Moab Area Real Estate Magazine – February/March 2024

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Volume 8, Issue 1

MOAB AREA

MAGAZINE

FEBRUARY–MARCH 2024

Hub for creativity and community Desert Sun Ceramics is a one-of-kind local business

Also inside… The most complete real estate listings | Moab: lucky to be a two-newspaper town

Full basement with second kitchen MLS#1897991 | $1,249,000 Realtypath, Moab (See page 21)

The desert’s riparian soul MLS#1970590 | $6,750,000 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (See page 5)

Cottonwood Condos, in the heart of Moab MLS#1900768 | Starting at $495,000 Summit Sotheby’s International Realty (See page 24)

TRUSTED MORTGAGE LENDER VA • FHA • USDA • CONVENTIONAL • JUMBO REVERSE • PURCHASE • REFINANCE

Call today to find out what the right lender can do for you.

(435) 259-0259

Rarni Schultz

Branch Manager | NMLS #414150

(435) 210-0744

rschultz@primeres.com 285 South 400 East Suite 212 | Moab, Utah 84532

Britt Barton

Division Manager | NMLS #297406

(435) 678-3535

bbarton@primeres.com 356 South Main Street | Blanding, UT 84511

APPLY HERE PRMI NMLS ID: 3094. PRMI is an Equal Housing Lender. DISCLAIMER: Some products and services may not be available in all states. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Utah Division of Real Estate #5489480. Regulated by the Division of Real Estate.

Table of Contents

FEBRUARY–MARCH 2024

Features:

14 Creativity and community at Desert Sun Ceramics 32 The rarity of a two-newspaper town 46 Directory of services

Real Estate Listings:

4 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices 20 Realtypath, Moab 22 Summit Sotheby’s International Realty 28 Arches Real Estate Group 31 The Blake Walker Group 36 Moab Realty 41 Exp Realty

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MOAB AREA

MAGAZINE

Publisher, Editor: Andrew Mirrington Graphic design: Kristal Franklin Advertising sales: Andrew Mirrington Contributors: Rachel Fixsen, Sharon Sullivan Photographer: Murice D. Miller Contributing editor: Julia Myers Proofreader: John Mirrington Distribution: Hand & Heart Services Bookkeeping: Joanna Mirrington, Collette Coronella Printing: Publication Printers Moab Area Real Estate Magazine is published by AJM Media, LLC P.O. Box 1328, Moab, UT 84532 • (303) 817-7569 andrewmirrington@gmail.com Top: Bre Scott works on smoothing the clay slabs of a project at Desert Sun Ceramics in February.[Photo by Murice D. Miller] Bottom: Publisher Bish Taylor, left, and an unidentified employee during the early days of the Times-Independent. [Courtesy of Moab Times-Independent] Magazine front cover: A potter shapes clay on a wheel at Desert Sun Ceramics studio. [Photo by Murice D. Miller]

32 MOAB AREA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE February–March 2024

3

INTEGRITY. TRUST. SERVICE.

MOAB REAL ESTATE

NIKOLE KERBY SHANNON JONATHAN RACHEL CORAH ANDERSEN CARLISLE-GRANT MEREDITH HOFFMAN MOODY MOODY (801) 750-5280 (435) 260-8245 (435) 260-7484 (720) 480-0890 (435) 260-0255 (385) 335-1954

APACHE MOTEL

A RARE FIND IN MOAB!

166 South 400 East 15,483 SF - 35 ROOMS | 0.95 AC $6,750,000

3885 Maynard Lane 3 BD | 3.5 BA | 2,957 SF | 15.58 AC $4,250,000

Rachel Moody (435) 260-8245 Nikole Andersen (801) 750-5280

Kerby Carlisle-Grant (720) 480-0890 Nikole Andersen (801) 750-5280

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

ASSOCIATE BROKER

MANAGING BROKER

THE RACHEL MOODY TEAM

LEXIE DALTON (801) 836-1450

(435) 260-8240 / 50 East Center Street, Moab, Utah ©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed.

ESCAPE TO YOUR DESERT RESORT

DESERT OASIS IN THE HEART OF MOAB

Rachel Moody (435) 260-8245 Nikole Andersen (801) 750-5280

Nikole Andersen (801) 750-5280

THE DESERT’S RIPARIAN SOUL

MILL CREEK OASIS

Rachel Moody (435) 260-8245 Nikole Andersen (801) 750-5280

Rachel Moody (435) 260-8245 Nikole Andersen (801) 750-5280

3289 Far Country Drive 3 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,700 SF | 2.22 AC $1,699,000 | MLS 1967523

100 S Joe Wilson Dr 4 BD | 3 BA | 4,566 SF | 5.25 AC / 1 BD, 1 BA, 552 SF Casita 2,950,000 | MLS 1886028

1389 Powerhouse Lane | MLS 1970590/1970591/1970753 2 BD | 1 BA | 1,159 SF | 24.76 AC $6,750,000

Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

LIVE IN TOWN!

532 Oliver Street / Home with workshop 4 BD | 2 BA | 2,016 SF | 0.25 AC $669,000 | MLS 1892250 Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

MoabLiving / @MoabLiving / MoabReCo.com ©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed.

I M PR OV E D P RI C E

625 S 400 E 3 BD | 3 BA | 1,896 SF | 0.13 AC $659,000 | MLS 1902118

I M PR OV E D P RI C E

PEACHES TWINHOME

1435 Powerhouse Lane 7.95 AC $1,690,000 | MLS 1864833

Rare Nightly Lodging Units

WILLOW STREET COTTAGES

A MOAB HOUSE - EAT, SLEEP, PLAY!

Lexie Dalton (801) 836-1450

Rachel Moody (435) 260-8245 Kerby Carlisle-Grant (720) 480-0890

680 S Highway 191, Bluff 4 RENTAL UNITS | COMMERCIAL ZONING | 1.02 AC $975,000 | MLS 1962798

198 W Center Street 4 BD | 3 BA (combined with ADU) | 2,694 SF | 0.23 AC $1,050,000 | MLS 1977838

Short Term Rental

Short Term Rental

Short Term Rental

RELAXATION & EXTRAVAGANCE

VACATION TOWNHOME!

OWN YOUR RV PAD!

Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

Nikole Andersen (801) 750-5280 Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

1261 N Rubicon Trail #R3 2 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,532 SF | 0.12 AC $795,000 | MLS 1856293

2 Desert Wind 3 BD | 3 BA | 1,490 SF $599,000 | MLS 1873588

1261 N Main Rubicon Trail #27 0.09 Acres $269,900 | MLS 1898426

Short Term Rental

RIM VILLAGE E1

RIM VILLAGE VISTAS 9A1

Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

NE W L I ST I NG

Short Term Rental

3686 S Spanish Valley Dr E-1 3 BD | 2 BA | 1,573 SF $799,900 | MLS 1864390

NE W L IST ING

Short Term Rental

3862 Desert Willow Cir 9-A1 3 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,520 SF $699,000 | MLS 1970819

(435) 260-8240 / 50 East Center Street, Moab, Utah ©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed.

THE BEST LOCATION

WESTSIDE DEVELOPMENT SITE

Rachel Moody (435) 260-8245

Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

671 N 500 W 3 BD | 1 BA | 1,221 SF | 1.0 AC $750,000 | MLS 1965840/1965841

46 S 100 E 0.62 AC $2,700,000 | MLS 1895164/1895165

OASIS IN OLD LA SAL

IN THE HEART OF MOAB

Nikole Andersen (801) 750-5280

Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240 Jessiqua Zufelt (435) 210-1171

Nikole Andersen (801) 750-5280

684 Blue Mountain Ridge, Monticello 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,643 SF | 6 AC $699,000 | MLS 1900906

1391 E Highway 46, La Sal 3 BD | 3 BA | 5,022 SF | 5.9AC $580,000 | MLS 1885481

290 N Opal Ave 3 BD | 2 BA | 1,512 SF | 0.17 AC $569,000 | MLS 1879100

IMPROVED PRICE

ESCAPE TO TRANQUILITY

Commercial Property

OLD TOWN INVESTMENT

STORAGE UNITS OPPORTUNITY!

NOBB HILL DEVELOPMENT SITE

Kerby Carlisle-Grant (720) 480-0890 Rachel Moody (435) 260-8245

Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

195 East 200 North 3 BD | 3 BA | 1,593 SF | 2.03 AC $995,000, | MLS 1886995

1053 W 400 N 3 BD | 2 BA | 1,782 SF | 1.16 AC $695,000 | MLS 1840654/1840657

102 E 300 N 4 BD | 2 BA | 1,568 SF | 0.38 AC $625,000 | MLS 1970959

MoabLiving / @MoabLiving / MoabReCo.com ©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed.

MLS# 1973462 / 1973465 / 1973466 / 1973467 / 1973470

WILSON ARCH - PHASE 2

WILSON ARCH

Rachel Moody (435) 260-8245 Nikole Andersen (801) 750-5280

Nikole Andersen (801) 750-5280 Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

73 Parcels, Fully Platted & Engineered 147 AC $2,500,000 | MLS 1845590

5 Commercial Lots 2.16 - 5.68 AC $275,000 - $450,000

WILSON ARCH

WILSON ARCH

LUXURY ESTATE SITE

Shannon Meredith (435) 260-7484 Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

Shannon Meredith (435) 260-7484

Rachel Moody (435) 260-8245

176 S Joe Wilson Drive, Lot 14 1.40 AC $125,000 | MLS 1970082

49 W Ryan Court, Lot 2 1.33 AC $99,000 | MLS 1897370

3459 E Red Rock Drive 3.25 AC $1,250,000 | MLS 1893183

IMPROVED PRICE

MLS 1864162 / MLS 1838551

MATTERHORN

YOUR ISLAND IN THE SKY

SUBLIME CASTLE VALLEY

WHITE HORSE

Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240 Shannon Meredith (435) 260-7484

Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

2162 Navajo Heights Drive 7.98 AC $750,000 | MLS 1902038

1650 Vertigo Drive 3.66 AC $550,000 | MLS 1902029

432 N Rimrock Lane 4.9 AC $333,000 | MLS 1845590

4265 Lipizzan Jump, 18 | 0.50 AC 4122 Lipizzan Jump, 33 | 0.50 AC $295,000 | $249,000

(435) 260-8240 / 50 East Center Street, Moab, Utah ©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed.

OFFERING A 2/1 BUYDOWN FOR OWNER-OCCUPIED UNITS!

MURPHY FLATS

1185 S Murphy Lane 1-2 Bedroom Units Starting at $260,000

CURRENT AVAILABILITY 1 BEDROOM UNITS: • $260,000 • $270,000 2 BEDROOM UNITS: • $335,000 • $345,000 • $355,000 • $395,000

Looking for your own - brand new - private space? Seeking the simplicity and efficiency of having total control of your living environment? Here is your opportunity to own your own condominium in Moab!

Your home, your way in an elevated community with amazing views, access to hiking trails, with a dog park, community garden and - close to the center of town! These homes include an independent storage unit, deck, private covered bike parking and dedicated car parking space. Seller is offering a 2/1 interest rate buydown closing cost credit for primary residents and second homeowners! www.MurphyFlats.com

Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240

KANE CREEK CONDOMINIUMS 443 Kane Creek Blvd

CURRENT AVAILABILITY

BLDG A | 1BD, 1 BA, 500-600 SF | $270,000-$285,000 | Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240 A105 | 2BD, 1 BA, 730 SF | $385,000 | Rachel Moody Team (435) 260-8240 B112 | Studio, 1 BA, 500 SF | $275,000 | Shannon Meredith (435) 260-7484

A short walk to downtown Moab and minutes to all that Moab has to offer.

Kane Creek Condominiums sits on over two acres located at the base of the Moab Rim. Each residence offers stunning views of towering red rock cliffs and the expansive Moab Valley with sights of Arches National Park, Swiss Cheese Ridge, and the La Sal Mountains.

www.MoabReCo.com/KaneCreekCondos

MoabLiving / @MoabLiving / MoabReCo.com ©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed.

Jessiqua Zufelt

(435) 210-1171 JZufelt@bhhsutah.com

1521 S HIGHWAY 191 1,546 SF Shop with Office | 0.89 AC $1,200,000 | MLS 1887028

1162 S HIGHWAY 191 Split Zoning | 1.04 AC $650,000 | MLS 1970071

1167 AUSTIN DRIVE 3 BD | 2 BA | 1,330 SF | 0.21 AC $510,000 | MLS 1880596

11.96 LONG STREET, GREEN RIVER 11.96 AC Acres | A-1 Zoning $400,000 | MLS 1888253

72.63 LONG STREET, GREEN RIVER 72.63 AC | Development Parcel $3,000,000 | MLS 1888234

3686 SPANISH VALLEY DRIVE, L1 3 BD | 2 BA | 1,573 SF $749,000 | MLS 1967269

167 N 100 E 1 BD | 1 BA | 1,568 SFF | 0.10 AC $330,000 | MLS 1897809

Kim Kirks

(801) 369-9184 KimKirks@bhhsutah.com

Kim Kirks & Angela Houghton

(435) 259-0150 | 50 E Center Street, Moab, Utah

3333 FAR COUNTRY DRIVE 4 BD | 3.5 BA | 4,704 SF | 6.85 AC $3,595,000 | MLS 1865130

BHHSUtah / @BHHSUtah / BHHSUtah.com

©2023 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed.

