KZMU News
1,411 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★★ - 25 ratingsKZMU News features grassroots, independent journalism broadcast from the heart of Moab, Utah. A daily newscast with reliable coverage, local voices, and reporting that empowers community.
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Episodes
Best of 2019 - Downwinders of Utah
December 24, 2019 19:00 - 9 minutes - 8.47 MBThis week, KZMU News reflects back on another year of grassroots, community-powered journalism. We’re airing some of our favorite stories of 2019, the best of KZMU News. Today we hear a piece on the downwinders of Utah, whose stories are being carefully archived by researchers at the University of Utah. This piece first aired on Thursday, July 18. Original Broadcast: https://www.kzmu.org/kzmu-news-thursday-july-18-2019/ Downwinders Archive: https://lib.utah.edu/services/geospatial/downwinders/
Best of 2019 - GCHS students transitioning to job market
December 23, 2019 19:00 - 10 minutes - 9.55 MBThis week, KZMU News reflects back on another year of grassroots, community-powered journalism. We’re airing some of our favorite stories of 2019 – the best of KZMU News. Today we hear a feature piece about local special education students transitioning from high school to the job market. It first aired on Thursday, August 29th. Original Broadcast – https://www.kzmu.org/kzmu-news-thursday-august-29-2019/ GCHS special education staff on This Week in Moab – https://www.kzmu.org/what-is-a-dis...
Get An Earful - 2019 with the Moab Sun News
December 21, 2019 17:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MB*Saturday Extra* We are closing in on 2019, so on the extended newscast we chat with Maggie McGuire, editor of the Moab Sun News. Their double issue reviewing and recapping a year in local stories is out on newsstands now.
Friday December 20, 2019
December 20, 2019 19:00 - 10 minutes - 9.47 MBKZMU News discusses the latest with Times-Independent associate editor Doug McMurdo. This week - property owners can expect a tax increase, Chris Baird gets hired as Grand County's new council administrator, the change of county government study committee finalizes its recommendation, and NPS Southeast Utah Group superintendent Kate Cannon retires. Plus, a preview on the TI's 2019 year in review.
Thursday December 19, 2109
December 19, 2019 22:41 - 6 minutes - 6.06 MBThe Grand County Council passed their 2020 budget this week, including a property tax increase that will help rectify an impending deficit. Plus later in the news, the county now has a noise ordinance on the books, a fitness app might be changing how mountain bikers recreate, and Club Rio closes its doors as a dive bar with one final late night dance party. Tune in.
Wednesday December 18, 2019
December 18, 2019 19:00 - 6 minutes - 5.75 MBWith a drought plan finished, water managers from across the southwest recently gathered in Las Vegas to figure out what’s next. Climate change is already restricting the region’s water supplies, and there’s little agreement on how to bring balance back to the Colorado River basin. Then later in the news, officials across Utah are urging members of Congress to pass legislation that would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The money goes toward creating and improving federal land...
Tuesday December 17, 2019
December 17, 2019 21:25 - 6 minutes - 5.97 MBIn recent years, Moab’s leaders have publicly grappled with balancing both sides of a successful tourism economy – embracing an economic engine providing jobs and getting dollars into locals’ pockets, while aiming to correct increasingly crippled infrastructure and soaring rent and home prices. Elected officials say they want new, holistic development that will help diversify the economy, enhance quality of life, and fill in any infrastructure gaps. A recent networking event connecting Utah i...
Monday December 16, 2019
December 16, 2019 19:00 - 7 minutes - 7.23 MBInterior Secretary David Bernhardt announced a new federal study last week leading into another round of negotiations for the Colorado River’s future. States within the southwestern watershed are to set to begin talks over a new set of agreements and Bernhardt says this new study will set the parameters. Plus, Public Lands Corner features a conversation with local artist Katrina Lund and NPS River Ranger Steve Young about a new interpretive project on public lands. Public Lands Corner Show N...
