6-2 News - Hanson bucks President over CD-2 Endorsement

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Fair skies and summerlike conditions through the weekend with today’s high around 83.

With four days remaining in early voting, turnout is still considered low.  In-person early voting at the Clerk's Office has totaled 174 over the first seven days, with 22 votes cast on Monday.  As of yesterday, 435 Mail ballots have been received.  Voting continues today from 9 until 6 at the County Clerk’s office.  Mail ballots can be dropped off anytime at the drop box in front of the new courthouse.

The White Pine County Sheriff's Office responded to a variety of incidents over the weekend, including thefts, accidents, juvenile complaints, and an arrest.

An ATV reported stolen from an Ely residence remains under investigation, while deputies are also investigating a report of child abuse. A traffic accident involving a semi-truck at East Aultman Street and Great Basin Boulevard resulted in a citation being issued to an Idaho driver.

On Sunday, 33-year-old Tanner McWhirter of Ely was arrested following a motel disturbance and booked on charges of possession of a controlled substance and obstructing a public officer.

Deputies also responded to a mental health crisis, suspicious activity reports, traffic hazards, and the natural death of Coral L. Ockert of Ruth.

Two Northern Nevada lawmakers are publicly backing former state senator James Settelmeyer in Nevada's 2nd Congressional District race, despite President Donald Trump recently endorsing rival candidate David Flippo.

In an opinion piece in today’s Reno Gazette-Journal, State Senator Ira Hansen and Assemblywoman Alexis Hansen said they respectfully disagree with Trump's endorsement and argued that Settelmeyer's long record of public service and deep roots in Nevada make him the best choice to represent the district.

The lawmakers said Northern Nevada voters—not outside interests—should decide who will succeed retiring Congressman Mark Amodei. They also noted that Settelmeyer previously served as Trump's Nevada campaign chairman while serving as Senate minority leader.

KELY is teaming up with CAL Ranch to recognize local healthcare workers today, June 2nd.  We’re saying thank you to the healthcare heroes who take care of our communities every single day. If you work in healthcare, this day is for you. You’ll receive 10% off almost everything in the store, plus 25% off clothing, boots & shoes, and clothing accessories. It’s CAL’s way of recognizing the long hours, hard work, and dedication you bring to our community. Stop by today and let CAL Ranch help you gear up for summer with our Healthcare Appreciation event. 

A 5-year-old child at the center of an Amber Alert in Carson City has been found safe in Southern California, and the suspect is now in custody.

Authorities say Christopher Meithof allegedly took the child during a custody dispute. Investigators tracked his vehicle traveling south on U.S. 395 before law enforcement agencies in California located the child during a traffic stop near Palmdale on Monday.

The child was found unharmed. Meithof was arrested without incident and is being held pending extradition to Nevada. Authorities say the child will be reunited with her mother with assistance from Child Protective Services.

6/1 News - Trump endorses Flippo in CD-2 to replace Amodei

 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. 

Fair skies and summerlike conditions through the weekend with today’s high around 80.

With five days remaining in early voting turnout is still considered low.  In person early voting at the Clerks Office has totaled 152 over the first six days with 17 votes cast on Saturday.  As of yesterday, 435 Mail ballots have been received.  Voting continues today from 9 until 6 at the County Clerk’s office.  Mail ballots can be dropped off anytime at the drop box in front of the new courthouse.

The White Pine County Sheriff's Office responded to several incidents on May 28th.

Deputies recovered a debit card found on a county roadway and placed it into lost and found property. A disturbance at a local treatment center resulted in one individual being trespassed from the facility at management's request.

Deputies also investigated a report of possible tampering involving a vehicle and items inside a residence, but determined the allegations were unfounded.

A reported theft ended with a mobility scooter being located and returned to its owner.

In addition, deputies responded to two juvenile-related calls, including one involving a child afraid to return home and another involving several juveniles found at a local school after curfew. The juveniles were released to their parents, and a report was forwarded to Juvenile Probation.

An Amber Alert remains in effect for 5-year-old Amaya Meithof, who authorities say was abducted by her father in Carson City.

Investigators say Amaya is believed to be with 41-year-old Christopher Meithof. The pair were last seen in the Carson City area, and their destination is unknown.

Christopher Meithof is described as a white male, six feet tall and 170 pounds. He is believed to be driving a red 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Oregon license plate 576 QNU.