Angela Houghton

(435) 260-0700 AngelaH@bhhsutah.com 491 NICHOLS LANE 3 BD | 2 BA | 1,344 SF | 0.20 AC $625,000 | MLS 1894357

Janet Thomas

Lynda Diem

(435) 760-0316 Janet@bhhsutah.com

(435) 260-9244 LyndaDiem@bhhsutah.com 2301 S ARENA ROJA 3 BD | 2 BA | 1,720 SF | 0.32 AC $795,000 | MLS 1898801

Janet Thomas & Nikole Andersen 2571 W DEER PARK DRIVE, MONTICELLO 3 BD | 1 BA | 1,520 SF | 10.08 AC $649,000 | MLS 1898648

148 W URANIUM DRIVE, MONTICELLO 3 BD | 1 BA | 1,216 SF | 0.23 AC $220,000 | MLS 1967430

21 E PETERS SPRING ROAD 3 BD | 2 BA | 1,708 SF | 38.98 AC $630,999 | MLS 1850837

599 S HIDEAWAY COVE, MONTICELLO 4 BD | 3 BA | 2,526 SF | 24.40 AC $925,000 | MLS 1893986

1113 S 200 E, BLANDING 5 BD | 3 BA | 3,520 SF | 3.17 AC $549,000 | MLS 1897666

164 E 300 S, MONTICELLO 2 BD | 1 BA | 715 SF | 0.10 AC $198,975 | MLS 1896435

©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed.

heidi blake

landen walker

kali bisco

reina every

jacque gustafson

435-260-8185 heidi@heidi-blake.com

435-260-2801 landen.walker@bhhsutah.com

435-260-9906 kali.bisco@bhhsutah.com

435-260-1542 reinaevery@bhhsutah.com

801-870-4228 jacquelgustafson@gmail.com

new listing MLS 1973690

Discover your haven in La Sa! This inviting property sprawls across a full acre, offering mesmerizing views of the breathtaking La Sal Mountains.

heidi blake

122 markle road

435-260-8185 heidi@heidi-blake.com

Under Contract

3 BED I 2 BATH I 2,016 SF I $300,000

MLS 1898262

MLS 19897028

MLS 1970109

Under Contract

2511 e. redcliff rd. 6k

675 west hale avenue

167 south joe wilson drive

3 BED I 2 BATH I 1,384 SF I $480,000

3 BED I 2 BATH I 1,463 SF I $629,000

4.65 ACRES I $339,000

MLS 1890663

MLS 1898262

landen walker 435-260-2801 landen.walker@bhhsutah.com

Zoned Agriculture

Under Contract

coal canyon road

101 w. rio grande drive

80 ACRES I $200,000

4 BED I 2.5 BATH I 2,120 SF I .28 AC | $897,000

liveinmoab.com | 50 East Center Street, Moab, Utah @reinaeveryrealtor | @kalibisco | @Jacque_Gustafson Equal Housing opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed.

©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.

We are excited to announce

jacque gustafson has joined the blake walker group

jacque gustafson 801-870-4228 jacquelgustafson@gmail.com

MLS 1898202

MLS 1969535

MLS 1974535

3160 rimrock road

3519 e. arena roja

165 w deer neck road

2 ACRES I $395,000

0.45 ACRES I $299,000

80 ACRES I $280,000

reina every 435-260-1542 reinaevery@bhhsutah.com

Recently Sold 32 mountain view road 1 BED I 2 BATH I 2,080 SF I 4.33 AC | $429,000

MLS 1974535

kali bisco Improved Price

435-260-9906 kali.bisco@bhhsutah.com

650 bittle lane 5 BEDS I 3 BATHS I 2,470 SQFT I $749,000

liveinmoab.com | 50 East Center Street, Moab, Utah @reinaeveryrealtor | @kalibisco | @Jacque_Gustafson Equal Housing opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed.

©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.

Creativity AND COMMUNITY Desert Sun Ceramics Studio is a hub for pottery and people Written by Rachel Fixsen | Photos by Murice D. Miller

“W

hen I haven’t been in there, I can tell, because my nails are long,” says Kirah Aldinger-Gibson, a member of Desert Sun Ceramics Studio. When you’re forming a vessel from wet clay on a pottery wheel, long fingernails can get in the way.

Aldinger-Gibson doesn’t usually stay away from the local Moab ceramics studio for too long, though. She finds a special sense of community there and considers it a form of self-care to have a creative outlet, spend time with fellow potters, and learn new skills. Those opportunities are what anchor many of Desert Sun Ceramics Studio’s members.

Building a community

Current owner Liz Ford was instrumental in getting the studio open in 2016, helping former owner Barb Gregoire find and remodel the space on south Highway 191. A couple of years later, another local potter purchased the business. Soon after that, in 2020, the pandemic shut it down along with other nonessential businesses. Ford bought the studio and reopened it later that year. While shutdowns and remote work persisted, membership at the studio was high. As other businesses and activities have resumed post-pandemic, membership has slowed somewhat, but a devoted base continues to share a sense of community at Desert Sun. “The community of the pottery studio is so great,” says member Becky Joplin. “The environment Liz has created—where everyone has fun and helps each other… I’m really happy to have found it in Moab. It enhances my life.”

Joplin got started in ceramics after buying a cherished handmade mug from a local potter at Moab’s annual holiday craft sale.

“I really love it,” Joplin says of the mug, which is made of two colors of clay marbled together. The effect reminds Joplin of the

Moab rocks. Joplin asked the artist how long she practiced ceramics in order to develop the skills needed to create the mug.

“And she said ten years,” Joplin recalls. “And I thought, ‘oh god, I’d better get started!’”

Joplin signed up for an introductory class at Desert Sun Ceramics, in which she learned some handbuilding techniques and got to try out the wheel. Ford and other instructors offer a variety of classes, workshops, lessons and camps throughout the year, designed for a range of experiences and interests. There are intro courses, beginning and intermediate throwing and handbuilding courses, focused workshops for specific skills or projects, and camps for elementary school-aged kids in the summer.

Joplin loved her first class and got increasingly dedicated to making pottery. She works full-time at a computer during the day, and she values being able to unplug and work with her hands on something tangible. She’s enjoyed discovering how much there is to know and practice.

