents reported Monday, including a juvenile allegedly pulling a knife on another student aboard a school bus. A School Resource Officer investigated and filed a report.

Other calls included a reported home burglary and theft, a suspected jury-duty phone scam, trespassing, and disputes involving property damage and a family member locking someone out of their home.

Deputies also investigated a complaint involving the release of personal health information, which was determined to be a civil matter.

In a separate call, a person reportedly contemplating self-harm was transported to a healthcare facility for assistance.

White Pine County is mourning the loss of Howard Eugene Bohrn, who passed away peacefully October 21st in Casper, Wyoming, at the age of 74.

Born in Ely, Howard grew up in McGill and graduated from White Pine High School in 1970. He worked at Kennecott Copper and later at gold mines in Elko before retiring in Ely.

Howard volunteered for years at the Nevada Northern Railway and worked at the White Pine Museum. He was also known for sharing local history and school yearbooks online. Above all, he cherished his family and grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter, Cathy Dingey, three sisters, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Lola Marie Hall Knighton, a longtime resident of McGill, Nevada, has died at the age of 96. She passed away peacefully Friday morning, October 23rd, in Tooele, Utah.

Born in Steptoe, Nevada, Marie graduated from White Pine High School in 1948. She and her husband, Wendell, raised four children. She was active in her church, community organizations, and preschool education, where she was affectionately known as Teacher Marie.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, October 30th, at 11 a.m. at the McGill Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with burial at Ely City Cemetery. Visitation begins at 10 a.m.

The former owner of Uprise Fiber has pleaded guilty in federal court in Las Vegas in connection with a failed fiber-optic project in Lovelock.

KRNV’s Joe Hart reports that a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed Stephen Kromer’s guilty plea. Sources say the agreement requires Kromer to repay eight million dollars in state funds tied to the project.

A formal announcement of the plea agreement is expected soon.

Kromer still faces 31 felony counts in Nevada state court, along with a civil lawsuit.

The Vegas Golden Knights snapped a three-game losing streak Tuesday night, beating the Ottawa Senators four-to-one at home.

Raphael Lavoie scored his first career NHL goal early in the third period to put Vegas ahead for good. Braeden Bowman opened the scoring with a power-play goal late in the second, while William Karlsson and Jack Eichel added empty-net goals.

Goaltender Adin Hill stopped 25 shots, including a key breakaway save that helped set up Vegas’ opening goal.

The Golden Knights host New Jersey on Friday in a Nevada Day Afternoon game.  Puck drop just after 3, pre-game at 2 here on KELY.

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

Listen to KELY anytime, anywhere

 Wyatt recommends the Simple Radio app by Streema.  He's had it on his phone for years.  It's available for both Android and Apple.  Download it, search for KELY, and BOOM, we're there!

Android Users Click Here

 

Apple Users Click Here 

 

Desktop Users Click Here 

 

You have NO EXCUSE not to listen! 

And for heaven's sake, get a radio like this one!  

If it hit the fan like it did in Western North Carolina, would you be prepared?

 After a week, people in Western North Carolina have no power, internet, or reliable cell service.  What's keep them informed?  Radio.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2024/10/07/wnc-listeners-call-into-local-radio-station-seeking-solace-connection/75543836007/

Radio is a lifeline, but how can you be connected to the lifeline if you don't HAVE a radio?  Sadly, people think of radio as an antiquity, a relic of the past.  But when push comes to shove, radio will be here long after the other devices have failed.  

But how do you get a radio?  What little retail business we have in White Pine County doesn't even sell them.  Well, The Greek might, but the others?  Nope. 

Try this inexpensive radio.  Under $20, uses 2 AA batteries.   Add this to your next Amazon order. (I know you're shopping Amazon and not local.  It's no secret.) 

https://amzn.to/3Azpdg5

If nothing else, you might learn some truths that Facebook and TikTok won't tell you.  Because they don't give a damn about you.  You know that. 

