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
KZMU News: Monday June 17, 2019
June 17, 2019 22:19 - 7 minutes - 7.36 MBToday it's all about 'the River.' This year marks the 150th anniversary of John Wesley Powell Expedition on the Green and Colorado Rivers. The University of Wyoming and the US Geological Survey have launched a river trip following Powell’s original expedition, and crew members will converge in Moab over the weekend. Plus later on the news, Public Lands Corner continues a conversation with Chris Wilkowske, a hydrologist with the USGS in Moab. Tune in.
Get An Earful - Love's Truck Stop
June 15, 2019 16:03 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MB*Saturday Extra* In a KZMU and Moab Sun News collaboration, we feature the latest in a proposed 13-acre Love’s Travel Stop planned for Spanish Valley. We discuss the reaction to the project with the Sun’s Managing Editor Ashley Bunton, and the concerns of nearby residents regarding noise, light pollution, and toxic fumes. But there are those who believe this development is a good change for the Valley, adding truck parking to local land and money into state coffers. This story’s evolution rev...
KZMU News: Friday June 14, 2019
June 14, 2019 19:00 - 9 minutes - 9.01 MBKZMU welcomes Carter Pape, staff writer for The Times-Independent, to discuss the paper's latest coverage. This week – the Colorado River is expected to peak soon, a wide field of candidates - including incumbents - enter the Moab City council race, and the public weighs in on a proposal to increase compensation levels for city council members. Plus, as Grand County's planning commission recommends banning new overnight lodging, Moab City staff says such a policy could have legal ramification...
KZMU News: Thursday June 13, 2019
June 13, 2019 19:00 - 5 minutes - 4.96 MBThe Colorado River provides water for 40 million people in the southwest. But the river is running short on water. And this is pushing some states to tap into every available drop before things get worse. In a series called “The Final Straw,” KUNC’s Luke Runyon visits places in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah where big dreams of new pipelines and expanded reservoirs are running into legal problems and grassroots opposition. Today we hear the first installment. [Photo: Denver Water wants to raise...
KZMU News: Wednesday June 12, 2019
June 12, 2019 19:00 - 7 minutes - 6.68 MB- Grand County Council opposes truck stop near residential Spanish Valley, sends letter to Love's Corporate rep - Omar Guerro receives 32 years in prison for Oct. 28 murder of Moab resident, other convictions - Eleven candidates for Moab City Council - including incumbents - announce run for three open seats
KZMU News: Tuesday June 11, 2019
June 11, 2019 19:35 - 8 minutes - 7.4 MBMotorized recreationists can now access thousands of acres around Factory Butte in what’s called an “open play area.” When the Bureau of Land Management made this announcement last month, not everyone was celebrating. Conservation groups say the otherworldly lands surrounding Factory Butte should be protected as wilderness, and have serious questions about the federal agency’s plan to monitor two endangered cacti species in the area. Learn more about contrasting user groups and disparate opin...
KZMU News: Monday June 10, 2019
June 10, 2019 20:15 - 6 minutes - 5.69 MBToday's news heads straight to Public Lands Corner, which features a Colorado River-side interview with Chris Wilkowske, Supervisory Hydrologist for the USGS Moab Field Office. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about how they "gage" the height of rivers or discern when they're technically full - this is your show. Tune in.
KZMU News: Friday June 7, 2019
June 07, 2019 19:00 - 10 minutes - 10 MBKZMU welcomes Doug McMurdo, the associate editor of The Times-Independent, to the studios for the latest on their coverage. This week - it's all about the week-long murder trial in the case of The State of Utah vs. Omar Guerro. Get a behind the scenes look into the courtroom - and the prosecution of Guerro - who was found guilty of murdering a Moab resident in October. Also, Ken's Lake is 218% of capacity this year and Grand and San Juan Counties have an upcoming joint meeting. Tune in!
KZMU News: Thursday June 6, 2019
June 06, 2019 21:00 - 7 minutes - 6.71 MBWith three days of competitive events – from barrel racing to team roping and bull riding - last weekend’s Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo continued a tradition in Moab that’s lasted over half a century. The nonprofit’s effort to host the rodeo is notable, especially as Moab’s agricultural heritage is replaced with tourism and growth. In the stands, the old world blended with the new - Moab families mingled with European tourists, and all seemed to have a great time. [Photo: Kids get ready for the s...