“It just feels like it’s going to be a lifelong learning process,” she says.

Top: Desert Sun Ceramics owner Liz Ford. Bottom: Kimberly Diamond throwing a cylinder on the potters’ wheel during class.

MOAB AREA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE February–March 2024

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Inside the studio

A small gallery in the entrance of the studio is open to the public, with members’ work for sale. Revenue from gallery sales is split between the potter and the studio (a standard arrangement for artists and retailers). In February, the studio portion of gallery sales will go towards scholarships for studio fees, especially for kids.

Occasionally tourists stop in to check out the gallery, but Ford says it’s mostly locals who turn up to see what’s new on the shelves, especially around the holidays.

In the main studio, red and gray clay smudges and speckles can be found anywhere potters are busy working: the bank of pottery wheels, various work tables, and the concrete floor.

Post-session cleanup is a very important part of being a potter. Shelves are crowded with members’ tools and work, and a melange of pottery tools, equipment and materials are stored in drawers and on shelves along every wall.

Finished ceramics are displayed in high, out-of-the-way places, or sometimes temporarily stored on individual potters’ shelves.

Pieces to be fired are stacked on shelves near the silver kilns in the corner. Dozens of buckets at the glazing station hold various mixes; sample clay tiles hanging on the walls above give an idea of how each glaze will look once fired. Often there is music playing and a few potters chatting and laughing together while working on various stages of pottery-making: processing clay, throwing on the wheel, sculpting handbuilt pieces, trimming air-dried

pots, glazing “bisqued” pieces (work that’s been through its initial kiln firing), or wiping down surfaces and tools.

Ford says she hopes her classes inspire people to pursue pottery and join the studio. There are “Open Studio” memberships that allow people to come during specified supervised hours, and for more experienced potters, there are 24-hour monthly memberships that allow people to come work whenever they choose. Ford also hopes that her classes give people some insight into why handmade pottery can have a high price tag—a lot of work and skill goes into it.

Among the class offerings this February are Valentine’s Day “Date Night” workshops where couples try out either the wheel or a handbuilding project. “Couples” don’t necessarily have to be romantic partners, Ford says, they can be friends or family—just two people who want to try out ceramics together.

“The only necessity is a sense of humor,” Ford quips, noting that it takes a long time to get good at ceramics.

“You have to have fun with it,” she says.

“You have to enjoy the process… it’s good to be able to laugh at yourself while you’re learning.”

Top: Bre Scott smoothes a project made from clay slabs. Bottom: Alex De Moor carefully lifts a marbled clay bottle off the bat.

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MOAB AREA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE February–March 2024

MOAB AREA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE February–March 2024

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Throwdown

On February 24 and 25, Ford will host the first-ever “Desert Sun Ceramics Great Pottery Throwdown,” a local, scaled-down version of the British ceramics competition TV series.

On that show, competitors from around the United Kingdom undertake challenges set by professional potters, with a champion at the end of the season.

The Moab version will last for just one weekend. Skills will be demonstrated by expert local clay artists Linn Denesti, Joanne Savoie, Patrice Mason, Barb Gregoire, Gee Wirt and Karen Chatham, who will also conduct blind judging of participants’ work. Ford was inspired to plan the event because she regularly watches The Great Pottery Throwdown with other potters.

“It’s all for fun,” Ford emphasizes. “There’s no prizes—just bragging rights.”

Not only will it be a good time, but potters will have a chance to learn new skills in a different environment—one charged with a bit of constructive pressure, as there will be limited time to practice and results will be evaluated by a skilled potter.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Ford says.

Challenges will incorporate both handbuilding and wheel-throwing skills. Ford advises prospective participants that they should have basic throwing skills, but she doesn’t want anyone to be too intimidated to join—it will be a learning experience for everyone.

“I feel like it’s going to be like one of my classes, but condensed,” she says.

If all goes well, she hopes to make it an annual event.

Top: Cari Arneson weighs clay for a class assignment.

18

MOAB AREA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE February–March 2024

Soup Bowl

In November, Desert Sun will sponsor the 6th annual Soup Bowl at the Moab Arts Center, where attendees purchase a handmade bowl full of soup donated by local restaurants, and can also bid in a silent auction on handmade ceramic items. Proceeds are donated to a different nonprofit each year.

Starting in 2017, Ford and Gregoire modeled the event after “Empty Bowl” events they had both been part of in separate towns in Colorado: those events had similar formats, and proceeds went to food banks or soup kitchens, or other organizations that address hunger. Ford expanded the idea to include organizations that nourish the community in a variety of ways.

Funds raised from the first event went to the Youth Garden Project. Subsequent Soup Bowls have raised money for Seekhaven Family Crisis and Resource Center, the Moab Valley Multicultural Center, the Moab Free Health Clinic, and Canyonlands Field Institute. In 2023, the event raised over $15,000 for CFI. The recipient of the 2024 funds hasn’t been chosen yet.

This year’s Soup Bowl will be similar to prior years, and with new leadership: studio member Samantha Derbyshire has taken on the organizing of the event. Putting it on requires months of work: scheduling hundreds of volunteer hours, shepherding hundreds of bowls through the multi-stage process of creation, establishing partnerships and delegating tasks, and managing transport and sales of the bowls. Previous planners had other obligations and they hoped to find a new point-person to carry the torch.

“It kind of just came down to me,” Derbyshire says. “I knew that if I didn’t step up, no one would.”

Especially considering the event’s popularity, Derbyshire really wanted the Soup Bowl to continue. She expects around 425 attendees, a similar turnout to previous years. Volunteers will aim to make about 500 bowls, which allows for some that don’t turn out or get damaged, while still leaving a few extra beyond expected attendance.

Derbyshire began learning ceramics at Desert Sun in 2018, after years of wanting to do so, she says. She stepped into the studio to ask how to get started—Gregoire was there, and said she was teaching another new potter some basic skills in half an hour, and did Derbyshire want to join? She did.

“I fell immediately in love,” Derbyshire says.

“I knew I would.”

She now has her own studio space, but she still stays involved with the Desert Sun community.

Aldinger-Gibson felt similarly drawn in when she first came to the studio. She moved to Moab in 2022. One way she likes to explore a new place, she says, is to follow local Instagram pages. She had taken ceramics in high school and followed Desert Sun online soon after she arrived in town. She asked a new co-worker to join her in an intro class. They both loved the studio and the instructors, Ford and Savoie.

“Right away I felt so welcomed by them.

They’re super-friendly, but also super-real,” Aldinger-Gibson says. “They’re sarcastic, they’re hilarious… I was hooked.”