Authorities note that Amaya has common allergies. Anyone with information is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.

In news from the hotly contested second congressional district race.

President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican congressional candidate David Flippo in Nevada's 2nd District primary race.

In a social media post Friday, Trump called Flippo an "America First Patriot" and praised his military service and business experience. Flippo thanked the president, saying he is honored to have Trump's support.

The endorsement comes as Flippo and former state senator James Settelmeyer are viewed as leading contenders to replace retiring Congressman Mark Amodei.  

Concerns over Flippo’s move to Northern Nevada and from campaigning in District 4 to District 2 upon Amodei’s decision not to run for re-election remain. 

Amodei criticized the endorsement, saying Nevada voters should decide who represents them in Congress, while Settelmeyer's campaign said it will continue campaigning through Election Day.

Republican congressional candidate Jesse Watts has suspended his campaign for Nevada's 2nd Congressional District and endorsed James Settelmeyer.

In a statement posted Friday, the former Eureka County sheriff said a crowded field and the realities of campaigning led him to conclude that continuing his bid would divide conservative voters. He praised Settelmeyer's experience and ties to Northern Nevada, calling on his supporters to unite behind the former state senator's campaign.

Watts thanked supporters and said his commitment to serving Nevada remains unchanged despite ending his congressional run.

5-29 News - Drug Bust 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. 

The winds are out of the forecast today but so is the rain.  We might see an isolated shower today but skies will clear out, the high today around 63. 

After three days of early voting turnout is still considered low.  In person early voting at the Clerks Office has totalled 112 over the first three days with 26 votes cast yesterday.  As of yesterday, 246 Mail ballots have been received.  Voting continues today from 9 until 6 at the County Clerk’s office.  Mail ballots can be dropped off anytime at the drop box in front of the new courthouse.

The White Pine County Sheriff's Office and the Eastern Nevada Narcotics Task Force made a major drug arrest Wednesday following the execution of a search warrant at an Ely residence.

Authorities arrested Joseph D. Grapes Jr., age 65, on charges including trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale, and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set at 65-thousand dollars.

In other activity, deputies investigated the theft of a mobility scooter from a cemetery, a reported child abuse case, and an ongoing sex crime investigation.

Search and Rescue crews also responded after an emergency beacon was activated in a remote area of the county. Deputies say one person was transported to a local hospital after colliding with an elk on a county roadway.

Deputies also arrested Kevin T. Stauffer following a disturbance at a local casino. He was booked on a trespassing charge.

Other calls included welfare checks, a reckless driver complaint, and a civil dispute involving an eviction notice.

A recent entry in the White Pine County Sheriff's Office blotter reported that a local resident was targeted in a fake jury duty scam attempt.

Now, a Las Vegas woman says she lost more than 12-thousand dollars in a similar scam after callers posing as law enforcement officers threatened her with arrest for allegedly missing jury duty.

Stefanie Clary says the scammers kept her on the phone for hours and directed her to deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM to avoid going to jail.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Trade Commission warn that courts and law enforcement agencies will never demand payment through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or Bitcoin ATMs. Authorities urge anyone who receives similar calls to contact law enforcement immediately.

5-28 News - Judge claims resistance, obstruction in Grand Jury investigation

 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. 

A Frontal System is still stalled over the Nevada-Utah Border keeping precipitation to our North and West, but lots of wind.  A Wind Advisory continues until 8pm tonight.  Look for mostly fair skies with wind gust up to 40 miles an hour again today and a high of 66 degrees.  

After three days of early voting turnout is still considered low.  In person early voting at the Clerks Office has totalled 86 over the first three days with 32 votes cast yesterday.  As of yesterday, 241 Mail ballots have been received.  Voting continues today from 9 until 6 at the County Clerk’s office.  Mail ballots can be dropped off anytime at the drop box in front of the new courthouse.

Three Commissioners showed up for yesterday’s meeting with Commissioner Robison appearing via Teams.  Commissioner Hank Vogler was absent. 

The Commission voted to augment the budget to fund the Grand Jury’s continuance.  Judge Steven Dobrescu told commissioners that the Grand Jury was facing resistance from some county offices and that the Attorney General and the Department of Corrections were obstructing the Grand Jury’s investigation of Ely State Prison and increasing costs.  The Commission voted 4-0 to appropriate an additional $70,000 to the current budget.  