Get An Earful - Grand County Teachers Demand Better
December 14, 2019 17:00 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MB*Saturday Extra* On four separate occasions this week, Grand County teachers and their community supporters gathered in the frigid early morning air to demand a better tax reform bill for public education. Utah lawmakers approved a package of new tax laws during a special legislative session Dec 12th, making big cuts to Utah’s income tax, which supports public education. There are currently no public plans to help replenish funding for Utah schools after these tax cuts. Grand County’s teacher...
Friday December 13, 2019
December 13, 2019 22:22 - 8 minutes - 7.7 MBKZMU News discusses the latest in The Times-Independent's coverage with associate editor Doug McMurdo. This week - Grand County teachers protest a new state tax plan over several days, Moab City looks for architects to design their Walnut Lane housing development, the U.S. Census is looking for local canvassers, and more. Tune in.
Thursday December 12, 2019
December 12, 2019 19:00 - 9 minutes - 9.16 MBMoab City and Grand County are currently firming up development standards for new overnight accommodations. In 2019, both bodies paused new overnight development until such standards could be drafted. On Monday, Moab City Mayor Emily Niehaus and Grand County Council Chair Evan Clapper were live in the studio to talk about these new standards, as well as the thought process and reasoning behind them. Hear that interview on today’s news.
Wednesday December 11, 2019
December 11, 2019 19:00 - 7 minutes - 7.15 MBStudents in Colorado from Aspen to New Castle gathered for the Third Annual Healthy Rivers Youth Water Summit. Local water educators organized the summit with the Youth Water Leadership Program, which works with students around the country to increase watershed literacy. Last week’s event was the culmination of a semester of research at local high schools. Our partners at KDNK have the details. [Photo: Students at the Third Annual Health Rivers Youth Water Summit, Credit KDNK]
Tuesday December 10, 2019
December 10, 2019 21:00 - 6 minutes - 5.61 MBA state legislative panel voted in support of a massive tax reform plan last night, which would reduce overall taxes by approximately $160 million dollars. Most of these reductions would come from income tax, traditionally reserved for public education. Utah’s educators point out that currently, there are no public plans to help replenish funding for schools. They’re telling state lawmakers Utah kids “deserve better, not less.” Tune in. Tax Restructuring Revisions Summary: https://le.utah.go...
Monday December 9, 2019
December 09, 2019 19:00 - 8 minutes - 7.51 MBAs parents dropped their kids off at school this morning, Moab educators and their supporters protested a potential special legislative session on tax reform. Income tax revenue – traditionally reserved for public education – is currently to slated to shift away from public schools and toward other state needs. Moab’s teachers waved signs urging lawmakers to block tax bills that hurt education or don’t invest in public schools. Plus later in the news, federal officials want a new plan for sal...
Get An Earful - Electioneering Investigation in San Juan County
December 07, 2019 17:00 - 10 minutes - 10 MB*Saturday Extra* The latest issue of the Moab Sun News tracks an investigation into potential electioneering by the San Juan County Clerk. It all relates to an incident this October, when poll monitors discovered an opinion piece printed out and distributed at several early voting locations. On the extended newscast, editor Maggie McGuire tells us what could be next in this case, while giving a primer on electioneering law. Moab Sun News, "San Juan County Clerk investigated for electioneerin...
Friday December 6, 2019
December 06, 2019 23:00 - 10 minutes - 9.74 MBKZMU News chats with Doug McMurdo, the associate editor of The Times-Independent, about the latest in their paper. This week - during a a public hearing on Grand County's proposed 2020 budget, folks express displeasure about an increase in property taxes. Plus, community members are giving input on a new downtown parking structure, San Juan makes plans for a health clinic in Spanish Valley, and weekend events for locals. Tune in.
Thursday December 5, 2019
December 05, 2019 21:00 - 7 minutes - 7.27 MBCommunity members voiced frustrations about a $1.7 million property tax increase in Grand County’s proposed 2020 budget during a public hearing this week. County officials say the increase will amend a deficit created from pay raises for government employees as well as rising costs across several departments. In other county news, the council is considering enacting a noise ordinance, due to an increasing number of complaints. Plus, Logan City becomes the third municipality in Utah to ban pla...