The studio became a refuge and an outlet when other parts of her life got difficult. And her then new co-worker, who accompanied her to that first class and is also still a devoted member at the studio, became her best friend.

That makes Desert Sun even more special to Aldinger-Gibson.

“Not only has it become a really awesome space for myself, but it really helped me strengthen a wonderful, lifelong friendship,” she says. n MOAB AREA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE February–March 2024

19

Sue Dalton & Morgan Cook 435-260-8090 | realestate.suedalton@gmail.com

homesinmoab.com

BEAUTIFUL CONTEMPORARY HOME with ADU MLS#1951935 / $998,000 4 bed / 3 bath / 2350 sq ft / Moab

PENDING

GREAT LOCATION - GREAT DEAL! MLS#1978782 / $509,000 3 bed / 3 bath / extra kitchen / 1731 sq ft / Moab

Elevate Your Real Estate Experience.

Expert Agents, Personalized Service.

ENTRADA NIGHTLY RENTAL MLS#1901886 / $998,000 4 bed / 3 bath / 2261 sq ft / Moab

HHHHH

TURNKEY NIGHTLY RENTAL MLS#1864045 / $799,900 3 bed / 2 bath / 1573 sq ft / Moab

SOLD~LIST WITH US!

PIECE OF THE ROCK MLS#1898123 / $1,200,000 4 bed / 4 bath / 3100 sq ft / Flat Iron Mesa

“

Working with Sue was the best decision we made selling our house.

Sue knows exactly what she is doing. She was able to come in, help us stage the house, and sell it quickly.

We had the house on the market previously with no success. When we decided to list with Sue everything went so smoothly.

Sue is very knowledgeable about the market and the whole process. She was so proficient at selling our house that we decided she would be the best at finding us a new one. Which she accomplished quickly, and just as smoothly.

We are extremely satisfied with all she has done for us. She will be the only realtor we ever use.

—Katie

”

SOLD~LIST WITH US!

STUNNING ACREAGE IN FLAT IRON MESA MLS#1898122 / $379,000 17.87 acres / panoramic views

HIKING/BIKING/JEEPING CLOSE BY MLS#1886487 / $465,000 2 Bed / 2 Bath / 1300 sq ft/ Wilson Arch

2 LOTS W/SHOP*POWER*WELL*SEPTIC MLS#1963243 / $209,000 / La Sal 3.77 acres / RVs for additional price

Kristie Whipple & Tiffanie Whipple (435) 260-1020 | kristiesellsmoab@gmail.com

kristiesellsmoab.com

FULL BASEMENT/SECOND KITCHEN MLS#1897991 / $1,249,000 6 bed / 4.5 bath / 4672 sq ft / Moab

HALF ACRE IN CUL-DE-SAC MLS#1977871 / $439,000 3 bed / 1 bath / 1216 sq ft / Moab

REMODELED HOME/SEPARATE WORK STUDIO MLS#1965033 /$538,000 3 bed / 1 bath/ 1068 sq ft / Moab

NIGHTLY RENTAL

NIGHTLY RENTAL

LARGE FAMILY HOME MLS#1965777 / $329,000 4 bed / 3 bath / 2900 sq ft / Monticello

FURNISHED–CABIN MLS#1844137 / $476,000 4 bed / 4 bath / 1904 sq ft / Monticello

FURNISHED–CONDO MLS#1951870 / $529,900 3 bed / 2 bath / 1384 sq ft / Moab

NIGHTLY RENTAL

NIGHTLY RENTAL

NIGHTLY RENTAL

FURNISHED–MAIN LEVEL MLS#1962838 / $525,000 3 bed / 2 bath / 1384 sq ft / Moab

FURNISHED MLS#1891491 / $564,000 3 bed/ 2 bath / 1384 sq ft / Moab

2 ACRE RANCHETTE MLS#1898152 / $589,000 6 bed / 3.5 bath / 4141 sq ft / Monticello

24.6 ACRES

FINANCING AVAILABLE

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

GUEST HOUSE/SOLAR/RV HOOK-UPS MLS#1885276 / $1,399,000 4 bed / 3 bath / 5285 sq ft / Monticello

UPDATED INTERIOR/UNDER APPRAISED VALUE MLS#1844818 / $379,000 2 bed / 2 bath / 1524 sq ft / Moab

TURN-KEY RESTAURANT/EXTRA LOT MLS#1888229 / $319,000 restaurant / 2100 sq ft / Monticello

S E RV I N G M O A B After getting its start as an early agricultural and mining area, Moab is now well known as a gateway to iconic adventure.

This visually striking desert region is the place we call home. At Summit Sotheby's International Realty, we don't just sell real estate; we're your neighbors, your fellow adventurers exploring the trails, marveling at sunsets and cherishing every unique quirk that makes Moab enchanting. Our dedication to this town runs deep – whether lending a hand at local events, supporting neighborhood causes, or simply sharing the love for this place, we're here to give back and keep our community thriving.

LENORE BEESON

SUZANNA FEUZ

SUSAN S H R E W S B U RY

BECKY WELLS

C U RT I S WELLS

435.260.2135

435.260.7634

435.260.1479

435.260.2842

435.210.4366

COMMERCIAL , U NDER CONTR ACT

2589 E Cactus Road, #A-Z, Moab 40 BD | 40 BA | 21,884 SF | $3,900,000

COMMERCIAL

123 West 200 North, Moab 6 BD | 3 BA | 2,365 SF | $2,750,000

COMMERCIAL , U NDER CONTR ACT

COMMERCIAL

72 South 100 East, Moab

11850 S Highway 191, #A10, Moab

10 BD | $2,500,000

5,400 SF | $2,400,000

COMMERCIAL

84 West 200 North, Moab

4119 E Mountain Court, Moab

1,989 SF | $2,399,000

4 BD | 3 BA | 3,322 SF | $1,669,000 COMMERCIAL

12343 E Sand Flats Road, Moab

33 Tangren Circle, Moab

826 Palisade Drive, Moab

3 BD | 3 BA | 1,692 SF | $1,290,000

2 BD | 4 BA | 1,760 SF | $1,150,000

3 BD | 2 BA | 2,193 SF | $825,000

U NDER CONTR ACT

3686 S Spanish Valley Dr, #U-3, Moab

2574 Spanish Trail Road, Moab

49 Ranch Road, Moab

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,551 SF | $715,000

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,233 SF | $699,000

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,532 SF | $675,000 U NDER CONTR ACT

