Friday May 7, 2021

Although vaccination rates are up, Grand County is experiencing the highest rate of COVID-19 transmission in the state, likely accelerated by the B117 variant. Meanwhile, state law has ended Grand’s local mask mandate, leaving businesses and organizations to make their own public health decisions. We check in with health officer Bradon Bradford on these changes. His recommendation? Continue masking up and taking other safety precautions.

Plus, our Weekly News Reel where we speak to reporters about the latest stories they covered in our area. Times-Independent editor Doug McMurdo (8:30) reports on the death of a local tour guide, local Jayne Belnap’s admission to the National Academy of Sciences, and Moab City moving to ranked choice voting. Moab Sun News reporter Rachel Fixen (16:30) discusses how Utah’s drought might affect many areas of the state, as well as energy equipment operators failing to pay property taxes in Grand County.

Show Notes:

COVID-19 Info & Vaccine Scheduler
https://www.seuhealth.com

Weekly News Reel Mentions –

The Times-Independent: Moab man falls to death near Canyonlands
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-man-falls-to-death-near-canyonlands/

The Times-Independent: Jayne Belnap admitted to National Academy of Sciences
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/jayne-belnap-admitted-to-national-academy-of-sciences/

The Times-Independent: City moves to ranked choice voting; Niehaus, Duncan won’t run in 2021
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/city-moves-to-ranked-choice-voting-niehaus-duncan-wont-run-in-2021/

Moab Sun News: Another dry year – Drought affects agriculture, recreation, and hydropower
https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_da248cfa-ae83-11eb-b0ef-9b13dc2055f5.html

Moab Sun News: Two energy equipment owners delinquent on Grand County property taxes
https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_e73a1214-ae94-11eb-9adb-a31e329dd328.html