Just a reminder

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

Better listening tips

 Originally published in 2025.  Facts remain relevant today. 

So.  I went out and drove our signal last night I had a clear and audible signal from Majors Place to Lages Junction.  The minor improvements in our audio processing have made a significant improvement in our signal.  

So, why are you not able to hear us better?  

1) Try turning your radio. Many radios have a ferrite antenna inside that runs the length of the radio. It is a very directional antenna.  Try rotating the radio to improve the signal.  No, I'm not going to move the 200 foot tower to help. 

2) Move the radio away from florescent or LED lighting, computers, or television sets.  The FCC knows these (mostly Chinese-made) devices interfere with AM (and in some cases FM) broadcast signals in violation of Part 15 of their rules and regulations and the FCC doesn't give a crap.  So listeners blame the stations instead of the FCC.  I'm used to it.  So, there you go.

3) Add a simple antenna.  Here are a couple of suggestions.

Unequal treatment for all?

Originally published in 2024.  You need to know how radio is treated differently from other media. 

Why are we treated differently than newspapers and social media?

 

Do you know that candidates for Federal office - President, Senate, and House - get the best advertising rate on radio and television stations that we give anyone? No newspaper or social media platform has their advertising rates dictated by federal law.

 Did you know that as a broadcast station licensed by the Federal Government, we cannot refuse to accept advertising for ANY candidate for Federal office? No newspaper or social media platform is required to accept advertising from anyone!

 Did you know that if a candidate for state or local office purchases advertising on a broadcast station, another candidate for the state office has to be granted equivalent time at the exact same rate. Again, No newspaper or social media platform is required to accept advertising from anyone nor have their rate dictated.

Did you know that broadcasters are required to identify who purchases advertising? No newspaper or social media platform is required to identify who bought advertising!

When you buy advertising on Social Media, the money goes out of your community and into a billionaire's pocket.

When you purchase advertising on KELY or KDSS, that money goes to keep these local resources on the air.  We aren't millionaires.  We're your neighbors. 

 

Think about it!

OPINION: Local Radio Isn’t Dead—It’s More Vital Than Ever

By Wyatt Cox

In an age when people scroll endlessly through social media feeds, it’s surprising how many folks right here in Ely have never tuned in to their local radio stations. Many assume that if it doesn’t show up on Facebook, it’s not worth knowing.

That’s not just wrong—it’s dangerous.

Social media may be quick, but it’s shallow. It can’t match the depth, context, or local commitment that radio offers—especially when it comes to accurate news and timely information.

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!

10/27 News - A Quarter of White Pine County Voters have cast ballots

 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. 

Mostly fair skies in the outlook through Wednesday.  Today’s high around 60.

With just four days left in Early Voting, White Pine County voters continue to turn out to the polls for the November General Election. According to the Nevada Secretary of State's VIVID dashboard,  another 53 people cast early in-person ballots on Monday, with 4 registered Democrats, 40 Republicans, and 9 voters registered with other parties. Over the first eight days, 364 voters cast in-person ballots. 

The county's mail-ballot pipeline also shows 863 mail ballots returned, with 787 accepted for counting.  1227 voters have already cast ballots, roughly 25 percent of registered voters.

Early voting continues at the Historic Courthouse in Ely through Friday.  You can return your ballot securely 24 hours a day at the dropbox at the rear entrance of the courthouse off Campton Street. You’re encouraged to return your ballot in person to the clerk's office or use the drop box, rather than mailing it, to ensure it is returned in time to be counted. 

Should White Pine County move forward with the Baker Multi-Use Trail? That’s one of several questions county commissioners will tackle tomorrow, along with road safety improvements, emergency planning, and county spending.

The meeting begins at nine a.m. in the White Pine County Library conference room in Ely, with a public hearing on whether to continue or terminate the trail project.

Commissioners will also consider spending 20-thousand dollars on two speed-flasher signs along Highway 487 in Baker and approving up to 19-thousand dollars to revise the county’s emergency evacuation plan.