753 Palisade Drive, Moab

349 N Park Lane, Moab

378 Opal Avenue, Moab

2 BD | 2 BA | 1,556 SF | $640,000

4 BD | 2 BA | 1,600 SF | $600,000

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,566 SF | $530,000

M OA B R E A L E S TAT E Sold by Real Experts

450 Minor Court, Moab

Cottonwood Condos, Moab

13 Abbey Road, Moab

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,832 SF | $499,000

Starting at $495,000

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,500 SF | $495,000 U NDER CONTR ACT

Vizcaya Condos, Moab

389 E Pueblo Court, Moab

311 Opal Street, Moab

Starting at $490,000

2 BD | 3 BA | 1,136 SF | $485,000

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,125 SF | $449,000

U NDER CONTR ACT

COMMERCIAL

COMMERCIAL

401 Bobbie Lane, #113, La Sal

11850 S Highway 191, #C1, Moab

2626 Highway 181, Bluff

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,696 SF | $379,000

1,800 SF | $335,000

18.21 AC | $2,750,000

1151 S Highway 191, Moab

1230 S Highway 191, Moab

River-Front Lots, Green River

0.62 AC | $1,500,000

1.17 AC | $590,000

Starting at $525,000

COMMERCIAL U NDER CONTR ACT

U NDER CONTR ACT

8 Seldom Seen Road, Moab

25 W Rim Shadow Lane, Castle Valley

302 Holyoak Lane, Castle Valley

1.5 Acres | $375,000

4.62 AC | $375,000

4.62 AC | $345,000

300 S Pack Creek Road, Moab

Vista Antigua Lots, Moab

61 N Porcupine Lane, La Sal

1.5 AC | $299,000

Starting at $275,000

8 AC | $225,000

Mountain Homes Lots, La Sal

Parcel #31S25E141203, Monticello

Legacy Fields Lots, La Sal

Starting at $94,999

19.44 AC | $65,000

Starting at $48,500

LA SAL

MOAB

C A S T L E VA L L E Y

Come visit our Office | 59 E Center Street, Moab This material is based upon information that we consider reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, including price, or withdrawal without notice; square footage is an estimate only. ©MMXXIV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. An Equal Opportunity Company. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Copyright© Summit Sotheby’s International Realty 2024.

Becky Wells A S S O C I AT E B R O K E R

435.260.2842 becky.wells@sothebysrealty.com summitsothebysrealty.com

Moab

La Sal

Castle Valley

L I V E , W O R K A N D P L AY AT C O T T O N W O O D C O N D O S

Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

Unit 5

Unit 6

Unit 7 E N J OY A L I F E S T Y L E O F C O N V E N I E N C E

214 South 200 East, #1- 9, Moab, Utah Nestled within the vibrant heart of Moab, these modern residences boast an enviable location adjacent to the picturesque Millcreek Parkway. Some units include a balcony or deck, and furniture packages are available.

Pricing Starts at $495,000 3 BD | 3 BA | 1,700 SF | 2-Car Garage 2 BD | 2 BA | 1,026 SF 1 BD | 1 BA | 653 SF Unit 1

Unit 2

Unit 8

Unit 9

Unit 6

Unit 7

This material is based upon information that we consider reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, including price, or withdrawal without notice; square footage is an estimate only. ©MMXXIV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. An Equal Opportunity Company. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Copyright© Summit Sotheby’s International Realty 2024.

S E RV I C E T H AT ' S A S E L E VAT E D A S YO U R S TA N D A R D S S P A C I O U S H O M E W I T H AT TA C H E D S T U D I O

N E W M A N U FAC TU R ED H O M E

349 N Park Lane, Moab

401 Bobbie Lane, La Sal

4 BD | 2 BA | 1,600 SF | $600,000

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,696 SF | $379,000 U NDER CONTR ACT

U N O B S T R U C T E D L A S A L M O U N TA I N V I E W S

1230 S Highway 191, Moab

11920 S Highway 191, #3, Moab

1.17 AC | $590,000

Lenore Beeson

V I Z C AYA C O N D O S , W H E R E M O D E R N C O M F O R T M E E T S SOUTHERN MOAB' S RUGGED L ANDSCAPE 1 BD | 1 BA | 786 SF | $565,000 | Additional Units Available

S A L E S A S S O C I AT E

435.260.2135 | lenore.beeson@sothebysrealty.com | summitsothebysrealty.com This material is based upon information that we consider reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, including price, or withdrawal without notice; square footage is an estimate only. ©MMXXIV Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. An Equal Opportunity Company. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Copyright© Summit Sotheby’s International Realty 2024.

ARCHES REAL ESTATE GROUP 505 N Main St., Moab, UT 84532 | Phone: 1-435- 259-5021

#1963641 / $900,000 Open floor plan—1875 sqft, 3 bed 2 full bath on one acre.

New appliances are included. Jetted tub in the master main bedroom.

Vaulted living room ceiling. Extra 4-car garage.

Attached concrete fence in front and side for privacy.

#1900510 / $519,000 Lovely and spacious 1950 sqft, 2-story home, 3 bed 2.5 bath, with versatile extra room. Has new floor coverings and HVAC system.

Located close to downtown, sits on 0.26 acre lot, in the county with views of the red rocks and mountains.

#1970252 / $395,000 3 bed 2 bath, well maintained home with shop used as a studio apt. in the heart of Moab. Nicely landscaped with mature shade trees, extra land that can be sold off to neighbors.

24-hr. advance showing notice.

#1876439 / $689,500 CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN MOAB! 1,788 sqft of living space, 3 bed 2 bath on a large corner lot with views of the red rocks. Large trees for shade & privacy.

2-car garage, covered patio.

#1892733 / $559,000 NEW 1508 sq ft 3-bedroom 2 bath home on a full basement. With a 1600 sq ft shop/garage nestled on 4 acres with views of 4 mountain ranges.

Come see this home today.

#1873012 / $530,000 Charming Bungalow—2 bedrooms and a bathroom that has just been redone. New roof and carport roof. 0.25 acre lot on a quiet street with red rock views. Walk or bike to anywhere you want to go in the City.

#1977295 / $268,500 Portal RV space R56. Own a piece of the Rock. Easy pull-through space with great views. Owners can reserve their time and space when they’re visiting the Moab area and rent it out when they’re not in Moab as extra income.

#1977855 / $3,000,000 This is a very private property with seclusion which you would not expect it in Spanish Valley. 100s of mature pine & evergreen trees providing a fabulous wind break surrounding this beautiful habitat. 9.91 ACRES.

#1973439 / $360,000 Beautiful Scenic Lot in Castle Valley. 4.62 Acres.

All natural vegetation. Need to apply for water right and drill well.

Must install septic system, no natural gas but can get propane.

