KZMU News

At Tuesday's commission meeting, the county's planning director Amy Weiser said she was unable to locate the official zoning map for the controversial Kane Creek property. Organizers with Kane Creek Development Watch argue that the county made a mistake in recording a 1992 rezone of the property, prompting what’s become a months-long search for the 32-year-old map. The watch group claims that only a fraction of the property should have been rezoned for commercial use, contrary to what developers claim today. The county will hold a special meeting on Friday to further discuss the findings presented at Tuesday's meeting.

- Photo: Planning director Amy Weiser shows commissioners a 2005 map that she believes is the most accurate depiction of how the Kane Creek property should be zoned based on decisions made in the late '90s. She admits the map isn't perfect though, as it excludes an entire 40-acre parcel. Photo by Emily Arntsen.

This week on Regional Roundup, we hear about a former monastery near Aspen, Colorado, that community members are rallying to conserve. We meet runners who competed in a 240-mile race in southeast Utah, and a new book examines how horses forever altered the course of human history.

On the News Reel today, we talk to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about financial struggles at Grand County EMS and a recent request for funding for new ambulances. We also hear about the county commission's support for making a timed entry system at Arches permanent. Plus, we hear about Moab Solution's annual holiday fundraiser.

- Show Notes -

• Moab Solutions annual fundraiser begins Nov. 29

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-solutions-annual-fundraiser-begins-nov-29/

• Grand County EMS faces financial strains

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-ems-faces-financial-strains/

• County commission supports permanent timed entry system at Arches

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/county-commission-supports-permanent-timed-entry-system-at-arches/

Today, we hear from KJZZ about an organization in Arizona that's fighting the black market trade of eagle feathers in the United States by legally selling feathers for Indigenous ceremonies. We also hear from the Mountain West News Bureau about shifts in wildlife migration as climate change progresses.

La Sal Mountains could see over 18 inches of snow as a storm passes through southeastern Utah all day Tuesday and into Wednesday morning. The Utah Avalanche Center warns backcountry skiers about early-season snow slide hazards.

- Show Notes -

https://utahavalanchecenter.org/forecast/moab

This week on the Regional Roundup, we celebrate Native American Heritage Month. We hear from a Diné musician who combines electronic music with traditional singing and drumming, a former Navajo ranger who recounts his experiences with the paranormal in a new memoir, and from the Native American Rights Fund about ongoing barriers facing Native voters.

On the News Reel today, we talk to Doug McMurdo, editor of the Times-Independent, about the most recent ruling in the Gabby Petito case that found the Moab Police Department not liable for her murder under the Governmental Immunity Act of Utah. We also discuss a protest against the Kane Creek Development that took place last weekend. Plus, we give an update about changes to the speed limits on Highway 191 through Moab.

- Show Notes -

• Judge rules in favor of MPD in Petito case

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/judge-rules-in-favor-of-mpd-in-petito-case/

• Over 100 protesters rally against Kane Creek development

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/over-100-protesters-rally-against-kane-creek-development/

• Lower speed limits coming to Highway 191

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/lower-speed-limits-coming-to-highway-191/

Today, we hear about possible rollbacks in federal funding that was recently granted to two Moab businesses. We also hear about a group of conservationists who are protesting a lithium mine on the grounds that it could harm a rare species of snail. Plus, we have a story about Colorado River negotiations and Utah's youngest elected official.

Possums don't typically live in the Mountain West, but a couple weeks ago, a Moab resident caught one in a skunk trap in his backyard. North America's only marsupial has a high rate of reproduction and can quickly throw native ecosystems out of balance. The Division of Wildlife Resources suggests setting traps if residents see possums near their houses. You can report possum sightings to the DWR at 435-613-3700.

//Photo via Flickr

Today, we hear about Arches National Park's timed entry system, which could become permanent. The public comment period for this plan ends on Nov. 23. We also hear about possible changes in the Department of the Interior that could affect how public lands are managed in Utah. Plus, a two-way about how rural voters shifted left in this past election in western Colorado.