KZMU News: Wednesday June 5, 2019
June 05, 2019 20:00 - 7 minutes - 6.79 MBHave you noticed an abundance of moths in Moab lately? Maybe they’re in your yard, your house, even your car. The insects have descended upon town in very large numbers this season. But Mike Johnson, director for USU-Extension in Grand County, says they’re not really harmful, and should make their way to cooler altitudes soon, where they’ll become food for animals including bears. Tune in and learn more. [Photo Credit USU-Extension Grand County]
KZMU News: Tuesday June 4, 2019
June 04, 2019 22:05 - 6 minutes - 5.83 MBThe five day trial of Omar Guerro ended May 31st when a jury found him guilty of murdering Moab resident Edgar Luna Najera, or “Rojo” in his Walnut Lane trailer home. In addition to the murder charge, Guerro was found guilty of one count of aggravated kidnapping and possessing a firearm as a restricted person. This verdict marked the conclusion of Moab’s first murder jury trial in 15 years, and also provided an ending to a case that began over six months ago, in the early morning hours of Oct...
KZMU News: Monday June 3, 2019
June 03, 2019 19:00 - 7 minutes - 6.58 MBToday on KZMU News, California Condors are making a comeback in the wild after nearing the brink of extinction. But, wildlife biologists say lead toxicity may be preventing them from spreading in more open, undeveloped areas across the West. Then, Public Lands Corner explores mountain bikes and wilderness with a dive into Senator Mike Lee’s “Human-powered Travel in Wilderness Areas Act.” Tune in.
KZMU News: Friday May 31, 2019
May 31, 2019 19:00 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBKZMU News welcomes Carter Pape, staff writer for The Times-Independent, to the studios to discuss the latest news in Moab. This week - with high profit margins, hotels are crowding out many other businesses in town and directly affecting local housing stock. Plus, the city council considers removing overnight rentals as a protected use and re-instating their health benefits. Tune in!
KZMU News: Thursday May 30, 2019
May 30, 2019 19:00 - 6 minutes - 6.01 MB- Moab City Council moves forward on downtown parking structure, says they will not remove current Main Street parking - Medical marijuana growers can expect heavy fees after Utah releases new draft regulations - Utah scientists discover bee species that only collects food from death camas, a toxic flowering plant
KZMU News: Wednesday May 29, 2019
May 29, 2019 19:00 - 5 minutes - 5.45 MBMoab Solutions celebrated its 15th anniversary this month. Director Sara Melnicoff’s routine consists of everything from recycling collection, to litter clean-ups, homeless assistance, ecological restoration, and meeting emergency needs. The organization combines her passions – helping the earth and helping people. “I have a lot of faith in the power of humans,” she told KZMU News. “There’s a lot of amazing people – we just have to unite more and try to make a difference.” Tune in and learn m...
KZMU News: Tuesday May 28, 2019
May 28, 2019 19:00 - 9 minutes - 9.11 MBIt’s been exactly one year since the 416 Fire started, eventually burning 54,000 acres over two months in the San Juan National Forest. Our partners at KSJD spoke with Durango Herald reporter Jonathan Romeo about the continued investigation into what started the blaze. Then, U.S. Forest Service fire prevention technician Heather McClean says Moab’s wet weather means there’s a lot of potential fire fuel growing. She talks about what locals can do to make this fire season uneventful in Moab. Tu...
KZMU News: Monday May 27, 2019
May 27, 2019 19:00 - 9 minutes - 8.43 MBMemorial Day weekend is typically the busiest in Moab, especially at Arches National Park. Over the weekend, visitors experienced heavy traffic, crowded trails, and delayed entry. KZMU News spoke with people at the park’s entrance, downtown information center, and a local trailhead to learn how increased visitation affects tourists and the local lands. Plus, today’s Public Lands Corner features a recent change in OHV management in the Factory Butte area near Hanksville and a crowd management ...
KZMU News: Friday May 24, 2019
May 24, 2019 19:00 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBKZMU welcomes the associate editor of The Times-Independent, Doug McMurdo, to the studios for a discussion on their latest coverage. This week – the county council discusses their positions on restricting overnight lodging. Right now, the majority favors a ban. Plus, all this wet weather has mosquito experts preparing for a big season and the change of government study committee gives themselves a year to finish their recommendation process. Tune in.
