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Monday, October 26, 2026

10/26 News - 1 in 5 White Pine Voters have already 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 five 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 27 people cast early in-person ballots on Friday, with 4 registered Democrats, 42 Republicans, and 3 voters registered with other parties. On Saturday another 34 people cast early in-person ballots, with 8 registered Democrats, 20 Republicans, and 6 voters registered with other parties.  Over the first seven days 311 voters cast in-person ballots. 

The county's mail-ballot pipeline also shows 725 mail ballots returned, with 716 accepted for counting.  1027 voters have already cast ballots, roughly 21 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 mail back your ballot to ensure your ballot is returned in time to be counted. 



White Pine County commissioners will consider several projects and funding requests on Wednesday.

The meeting begins at nine a.m. in the White Pine County Library conference room in Ely and will be broadcast live on KELY.

Among the major items, commissioners will hold a public hearing on whether to continue or terminate the Baker Multi-Use Trail Project.

They’ll also consider spending 20 thousand dollars for two speed-flasher signs along Highway 487 in Baker, and discuss a proposal to update county nuisance-abatement ordinances and procedures.

Other agenda items include establishing a County Investment Advisory Committee, reinstating the White Pine County Economic Diversification Council, and approving up to 19-thousand dollars for revisions to the county’s emergency evacuation plan.

Commissioners will also review road projects, county financial reports, and additional funding for victim and witness services.

The agenda includes closed personnel sessions to evaluate the performance of the county’s Aquatic Facility, Social Services, and Information Technology directors, followed by consideration of possible administrative action.

The joint meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28th, at nine a.m. at the White Pine County Library.  If you’re not able to attend, KELY makes it easy for you.  The meeting will be streamed and broadcast live on KELY and KELY1230.com.  In addition, a podcast of the broadcast will be available following the meeting on most podcast engines including Spotify, Spreaker, Apple Podcast and YouTube. Just search KELY 1230 98.5 on your favorite podcast engine. 



White Pine County Clerk Nichole Stephey is responding to questions about the separation of the County Clerk’s Office and the District Court, saying the change was an administrative decision by the court, not disciplinary action against her.

In a public statement posted on Facebook, Stephey says District Court judges signed an administrative order on April 29th, directing the court to take over court-clerk functions effective July first.

According to Stephey’s statement, the order cited the court’s need for additional administrative support, including budgeting, grants, and human resources. It also acknowledged the growing responsibilities of the County Clerk’s Office in elections and service to the County Commission.

Stephey says the order does not accuse her of ineffective leadership or identify the transfer as disciplinary action.

She says she has served White Pine County for 19 years in the Clerk’s Office, including 12 years as County Clerk, and remains committed to serving the community with professionalism and integrity.

Stephey also notes in her statement that similar arrangements have occurred in other Nevada counties, where courts have taken control of their own records and files.




The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of vehicle burglaries, hit-and-run, fraud, and reckless driving Thursday and Friday.

On Thursday, deputies investigated a vehicle burglary and a hit-and-run in Ely, along with damage to a shed at a county park and a suspected phone scam involving someone claiming to represent law enforcement.

Friday, deputies investigated a broken vehicle window outside Ely and a child abuse case involving an infant at a healthcare facility. A juvenile was detained on allegations of child abuse, domestic battery, and violating probation, then transported to the Elko County Juvenile Detention Center.

Other calls included welfare checks, custody disputes, disturbances, and juvenile-related complaints.


Two overdue hunters were found safe Sunday after spending the night in the mountains near Spruce Mountain in Elko County.

According to the Elko County Sheriff’s Office, the hunters rolled their side-by-side shortly after dark Saturday and spent the night near the wrecked vehicle.

Deputies, Elko County Search and Rescue, a Reach medical helicopter, Clover Valley Volunteer Fire Department, and local citizens took part in the search.

The hunters were located walking along a two-track road north of Spruce Mountain Road Sunday afternoon. They were cold and hungry but reported no injuries.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked the agencies and community members who assisted in the search.




The Bobcats Football team momentum ran headlong into the Needles Mustangs on Friday night.  The Mustangs won 22-13 to drop the Bobcats to 4-4 on the season.  The Bobcats host the Lincoln County Lynx on Thursday in a renewal of a century-old rivalry.  

