KZMU News

This week on the News Reel, we hear from Times-Independent reporter Lizzie Ramirez about the effects of the government shutdown on Arches National Park, the latest update in a discrimination complaint filed against two county commissioners and the county attorney, and the new workforce housing complex under construction on Highway 191.

• County categorically denies alleged mistreatment of female employees, contractors

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/county-categorically-denies-alleged-mistreatment-of-female-employees-contractors/

• What Arches National Park visitors are experiencing during a government shutdown

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/what-arches-national-park-visitors-are-experiencing-during-a-government-shutdown/

This week on the News Reel, we speak to Lizzie Ramirez, reporter at the Times-Independent, about two women who have added accusations to a recent discrimination complaint filed against Grand County commissioners and the county attorney. We also discuss the county’s decision to spend $129,000 on this year’s tree lighting ceremony. And we finish with a quick story about the effects of tariffs on local guiding businesses.

- Show Notes -

• Grand County commission approves 129k for new tree lighting initiative https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-commission-approves-129k-for-new-tree-lighting-initiative/

• Grand County receives more complaints in ongoing harassment, discrimination claim

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-receives-more-complaints-in-ongoing-harassment-discrimination-claim/

• Moab businesses continue to face economic challenges

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-businesses-continue-to-face-economic-challenges/

This week on Regional Roundup from Rocky Mountain Community Radio, we'll hear a conversation with student reporters from the University of Utah about the state’s new law allowing open carry on campuses. We also hear a discussion on efforts to roll back the Public Lands Rule. Plus, a report from the Buffalo Field Campaign tells about a decades-long project to protect wild buffalo in Yellowstone National Park. And we finish with a conversation about a new documentary, This is Not a Drill, about the oil industry.

This week on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about a recent discrimination complaint filed by 10 women against Grand County. We also discuss the official resignation of the Grand County School District superintendent, Mike McFalls. And we finish with an update on a years-long missing person case involving Jamey Holyoak, whose remains were found recently in San Juan County.

- Show Notes -

• Ten women file harassment, discrimination claim against Grand County

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/ten-women-file-harassment-discrimination-claim-against-grand-county/

• Grand County superintendent says resignation after one year was forced

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-superintendent-says-resignation-after-one-year-was-forced/

• Remains found in San Juan County identified as Jamey Holyoak

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/remains-found-in-san-juan-county-identified-as-jamey-holyoak/

Last night, the five candidates running in the Moab municipal elections participated in a debate hosted by the League of Women Voters of Southeast Utah. Two mayoral candidates — Joette Langianese and Curtis Wells — and three candidates for Moab City Council — Miles Loftin, Howard Trenholme, and Jason Taylor — answered questions about housing, healthcare, property taxes, and more. Everett Hildenbrandt, chair of the League of Women Voters of Southeast Utah, moderated the debate, which was broadcast live on KZMU.

- Show Notes -

• 2025 Election Information

https://moabcity.gov/236/Election-Information

• What is Proposition 13?

https://www.grandcountyutah.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22804/Notice-of-Special-Election-82225

This week on Regional Roundup from Rocky Mountain Community Radio, we hear a report on efforts to roll back the federal Roadless Rule, which currently prohibits road construction and timber harvesting in undeveloped land within the U.S. National Forest System. We also hear stories about a quinceañera in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a new app designed to keep residents better informed about wildfires, and a notorious case of wolf cruelty that may be shifting public attitudes toward the animals. And we finish up with an audio postcard from Boulder, Colorado, where birders are hoping to catch a glimpse of a rare tropical anhinga.

This week on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about a new investigation into workplace harassment among Grand County employees and how that ties in to the recent removal of the interim planning and zoning administrator. We also give a quick update about measles cases in Moab and across the state.

- Show Notes -

• McGann says toxic work environment permeates Grand County government

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/mcgann-toxic-work-culture-permeates-county-government/

• Grand County replaces interim zoning official

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-replaces-interim-zoning-official/

• Moab’s first measles case confirmed

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moabs-first-measles-case-confirmed/

This week on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about some of the residents who lost their homes in Old La Sal during the Deer Creek Fire. We also discuss a free service to develop and support local businesses.

- Show Notes -

• Old La Sal residents recount losses, find resilience in the ashes of the Deer Creek Fire

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/old-la-sal-residents-recount-losses-find-resilience-in-the-ashes-of-the-deer-creek-fire/

• Moab SBDC supports more than 40 businesses under new director

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-sbdc-supports-more-than-40-businesses-under-new-director/

This week’s Regional Roundup from Rocky Mountain Community Radio includes a story about the National Park Service celebrating its 109th anniversary as budget cuts destabilize the agency. We also hear from Boulder, Colorado, where residents are working to establish a new sister city relationship with a community in Ukraine. Plus, a story about efforts to reduce wildlife–vehicle collisions across the West, and a conversation about the latest Bureau of Reclamation report on the Colorado River.

This week on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about Utah’s role in an upcoming Colorado River agreement between upper and lower basin states. We also discuss the Grand County School District Superintendent Mike McFalls, who was put on administrative leave recently. Plus, a story about the county’s vote to decline a resolution to protect public lands, and a quick update about the county’s planning and zoning director position.

- Show Notes -

• Utah officials optimistic Colorado River deal can be reached

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/utah-officials-optimistic-colorado-river-deal-can-be-reached/

• GCSD Superintendent McFalls on leave as school board prepares to act

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/gcsd-superintendent-mcfalls-on-leave-as-school-board-prepares-to-act/

• Grand County declines resolution backing public lands

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-declines-resolution-backing-public-lands/

• Interim planning official objects to surprise replacement process, commission pulls item

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/interim-planning-official-objects-to-surprise-replacement-process-commission-pulls-item/