KZMU News: Thursday May 23, 2019
May 23, 2019 19:00 - 6 minutes - 6.47 MB- Cardboard banned from Moab landfill, district reps plan diversion to Recycle Center - Oil shale project on Utah/Colorado border faces challenge by eight environmental groups
KZMU News: Wednesday May 22, 2019
May 22, 2019 19:00 - 10 minutes - 9.44 MBAnimal and plant fossils can tell us a lot about the history of the earth and the evolution of life. Utah is a place especially rich with the fossil record – scientific discoveries are being made here every year. In early June, Utah Friends of Paleontology will bring together experts and amateurs in Moab to discuss the latest findings and research. KZMU News spoke to their current president, Lee Shenton, about the event and ongoing projects. Tune in and learn more. [Photo: Utah paleontologis...
KZMU News: Tuesday May 21, 2019
May 21, 2019 19:00 - 6 minutes - 6.09 MB- Water leaders sign drought plan for Colorado River - Reptile rules could be changing in Utah - Natural History Museum of Utah needs citizen scientists for regional firefly project
KZMU News: Monday May 20, 2019
May 20, 2019 19:00 - 5 minutes - 5 MB- Southwestern water leaders set to finalize drought plan today - Public Lands Corner features the Dolores River past and present
KZMU News: Friday May 17, 2019
May 17, 2019 19:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBKZMU welcomes Doug McMurdo, associate editor of The Times-Independent, to the studios to discuss the paper's latest coverage. This week - residents can expect to vote on a new form of county government in 2020, Grand County expresses interest in collecting TRT revenue from federal campgrounds, and Spanish Valley raises continued displeasure over a Love's truck/travel stop in Spanish Valley. Plus, the PAD passes the city council without the R2 zone and Grand County's track and field athletes h...
KZMU News: Thursday May 16, 2019
May 16, 2019 19:00 - 10 minutes - 9.29 MBThe third annual spiritual and protest walk in White Mesa takes place this Saturday. Each year, protesters march a few miles north of town to the last remaining conventional uranium mill in the country, owned and operated by Energy Fuels. Concerned community members say the mill impacts their air, water, and overall health. This year’s protest comes as the Trump Administration considers quotas for American uranium, which if granted would boost demand and prices for the product, increasing ura...
KZMU News: Wednesday May 15, 2019
May 15, 2019 19:00 - 7 minutes - 7.31 MBMiles from any metropolitan areas, the region around Dinosaur National Monument is one of the darkest places in the lower 48 states. Now it’s officially recognized for its lack of light pollution by the International Dark Sky Association. Our partners at KDNK spoke with Sonya Popelka, who oversees the night sky viewing programs at Dinosaur, about the designation and the public programs she oversees. [Photo: The Milky Way galaxy fills the night sky above Mitten Park and the Green River at Din...
KZMU News: Tuesday May 14, 2019
May 14, 2019 19:00 - 9 minutes - 8.54 MBA new gathering space has opened for the Native American community in Moab, called Nourishing Traditions. KZMU News visited with the women of this group as they exchanged stories, created traditional garments, and spoke about social issues affecting Indigenous people. “We’re relational people and kinship is massive,” said organizer Kristen Marsh. “We are stronger together, we heal together.” Marsh has plans to grow Nourishing Traditions to cultivate cultural connection and to raise awareness ...
KZMU News: Monday May 13, 2019
May 13, 2019 19:00 - 7 minutes - 6.68 MB- USU economic study confirms the "Mighty 5" ad campaign increased tourism at Utah's National Parks. Now, state tourism officials are testing the "Red Emerald" initiative to encourage visitation at Utah's National Monuments and state parks. - Public Lands Corner host Chad Neihaus reads some Yelp and TripAdvisor reviews about experiences in the Moab area landscape
KZMU News: Friday May 10, 2019
May 10, 2019 21:28 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBKZMU News welcomes Doug McMurdo, associate editor of The Times-Independent, to the studios for a discussion of the paper's latest stories. This week - David Everitt gets hired by San Juan County as interim county administrator, Intrepid Potash is fined for safety violations in relation to the deaths of three employees last year, and a temporary timed entry system for Arches National Park garners county support. Tune in.
KZMU News: Thursday May 9, 2019
May 09, 2019 19:00 - 5 minutes - 5.45 MB- City of Moab asks residents to weigh in on proposed budget - Beekeeper shares tips on how to keep pollinators healthy this spring
KZMU News: Wednesday May 8, 2019
May 08, 2019 19:00 - 5 minutes - 4.79 MB- David Everitt hired as San Juan's interim county administrator, will lead search for permanent replacement and assess commission's efficiency, communication - Dust on snow in Colorado could speed up snow melt, impacting the "natural reservoir"
KZMU News: Tuesday May 7, 2019
May 07, 2019 19:00 - 7 minutes - 6.62 MBMoab Charter School’s sixth graders are busy rehearsing their original opera, titled Arachne’s Revenge. The students wrote this drama themselves, learning how to create librettos and fully embody their characters onstage. Their big performance is 10:30 am Wednesday at Star Hall. The kids are proud of their work, which includes many different types of creative arts including storytelling, acting, music, and movement. Tune in and learn more.