Meanwhile, the Bobcats Soccer Team dropped two to Yerington 4-1 and 4-2, 



White Pine High School will host its first-ever state soccer tournament this Friday and Saturday, with both the Ladycats and Bobcats competing for state championships on their home field.

Friday’s semifinal action begins at noon, with the Yerington and Pershing County girls. The White Pine Ladycats take on Dayton at two p.m.

On the boys’ side, Yerington faces Battle Mountain at four p.m., followed by the White Pine Bobcats against Dayton at six p.m.

The state championship games are Saturday, with the girls playing at ten a.m. and the boys at noon.

Tickets are available online only through GoFan. Daily admission, including fees, is 13 dollars and 60 cents for adults and six dollars and 25 cents for students. Children eight and under get in free.

White Pine High School is encouraging the community to fill the stands with blue and support both local teams during this historic weekend of soccer.




The Vegas Golden Knights have dropped three straight after a two-to-one overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets Saturday night.

Tomas Hertl scored for Vegas in the first period to tie the game, and Carter Hart made 18 saves to keep the Knights in it.

But Adam Fantilli scored on a power play just 59 seconds into overtime to give Columbus the win.

The Golden Knights will look to get back on track Tuesday night when they host the Ottawa Senators.  Puck drop tomorrow night just after 7, pre-game at 6 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!  




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.

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!




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!



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. 

Sunday, October 25, 2026

10-23 News - City Council pulls Green Mountain Apartments Business License

 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. 


17/100 of an inch of precipitation fell at Yellend Field.  We’re hoping for more today with a chance of Showers.  Today’s high around 49.



White Pine County voters are already making their voices heard as early voting continues for the November General Election. According to the Nevada Secretary of State's VIVID dashboard, another 27 people cast early in-person ballots on Wednesday. with 4 registered Democrats, 21 Republicans, and 2 voters registered with other parties.  Over the first four days 228 voters cast in-person ballots. 

The county's mail-ballot pipeline also shows 594 mail ballots returned, with 585 accepted for counting.  813 voters have already cast ballots, roughly 17 percent of registered voters.

Early voting continues at the Historic Courthouse in Ely through October 30.  You can return your ballot securely 24 hours a day at the dropbox at the rear entrance of the courthouse off Campton Street. 


After nearly 45 minutes of discussion, the Ely City Council voted unanimously to revoke the business license for Green Mountain Apartments at 195 15th Street.  Members of the city acknowledged the owner's reluctance to handle issues after being given a deadline to correct the issues, and opted to take this action.  We have created a separate podcast of this portion of the meeting that you can access on all popular podcast platforms.  

The City decided to renew the employees' and retirees' health insurance coverage for the coming year, voted to participate in the environmental review for the BLM’s 2027 oil and gas lease sale, and to spend up to 200 dollars on a dedication celebration for Ely’s new dog park at a date to be determined.

 A podcast of the meeting is available on all podcast platforms by searching KELY 1230 98.5.



The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office handled several incidents Wednesday, including school-related complaints, suspected drug activity, and traffic hazards.

In Ely, two school incidents involving alleged alcohol possession and battery were forwarded to Juvenile Probation. A report of suspected drug activity at a local motel was referred to the Eastern Nevada Narcotics Task Force.

Deputies also responded to a domestic disturbance, harassment complaint, and several disturbances. One person was warned for disturbing the peace after reportedly banging on the walls of a duplex.

Traffic calls included a vehicle sliding off a state highway and a semi-truck blocking a city intersection. The truck was moved, clearing the hazard.

A welfare check in Ely found two family members were fine.

In White Pine Sports, the Bobcats Football team is in California to take on the Needles Mustangs.  The Bobcats and Ladycats Soccer teams are also on the road to Yerington for contests today and tomorrow.  


The Vegas Golden Knights have dropped their second straight game, falling to the St. Louis Blues six-to-two Thursday night.

Brett Howden and Jack Eichel scored for Vegas, while goaltender Adin Hill stopped 25 shots. But the Blues pulled away in the third period, scoring three times to seal the victory.

Vegas played without Mitch Marner, who missed the game because of a family matter.

The Golden Knights will look to get back on track Saturday night when they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets.



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