KZMU News

Today we jump right in to our Weekly News Reel, hearing first-hand from reporters and editors about the unique stories they write and beats they cover in the area. First up, Times-Independent staff writer Carter Pape starts off with their continued coronavirus coverage. As of Friday morning, Grand County is reporting 70 active COVID-19 cases, and testing is revealing a nearly 21 percent positivity over the past seven days. Next, Moab Sun News editor Maggie McGuire outlines a few stories from their latest edition, including community members advocating for a different approach to the ATV/UTV noise issue.

Weekly News Reel! Mentions –

The Times-Independent: Households spreading coronavirus in Moab

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/households-spreading-coronavirus-in-moab/

The Times-Independent: Vaccine could be in Utah by month’s end

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/vaccine-could-be-in-utah-by-months-end/

The Times-Independent: Building at Arroyo Crossing set to begin early in 2021

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/building-at-arroyo-crossing-set-to-begin-early-in-2021/

The Times-Independent: Tourism to fund public health, UTV enforcement

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/tourism-to-fund-public-health-utv-enforcement/

Moab Sun News: Just how loud are they? A standardized sound test could identify the noisiest UTVs

https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_d5dc1c1e-2aa6-11eb-b209-336f9a1eeca4.html

Moab Sun News: Grand Potato Hunt – Local church is reaping – and sharing – the fruits of their labor

https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_3a8385ee-2aac-11eb-b786-5bff3bbeb9a6.html

Moab Sun News: Eagle Eye opens – Work on the Raptor Route mountain bike trail system continues

https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_16ed7e70-2aaa-11eb-9354-7750ca329e4c.html

Wyoming is in a unique position to become a key exporter of wind energy to other states across the West. But talk from state lawmakers about raising taxes on renewables has led some industry experts to speculate that wind developers are losing patience. It’s causing some to wonder if those developers will soon take their business – and tax revenues – elsewhere. Our partners at KHOL report on Wyoming’s wind rush potential. Plus, the Interior Department is facing criticism for putting up barriers to conservation projects nationwide.

Show Notes:

KHOL: Could Wyoming Miss Out on the Latest Wind Rush?

https://891khol.org/could-wyoming-miss-out-on-the-latest-wind-rush/

KZMU is part of a new collaboration reporting on the impacts of fossil fuels coordinated by the Rocky Mountain Community Radio Coalition. Today's story from KHOL is the first in a series airing over the next two months.

The Colorado River is critically important to life in the West, serving about 40 million people across seven U.S. states and two Mexican states. Reporter Luke Runyon heads a project entirely focused on issues surrounding this basin, working out of KUNC, the NPR station for northern Colorado. A recent reporting trip brought Luke to Moab, and he stopped by the KZMU studios to talk about this unique reporting project and what’s ahead for the West’s most important resource.

Show Notes:

Luke Runyon’s Reporting at KUNC

https://www.kunc.org/people/luke-runyon

Wildfire and Water Series

https://www.kunc.org/wildfire-and-water

During November and December, thousands of people venture out onto public lands to harvest holiday trees. In the Moab area, people can take trees with a permit on lands managed by the USFS and BLM. We spoke to representatives from both agencies about the permitting process and this generations-old tradition. Plus, our partners at the Mountain West News Bureau speak with a Democratic Senator from Montana about how progressives can win back rural America.

Show Notes:

Photo Credit: BLM Utah

Manti-La Sal National Forest Tree Permits

https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/59206b93-ebc7-11ea-895c-7e0f799b6940

Bureau of Land Management Tree Permits

Call the Moab Field Office at 435-259-2100

Mountain West News Bureau: Tester – Democrats ‘Don’t Have A Message That Rural Folks Can Relate With’

https://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/post/tester-democrats-dont-have-message-rural-folks-can-relate

By a narrow margin, Colorado voters approved wolf re-introduction for the western portion of the state. Our partners at KDNK spoke to someone on each side of the campaigning efforts about the results and their plans moving forward. Plus, President-elect Joe Biden has promised to restore Bears Ears National Monument as soon as he’s inaugurated. Our radio partners report that would make some people happy, but the monument would not be permanently protected. And later, a new study finds many of the West’s biggest cities have been able to keep growing, while using less water.

Show Notes:

KUER: Despite Promises From Biden, Future of Bears Ears Is Still Uncertain

https://www.kuer.org/health-science-environment/2020-11-10/despite-promises-from-biden-future-of-bears-ears-is-still-uncertain

KDNK: Wolf Reintroduction Passes by Narrow Margin

https://www.kdnk.org/post/wolf-reintroduction-passes-narrow-margin

As Utah’s hospitals strain at capacity with COVID-19 patients, mandates from the Governor’s Office and Utah Labor Commission are attempting to bring all residents and workplaces into public health compliance. Face coverings are now mandatory across the state, and there are temporary limitations on casual social gatherings – a big cause of viral spread. Businesses intentionally violating public health orders like ignoring the mask requirement could face closure, fines of $10,000 per day in violation, as well as civil or criminal charges. Public health experts say breaking the chain of transmission is incredibly important right now, as our healthcare system is severely stressed.

Plus, the Weekly News Reel! where we hear first-hand from local reporters and editors about the stories in their latest editions. First, Times-Independent editor Doug McMurdo covers several highlights including the Moab Area Travel Council’s mandate to advertise responsibly. Then, Moab Sun News editor Maggie McGuire weaves together several stories related to coronavirus and Grand County.

