KZMU News

When a trailer park housing low-income residents went up for sale in downtown Moab, local elected officials worried it would get bulldozed for a new hotel. So, the city bought it. Today on the news, a report on Moab’s ongoing plans to safeguard workforce housing and develop affordable apartments at Walnut Lane.

Show Notes:

Photo: Trailer homes in the Walnut Lane neighborhood. Moab City says there are a total of 27 trailers in the park, all fabricated before 1976.

Walnut Lane Apartments

https://moabcity.org/571/Walnut-Lane-Apartments

Today on the news, COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are now available for several eligible groups in Grand County. And, western states are suffering from a lethal surge in overdoses of the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Plus, our radio partners have a profile on how one community collaboration created the first net-zero affordable housing project in Colorado.

Show Notes:

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Info:

For individuals who received a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:

65 years and older.

Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings.

Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions.

Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings.

For individuals who received a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, the following individuals are eligible for a booster shot at 2 months or more after their initial vaccine:

18 years and older.

All clinic times can be found at https://www.seuhealth.com/vaccine-scheduling.

Locals living along Kane Creek road are facing eviction while developers make new plans for the area. Longtime residents say they’ve already had trouble with limited housing options in Moab. Now forced out of their homes, they worry they will have nowhere else to go. Plus, a previously denied proposal to put a highway through the Book Cliffs has returned.

Show Notes:

Photo: Ross High and his daughter Kate High. Ross has lived in his unique home – built into a cave along Kane Creek – for 10 years. He and his neighbors were recently given eviction notices as developers make plans for the property.

KZMU: Facing Eviction Along Kane Creek Road, Locals Worry Over Housing Options

https://www.kzmu.org/facing-eviction-along-kane-creek-road-locals-worry-over-housing-options/

UPR: Is the Book Cliffs highway back on the table?

https://www.upr.org/post/book-cliffs-highway-back-table\

Moab is split down the middle into two different state House districts. At a recent public hearing hosted by the Legislative Redistricting Committee, local residents told lawmakers the district split dilutes their voice in the state Legislature. They asked the committee to put the city into one district as it redraws the lines. And, Charles Sams is on track to become the first Indigenous person to lead the agency. Plus, a Utah program incentivizes hunting with non-lead ammunition to help protect an endangered species of bird, the California Condor.

Show Notes:

Photo: House District 70 in Moab is highlighted in yellow. Districts 70 and 69 split certain neighborhoods in the Moab community.

KUER: Where does Moab belong? The city is split into two House districts and locals want that to change

https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2021-10-20/where-does-moab-belong-the-city-is-split-into-two-house-districts-and-locals-want-that-to-change

Mountain West News Bureau: Charles Sams poised to become Park Service’s first Native director

https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2021-10-20/where-does-moab-belong-the-city-is-split-into-two-house-districts-and-locals-want-that-to-change

UPR: Hunters Helping Condors offers coupons and prizes to hunters using non-lead ammunition

https://www.upr.org/post/hunters-helping-condors-offers-coupons-and-prizes-hunters-using-non-lead-ammunition

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources: Hunters Helping Condors program

https://wildlife.utah.gov/hunters-helping-condors.html

Over the next few months at the Moab Museum, Hopi artists will demonstrate carving katsintithu (also known as ‘kachina dolls’). The artist demonstrations are part of a temporary exhibition titled ‘Hopi Katsina: Evolving Styles, Enduring Meanings,’ aiming to explore the cultural significance and artistic tradition related to katsintithu. Staff at the Moab Museum say this exhibit is an opportunity to honor Indigenous culture today. And, our radio partners profile a racetrack establishment in Southwest Colorado helping create community.

Plus, the Weekly News Reel where we check in with reporters on their latest stories about the Moab area. Carter Pape of The Times-Independent talks election coverage, a reservation proposal for Arches National Park, and the future of Mill Creek Canyon’s management. Alison Harford of the Moab Sun News discusses voter registration, the Moab Valley Multicultural Center’s upcoming Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos Festival, and a haunted house fundraiser for Community Rebuilds.

Show Notes:

Photo: Katsintithu made by Hongvi Marquez on exhibit at the Moab Museum. Hopi artists are demonstrating carving at the exhibit now through December. Courtesy Moab Museum

Hopi Katsina: Evolving Styles, Enduring Meanings

https://moabmuseum.org/hopi-katsina-evolving-styles-enduring-meanings/

Moab Museum

https://moabmuseum.org

KSJD: Montezuma County’s speedway is more than just a racetrack. It’s also a resource fo the community’s kids

https://www.ksjd.org/podcast/ksjd-local-newscasts/2021-10-19/montezuma-countys-speedway-is-more-than-just-a-racetrack-its-also-become-a-resource-for-the-communitys-kids

Weekly News Reel Mentions –

The Times-Independent: Comprehensive guide to Moab’s 2021 election

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/comprehensive-guide-to-moabs-2021-election/

The Times-Independent: Candidates make their closing statements

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/candidates-make-their-closing-statements/

The Times-Independent: NPS urges locals to offer feedback on Arches reservation proposal

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/nps-urges-locals-to-offer-feedback-on-arches-reservation-proposal/

The Times-Independent: County to consider Mill Creek Canyon’s future management

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/county-to-consider-mill-creek-canyons-future-management/

Moab Sun News: 10 days left to postmark your ballot – Moab mayoral, city council seats up for grabs

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/county-to-consider-mill-creek-canyons-future-management/

Moab Sun News: 2021 Election Candidate Profiles

https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_53221654-2977-11ec-9498-d79634d85cc3.html

Moab Sun News: Multicultural Center hosts 11th annual Day of the Dead Festival – Free, family-friendly event will be on October 31

https://www.moabsunnews.com/get_out_and_go/article_bfc5e8c4-32de-11ec-9a9a-ef2f49b6b46d.html

Moab Sun News: Get spooky with Community Rebuilds ¬–Nonprofit hosts haunted house and Halloween activities fundraiser

https://www.moabsunnews.com/get_out_and_go/article_56bff840-32c2-11ec-b8a5-4be68186a151.html

A private investigator working the double homicide cases of two Moab locals is proposing a novel technology to help find a suspect – satellite imaging. Today on the news, we explore whether or not satellite imaging can actually help fight crime in rural communities. Plus, if you’re a skier or snowboarder, there’s a good chance the artist you are most familiar with is James Niehues. Our radio partners have a profile on the famed trail map painter.

