KZMU News

Today on the Weekly News Reel, we talk to Sophia Fisher, reporter with the Moab Times-Independent, about a conditional use permit that was approved for a guiding business in a residential area in Spanish Valley. We also talk about plans for the Utah Renewable Communities Coalition, and what that could mean for renewable energy projects in Moab in the future. We also discuss the City Council’s response to upcoming evictions at the Walnut Lane trailer park. Plus, we talk about the GOP’s nomination of local House Representative, Phil Lyman, for Utah’s upcoming gubernatorial election. - Show Notes - • Hearing officer overturns county’s conditional use decision https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/hearing-officer-overturns-countys-conditional-use-decision/ • Clean energy program adjusts as Rocky Mountain Power pivots https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/clean-energy-program-adjusts-as-rocky-mountain-power-pivots/ • Council devastated by Walnut Lane issue; vow to see project through https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/council-devastated-by-walnut-lane-issue-vow-to-see-project-through/ • Gov. Cox beat at GOP convention, Lyman wins big https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/gov-cox-beat-at-gop-convention-lyman-wins-big/

On the latest Regional Roundup: an event in our region aims to welcome more people of color to the mountains and snow sports. Plus: a selection of cowboy poetry, recorded at a cowboy poetry gathering in 1990, from the archives. And: an interview with environmental historian Jessica Lee who explores borders, plants and belonging in her new collection of essays, 'Dispersals.'

On the Weekly News Reel, we talk to Sophia Fisher, reporter with the Moab Times-Independent, about the Grand County Commission postponing a decision related to a luxury and residential and overnight rental development. We also talk about why it's difficult to forecast weather in Moab and how local topography affects our weather systems. And we finish off with news of a groundbreaking at the Arroyo Crossing housing development. // Show Notes: https://www.kzmu.org/weekly-news-reel-county-takes-time-on-kane-creek-decision/

Who killed Ann Woodward? The question still haunts local law enforcement, who have been stumped by the murder since 1973 when the former owner of Woody’s Tavern was murdered at the bar. Law enforcement botched the initial investigation, and in the process, lost a box of crucial evidence for over 50 years. But earlier this fall, the Moab Police found that missing evidence, and thanks to DNA testing, the investigator who reopened the case is pretty certain he’ll be able to name a culprit once he gets the results back. In this series, we talk to the criminal investigator, family members, and friends who lived through the experience. We discuss possible ties to Ted Bundy, finding closure with clairvoyance, and the parallels between other recent murders in Moab that were mishandled by law enforcement. In this episode, we talk to Tim Buckingham, the childhood best friend of Ann Woodward's son. We discuss the effect the murder had on the community and draw parallels between other murders that have happened in Moab recently. The music in this episode was produced by Maxim Novak.

Who killed Ann Woodward? The question still haunts local law enforcement, who have been stumped by the murder since 1973 when the former owner of Woody’s Tavern was murdered at the bar. Law enforcement botched the initial investigation, and in the process, lost a box of crucial evidence for over 50 years. But earlier this fall, the Moab Police found that missing evidence, and thanks to DNA testing, the investigator who reopened the case is pretty certain he’ll be able to name a culprit once he gets the results back. In this series, we talk to the criminal investigator, family members, and friends who lived through the experience. We discuss possible ties to Ted Bundy, finding closure with clairvoyance, and the parallels between other recent murders in Moab that were mishandled by law enforcement. In this episode, we talk to Annie Dalton, Ann Woodward's granddaughter, about the toll this took on her family, and over 50 years later, does it even matter to know who did it? The music in this episode was produced by Maxim Novak.

Who killed Ann Woodward? The question still haunts local law enforcement, who have been stumped by the murder since 1973 when the former owner of Woody’s Tavern was murdered at the bar. Law enforcement botched the initial investigation, and in the process, lost a box of crucial evidence for over 50 years. But earlier this fall, the Moab Police found that missing evidence, and thanks to DNA testing, the investigator who reopened the case is pretty certain he’ll be able to name a culprit once he gets the results back. In this series, we talk to the criminal investigator, family members, and friends who lived through the experience. We discuss possible ties to Ted Bundy, finding closure with clairvoyance, and the parallels between other recent murders in Moab that were mishandled by law enforcement. In this episode, we talk to Jeremy Drexler of the Moab Police about the new investigation. The music in this episode was produced by Maxim Novak.