We are a Full Service Brokerage! Let us be your guide, we’re here to help you…

SANDY NORTON, BROKER

435-260-1186 sandyn@moabrealestate.com

JULIE BIERSCHIED

435-259-5670 juliebierschied@yahoo.com

SAINA CAREY

435-259-9463 moabsaina@hotmail.com

ANTHONY MASON

435-260-8883 moabanthony@gmail.com

505 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532

DOUG MCELHANEY

435-260-2684 doug4moab@yahoo.com

Check out our Mobile Friendly Website to search all area listings @

www.MoabRealEstate.com SOLD-LIST WITH US!

Month to Month Rentals!

They are not available for long term. They are all fully furnished with utilities included, as well as internet. All properties are non-smoking and do not allow pets.

For more information, please call Red Rock Management at 435-259-5091.

2 bed 1 bath log home in town

2 bed 2 bath townhouse in town

#1974174 / $380,000 20 Acres of beautiful land located up Thompson Canyon.

Hike, bike, jeep, & ATV from this property.

#1965426 / $29,500 One Acre Lot in LaSal with fabulous views in all directions.

Very serene and unobstructed. Build or Modular.

Good water wells reportedly in this area. Own your Slice of Heaven.

2 bed, 2 ½ bath townhouse in town

#1898091 / $689,000 TURN-KEY Rim Village Vista Townhome! 3 bed 2½ bath. Excellent investment property or your dream home in Moab. The owners bought the property new and had a few special options added when it was built.

#1882287 / $48,000 One acre lot in nice area of LaSal, at an affordable price!

Beautiful views of the mountains & peacefulness of the country.

Shared well with 1/2 interest, must install own septic.

#1972529 / $45,000 Beautiful half acre lot, located in a great area of La Sal. Horse property with amazing mountain views. Buyer will need to install septic tank and well, power is available on Markle Rd.

#1903305 / I-70 Hwy property / 80.34 ACRES Just before you turn off and head to Moab.

Great place to build boat or RV storage buildings or install hwy. billboards for the visitors heading to Moab or Lake Powell.

Paved road to the edge of the property. Great views of the Book Cliffs.

#1903353 / 40 ACRES Unobstructed view at the base of the Book Cliffs in Thompson Spring.

Great place to create your own UTV trails while exploring this area or build a home located just 35 miles outside of Moab. Power pole on the property.

Call us at 435-259-5021 or visit us at www.MoabRealEstate.com.

LUDEAN MERRITT

435-719-6567 LuDeanRealtor@gmail.com

JESSICA NORTON

435-260-1688 jnorton8484@gmail.com

MELODY ADAMS Office Manager

info@moabrealestate.com

505 N Main St, Moab, UT 84532

THE RARITY OF A TWO-NEWSPAPER TOWN A well-informed populace in Moab Written by Sharon Sullivan

T

wo newspapers shut down each week in communities across the United States – often leaving towns and cities without a source of local news – which is not good news for democracy, according to Northwestern University’s Local News Initiative.

“In communities without a credible source of local news, voter participation declines, corruption in both government and business increases, and local residents end up paying more in taxes and at checkout,” according to the school’s 2022 “State of Local News” Report.

However, Moab is fortunate to have not just one, but two newspapers – The TimesIndependent and the Moab Sun News – both are now free weeklies. The TimesIndependent comes out on Thursdays, and the Moab Sun News is published on Fridays.

The two papers’ websites and social media sites are updated more frequently.

The two papers are where you’ll find out what’s going on inside city and county government, what events are happening

32

MOAB AREA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE February–March 2024

around town, and who won this week’s high school ballgame. While obituary readers glean interesting insights about neighbors and friends who have passed on – all important functions that national media outlets can’t replicate.

Times-Independent under new ownership

For more than a century the Taylor family owned and operated The Times-Independent newspaper. Loren “Bish” Taylor, who was born in 1892, apprenticed at the Grand Valley Times before purchasing the paper and its competitor The Independent. He merged the two newspapers in 1919, and named the paper the Times-Independent.

Bish’s son Samuel and his wife Adrien later co-published the newspaper, followed by their son Zane, who announced in July, after 100 years of family ownership, that the newspaper would be changing hands.

In September the Taylors donated the newspaper to The Salt Lake Tribune, (SLT), a community-owned nonprofit since 2019.

“We were hanging on by a shoestring,” current Times-Independent editor Doug McMurdo says. “So, Zane decided that we’d donate everything to be absorbed by the Tribune. The most important thing was to keep news, and the Times in Moab. We deliver the news that people can use. So does the Sun News, and KZMU radio. There are a lot of great news outlets in Grand County and we want to keep it going.”

Additionally, an arts and events publication, Moab Happenings, is published monthly by Theresa King.

Zane Taylor continues to be involved with the Times-Independent, as a member of its advisory board, plus, he helps proof pages for free. His brother Tom Taylor remains an employee who helps with customer service, and mailings.

Moab Sun News: the upstart

While the Taylor family owned the TimesIndependent for more than 100 years, the Moab Sun News has carved out its place in the local media landscape in just twelve years.

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The newspaper was founded by Andrew Mirrington (publisher of the Moab Real Estate Magazine) in April 2012, and operated by him until 2018.

Mirrington had been managing small-town newspapers in Colorado and had been a long time visitor to Moab. He believed that Moab’s expanding tourism-based economy would support a free newspaper.

“We felt that if we had a unique publication that had appeal to both locals and visitors, we would quickly gain a large readership and that local businesses would support us with advertising.”

Prior to the Moab Sun News’ launch, Mirrington and his small staff spent months taking a newsprint mock-up of the future paper around town, seeking feedback from residents and commitments from businesses.

“Folks were really encouraging about what we were doing,” he says. “And all these years later, I think the town having two papers has kept both of them on their toes and really benefited the community.”

Mirrington says he aimed to have a paper that was a little more offbeat, introducing a number of features in the first few years that aimed to make the paper fun, as well as informative. In addition to traditional news reporting, the paper hosted items like weekly man-on-the-street interviews, an irreverent police report, diverse opinion columns and a popular annual April Fools edition.

“Some of these recurring items really helped grow readership, plus they were just a lot of fun for us to work on,” he says.

Mirrington says he admires how both publications have continued to grow and adapt amid a challenging industry.

“It’s really impressive how each paper keeps evolving and connecting with new readers,” he said. “Both are putting out outstanding reporting and unique features every week that make a real difference in the lives of local people.”

In November 2018, Mirrington sold the paper to Heila Ershadi and Kevin Brydie, who, after a couple of years, sold the paper to the newspaper’s then-editor and current publisher Maggie McGuire in March 2020.