Other business includes updating nuisance-abatement procedures, establishing a County Investment Advisory Committee, reinstating the Economic Diversification Council, reviewing road projects and financial reports, and additional funding for victim and witness services.

The agenda also includes closed personnel evaluations for the directors of the Aquatic Facility, Social Services, and Information Technology departments.

You can follow the meeting live on KELY, 1230 AM, 98.5 FM, or at KELY1230.com. A podcast will be available afterward on Spotify, Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other major podcast platforms. Search for KELY 1230 98.5.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office reports four arrests in Ely on Saturday.

Forty-five-year-old Johnathan Bainbridge was arrested on an Ely Municipal Court warrant, with bail set at just over 500 dollars.

Thirty-eight-year-old Casey Rosevear was arrested on charges of business burglary and grand larceny, with bail set at ten-thousand dollars.

Forty-six-year-old James Brown was arrested on suspicion of threatening a terrorist act and resisting a public officer. His bail is also ten-thousand dollars.

And 33-year-old Jacqueline Carson was arrested on an Ely Municipal Court warrant. No bail was set.

Other calls included a vehicle rollover referred to Nevada State Police, a possible child abuse case, threats, property damage, and several animal-related complaints.

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office is joining a statewide traffic safety campaign aimed at making Nevada roads safer.

The Joining Forces program brings together 35 law enforcement agencies to focus on traffic violations, including speeding, distracted and impaired driving, seat belt use, and pedestrian safety.

The campaign runs through September 2027 and provides funding for deputies to work overtime enforcing traffic laws.

The Sheriff’s Office reports approximately 150 traffic-related crashes in White Pine County between October 2025 and September 2026.

The program is funded through the Nevada Department of Public Safety, the Office of Traffic Safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Campaign contributions from companies tied to Nevada’s data center industry are rising as the controversial facilities become a major issue in the 2026 election.

The Nevada Independent reports the industry is linked to about 17-million dollars in political donations over the past two decades, with more than 90 percent coming from data center operator Switch.

A recent contribution stands out: Jessica Roy, wife of Switch founder Rob Roy, donated one-million dollars in May to a political action committee supporting Republican Governor Joe Lombardo.

The report found data center companies and their associates contributed more than 100-thousand dollars to candidates and groups from July through September, the highest quarterly total in eight years, excluding that million-dollar donation.

With concerns over water use, electricity costs and tax incentives growing, data centers are expected to face increased scrutiny during Nevada’s 2027 legislative session.

A 44-year-old Filipino national and lawful permanent resident has been charged with illegally voting in a federal election in Nevada.

The U.S. Department of Justice alleges Jullie Ann Sumalinog Moore voted in an election that included races for president, vice president, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The alleged vote occurred in November 2024.

Moore faces one misdemeanor count of voting by a noncitizen, punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to 100-thousand dollars.

The Justice Department announced charges against 48 noncitizens across five states in cases involving alleged illegal voting and fraudulent voter registration. The allegations have not been proven in court.

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon says colleges must rein in tuition increases as student loan debt continues to grow.

During a visit to the College of Southern Nevada last Wednesday, McMahon said universities are treating students like blank checks. Federal data show 28 percent of CSN borrowers who entered repayment in 2020 are now behind.

Nevada had about 93-thousand borrowers in default as of March, owing more than two-billion dollars.

The Treasury Department is now managing federal student loans, while a Nevada advocacy group warns that proposed wage garnishments for borrowers in default could deepen financial hardship.

A United Airlines flight from Las Vegas to Newark was forced to return to Las Vegas Saturday night after a passenger allegedly threatened to hijack the plane and crash it into a specific row of seats.

Las Vegas police arrested the 25-year-old man on charges of making a threat or providing false information regarding an act of terrorism. He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

United says the plane, carrying 150 passengers, returned safely. The flight departed for New Jersey Sunday morning after an overnight delay.

The Federal Aviation Administration says it will investigate. The agency reports more than 1,400 unruly passenger incidents so far this year.

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