KZMU News: Monday May 6, 2019
May 06, 2019 19:00 - 6 minutes - 5.71 MB- Glen Canyon adjusts flows to help aquatic insects - Public Lands Corner features tales from 'Moab Dispersed Camping World'
KZMU News: Friday May 3, 2019
May 03, 2019 19:00 - 10 minutes - 9.31 MBKZMU News welcomes Doug McMurdo, associate editor of The Times-Independent, to discuss the paper's latest coverage. This week - camping areas are overfull in Moab and SITLA plans to host a public meeting on the Love's truck stop in Spanish Valley. Plus, Moab City pays $25,000 to former city manager Rebecca Davidson in a settlement and $50,000 less in annual salary to Chief Bret Edge than exiting Jim Winder. Tune in.
KZMU News: Thursday May 2, 2019
May 02, 2019 19:00 - 6 minutes - 5.88 MBMoab was recently ranked the most stressed out city in Utah, according to Zippia, a career resource website for people looking for new jobs. Zippia used U.S. Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics data to rank stressed cities across the country. They factored in issues like unemployment, home price to income ratio, and the percentage of uninsured people. KZMU News spoke with Zippia rep Nick Johnson to learn more about why Moab was ranked most stressed in the state.
KZMU News: Wednesday May 1, 2019
May 01, 2019 19:00 - 5 minutes - 4.9 MBThis week, we’re hearing “Where the River Ends,” a three-part series from our partners at KUNC, exploring the final 100 miles of the Colorado River. In their last installment, they visit two sites that were intentionally created as a way to bring both water and life back to the region. [Photo: Colorado River water, carried by an irrigation canal, spills into Chausse, a restoration site along the river’s main channel. Luke Runyon/KUNC]
KZMU News: Tuesday April 30, 2019
April 30, 2019 19:00 - 5 minutes - 4.95 MBThis week, we’re hearing “Where the River Ends,” a three-part series from our partners at KUNC. The Colorado River delta is shaped by geographical and political boundaries. It lies on the U.S-Mexico border, and its fate is controlled by people on both sides. Nowhere is that more apparent than at the site of an accidental wetland. [Photo: Tall grasses rise from the shallow water at the Cienega de Santa Clara in Sonora, Mexico. Luke Runyon/KUNC]
KZMU News: Monday April 29, 2019
April 29, 2019 19:00 - 5 minutes - 4.87 MBThis week, we hear a three-part series from our partners at KUNC titled “Where the River Ends.” Because cities and farms in the southwest rely so heavily on the Colorado River, its last 100 miles in northern Mexico run dry. It’s a clear illustration that every drop of the river is spoken for. Tune in and learn more. [photo: The Colorado River's inability to reach the Pacific Ocean has become one of its defining characteristics, emblematic of the southwest's reliance on the overallocated riv...
KZMU News: Friday April 26, 2019
April 26, 2019 18:51 - 9 minutes - 8.91 MBKZMU welcomes associate editor Doug McMurdo to the studio for a discussion on the paper's latest coverage. This week - Bret Edge will replace Jim Winder as Chief of the Moab City Police Department, former city manager Rebecca Davidson reaches a settlement agreement in her case against Moab City, and the U.S. Post Office receives another round of complaints about missing mail in Moab. Also, an update on the below and above-ground improvements to 100 West. Tune in!
KZMU News: Thursday April 25, 2019
April 25, 2019 19:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBWe’ve heard a lot of comments about our two-part story on the Planned Affordable Development (PAD) ordinance, Moab City, and the fear of loss when it comes to the affordable housing crisis. It’s very clear people feel passionately about their own vision for Moab, and their personal housing story within it. If our two-part piece struck you - in a good way or in bad way – we’d like to hear from you. Tell us how your personal experience informs your thoughts on affordable housing, density, and c...