Wednesday December 4, 2019
December 04, 2019 20:43 - 5 minutes - 5.18 MBCommunity members are giving input on the design of a new downtown parking structure, planned for development in the heart of Moab City. Those close to the project say they don’t want to build a gray concrete box, but rather a multifunctional structure, with design aesthetics pleasing to most community members. Tune in and learn more. [Photo: Wayne Hoskinson selects his preferred aesthetics for the downtown parking structure] Provide input on the parking structure design here: https://docs...
Tuesday December 3, 2019
December 03, 2019 20:00 - 7 minutes - 6.58 MBSchools in Grand Junction, CO re-opened this week after a suspected outbreak of norovirus in late November. Thousands of students from 46 schools in the Mesa County Valley School District had been home since Nov 21st. Although there are multiple strains of norovirus, health officials say the most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Plus, our partners at UPR have a reflection on the merits of outdoor education. Tune in. CDC Info on Norovirus: https://www.cdc.gov/norovir...
Monday December 2, 2019
December 02, 2019 20:00 - 6 minutes - 5.58 MBA new high-tech monitoring program is set to take shape in the headwaters of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers. The program will use a network of sensors, cameras – even drones – to give scientists the clearest picture of how the river gets its start high up in the Rocky Mountains. Plus, Public Lands Corner covers three projects receiving environmental analysis by the Bureau of Land Management in the Moab area. Tune in. [Photo: The Colorado River watershed provides drinking and irrigation wat...
Get An Earful - Kaitlin Myers, Senior Project Manager
November 30, 2019 17:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MB*Saturday Extra* Before she came to city hall two months ago, Kaitlin Myers spent three years in Grand County’s Community and Economic Development department, facilitating affordable housing opportunities. Now Senior Project Manager at Moab City, Myers is tasked with bringing a big affordable development to fruition – Walnut Lane. The plan is to transition a three-acre trailer park into permanently affordable housing for Moab’s most vulnerable residents. Right now, there are challenges…lots o...
KZMU News: Friday November 29, 2019
November 29, 2019 20:28 - 7 minutes - 7.3 MBKZMU News chats with Doug McMurdo, associate editor of The Times-Independent, about the paper's latest coverage. This week - Moab City gets closer to changing development standards for overnight accommodations and the Housing Authority of Southeastern Utah makes moves on their MAPS senior housing project. Plus, Grand County High School's 'Tarzan' reviewed as a 'smash,' and a heads up on an upcoming county budget hearing and a winter safety course.
KZMU News: Thursday November 28, 2019
November 28, 2019 20:00 - 5 minutes - 5.48 MBSince early 2019, both the city and county councils have taken steps to pause new overnight accommodations. In Moab City, hotels are currently removed from all zones as a permitted use. That is, until staff and elected officials can create new development standards to get overnight accommodations locals can live with. Moab City is currently hammering out the fine print of their proposed development standards, focusing on the Resort Commercial area north of downtown. [Find Moab City's draft o...
KZMU News: Wednesday November 27, 2019
November 27, 2019 20:00 - 7 minutes - 6.47 MBIn a deal announced Monday at the state capitol, Navajo Nation Oil and Gas will contract with a Missouri-based alternative energy company to convert vented methane into hydrogen for market. Currently about 80,000 cubic feet of natural gas is flared every day from the Navajo Nation’s oil field south of Bluff. Plus, some people’s dreams of never-ending development in the West are beginning to run up against the reality of water scarcity. In one rapidly-growing Arizona county there’s a dispute o...
KZMU News: Tuesday November 26, 2019
November 26, 2019 20:00 - 7 minutes - 7.29 MBAfter reviewing and incorporating over 330 public comments into a large report, the Utah Division of Water Resources has now affirmed their regional water conservation goals for the state. In Southeastern Utah, they want a 20 percent reduction in municipal and industrial water use by 2030. Plus later in the news, light snow blanketing the region may turn thoughts to nearby ski hills. In Southwest Colorado, a gondola travels between the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village, the first and on...
KZMU News: Monday November 25, 2019
November 25, 2019 20:00 - 7 minutes - 6.89 MBAccording to a representative from the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Utah has seen an increase in suicide and depression within the agricultural community. One reason for this could be the continually declining profitability of farms. Plus, a review of U.S. Interior’s most recent oil and gas leasing data shows that since 2017, more than 60 percent of oil and gas leases were offered in water-stressed areas. Tune in. Resources for those struggling with suicidal thoughts and depressi...
