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Breezy conditions today with wind gusts this afternoon up to 35 mph. Today’s high 69
A downtown Ely bar could soon lose its licenses following a late-night incident involving law enforcement.
The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report early Thursday morning at Club Rio on Aultman Street. Deputies say they observed multiple minors inside the bar allegedly consuming alcohol, while the doors were locked and staff refused to let officers enter. Authorities also report juveniles attempted to hide when deputies arrived.
Officials say the situation escalated later when the bar’s windows were covered, preventing visibility from outside.
City leaders say this is not the first issue involving the business. According to the City of Ely, the owner had previously been warned about violations involving minors.
Now, the Ely City Council will hold a special meeting April 27th to consider revoking or suspending the bar’s business and liquor licenses.
White Pine County says a plumbing failure has forced the temporary closure of the Historic Courthouse.
Officials report the issue caused significant flooding inside the building, prompting an immediate response from county staff. The damage has left the courthouse’s fire suppression system inoperable, raising safety concerns.
As a precaution, the building will remain closed until repairs are completed and it’s safe to reopen.
County departments based in the courthouse are still available by email while officials work to set up temporary office space. Cleanup is already underway, and county leaders say they’re working with emergency management and fire safety experts to restore the facility.
Updates on reopening and any service impacts are expected as more information becomes available.
A high-stakes legal fight is unfolding in White Pine County, as Paula Carson faces a court challenge that could remove her from office.
A formal complaint filed by Treasurer Catherine Bakaric and Recorder Christina Shady accuses Carson of malfeasance and repeated violations of state law.
At the center of the case is the January termination of the county’s finance director, which the complaint alleges was used to sidestep Nevada’s Open Meeting Law. The filing also claims Carson sought unauthorized access to county financial systems and pushed through a costly consulting contract using improper emergency meetings.
Additional allegations include withholding a taxpayer-funded payroll study that we reported on in February, showing county employees may be underpaid.
Carson has been ordered to appear in Seventh Judicial District Court on April 23rd. If the claims are upheld, she could be removed from office. For now, she remains commission chair as the case moves forward.
Here's a link to the complaint.
White Pine County is at a crossroads this week as the Board of Commissioners prepares for a marathon session that could reshape the local government.
The primary focus for the April 22nd meeting is finding a new Finance Director. At the last meeting an offer was extended to a candidate but that person declined the position. Commissioners are set to spend the day interviewing five candidates—Alicia Berkbigler, Joann Musinski, Adam Thompson, Ettie Schwartz, and Koreen Hyde—with the power to extend a job offer by the end of the afternoon.
But the agenda also highlights significant transitions in county leadership. Roads Superintendent Martin Troutt has officially signaled his intent to retire this July, ending his 26 year career with the County, and the board will consider appointing Cole Burdick as interim Golf Course Director.
Other high-stakes items include a new police protection contract between the City of Ely and the Sheriff’s Office, and a request for funding to support the August Horse Races.
The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. and has been moved to the White Pine Library Conference Room. Residents can attend in person or listen to the entire meeting live here on KELY.
The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office reports several incidents in its Thursday and Friday blotter.
Deputies are investigating a report of juveniles drinking at a local bar and a separate sex crime case. Crews also responded to a vehicle fire and multiple reckless driving calls, while some cases—including child welfare reports—were cleared without issue.
On April 17th, deputies handled property damage, suspicious activity, and a contraband case sent to the district attorney.
Two arrests were made: James Chessmore for trespassing and Mason Fisher of McGill on charges including DUI, drug possession, and possessing a firearm while intoxicated.
The Bureau of Land Management says it has completed a wild horse gather near Ely.
Officials report about 300 horses were rounded up using water and bait trap methods. The agency says the gather is aimed at preventing damage to public lands caused by overpopulation.
The horses have been transported to the Sutherland Off-Range Corrals in Utah, where they will be prepared for the BLM’s adoption program.
Catherine Cortez Masto announced new federal funding for rural counties, with a significant share coming to White Pine County.
The U.S. Forest Service is distributing more than 4.5 million dollars through the Secure Rural Schools program, which supports roads, schools, and local services in areas with large amounts of federal land.
White Pine County will receive just over 401 thousand dollars as part of the funding.
Statewide, 14 counties are benefiting, with Nye County receiving the largest share.
The program was recently reauthorized through 2026, ensuring continued support for rural communities across Nevada.
The White Pine Boys Baseball team pulled off a major feat on Friday, sweeping the Needles Mustangs 3-1 and 13-9 for the Bobcats first win over the Mustangs since 2002.
It was a rougher home stand for the Ladycats Softball team on Friday, falling to the Needles Lady Mustangs 10-1 and 16-14.