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3/100 of an inch of precipitation overnight with another 1/100 of an inch in the 6am hour, we’re hoping for more today with showers and a high of 47.
The White Pine County Commission meets today at 9 a.m. in the county library conference room in Ely, with live coverage on KELY beginning at 9.
The agenda includes routine county business, financial matters, and several board appointments. One item drawing attention is the planned appointment of Brandi Sumrall, daughter of Commissioner Tim Pauley, to the Local Emergency Planning Committee as an alternate voting member representing the hospital.
That follows last month’s postponement of reappointments to the Agricultural District 13 Fair and Rodeo Board. One of the candidates for a seat, alongside current member Rope Ashworth, is Pauley’s son-in-law, Caleb Sumrall. As we reported two weeks ago, the delay raised questions about potential family ties.
Commissioners will also address fallout from a recent meeting where an audit-related correction surfaced late. County officials say the issue was not shared with the Finance Department until after Thursday’s meeting, despite information reportedly being available as early as February 3rd. The delay has heightened concerns about internal communication following the dismissal of Finance Director Kathy Workman and the resignation of Assistant Finance Director Courtney Thornal.
Other agenda items include a public hearing on road certification, fire district updates, natural resource contracts, and a proposed golf course well project. The board will also discuss staffing needs, administrative changes, finance support positions, job postings, and stipends for additional duties.
After a Friday morning meeting on the potential closure of the White Pine Care Center, William Bee Ririe Hospital CEO Matt Walker said no decisions have been reached and talks are continuing. Another meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at 7 a.m., when greater clarity is expected. The agenda has been posted on our Facebook page and also at KELY1230.com
Walker said hospital leadership is working with the facility’s business operator, the property owner, and state officials to better understand the situation. He pointed to the cost of the land and building lease as the central challenge, saying the landlord’s monthly rent is too high and is driving the current operator’s decision to step away.
According to Walker, the landlord has so far declined to negotiate on rent or address needed building repairs, limiting the hospital’s ability to consider taking over the facility. If those conditions remain unchanged, Walker said the hospital may have to explore building a new long-term care facility, which could lead to a temporary loss of services.
Walker stressed that no final determination has been made and that additional information is still being gathered before any path forward is chosen.
The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office has released its blotter report for February 9th.
Deputies are investigating several property crimes, including the theft of gaming equipment from a local casino, a vehicle burglary in a township area, and multiple reports of property damage to vehicles and a county facility. One case involving damage to county property has been forwarded to the district attorney’s office.
Other calls included a report of a suspected prowler who fled before deputies arrived, and a report of possible distress at a local motel, which was determined to be unfounded.
Deputies also investigated a workplace battery, issuing a citation to an employee, and took a report of phone fraud involving someone impersonating a peace officer.
A death in Ely was investigated and ruled due to natural causes. One new jail booking was reported.
The Bobcats Basketball team is still alive in Postseason but it was a nailbiter as the boys went into overtime to beat Awaken Christian Academy 47-46. They Bobcasts have a real challenge in the Semifinals on Friday as they take on the top seeded Needles Mustangs at 5:10 at Faith Lutheran High School in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile the Ladycats Basketball team romped over Lake Mead 45-19 to punch their ticket to Faith Lutheran and the Semifinals. The girls will play longtime rival and number 2 seed Lincoln County Lady Lynx at 3:30 on Friday. Tickets available through the NIAA website at NIAA.com/tickets
It’s almost time for those lovely Mormon Crickets to invade Eastern Nevada again.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture is hosting a series of open meetings to gather public input on plans to control Mormon crickets and grasshoppers on public lands.
The meetings will focus on the possible use of pesticides, including Diminlin, Malathion, and carbaryl bait, in areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Districts affected include Carson, Winnemucca, Elko, Ely, and Battle Mountain. Officials say the proposal is aimed at crop protection, residential protection, and public safety.
Residents may provide oral or written comments. More information is available through the Nevada Department of Agriculture’s Division of Plant Health and Compliance. Meeting information is at https://agri.nv.gov/entomology/
Don’t tell your County Commisioners this, but Duck Dumping is a problem in Las Vegas.
A small fundraiser in South Summerlin is taking aim at a big problem — illegal duck dumping.
On February 10th, realtor Rebecca McMahon teamed up with Everbowl to donate ten percent of sales to the Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary. The goal: raise awareness about domestic ducks bought around Easter, then abandoned in local parks.
Sanctuary director Jennifer Langford says dumped ducks are showing up in nearly every city park, and many shelters don’t have space to take them in. Domestic ducks can’t survive long in the wild and require constant water, proper nutrition, and protection from predators.
Organizers say more events are planned ahead of the Easter season.