9-28 News - Nevada's only refinery near Ely reopens

 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 a chance of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms today, cooler temperatures with a high of 67 degrees.  

The US Geological Survey reported a 4.1 quake 13.4 miles west of Preston just after midnight Saturday night, with several aftershocks following, with the latest a 3.3 around 10:30 last night.  No reports of injuries or damage.  

Nevada’s only oil refinery is restarting operations, and it’s located in Railroad Valley, about 60 miles southwest of Ely.

The Eagle Springs Refinery has completed about 300-thousand dollars in repairs and upgrades and received a new state air permit.

The refinery can process about 5-thousand barrels of crude oil a day, and Railroad Valley is currently the only area in Nevada with producing oil wells.

The refinery is owned by Utah-based Sky Quarry and operated by Foreland Refining. Company officials say the goal is to ramp up production and make Nevada-refined fuel a larger part of the region’s supply.

White Pine High School sports had a busy weekend.

The White Pine varsity boys soccer team picked up back-to-back shutout victories over Sage Ridge. White Pine won Friday’s match seven-nothing, then followed it up Saturday with an eight-nothing victory.

On the volleyball court, White Pine Ladycats’s four-match winning streak came to an end Friday against GV Christian. The Ladycats fell three sets to one, with scores of 25-12, 24-26, 25-22, and 25-21.

The loss drops White Pine’s record to 15-2-and-2, while GV Christian improves to 14-and-11.

White Pine will return to action Friday at 3 p.m., taking on Lake Mead Christian Academy after both teams had some extra time off.

Gerald “Jerry” Burton Charles of Ely passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on September 21st at the age of 88.

A Marine Corps veteran, Jerry worked in construction, mechanics, mining and maintenance, including with the Ely City Shops and Ely Shoshone Tribe, where he also served on Tribal Council.

He was known for his generosity, love of family, Native heritage, the outdoors and community.

A viewing is Friday, October 9th, from 5 to 7 at Mountain Vista Chapel. Funeral services are Saturday, October 10th, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Ely, followed by burial at Ely City Cemetery.

Nevada schools facing enrollment-related budget cuts will be able to maintain their previously approved state funding levels under an emergency regulation signed Friday by Governor Joe Lombardo.

The move could help school districts avoid cutting staff and programs as enrollment declines put pressure on education budgets. State Superintendent Victor Wakefield says the regulation will also give lawmakers time to develop a long-term solution.

The action comes as Clark County School District faces a 51-point-6-million-dollar midyear budget shortfall after losing more than 10-thousand students compared with last year.

Clark County Superintendent Jhone Ebert says the district now does not expect to eliminate positions this school year.

Could permanent Daylight Saving Time leave Nevada kids walking or riding to school in the dark?

That’s one concern being raised as Congress considers the Sunshine Protection Act, which would keep the nation on Daylight Saving Time year-round.

Nevada lawmakers considered the opposite approach last session — permanent Standard Time — but the bill failed.

Supporters point to health and safety, while opponents of permanent Daylight Time note that winter mornings would stay darker. And there’s a history lesson: the nation tried year-round Daylight Saving Time in 1974, extending it through the winter. By October of 1974, concerns about dark winter mornings — including children traveling to school before sunrise — had grown, and Congress moved to end the experiment. Standard Time returned in late October 1974.

If Daylight Saving Time (DST) were made permanent, the latest sunrise in Ely, NV, would occur around 7:55 a.m. on the winter solstice (December 21). 

The debate continues today over whether the clock should stay on Standard Time, Daylight Time, or keep changing twice a year.

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

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. 

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.

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!

Just a reminder

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

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!  

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!

9-25 News - City Council votes to exterminate roaches

 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 heading into the weekend, today’s high around 79. 

The Ely City Council voted to order an abatement of a cockroach infestation at 171 Fay Avenue at last night’s meeting.  Building Official Chris Flannery determined the infestation had become an emergency as the cockroaches were migrating to other buildings.  Flannery said there would need to be an initial spraying of the structure, then a hazmat team would need to empty the building before further treatment.  The Council voted to spend up to $10,000 on the emergency remediation, which would then be charged to the property owner.  

The abatements requested at 750 Avenue M and 832 Murry Street were granted extensions of time to complete the cleanup.  

The Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to allow dogs off-leash inside the fenced Broadbent Park Dog Park, approved a Hercules Gap Trail stabilization project, and approved a proclamation marking the 120th anniversary of the Nevada Northern Railway's arrival in Ely.