KZMU News: Wednesday April 24, 2019
April 24, 2019 19:45 - 7 minutes - 6.76 MB- New Moab Police Department Chief Bret Edge thanks Jim Winder for 'mentorship,' says he's prepared to take the lead job - City Council Members fail to vote on PAD ordinance, instead sending it to city attorney with more revisions
KZMU News: Tuesday April 23, 2019
April 23, 2019 19:00 - 7 minutes - 6.85 MBGrand County is not alone in the desire for flexibility when it comes to spending their Transient Room Tax revenue (TRT). A recent legislative audit revealed Utah’s counties – especially those near National Parks – want more of their TRT revenue to fund mitigation efforts associated with tourism, not more promotion. To do so would require a change in state code. Today on the news we speak with local elected officials to learn more. [Photo: Grand County Emergency Medical Services and Search a...
KZMU News: Monday April 22, 2019
April 22, 2019 19:25 - 5 minutes - 5.19 MBToday's Public Lands Corner explores issues associated with advertising public lands through print and social media. What’s Public Lands Corner, you ask? Well, it’s an awesome show entirely locally produced and hosted by Chad Neihaus, airing most Mondays during KZMU News. Chad brings you information about public lands projects, a conditions report, and historical tidbits – plus detailed show notes every episode. Bringing you locally produced programming on the issues you care about – that’s K...
KZMU News: Friday April 19, 2019
April 19, 2019 19:00 - 8 minutes - 7.89 MBKZMU welcomes Doug McMurdo, associate editor of The Times-Independent to round-up their local coverage. This week - a new study finds Moab City has 'ample' parking, Utah regulators fine a Moab area natural gas pipeline for safety violations, and Uintah County Commissioners want Grand County to consider a Book Cliffs road for tourism, not mineral extraction. Tune in!
KZMU News: Thursday April 18, 2019
April 18, 2019 21:57 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBIt’s not hard to get lost in the details when discussing affordable housing in local land use ordinances. Phrases like ‘households,’ ‘area median income,’ and ‘units’ typically obscure the underlying conversation. Because remember – when you’re talking about housing data or policy, you’re actually talking about real people. It’s your roommates paying more than half their paycheck to your landlord. Your friend one rent increase away from homelessness. And maybe it's you getting quickly priced ...
KZMU News: Wednesday April 17, 2019
April 17, 2019 20:39 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBEmotions broke open across Moab this winter when the city council considered an ordinance called Planned Affordable Development (PAD). The ordinance aimed to exchange greater densities for affordability across all residential zones. Some saw the PAD as a great tool to address a severe lack of affordable housing in the community. Others - especially some residents in the R2 zone – saw this as a private property rights infringement. City council members have recently said they would not suppor...
KZMU News: Tuesday April 16, 2019
April 16, 2019 21:00 - 7 minutes - 6.89 MBLarge volumes of tourists this spring mean large volumes of material for Moab’s new wastewater reclamation facility. Officials say the facility should keep pace with growth for decades, but what about handling the stuff that shouldn’t end up down the drain? Wastewater and municipal sewer systems around the country are dealing with a growing problem – people putting things in the drain and toilet that wreak havoc on the system. Our partners at KGNU in Colorado have the story.
KZMU News: Monday April 15, 2019
April 15, 2019 19:00 - 6 minutes - 6.26 MB- Natural gas pipeline near Moab ordered to shut down over safety violations and operational standards - Public Lands Corner features flow management issues on Dolores River
KZMU News: Friday April 12, 2019
April 12, 2019 19:00 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBKZMU welcomes Times-Independent reporter Carter Pape to the studio for a discussion on the paper's latest coverage. This week - SITLA calls the Love's truck stop in Spanish Valley a 'done deal' as the San Juan County Planning Commission promises a dark skies ordinance. Also, assistant city manager Joel Linares will take the head job this summer and Moab City considers major infrastructure improvements across town, including the Center Street Gym. Tune in.
KZMU News: Thursday April 11, 2019
April 11, 2019 19:26 - 6 minutes - 6.46 MBGrid Zine Fest in Salt Lake City aims to bring folks together from across the state to celebrate and highlight zine making. Zines are hand-made, self-published, tangible pieces of art. And perhaps most important – they’re meant to be shared between people. Today our partners at Utah Public Radio interview the founders of Grid Zine Fest and tell us more about the history of this medium.
KZMU News: Wednesday April 10, 2019
April 10, 2019 19:00 - 6 minutes - 6.06 MBLast weekend, the region’s top paleontologists rubbed elbows with passionate amateurs and the just plain curious at Epicenter’s Green River Rock and Mineral Festival. Field trips throughout the weekend explored the amazing cultural and natural resources around Green River, including the Hanksville-Burpee Dinosaur Quarry. In the middle of the high desert, scientists took festival goers back in time, to an ancient world full of sauropods, conifers, and freshwater clams. Tune in and learn more. ...