KZMU News

This week on Regional Roundup, we take a look at President Biden's recent apology for federal Indian boarding schools, with reaction from tribal communities across the region. We also report on Indigenous voter turnout in southeast Utah and share a story about a round dance in Durango. This week's show features stories from KSJD, KRCL, KZMU and KSUT Tribal Radio.

On the News Reel today, we talk to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about an upcoming county commission hearing that will address zoning discrepancies at the Kane Creek Development. We also discuss free dental screenings at the elementary school. Plus, we hear about the county’s new administrator, Mark Tyner.

- Show Notes -

• Kane Creek zoning discrepancies set to be addressed at public hearing

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/kane-creek-zoning-discrepancies-set-to-be-addressed-at-public-hearing/

• HMK students undergo dental screenings

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/hmk-students-undergo-dental-screenings/

• New Grand County Administrator Mark Tyner brings decade of experience

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/new-grand-county-administrator-mark-tyner-brings-decades-of-experience/

A new horror filmed called Delicate Arch follows four college kids on a psychedelic trip to Arches National Park gone wrong. The movie, which was filmed in Moab, screened at Star Hall last week, followed by a Q&A with director, Matt Warren. In this newscast, we also hear from KUER about Navajo farmers near the San Juan River and a water settlement that could change their livelihoods.

Photo: Characters in a new horror film set in Moab gaze at a drug-warped Delicate Arch.

Today, we hear a story from KUER about an indigenous variety of peach that's coming back in southeastern Utah thanks to the work of a group of Navajo horticulturalists. We also hear a story from KGNU about how immigrant aid organizations in Colorado are preparing for the new presidential administration.

Since 2011, the Utah Legislature has set aside nearly $6 million in public funds to support efforts to remove gray wolves from the Endangered Species list and bring the animal's management under state control. A recent audit has found that over $5 million of those public funds have gone unaccounted for. We talk to Anastasia Hufham, reporter for the Salt Lake Tribune, about her recent story on this issue. We also hear from the Utah News Connection about new conservation easements for agricultural and ranch land across the state. Plus, we hear a story from KSUT about a former Navajo Ranger who recently published a memoir that includes tales of the paranormal on the reservation.

- Show Notes -

• Salt Lake Tribune: To fight protections for wolves, Utah gave a nonprofit $5M. An audit says it’s ‘difficult to pin down’ how the taxpayer money was spent.

https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2024/10/18/how-anti-wolf-group-used-utah-tax/

• Photo: A gray wolf stands in a meadow in Wyoming where the species was briefly delisted and managed by the state until 2022 when the gray wolf was added back to the state's Endangered Species list. Photo via Flickr

This week on Regional Roundup, we explore the legacy of Grizzly 399, Wyoming’s beloved bear, whose recent death has made national headlines and inspired memorials around the state. Then, we travel to southwest Colorado, where a Payment for Ecosystem Services program is reshaping conservation efforts by rewarding farmers who cultivate healthy ecosystems. In Lake City, we check out a powerlifting competition that builds community in this tiny mountain town. Finally, we experience the extraordinary acoustics of The Tank in Rangely, Colorado, an abandoned water tank that draws musicians from around the world. This week's show features stories from KHOL, KOTO, KVNF and KZMU.

On the News Reel today, we talk to Doug McMurdo, editor of the Times-Independent. We recap the election results and discuss the Moab Valley Fire Department's final annexation plan, which has been in development for years. We also talk to Kenny Fallon, editor of the Green River Observer, about a lawsuit that Green River residents and local non-profits filed against the State Engineer's Office regarding the water rights of a prospective lithium mine.

- Show Notes -

• Hadler, Hedin, Martinez, McCandless win

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/hadler-hedin-martinez-mccandless-win/

• Moab Valley Fire moves forward with county annexation

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-valley-fire-moves-forward-with-county-annexation/

• The Green River Observer

https://thegreenriverobserver.substack.com/

Voter turnout has fluctuated in Indigenous precincts in San Juan County over the past decade. That's largely due to the county's switch to mail-in ballots in 2014. Navajo Nation residents aren't served by the USPS, the mail carrier that delivers ballots. This switch to mail-in voting prompted the Navajo Nation to sue shortly after for what it claimed was voter suppression among Indigenous voters. The settlement agreement from the lawsuit has resulted in more polling stations on the Navajo Nation, plus Dine language service for voters who don't speak English. Despite these efforts, voter turnout among Indigenous residents was down in San Juan County this election.

We also hear about a state audit in the San Juan County Sheriff's Office for illegally operating a county bank account. Plus, a quick update on the Colorado couple who allegedly stole artifacts from Canyonlands National Park. We finish up with a story about the future of Colorado River negotiations as a new administration takes the White House.

- Show Notes -

• Election results in San Juan County

https://electionresults.utah.gov/results/public/san-juan-county-ut/elections/general11052024

• Over 3,000 homes on the Navajo Nation receive official addresses

https://soundcloud.com/user-452372146-352514478/over-3000-homes-on-the-navajo-nation-receive-official-addresses

Today on KZMU News, we review yesterday's election results across the county and the state.

- Show Notes -

• Election results:

https://electionresults.utah.gov/results/public/utah/elections/general11052024

Polls are open in Grand County today until 8:00 p.m. at the Grand County Clerk's Office on Center Street in Moab, and in San Juan County until 8:00 p.m. tonight at The Montezuma Creek Dine Building, the Monument Valley Welcome Center, the Navajo Mountain Chapter House, the White Mesa Community Center, the Blanding Library, and the San Juan County building in Monticello.

The deadline for returning mail-in ballots was yesterday. But residents can still cast ballots in person today, either by dropping off mailed ballots at polling stations, or by filling out new ballots in person. Utah also offers same-day voter registration. Residents can register and cast provisional ballots today with a valid ID and proof of residency, such as a utility bill.

- Show Notes -

• Election Results:

https://electionresults.utah.gov/results/public/utah/elections/general11052024