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A slight chance for showers Tuesday night into Wednesday but until then a mix of sun and clouds, look for today’s high around 52.
The state has its eye on White Pine County as The Nevada Committee on Local Government Finance meets Wednesday in Reno, with White Pine County on the agenda.
County officials are scheduled to provide an update on recent staff turnover and outline an action plan to ensure compliance with state financial reporting laws. The committee will also review the county’s appointment of an authorized second signatory for financial matters to maintain continuity and internal controls.
The meeting will also include discussions on school district finances in other counties and possible fiscal oversight actions.
The White Pine County Commission faces a packed agenda at its meeting Wednesday starting at 9 a.m. at the White Pine County Library in Ely. Key items include ratifying a letter to the Nevada Department of Taxation confirming the county will hold ad valorem tax rates steady for the upcoming fiscal year, despite commissioners' push last year for tax reductions. Commissioners will also vote on appointing Social Services Director Desiree Barnson as interim grant manager, with added compensation to handle the extra duties. Other action items:
- Approving a corrective action plan to address a fiscal year 2025 audit violation.
- Adopting Resolution 2026-04 to designate signatories for county SNPLMA projects.
- Recognizing Payroll Specialist Terri Martinez as interim human resources officer following recent departures.
District Attorney Melissa Brown is requesting approval for the IT director to grant temporary, read-only email access to financial consultant Gina Rackley. This move aims to maintain continuity in county financial operations, including vendor payments, deadlines, and audit-related matters. Many of these steps stem from ongoing fallout after the termination of Finance Director Kathy Workman earlier this year, along with the resignations of Deputy Finance Director Courtney Thornal and the former Human Resources Director. KELY Radio will once again broadcast the meeting live on air and online at kely1230.com
The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a series of calls Thursday February 19th, including a reported domestic disturbance in Ely where a caller said they were battered by multiple family members. Deputies separated those involved and completed a report.
Other calls included a vehicle burglary at a residence that remains under investigation, a reported theft involving a washing machine removed from an apartment, and assistance provided to a parent dealing with a juvenile stealing.
Deputies also handled reports of reckless driving, two dogs running at large on a highway, a broken waterline referred to the City of Ely, and multiple motorist assists on state highways. An ATV accident was reported on a county roadway, but the vehicle had left the scene before deputies arrived.
One arrest was reported: Donald D. Crabtree was booked on an Ely Justice Court warrant with bail set at $5,000.
The Nevada state fire marshal, who also serves on the Sparks City Council, was arrested early Saturday on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Joseph Rodriguez was taken into custody around 3:10 a.m. February 21st on a charge of DUI above the legal limit, according to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office inmate records. The sheriff’s office is leading the investigation, and the case has been forwarded to Sparks Justice Court. Further details about the arrest have not been released.
State Police confirmed they are aware of the incident. An internal investigation is now underway, and Rodriguez has been suspended from his duties as state fire marshal pending the outcome. It’s not yet clear whether the arrest will affect his position on the Sparks City Council.
A Golden Doodle abandoned at Harry Reid International Airport now has a new forever home.
The dog, nicknamed “JetBlue,” was left tied near an airline ticket counter after his owner was arrested for animal abandonment when she couldn’t board a flight with him. Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas took the pup in and was quickly flooded with adoption requests.
In the end, one of the Metro officers who responded that day, Officer Skeeter Black, was chosen to adopt him. The rescue says the community response has been overwhelming — including a $6,000 donation from JetBlue Airways, matched by an anonymous donor.
JetBlue is now settling in with his new family, who say he’s “going to be very much loved.”