5-12 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.

5-14 News - Swatting impacts schools across the state yesterday.

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 thermometer topped out at 80 yesterday at Yellend field.  Today look for Sunny skies, calmer winds, and cooler temperatures with a high around 77.

Swatting the big news across White Pine County and Nevada. 

White Pine Middle School was placed on lockdown Wednesday afternoon after authorities received reports of an active threat against the school. According to the White Pine County Sheriff’s Office, the call came in just before 3 p.m., claiming there was a plan to carry out a shooting at the school. Deputies and multiple law enforcement agencies responded immediately and secured the campus. After an investigation, officials determined the incident was a swatting call and found no credible threat to students, staff, or the public. The Sheriff’s Office thanked the community for its cooperation as the investigation remains ongoing.

Adobe Middle School in Elko was placed on lockdown Wednesday afternoon after the school received a threatening phone call claiming an armed individual planned to come to campus and open fire. The call came in at approximately 2:44 p.m., and the school resource officer took over communication with the caller while the school immediately followed lockdown procedures. Multiple law enforcement and emergency agencies responded and quickly searched the campus, determining there was no active threat inside the school. The lockdown was lifted by 3:45 p.m., allowing parents and buses to safely pick up students while officers remained on scene. Elko Police say the investigation is ongoing and thanked responding agencies and the school district for their coordinated response during the incident.

Canyon View Middle School and Canyon View High School in Cedar City, Utah, were placed on lockdown Wednesday afternoon after a verbal threat was phoned in to the middle school around 4 p.m. According to the Iron County School District, both campuses immediately followed safety protocols while law enforcement officers searched the area. Students were evacuated to a nearby church as parents arrived to pick them up, and several after-school activities, including an orchestra concert, were canceled. By about 6:30 p.m., Cedar City Police gave both campuses the all clear, saying no credible threat was found. School officials say classes will resume Thursday with an increased police presence on campus while the investigation continues.

Several Fernley area schools also received threats yesterday. 

The White Pine County Commission decided that the ADA issues of the old courthouse would keep the Commission meetings in the Library Conference Room for the foreseeable future. At yesterday’s meeting, the Commission also agreed to keep the police protection agreement in place with the City of Ely through 2019.  The Commission also heard an update on SNPLMA grant projects and heard that the Duck Pond project should be completed in time for the July 4th holiday.  The Commission also discussed putting the continuance of the Heritage Park Project on the November ballot. 

The Commission also directed the drafting of an ordinance to address large renewable proposals and industrial developments to be brought to the commission first, and awarded Gregg Drilling the bid for the new Golf Course well, despite concerns by Commissioner Vogler that the $750,000 bid was $370,000 less than the second-lowest bid.  

The commission also approved a $320,000 agreement for design work on the McGill Depot and Northern Nevada Railway renovation and authorized a search for a new Road Maintenance Superintendent with a salary up to $98,000.

White Pine County law enforcement had a busy Tuesday, May 12th.

In Ely, a missing out-of-state teen was found safe at a local convenience store and reunited with parents. Deputies also cleared a suspicious home entry and a 911 hangup with no foul play found.

Schools saw action too: two students were caught with vaping devices, a trespasser was cited near a campus, and a juvenile on a motorcycle caused a disturbance. A vehicle also crashed in a city construction zone.

In serious news, Sabien Urrizaga was booked by Nevada State Police on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and drug possession, with bail set at over $42,000.

Nevada water officials say they are putting plans for mandatory water cutbacks in the Humboldt River Basin on hold, despite worsening drought conditions across northern Nevada. The state had been considering a curtailment order that could have reduced groundwater pumping for junior water rights holders, but officials now say no release date has been set for the proposal. The Humboldt Basin, which supports agriculture and mining across much of northern Nevada, is facing one of its worst snowpack years on record, leaving some irrigators with only a fraction of their normal water allotments this summer. State officials say curtailment remains a last-resort option as they continue working on alternative water management solutions.

White Pine High School brought home a third-place team finish at the 2026 Class 2A State Boys Golf Championship held Tuesday and Wednesday at Toiyabe Golf Club. The Bobcats posted a two-day team total of 765, finishing behind state champion Incline and runner-up North Tahoe. White Pine was led by Travis Peterson, who tied for eighth place individually with a score of 175 over two rounds. Hunter Baldwin added a top-15 finish with a 187, while Zayden McClintock, Matt Ellis, Crichton Sweitch, and Ryker Gardner also contributed to the Bobcats’ strong showing at state. Incline’s Lucas MacDonald captured the individual state title with a two-round total of 162.

The Ladycats Softball team is in Needles today for the State 2A Championships.  The Ladycats will face Battle Mountain at 3:30 today in first-round action.