Get An Earful - Spanish Valley Development Plan
November 23, 2019 17:00 - 9 minutes - 8.93 MB*Saturday Extra* On Nov 19th, the San Juan County Commission voted to approve a new plan for development in Spanish Valley. At the urging of many Spanish Valley residents, San Juan’s Commissioners disregarded changes to the plan made by the county’s own planning and zoning members. The latest issue of the Moab Sun News details what happened here. According to editor Maggie McGuire, this is an issue not unfamiliar in the region and state, one where private property rights intersect with planni...
KZMU News: Friday November 22, 2019
November 22, 2019 20:00 - 10 minutes - 9.26 MBKZMU News discusses the latest from The Times-Independent with associate editor Doug McMurdo. This week - Gabriel Woytek is appointed 4-2 to fill the vacant District 1 seat on the Grand County Council. Then, the study committee tasked with updating Grand's form of government does away with districts and slashes council members salaries in their recommendations. And finally, Grand County talks budget and property tax increases. Tune in.
KZMU News: Thursday November 21, 2019
November 21, 2019 20:00 - 7 minutes - 6.57 MB2019 was a bumper year for recreation on Colorado Rivers. A large snow pack heading into summer saw record levels of snow melt raising water levels around the state. As a result, people flocked to rivers and streams to paddle, kayak and increasingly – to surf. Our partners at Rocky Mountain Community Radio have more.
KZMU News: Wednesday November 20, 2019
November 20, 2019 20:00 - 9 minutes - 8.55 MBGrand County’s newest council member, Gabriel Woytek, holds a decade of experience working in non-profits and education in the Moab area. In a 4-2 vote, Woytek was appointed Tuesday night to replace the vacant District 1 seat and will serve until 2021. Plus later in the news, locals mingled in a Moab reception room last week to learn more about the future USU-Moab campus. And, our partners at Rocky Mountain Community Radio have a story about a newly revived stretch of river in Arizona - tune ...
KZMU News: Tuesday November 19, 2019
November 19, 2019 20:00 - 7 minutes - 6.95 MBThe U.S. House voted earlier this month in favor of a massive bill that aims to protect 400,000 acres of public land in neighboring Colorado, including wilderness in the San Juan Mountains. But what chances does the CORE Act have to pass the Senate? Our partners at KBUT have a conversation with Colorado Sun political reporter Jesse Paul to find out. [Photo: The Gunnison River flows through a canyon in the Curecanti National Recreation Area west of Gunnison. Courtesy of the National Park Serv...
KZMU News: Monday November 18, 2019
November 18, 2019 20:00 - 6 minutes - 5.9 MBToday on the news, as water becomes more scarce along the Colorado River, some users are facing serious legal risks to their supplies. And, rural communities in southern San Juan County are scheduled to gain high-speed internet next year, thanks to multi-agency collaboration. Plus, Public Lands Corner explains an occasionally spotted but antiquated wilderness designation – the Instant Study Area. Tune in. The Salt Lake Tribune, 'Broadband internet access coming to Navajo Nation communities ...
KZMU News: Friday November 15, 2019
November 16, 2019 02:21 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBKZMU chats with Doug McMurdo, associate editor of The Times-Independent, about the paper's latest coverage. This week - Grand County moves closer to implementing a property tax increase, Moab City sends out a revised Request For Proposals for their Walnut Lane Apartments development, and the change of county government study committee looks at the financial costs of a new governing body. Plus, Moab City Police Chief Bret Edge talks local complaints about OHV noise. Tune in.
KZMU News: Thursday November 14, 2019
November 14, 2019 15:53 - 9 minutes - 8.41 MBTribes in the Colorado River basin have been marginalized for more than a century in discussions of western water development. A few recent moments are beginning to change that dynamic. With a big drought agreement inked and a landmark study finished, tribes are increasingly calling for a seat at the table to negotiate the river’s future. And later in the news, we speak with Gavin Dahl, president of Rocky Mountain Community Radio. KZMU is currently hosting the RMCR conference, where we exchan...
