KZMU News KZMU News

On the News Reel today, we talk to Sophia Fisher, reporter with the Moab Times-Independent, about the city’s new budget, which includes plans to reinstate a property tax in Moab for the first time in 30 years. We also talk about where things stand for new hotels that were approved years ago before city and county laws restricted construction of new overnight accommodations. We finish off with an update on Utah’s snowpack and what to expect this spring. Plus, a shout out to the Grand County High School’s boys soccer team.

- Show Notes -

• Moab council approves $20M tentative budget
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-council-approves-20m-tentative-budget/

• Infrastructure needs dominate city’s 5-year CIP
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/infrastructure-needs-dominate-citys-5-year-cip/

• There are still hundreds of unbuilt hotel rooms in Grand County
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/there-are-still-hundreds-of-unbuilt-hotel-rooms-in-grand-county/

• For second year in a row, Moab’s snowpack exceeds median
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/for-second-year-in-a-row-moabs-snowpack-exceeds-median/

• Turner notches impressive season on the pitch
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/turner-notches-impressive-season-on-the-pitch/

For six years, Moab City has made various attempts to build workforce housing at the Walnut Lane trailer park without displacing current residents. And for six years, these efforts have fallen short for a variety of reasons. Now, the story of Moab City and Walnut Lane has reached a new low. Facing a pending loss of insurance for the trailer park, city officials are now requiring all tenants vacate their homes. Today on the news, we speak with interim city manager David Everitt and city council member Kaitlin Myers, who variously describe this turn of events as “painful, devastating, and heartbreaking.”

// Show Notes:

// Fundraiser for Walnut Lane families:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-help-walnut-lane-families-avoid-homelessness?qid=3e3c4c814b07e1adbb8c22e20b5cb846

On the show today we speak to director Hadley Austin and cinematographer Yoni Goldstein about their new documentary, Demon Mineral. The film, which screened in Moab on Tuesday night, shows the devastating health and environmental consequences of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation where over 500 mines are still unremediated.

// Show Notes:

https://www.demonmineral.com/

On April 12, the Bureau of Land Management announced new rules around oil and gas drilling on public lands, including increasing the minimum bond for drilling. The BLM will also focus oil and gas leasing in areas that have the highest potential for development – and the least conflict with other uses. Plus: federal water managers recently discovered damage to plumbing inside the dam that holds back Lake Powell. And: a missing 13-year-old girl who is a Southern Ute descendant was found last week. Finally: a new documentary depicts one larger than life Navajo legend who evaded the long walk and aided those upon their return.

On the latest Regional Roundup: an interview with two Utah women on the fight for equal rights for queer families. And, a report on a prom that promotes inclusivity in our region. Plus: a poem from Colorado's new poet laureate.

Today we talk to Sophia Fischer of the Moab Times-Independent about construction on the La Sal Loop Road, the dismissal of a lawsuit against the city and county by local OHV businesses, YGP's acquisition of the Moab Community Gardens, and a possible esports team at the Grand County High School. We also welcome Kenny Fallon, publisher and editor of a new, monthly publication called the Green River Observer. We discuss drug busts in Green River, property taxes, and an upcoming event about cultivating healthy soil.

// Show Notes:

// Two year Loop Road project to start in May
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/two-year-loop-road-project-to-start-in-may/

// City, county avoid most of OHV lawsuit with dismissal of all but 1 claim
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/city-county-avoid-most-of-ohv-lawsuit-with-dismissal-of-all-but-1-claim/

// Branching out: With this acquisition, YGP also expands its reach
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/branching-out-with-this-acquisition-ygp-also-expands-its-reach/

// UHSAA approves esports as official activity starting 2025-2026 school year
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/uhsaa-approves-esports-as-official-activity-starting-2025-2026-school-year/

// The Green River Observer
https://thegreenriverobserver.substack.com/