On the latest Regional Roundup: an interview with Heather Cox Richardson, author of the daily e-newsletter and podcast 'Letters from an American,' about the state of our democracy, why she's worried and what we can do. Plus: we revisit an interview with Lena Pace, the superintendent of the Southeast Utah Group of National Parks. And: a report about the last train journey for the conductor of the Winter Park Express ski train.

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/

Kevin Dwyer and former Moab City Council member Karen Guzman-Newton recently presented solutions for improving the safety of Main Street, where 13 traffic fatalities have occurred in the past 10 years. Their research found that Moab's Main Street is the deadliest main street in Utah among cities of comparable sizes. We also hear from KSUT about a missing Indigenous girl. // Show Notes: // City Council Meeting April 9 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft7_jK0sP2Q&ab_channel=MoabCity

It’s not unusual for ancient pottery sherds to make their way to a museum. Maybe they were found in a storage box, or were passed down by a family member, or even recently plucked illegally from public lands. The Moab Museum hopes that by hosting a weekly gathering around such sherds, they can help spread the word about the importance of leaving artifacts in place on our shared landscapes. Plus: on Tuesday the Arizona Supreme Court upheld an 1864 ban on nearly all abortions. And: animal rights groups across the country are calling for felony level penalties for a Wyomingite who recently captured and allegedly abused a wolf. // Photo: Pottery sherds from the Four Corners region. A pop-up archeology station at the Moab Museum aims to help educate folks on visit with respect principles. Courtesy Moab Museum

Lena Pace has worked all over this country. On a floating ranger station in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, to the desert of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, even the south shore of Long Island at Fire Island National Seashore. Now she will spend her time in the red rock of Arches, Canyonlands, Hovenweep and Natural Bridges as the superintendent of the Southeast Utah Group of National Parks. And: a USU researcher wants to know why pinyon jays are rapidly declining. Plus: a ski event in our region brings together hundreds of women and femme skiers to celebrate their common love for the sport. // Show Notes: // Full interview with Lena Pace: https://www.kzmu.org/lena-pace-new-nps-superintendent-of-se-utah-group-on-this-week-in-moab/

On the latest Regional Roundup: an interview about making art more accessible for people with disabilities in our state. Plus, we hear about the challenges in researching women's history, new education programing aiming to increase diversity in nursing, and heartbreak poems.

Today we talk to Sophia Fisher of the Moab Times-Independent about the Hayduke Trail, an 800-mile route through six national parks that was co-founded by a Moab resident. We also talk about a lawsuit against the National Parks Service for no longer accepting cash at certain park entrances. Plus, we discuss the city’s plan to reinstate property taxes for the first time in over 30 years. We finish off highlighting an upcoming event about solutions for making Moab's Main Street safer. // Show Notes: // Meet the Hayduke Trail, southern Utah’s most backbreaking backcountry route https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/meet-the-hayduke-trail-southern-utahs-most-backbreaking-backcountry-route/ // Lawsuit challenges legality of NPS cashless fee payments https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/lawsuit-challenges-legality-of-nps-cashless-fee-payments/ // A new look for city’s budgeting process https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/a-new-look-for-citys-budgeting-process/ // Learn about Moab’s Main Street, Utah’s deadliest https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/learn-about-moabs-main-street-utahs-deadliest/

The Denver Art Museum is preparing to reach out to tribes following new federal regulations regarding possession of Native American sacred and funerary objects. After new rules went into effect, the museum removed a case of ceramics from display. Plus: people in the Rocky Mountain West will see some effects from an upcoming solar eclipse. And: a new hiking group in our region is pushing back on exclusionary stereotypes of hikers. Finally: author Terry Tempest Williams releases a fine arts book.

Last week, multiple organizations filed protests with the state claiming the water rights for a controversial housing development on Kane Creek Boulevard should be revoked for nonuse. In Utah, water rights that go unused for seven years are subject to forfeiture. The property is located along a largely untouched section of the Colorado River, and many Moab residents have been pushing back against the development for months. The water rights protests are just one of many attempts local activists have taken recently to thwart construction on the property. //Show Notes: //Previous reporting on the Kane Creek development: https://soundcloud.com/user-452372146-352514478/development-in-kane-creek-will-break-ground-next-week