The fight between the Commission and the Treasurer continued as accusations from Commissioner Tim Pauley that reports were falling behind, as the Treasurer devoted time to the lawsuit against the chairman.  

The Commission also approved liquor licenses for the White Pine Horse Races and White Pine Productions for their upcoming events at the Fairgrounds. The Commission dismissed a letter of support for recognition of the Lawrence Welk anniversary.  

The Ely City Council meets tonight with a public hearing scheduled on the city’s final budget for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2027. Council members are expected to consider adoption of the budget following the hearing.

The council will also review appointments to the Historic Preservation Commission, discuss seasonal open burning restrictions from June through September, and consider cost-of-living increases for city employees and firefighters tied to union agreements.

Other agenda items include an update on a federal rail infrastructure grant application involving the Nevada Northern Railway Foundation and participation in a geothermal lease sale environmental assessment involving areas near Ely, Lund, and Caliente.

The meeting begins at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Volunteer Fire Hall.

The White Pine County Sheriff's Office investigated several incidents Tuesday, including vandalism, fraud, and multiple traffic accidents in Ely.

Deputies are investigating after someone reportedly threw a rock through a vehicle window at a city residence.

Authorities also responded to reports of a person with a firearm outside a county facility, but deputies say no problems were found.

The Sheriff’s Office is also warning residents about scam text messages involving fake jury duty notices following a fraud complaint.

Other calls included a juvenile runaway who was later reunited with a parent and several non-injury parking lot accidents around the city.

5-25 News - Missing Mail turns up at Clerk's Office

 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 today, look for a high near 80 before a front rolls through tomorrow bringing windy conditions in tomorrow. 

The White Pine County Clerk's Office says it has received about eight months’ worth of delayed business reply mail from the United States Post Office.

According to County Clerk and Registrar of Voters Nichole Stephey, the mail was delivered to the office on May 22nd and included voter responses to official notices, voter registration updates, and new voter registrations.

Clerk’s Office staff are now reviewing and processing the information to make sure voter registration records are updated accurately and in compliance with Nevada election law.

Officials say some voters could receive new ballots as the updated information is entered into the voter registration system.

The Clerk’s Office says unexpected ballot changes may cause confusion and is encouraging voters with questions about their registration status, ballot, or election information to contact the office directly at 775-293-6509.

Early voting turnout for Nevada’s 2026 primary began on May 23 and, as of May 24, showed just under 40,000 ballots returned—33,450 by mail and 5,575 in person, representing about 1.5% of active voters.  Turnout was nearly even between Republicans and Democrats, with approximately 15,000 ballots cast by each party, indicating no significant enthusiasm gap. 

In-person early voting on the first day saw 3,800 voters in Clark County and 1,010 in Washoe County, with Republicans slightly outpacing Democrats in both counties.  Mail voting remains dominant, consistent with recent trends, and overall turnout is expected to be low, similar to previous midterms.

Early voting resumes tomorrow at the White Pine County Clerks office in the new Courthouse on Great Basin Boulevard or if you got a mail ballot you can drop it off anytime at the dropbox in front of the new courthouse. 

The American Legion Post 3 and VFW Post 3547 will sponsor a Memorial Day program Monday, May 25th at the White Pine County War Memorial.

The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and will feature performances and appearances by the White Pine Community Choir, the Cheat Grass Brass Band, and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Organizers are inviting the public to attend and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation.

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 is investigating a reported shooting incident in the county that led to the arrest of a 45-year-old Ely man.

According to the Sheriff’s Office blotter report for May 20th, deputies responded after receiving information that a person may have been shot at a residence in the county. Following an investigation, deputies arrested James L. Christensen Jr. on charges of assault with the use of a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm where a person may be endangered, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. Bail was set at 30-thousand dollars.

In other activity, deputies investigated a theft at a local business in Ely. The suspect is expected to be cited for petit larceny and was also trespassed from the business at management’s request.

Deputies also handled reports of suspicious circumstances involving a home security camera, a parking violation that resulted in a vehicle being towed, found property, a welfare check, and a fraud complaint involving unemployment benefits and identity theft.

The Sheriff’s Office also reported the booking of Justin R. Kennedy on a probation violation with no bail.