Show Notes:

Photo: The Manti-La Sal National Forest near Moab

As peak-season congestion diminishes the visitor experience at Arches National Park, staff is drafting plans for a pilot timed entry system for launch in 2022. Although the framework is still being developed, they are considering requiring reservations from 6AM to 6PM, April through October. Plus, the crew at Moab’s UMTRA project is celebrating the removal of 12 million tons of uranium waste from the banks of the Colorado River. And, our radio partners report on drought conditions as well as new regulations for some human-made chemicals in our region.

Show Notes:

Photo: Cars in line at the Arches Entrance Station with U.S. Route 191 in the background. Arches National Park is making plans for a pilot timed entry system for launch in 2022. Credit National Park Service

Arches National Park Traffic Congestion and Crowding Info

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/909991e9919f4722adf1700379074f99

Moab UMTRA Project Info

https://www.gjem.energy.gov/general/general.htm

It’s been over two months since the double homicide of Kylen Schulte and Crystal Turner. And according to the Grand County Sheriff’s department, forensics analysis may take several months or more. Today on the news, we speak with Utah-based experts about the forensics process. Plus, wild horse roundups are continuing across the West. Our partners have a report from a roundup in northwest Colorado held earlier this year.

Show Notes:

Photo: Mourners gathered in a candlelight vigil for Kylen Schulte and Crystal Turner, who were found dead in the La Sal Mountains on August 18th. In September, law enforcement told the public that forensics analysis on the case could take ‘several months or more’ to complete.

If anyone was in the South Mesa area of the La Sal Mountains between Friday, August 13th and Sunday, August 15th, the Grand County Sheriff’s Office needs you to contact them with anything you may have seen or heard. That number is 435-259-8115. According to GCSO, there is currently a $20,000 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved in the double homicide.

9/28/21 GCSO Press Release

https://www.kzmu.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/9.28.21-GCSO-Press-Release.jpg

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Program

https://www.blm.gov/whb

For years, members of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of White Mesa have voiced concerns about a nearby uranium mill polluting their water and air. During a recent spiritual walk from White Mesa to the mill, marchers demanded its closure. But the Canadian company that owns the mill has plans for expansion. Plus, water experts from across the West testified before Congress about drought conditions and the Colorado River basin. And, a new report aims to bring hunters and anglers into discussions about fighting climate change.

Show Notes:

Photo: Marchers from White Mesa called for the closure of a nearby uranium mill during a spiritual walk on October 9th. Community members have long voiced concerns about potential contaminants to local water and air.

Every radiothon, we look back at the work we’ve done at KZMU News. It’s been a difficult past few months for our community at large, but throughout it all our newscast has been there. If you’ve appreciated our approach and all the local and regional stories Monday through Friday on the airwaves, consider supporting KZMU News and your grassroots, community radio station. And thank you to all our listeners who have shown their support so far!

Plus, the Weekly News Reel where we check in with reporters on their latest stories about Moab area issues. Doug McMurdo of The Times-Independent follows up on a former Moab officer who used profanity over the police radio, a workforce housing resolution at Moab City, and permits for Christmas trees. Alison Harford of the Moab Sun News discusses expansion at Canyonlands Field Institute, themes of unity in the Moab ArTTrails sculpture exhibition, and a new film series on environmental justice.

Show Notes:

Photo: (From front) KZMU's staff includes reporter Justin Higginbottom, music director Crystal Bunch, engineer Bob Owen, news director Molly Marcello, and office manager Kik Grant.

Weekly News Reel Mentions –

The Times-Independent: Fired Moab officer regrets profanity used over police radio

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/fired-moab-officer-regrets-profanity-used-over-police-radiol/

The Times-Independent: Moab officer had been fired from state for racist comments

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-officer-had-been-fired-from-state-for-racist-comments/

The Times-Independent: City moves to compel builders to include workforce housing

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/city-moves-to-compel-builders-to-include-workforce-housing/

The Times-Independent: Manti-La Sal National Forest Christmas tree permits on sale

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/manti-la-sal-national-forest-christmas-tree-permits-on-sale/

Moab Sun News: Canyonlands Field Institute continues expansion – nonprofit joins a racial equity program, plans new location

https://www.moabsunnews.com/get_out_and_go/article_353fd2da-2d22-11ec-a3a9-1796f3da8303.html#tncms-source=article-nav-next

Moab Sun News: Unity, hope emerge as main themes at Moab ArTTrails – Sculpture exhibition was installed in late September

https://www.moabsunnews.com/get_out_and_go/article_00f26e78-2d24-11ec-a069-a30de251a80e.html

Moab Sun News: Discussion and documentary series begin on Oct 19 – Rural Utah Project, Working Films series to focus on environment, economic justice

https://www.moabsunnews.com/get_out_and_go/article_a8c053bc-2d20-11ec-b278-d71201d1c937.html#tncms-source=article-nav-next