KZMU News

On the News Reel today, we talk to Doug McMurdo, editor of the Times-Independent, about the city’s assessment of this summer’s flood damage. We also discuss the city’s new initiative to lower energy costs in municipal buildings. Plus, we hear about the county’s decision to deny a zoning appeal regarding the Kane Creek property, opting to uphold the current zoning.

- Show Notes -

• One Mill Creek flood study nears its end

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/one-mill-creek-flood-study-nears-its-end/

• Moab awards 2M contract to energy savings consultant

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-awards-2m-contract-to-energy-savings-consultant/

• Grand County Commission denies Kane Creek zoning appeal

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-commission-denies-kane-creek-zoning-appeal/

Reports of mysterious drones have raised concern across the country this week, including at an air force base in Utah, where residents reported seeing unidentified lights in the night sky over the weekend. Officials from the Hill Air Force Base near Salt Lake City said in a statement on Monday that the reports don’t pose a threat to public safety, but authorities are investigating the drones in question.

- Show Notes -

• Utah residents reported on social media what they believe were drones flying near the Hill Air Base in Davis County earlier this week

https://www.reddit.com/r/Utah/comments/1hf90sy/did_anyone_else_see_these_lights_tonight/

Today we speak with Moab Mayor Joette Langianese and Grand County Commission Chair Jacques Hadler about some of the biggest projects and changes from the past year. We discuss the status of the city’s flood repairs, Moab’s new property tax, future plans for the UMTRA site, new safety precautions on Highway 191 and more.

This week on Regional Roundup, we hear how one mountain community came together to feed firefighters during a wildfire in August. Tag along with birdwatchers taking advantage of winter conditions to spot a variety of species. A range rider is featured in a film of the same name chronicling his efforts to reduce human-wolf conflict. Plus, a commentary on how nature is becoming increasingly unreliable due to climate change.

On the News Reel today, we talk to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the county’s search for a 1992 zoning map for Kane Creek development property. We also discuss the final steps Grand County must take to resolve the state’s audit report. Plus, we talk about the county’s proposed 2025 budget, which will be approved before the end of the month.

- Show Notes -

• Watch group and developers clash over Kane Creek subdivision zoning

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/watch-group-and-developers-clash-over-kane-creek-subdivision-zoning/

• Grand County moves closer to audit resolution

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-moves-closer-to-audit-resolution/

• Grand County Commission nears final proposal for 2025 budget

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-commission-nears-final-proposal-for-2025-budget/

On Thursday, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources passed a new deer management plan, which will inform hunting regulations until 2030. One major change approved in the plan involves how the state will manage areas with high numbers of chronic wasting disease, such as the La Sal Mountains and Castle Valley. Targeted hunts will occur in these areas to cull sick deer.

- Photo: The new plan also suggests lowering the buck-to-doe ratios is certain areas throughout the state as another method for slowing the spread of chronic wasting disease as male deer are more like to contract it. Photo by Bryant Olsen via Flickr.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments regarding the Uinta Basin Railway. The case has turned into a much larger legal debate about the bounds of the National Environmental Protection Act after approval for the railway was revoked in August due to an insufficient environmental impact analysis.

Photo: This map shows where the Uinta Basin Railway would connect to the Union Pacific Railway. Courtesy of Colorado Newsline.

This week on Regional Roundup, we examine how a second Trump administration could affect the Rocky Mountain West. From public lands and energy policy to climate science research and the impacts on immigrant communities, the region faces potential changes on multiple fronts. We hear stories from RMCR, KGNU, and KHOL.

On the News Reel today, we talk to Doug McMurdo, editor of the Times-Independent, about the dismissal of a lawsuit between the county and the city and OHV businesses regarding a noise ordinance that went into effect in 2022. We also discuss healthcare provider Angie Settle, who won an award for her work bringing dental services to low-income and uninsured patients. We finish off with a story about a Moab resident who was featured in a new documentary about the Stanford Prison Experiment, which he participated in over 50 years ago.

- Show Notes -

• Court dismisses OHV lawsuit against Moab, Grand County

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/court-dismisses-ohv-lawsuit-against-moab-grand-county/

• Settle honored for work at Moab Free Health Clinic

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/settle-honored-for-work-at-moab-free-health-clinic/

• Moab resident reflects on role in Stanford Prison Experiment and new documentary

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-resident-reflects-on-role-in-stanford-prison-experiment-and-new-documentary/

• KZMU: Moab local reflects on his experience in the Stanford Prison Experiment

https://soundcloud.com/user-452372146-352514478/moab-local-reflects-on-his-experience-in-the-stanford-prison-experiment

Artist Keith Jim visited the middle school on Tuesday during the Native American Club's after school program. Jim turns Dine creation myths into graphic novels.

- Photo: A middle school student sketches during the after school program on Tuesday. Photo by Jeremy Spaulding.