Show Notes:

Southeast Utah Health Department, Grand County, Moab City Joint Press Release re: Enforcement of Health Orders

https://www.kzmu.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Mask-Enforcment-Press-Release-PACKAGE-11.10.20.pdf

File a Complaint with the Utah Labor Commission, Division of Occupational Safety and Health

https://laborcommission.utah.gov/divisions/uosh/compliance/

Weekly News Reel! Mentions –

The Times-Independent: Travel council wants you to know – ‘We’re already doing that'

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/travel-council-wants-you-to-know-were-already-doing-that/

The Times-Independent: Things are popping in Moab

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/things-are-popping-in-moab/

Moab Sun News: Governor declares pandemic state of emergency

https://www.moabsunnews.com/covid-19/article_97e7335c-2525-11eb-a76c-8b37d4fc18ab.html

Moab Sun News: Large public events cause COVID-19 concerns – Comission considers restrictions

https://www.moabsunnews.com/covid-19/article_49be2b64-2529-11eb-89d6-7374a47a0555.html

Moab Sun News: School sports and extracurriculars canceled due to COVID-19

https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_0a222dbe-25df-11eb-80f6-3ff973860eec.html

Seekhaven Family Crisis and Resource Center is recording a big uptick in the amount of people seeking their help this year, from hotline calls to emergency shelter and service hours. Comparing the same three month period in 2019 to 2020, the organization saw a 500% increase of high-risk lethality assessments, or people statistically likely to be killed by their intimate partner. In order to better serve domestic violence victims, Seekhaven is focusing on multidisciplinary approaches, bringing together agencies like local law enforcement, the county attorney’s office, and the hospital for trauma-informed trainings. Experts say it’s critical for first responders to better understand trauma in order to get victims on a path to safety and stability.

Show Notes:

Seekhaven Family Crisis & Resource Center

24/7 Helpline: 435-259-2229

http://www.seekhaven.org

Lethality Assessment Program

https://lethalityassessmentprogram.org/about-lap/how-lap-works/

Six community organizations will be reviewing the Moab City Police Department’s use of force policy in the coming weeks. Chief of Police Bret Edge and Moab City Mayor Emily Niehaus promised a review this June, after protests against police brutality erupted across the country. Representatives from participating organizations say they look forward to an honest conversation with the police department and other community groups about accountability. Plus, 2020 has been a tough year for some of the Colorado River basin’s oldest and most controversial water projects. Proposals to divert water in New Mexico, Nevada and Utah have run up against significant legal, financial and political roadblocks. But it’s still unclear whether they are really gone or just waiting in the wings.

Show Notes:

KZMU: Hundreds of Moab protesters call for an end to police brutality and systemic racism

https://www.kzmu.org/kzmu-news-monday-june-8-2020/

KZMU: More from Moab’s Black Lives Matter Demonstration

https://www.kzmu.org/get-an-earful-more-from-moabs-black-lives-matter-demonstration/

KUNC: 2020 Delivers Setbacks For Some Long-Planned Western Water Projects

https://www.kunc.org/2020-11-09/2020-delivers-setbacks-for-some-long-planned-western-water-projects?fbclid=IwAR0YIz0lfIRuG-qHSy5qB67OuX93h-lv36zsnYm2WWQMPeTtGfQ9TG_02gc

Any advertisement of the Moab area made by the travel council must now include a ‘predominant’ message about responsible recreation. Although travel council staff have focused on topics like sustainability and accessibility in recent advertising campaigns, Grand County’s commission formalized education-based promotion through a resolution last week. Plus, geotagging is playing a significant role in public land popularity, creating a backlash to subsequent crowds. But as our partners report, the conversation around geotagging is changing, especially when it comes to race-based gatekeeping.

Show Notes:

Photo: Screenshot of 11-4 Travel Council Presentation

11-4 Grand County Resolution Re: Promotion

https://www.kzmu.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/11-4-GC-Resolution-re-Promotion-.pdf

11-4 Grand County Commission Meeting with Travel Council Presentation (begins at 1:07:30)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OePxLH5SpmI

Mountain West News Bureau: Race, Public Lands, And The Debate Over Geotagging

https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/post/race-public-lands-and-debate-over-geotagging

Utah is now under a state of emergency over rising COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. In an attempt to address hospital overcrowding, Governor Gary Herbert issued a series of restrictions, including a statewide mask mandate and temporary pause on casual social gatherings. After-school activities like sports and clubs are also on hold for the immediate future. Said Herbert of the statewide mask mandate, “we cannot afford to debate this issue any longer. Laws are put in place to protect all of us. That’s why we have traffic lights and speed limits and seatbelts. And that’s why we now have a mask mandate.” Plus, Grand County’s commissioners and staff discussed how to safely and effectively permit special events in 2021, given the ongoing pandemic.

Show Notes:

11/9 Governor Declares New State of Emergency

https://coronavirus.utah.gov/gov-gary-herbert-declares-state-of-emergency-for-hospital-overcrowding-case-surge/

11/8 Governor Herbert Declaration (video)

https://www.facebook.com/GovGaryHerbert/videos/1059067864555911/

11/9 Governor Herbert Press Conference (video)

https://www.facebook.com/GovGaryHerbert/videos/694867508073436