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5/100 of an inch of precipitation over the past two days, not much, but better than nothing. Our last chance for precipitation out of this weather system will be this afternoon with scattered showers and snow flurries. Look for a high today of 47.
The White Pine County Commission met February 11th with strong public turnout, as residents voiced both support and concern over county leadership.
Community members backed Rope Ashworth and Caleb Sumrall for the Ag District 13 Fair and Rodeo Board, and Eric Trujillo for the Regional Transportation Commission, citing their experience and long-standing local involvement. Commissioners approved those appointments, with one abstention and one dissenting vote.
Public comment also focused on allegations of nepotism, lack of transparency, golf course subsidies, and recent staff turnover. Several speakers urged improved financial accountability and collaboration.
But whether intentionally or accidentally, the commission passed over County Treasurer Catherine Bakaric for public comment despite one commissioner pointing out the omission. Commission Chair Paula Carson said because she had closed Public Comment she couldn’t go back and redo it. KELY called the treasurer’s office and gave her time to make her comment and also gave her the opportunity to remind residents that the fourth installment of Property Taxes was coming up.
The White Pine County Commission has approved an increase to its annual on-call contract with Resource Concepts Incorporated, raising the amount from $60,000 to $80,000 to cover public lands and water rights work. RCI has assisted the county since 2021, including reviewing water rights applications and supporting hearings that may impact White Pine County. The measure passed unanimously.
Commissioners also filled two open seats on the Agricultural District 13 Fair and Rodeo Board, appointing Rope Ashworth and Caleb Sumrall on a 3-to-0 vote, with Commissioner Pauley abstaining due to a conflict. Sumrall is Pauley’s son-in-law.
Eric Trujillo was selected for the Regional Transportation Commission on a 3-to-1 vote. George Chachas was appointed to the Tourism and Recreation Board, representing local hotel operators.
In other action, the board approved a $1,350 reimbursement for plumbing repairs tied to a county home sale, authorized expanded job postings, assigned commissioners to assist finance staff. It approved a $500 per week stipend for Payroll Specialist Terri Martinez for taking on additional human resources duties. The appointment of Commissioner Pauley’s Daughter, Brandi Sumrall, to the Local Emergency Planning Committee was tabled due to possible improper processes.
The Ely City Council will meet tonight at 5 in the Volunteer Fire Hall. On the agenda is a 5:30 p.m. public hearing on five ordinances updating the Ely Municipal Code. The measures include provisions related to the City Clerk, City Treasurer, Human Resources Director, and deputy positions, with approval to follow the hearing.
The council will also consider accepting the Morley Sewer Project, a CDBG-funded improvement, as recommended by the Municipal Utilities Board.
Other agenda items include agreements tied to a wireline crossing and electrical easement involving the Nevada Northern Railway Foundation and Mt. Wheeler Power, and a review of a revised landlord consent form for a Verizon site. An update will also be provided on cemetery tree removal and pruning.
A Las Vegas attorney has been nominated to serve as Nevada’s next U.S. attorney.
The White House announced Wednesday that George Kelesis has been selected by the Trump administration as its nominee for the state’s top federal prosecutor. Kelesis, a partner at Cook and Kelesis, must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
He is a Las Vegas native who has practiced law since 1981, previously served on the Nevada Tax Commission, and has worked as an adjunct professor at UNLV’s Boyd School of Law.
Sigal Chattah has been serving as acting U.S. attorney since March. Nevada’s two U.S. senators had not commented on the nomination as of Wednesday night.
Sex workers at Sheri’s Ranch in Pahrump are seeking to unionize with the Communications Workers of America, a move organizers say would mark the first brothel union in U.S. history.
A majority of the brothel’s 74 courtesans have signed on to the effort, which began after management introduced a new contract granting the business perpetual rights to workers’ intellectual property and power of attorney over that content.
Union attorneys allege at least three women involved in the organizing drive have been fired. Sheri’s Ranch maintains its workers are independent contractors and not eligible for collective bargaining.
The dispute now heads to federal labor officials, who must determine whether the courtesans qualify as employees before a union vote can proceed.