KZMU News: Wednesday November 13, 2019
November 13, 2019 23:00 - 6 minutes - 6.4 MBMoab City is searching for an architecture and design firm to convert a 38-unit mobile home park on Walnut Lane into an 80-unit, mixed income development. A new Request For Proposals asks firms to implement sustainable design methods and comply with affordable development standards. And later, KZMU News speaks with Salt Lake Tribune environmental reporter Brian Maffly about whether SITLA and energy production can coexist with emerging recreation economies across Utah. Tune in. Walnut Lane Ap...
KZMU News: Tuesday November 12, 2019
November 12, 2019 20:00 - 7 minutes - 6.56 MBToday on the news, Moab City’s sustainability office launches two new programs they say will help locals reduce energy use and save money – free weatherization for mobile homes and conservation kits for residents. And later in the news, our partners at KDNK interview Dan Glick, founder of the Story Group, about his recent expose in High Country News on lax regulations and safety standards in the oil and gas industry. Tune in. High Country News, 'The Rising Risks of the West's Oil and Gas Boo...
KZMU News: Monday November 11, 2019
November 11, 2019 20:00 - 6 minutes - 6.22 MBToday on the news, a proposition to explore a change in county government in San Juan has failed by just 153 votes. Plus, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources says removing pinyon and juniper forests is about protecting wildlife habitat, but others say its much more complicated. And later during Public Lands Corner, host Chad Niehaus discusses the comfort of well-known spots on public lands as well as the excitement of visiting new places. More on San Juan County: https://www.kuer.org/po...
Get An Earful - Graywater in Moab
November 09, 2019 17:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MB*Saturday Extra* Since 2016, local experts and state regulators have studied the front yard at Dr. Roslynn Brain-McCann's home. Her garden holds the first experimental permit in Utah for a simple gravity-fed graywater system, meaning that a shower and a load of laundry can water the garden's fruit trees and native pollinator bushes. This week the Utah Water Quality Board visited Moab, toured Ros’ garden, and unanimously approved a new graywater rule that would allow these simplified graywat...
KZMU News: Friday November 8, 2019
November 08, 2019 20:00 - 10 minutes - 9.51 MBKZMU News chats with Carter Pape, staff writer at The Times-Independent, about the latest news in the paper. This week - all three incumbents won four more years on the Moab City Council. Several gave thanks to all candidates for running largely positive campaigns. And, San Juan is likely to reject a proposal to change their county's form of government. Plus, Grand County's change of government study committee sends a formal letter critiquing HB 224. Tune in.
KZMU News: Thursday November 7, 2019
November 07, 2019 21:00 - 7 minutes - 7.34 MBAfter years of careful persistence and encouragement by experts and residents in Moab, Utah’s Water Quality Board plans to finally permit simple, gravity-fed graywater systems across the state. That means Utah property owners could soon legally feed their bath and laundry water to their outside plants and garden. Before their unanimous vote to change their onerous graywater rule to a functional one, Utah Water Quality officials toured the first experimental graywater project in the state – a ...
KZMU News: Wednesday November 6, 2019
November 06, 2019 20:00 - 8 minutes - 7.5 MBThe results are in – all three incumbents have won four more years on the Moab City Council. The preliminary election returns show Rani Derasary coming out on top with 922 votes, Tawny Knuteson-Boyd at 913, and Kalen Jones with 900. And in neighboring San Juan County, 51% of voters do not want to create a study committee to change their form of government. Plus later in the news, the U.S. House passed the CORE Act, which would protect 400,000 acres of public land for wilderness and recreation...
KZMU News: Tuesday November 5, 2019
November 05, 2019 20:00 - 6 minutes - 5.66 MBResearch studying deaths from domestic violence revealed that at some point, one third of victims contacted the police. In their latest issue, The Moab Sun News reports that the Moab City Police Department and Seekhaven Family Crisis and Resource Center are working to save lives by helping first responders connect victims with local organizations that can help. And later in the news, students in Pueblo, Colorado will send their famous chile seeds into space, making the rivalry with New Mexico...
