KELY News sponsored by Sahara Motors. Ready for all seasons? The Kawasaki RIDGE XR CREW Limited HVAC side-by-side keeps you cool in the summer, dry in the rain, and warm in the winter. Conquer any trail, creek, or blizzard—while staying comfortable the whole way. Check one out today at Sahara Motors.
Look for sunshine today to melt off much of the remainder of yesterday’s snowfall, but a cold front heading our way on Wednesday could bring not only cold but snow that will stay a while. Look for Today’s high around 44.
Nevada is on the move, climbing 15 spots in U-Haul’s latest Growth Index of one-way customer moves. The Silver State ranked 20th nationwide for growth in 2025, with incoming moves accounting for just over 50 percent of U-Haul traffic, slightly outpacing departures. While both arrivals and departures declined compared to last year, out-migration dropped more sharply. U-Haul says the data reflects moving trends, not population growth, but Governor Joe Lombardo called the ranking a sign that people are choosing to stay and build their lives in Nevada.
The Ely City Council meets Thursday evening at five at the Ely Volunteer Fire Hall. On the agenda are a presentation on Hope Week 2026 and possible approval of a proclamation recognizing February ninth through twelfth as Hope Week in Ely, along with discussion of a start date for the city’s new building official. Council members will also take first looks at updates to city administrative ordinances, review bids for tree removal and pruning at the Ely Cemetery, and consider raising the city’s asset capitalization threshold to five thousand dollars beginning July first.
The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests and several calls for service over January 3rd and 4th. Deputies arrested 36-year-old Javier Valentin Valdivia of Ely for DUI on a state highway and 48-year-old Jacob Lowery of Ely for driving on a suspended license following separate traffic stops. Deputies also investigated a reported battery at a healthcare facility, responded to complaints about loose dogs chasing children, and documented a custody dispute. Other calls included suspicious activity, parking and traffic complaints, property damage, and a vehicle striking a cow, with several incidents referred to Nevada State Police or Animal Control. All persons innocent until convicted in a court of law.
Nevada drivers could face higher fuel prices and possible shortages as California shuts down oil refineries that supply most of the state’s gasoline. California provides about 88 percent of Nevada’s fuel, and the recent closure of a Los Angeles–area refinery, along with plans to shut another by 2026, would remove roughly 17 percent of California’s refining capacity. Experts warn reduced supply could push prices higher, though higher costs may also limit shortages. Governor Joe Lombardo has formed a fuel resiliency group to explore ways to diversify supply and protect critical services.
Nevada has written off more than 106 million dollars in uncollectible, or so-called “bad,” debt since the start of 2023, according to an analysis by The Nevada Independent. Eric Neugeboren reports the debts include millions owed by both businesses and individuals, with the largest single case tied to a Las Vegas man convicted of Medicaid fraud in 2013.
State officials say the write-offs come only after years of unsuccessful collection efforts, including attempts by multiple collection agencies, or when debts are cleared through bankruptcy, legal rulings, or a debtor’s death. While the lost revenue has not affected state programs, Deputy Controller James Smack says the total raises concerns from a taxpayer perspective and highlights the need for improvements. The controller’s office is now exploring new tools, including the possible use of artificial intelligence, to boost future debt collection rates.
The Bobcats and Ladycats Basketball teams are on the road tonight heading to Panaca to take on the Lincoln County Lynx, with the Girls game starting at 5 and the boys at 6:30.