The council awarded a construction bid for the Steptoe Valley Trap and Skeet Range Hunter Education Building to Pearson Brothers Construction Company, selected Mackedon deBraga & Rowe Law of Fallon as a conflict prosecutor, and adjusted its November and December meeting schedules to one meeting each month for the holidays.

Significant opposition to proposed historic districts along Aultman Street and the Nevada Northern Railway corridor at the public hearing.  

A complete podcast of last night’s meeting is available through all podcast platforms with a separate podcast of the cockroach infestation segment of the meeting available by searching KELY 1230AM/98.5 FM News and Commentary on all podcast platforms including Spotify, IHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, and Spreaker. 

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests in the Tuesday blotter.

Deputies responding to a domestic disturbance in McGill arrested 50-year-old Sharon Newman and 32-year-old Antonyce Thomas, both on elder abuse charges. Bail for each was set at ten-thousand dollars.

In Ely, 69-year-old Carl Lutze was arrested for trespassing at a residence.

Other calls included two separate thefts from vehicles parked outside local businesses. Both investigations remain active.

Deputies also investigated reports of fraud involving out-of-state debit-card purchases, harassment by an ex-domestic partner, a fight at a county park, and a juvenile damaging a window with a BB gun.

A welfare check involving a person reported to have a black eye found the person was fine. Reports of reckless driving and a deer collision on a state highway were referred to Nevada State Police.

The White Pine County Clerk’s Office is urging voters to take extra care when returning mail ballots, saying concerns about the U.S. Postal Service are real.

The Clerk’s Office recommends that voters mail their ballots early and ensure they’re received, or avoid the mail altogether by using the ballot drop box outside the Historic Courthouse, dropping ballots off at the Clerk’s Office during business hours, or voting or dropping off ballots at any Vote Center on Election Day.

The warning comes as Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar asks the state’s congressional delegation to consider deploying election observers to U.S. Post Offices ahead of the November midterms. Aguilar says observers could help ensure ballots are processed and mailed without disruption.

The request follows a federal case in Utah involving a former postal worker accused of discarding mail, including about 300 election ballots. Prosecutors say there is no indication the ballots were targeted because of political affiliation.

A small plane crashed Thursday morning in the Spring Creek area after losing engine power.

The Elko County Sheriff’s Office says the single-engine aircraft went down near State Routes 228 and 227 shortly before 10 a.m.

Pilot John Rice told deputies he had been conducting test flights near Elko Regional Airport when he lost power. He initially considered landing on 228, but traffic made that unsafe, so he landed in a nearby field.

The plane rolled about 50 feet before hitting a ditch and stopping. Rice was the only person aboard and suffered minor injuries. The FAA was notified.

In High School Sports, soccer takes center stage for the Boys this weekend.  The Bobcats host Sage Ridge tonight at 5 and tomorrow at 10.  The Ladycats Soccer Team is in Boulder City for a game tonight at 5 and tomorrow morning at 10.  And the Ladycat’s Volleyball team is in Vegas to take on GV Christian tonight at 5.  

Yesterday it was announced that Whittell High School grad Todd Cutler would be taking over as executive director of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association by a 7-5 vote at the Board of Control meeting on Wednesday.  Last night the deal apparently fell apart.   Jim Krajewski at the Reno Gazette Journal reports a statement from Cutler says he was not able to come to terms with the Board and would not be moving forward.  No statement yet from the NAA on how they would proceed.  

Republican Congressional candidate David Flippo is facing questions over claims about his military record and a required financial disclosure.

The Washington Post reports Flippo repeatedly claimed he received the Bronze Star with valor, while his campaign says a copywriter mistakenly combined his Bronze Star Medal with a separate Outstanding Unit Award with Valor.

The campaign says Flippo apologized and the claims stopped months ago.

Meanwhile, Flippo has yet to provide a required House financial disclosure, according to KOLO. His campaign says an extension was filed.

The disclosure issue has prompted requests for investigations by the Justice Department and House Ethics Committee.

KELY continues to follow this story as it does with all candidates who have not filed financial disclosure reports.

The Bureau of Land Management is planning seven wild horse roundups across Nevada, including several in eastern Nevada.

The roundups begin in October, with the Caliente Complex scheduled for March through June.

The BLM says wild horse and burro populations have grown far beyond what public ranges can sustainably support, putting additional pressure on forage and water.

The agency says the gathers are intended to prevent starvation, dehydration and injuries.

Wild horse advocates oppose the roundups, arguing horses should remain on the range and criticizing BLM management practices.

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