KZMU News: Monday November 4, 2019
November 04, 2019 20:00 - 7 minutes - 6.82 MBElection Day is Tuesday November 5th, and registered Moab voters will be selecting three candidates to serve four years in at-large positions on the Moab City Council. Although Moab City elections are expressly non-partisan, candidates are allowed to receive financial contributions. Today on the news, a look at their financial preliminary disclosures. Plus, Public Lands Corner discusses NEPA and the appearance that some recent land management decisions were made outside of that framework. Tun...
Get An Earful - Clever Octopus
November 02, 2019 18:16 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MB*Saturday Extra* Clever Octopus is a creative reuse center based on the Wasatch Front. But, it’s also much more than that. The nonprofit aims to foster creativity and environmental awareness not only through art, but through science, technology, engineering and math. Instead of sending materials to landfills, Clever Octopus reclaims and reuses odd and unique items, helping to foster creative exploration for artists, teachers, and the generally curious. We spoke with co-founder Jen Lopez and o...
KZMU News: Friday November 1, 2019
November 01, 2019 17:02 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBKZMU chats with Carter Pape, the staff writer for The Times-Independent, about their latest coverage. This week - a U.S. Senate roundtable comes to Moab to talk public lands. Republican politicians argued for more local and state control when it comes to management, but not all attendees agreed. Plus, U.S. Rep. John Curtis calls impeachment proceedings 'a terrible process,' ATVs and UTVs will stay out of nearby National Parks, and Rocky Mountain Power makes plans for a solar farm in Moab. Tun...
KZMU News: Thursday October 31, 2019
October 31, 2019 19:00 - 9 minutes - 8.51 MBIn neighboring San Juan County, many voters will see just one question on their ballot – should San Juan form a study committee to make recommendations on possibly changing their form of government? Reporting for The Salt Lake Tribune, journalist Zak Podmore says prominent members of the Navajo Nation – including President Jonathan Nez – are now urging voters to reject this ballot measure. Today on the news, we speak with Podmore about why some San Juan County residents want their government ...
KZMU News: Wednesday October 30, 2019
October 30, 2019 19:00 - 5 minutes - 4.85 MBMoab City and Grand County recently continued discussions with their respective planning commissions about creating new development standards for overnight accommodations. Both governing bodies have wrestled with this issue for the better part of 2019, pointing to an ‘overwhelming’ feeling in Moab when it comes to hotels and growth in the tourism industry. Standards up for consideration include requiring new OAs produce most of their energy needs on-site, utilize water-wise landscaping, and p...
KZMU News: Tuesday October 29, 2019
October 29, 2019 21:33 - 5 minutes - 5.15 MBA small party of people gathered off Spanish Valley Drive this weekend to scoop up native vegetation on a large swath of rolling hills. Soon replacing sagebrush and cacti is infrastructure for a 300 unit affordable housing development – Arroyo Crossing. Spearheaded by the Moab Area Community Land Trust, its board members call the development “housing for locals, by locals,” ensuring future residential opportunities for Moabites at diverse incomes. Find more on the MACLT and Arroyo Crossing: ...
KZMU News: Monday October 28, 2019
October 28, 2019 19:00 - 9 minutes - 8.45 MBThe National Park Service rescinded an order last week that would have allowed vehicles like ATVs and UTVs in Utah’s parks by Nov 1. In a press release, officials say this reversal came after “further consultation between the National Park Service and the Department of Interior, including the Secretary of the Interior.” And later in the news, our partners at Rocky Mountain Community Radio have a story that resonates across the West, exposing the often deep divides in communities increasingly ...
Get An Earful - Rocky Road Roundtable
October 26, 2019 16:00 - 1 hour - 82.5 MB*Saturday Extra* KZMU's first annual Rocky Road Roundtable was Monday Oct 21st. During this live radio event, candidates answer thoughtful, hard-hitting questions on topics including sustainability, quality of life initiatives for low-income workers, and incentivizing affordable housing. Participants include KZMU News, The Times-Independent, the Moab Sun News, the Moab Chamber of Commerce, and the public. This is a must listen for any resident interested in community issues. Tune in and hear ...