“It was great timing for both of us; I was excited about working at the paper,” McGuire said.

“Journalism is in my background. My grandfather ran a newspaper in Dearborn, Michigan and both of my parents worked for newspapers.”

Opposite page, left: Times-Independent Publisher Bish Taylor, 1914. [Courtesy of Times-Independent] Opposite page, right: Since 2020, Maggie McGuire has been the owner and publisher of the Moab Sun News. [Courtesy of Moab Sun News]

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by Laurie Collins Moab and thshowcasesintheorrange ,Wagner niza ndial tion sa ken by the arIn e- ily ecializing Sun News] es, Su N. anag y ur or M Sp ct “1 re ga newspaper in Moab is an idea nd 00 port th % of La 550 d tin a ARTS en at cs, an reau of d out rents has had for years. happie at their ch paMirrington The Bu ficially rolle arding toni inals has be t years and r sinc ildrenAbout six months ago, he and s of e bein eigh edic in with a ar fegu g mat his ewife, Meredith, began piecmento in- M n Street for oducts ment ha aimed at sa M pr 0 in r.” ched ts le Mai This pr over 20 herbal ther rs new ru ldlife habita Canyons, fe og ing that plan together. ram ha ing po g now of traditional l wi clinis been int Roarin crucia and n ns in a a turn-Today, the Moab Sun News hit d Hell lives, bu for hundre t of Gr additio nsultatio ds eral an in the hear newsstands with its first issue. t eutic co mmert] teem an ilding mente of youn g marke n ap [Holly La nestled ah. es' of sioLAURIE dMarket, tting. emotio Back self-es “Our goal is to provide se rmers deciBy COLLINS Moonflower l d , Roawan.

Ut fa , an te ca t ty a d ar na an creatin her child l wellNews Coun unique and modern n e had getables. I st art signific on activitiesFor the Sun“W Beyond EV g Savage being, a strong Spirit, Stoc ENk andnewspaper purs Books, ers ca st Emily This YOUTlocals sh ve online Tto/ both er oth- than lli500 educatFramed custom frefriends, desire in print and ere to ock H e rictions cess toore The EdgeueGallery, Image ng th st er take re io es wh se toand visitors,” Mirrington n.

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Turner display at MARC, en ge ic e ous wi an spottebrate Th is nt di torswahe r re yet tovebe told tle – anddwe e mthbat livable nal br lives le na to a br employees. ic agco sedhave with a here for ou inBud s to tablegawas that lp ea ’s sophotographer issues were nizatio Turner. art, sovian entire filled an111 E.an 100 dual th d m the Mex d Utahlate it Saturday ree refille ro North, to incr g p. tion ha 6 inn th indi be them.” h po forward to telling ail- or r toduring ditio essugas n shee thet- year’s with th t loca , an track oil By tasin eirrrenlook ve bein si adnewlyweds l, page first paintings by inspirewithe prints eagles bighorIt was cu for the to distribute “We lo influ he s’ ce is to Art le ou theth bu king small tive sin Sundia esen in opening desert Walk.

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Straub, g, brin eboth suppor oice rb in th zz mail ar —inthhe r produc sheaipse rdenin en, being ab tivsible on ecified tim is ti ga he ac first-class stare ey l , re s jaavailable. ria life history, and Bud’s seven sp , Page LKtio See ART WAla rd local sespaces: know alist as all suf- the MARC, m with of incr tial an n- 8 Moa b’s youn the ga thei and at roped and ae slacklind be lf- an that an Readers will find coverage gm of in from my kids and where want to kind r potenusicians ng ining, , vi pl ng range zi city, county and school district Ha le gi the men it. That swin ch as to raise Stock said. to ’s rs Th co ities su elling, rope chuting, news, sports and outdoors feae ,” MAGGI pp ficient GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTshares organization' me in. para 3 tures, arts entertainment ing, ra ping, E Mand th s Page CGUI jum resident at mentors ar website RE coverage, nyon, news, Mo cops courts ab Suand BASE e ordina FORECAST: n News See Ca s, as no we t all he ry opinion pages, columnists, news ar ca Enjoy the clouds while you can because ro ct around the region and not be pes. Mento es must ca Impa from they won’t stick around long. April 19 rs ptiv in goes beyo overly perfec country, a calendar nd of events should be partly to mostly cloudy with a g melod worrie should tain at tion. d abou ieThe men s anpaperjust and can be high near 75 degrees. t atmore. t Fe “If you the M d enterst ivalfound The weekend, though, is nothing but show online at oabwww.moabsun’s Win to have up Music , wh terlude are re fun, an ich denews.com. bright. Starting Friday, the sun comes out ady m d ev on ca ents, st re core co in full force. Expect highs that day in the about te th The ra Sun News office is at 30 e m ou fe m r st itm iv upper 70s. Saturday and Sunday will enric t to coacrossal's S. 100enEast,

By VERONICA DAEHN HARVEY over Seethis mmun from the Menwhole thing recently.hment. both be sunny with highs in the mid to Sun News Editor ity r, page It’s a reallytoheavy decision, and Sheriff’s Department. upper 80s.

5 rand County School the board doesn’t take it lightly Se The Mirringtons moved from Keep those sunglasses out because e Win Colo., where Andrew terlud District officials are at all. I trust that whoever steps Telluride, Monday has nothing but sunshine in the e, Pa ge 7days each reviewing applications for into that role will understand still works several forecast, too, with highs in the – whoa – month at the Telluride Daily the district’s next superintendthe gravity as well.” low 90s. Temperatures are expected to cool down a bit after that. ent. Seven people have applied The search for the next Planet.

Tuesday’s forecast calls for a mix of sun He came to manage that for the position. superintendent comes on the and clouds and highs in the upper 80s.

In January, current heels of a 2008 financial scandal newspaper, for owner Randy The sun will be back out in full force Superintendent Margaret that left many in Moab question- Miller, in 2008 after nearly 10 Wednesday with highs expected in the Hopkin announced she would ing the school district and its years working at newspapers in low 80s.

Boulder, Colo. retire June 30. She’s spent 33 leaders.

The Daily Planet this year years in the district.

In a nutshell, the school disMUSE: “Strolling on, it seems to me that The application period for trict’s former business adminis- and last won a record number of the strangeness and wonder of existence her replacement closed April 11. trator was inappropriately trans- awards from the Colorado Press are emphasized here, in the desert, by Margaret Hopkin [Courtesy Photo] Saying the selection of the ferring money from one fund to Association. Under Mirrington’s the comparative sparsity of the flora and fauna: life not crowded upon life as in Grand County School District’s “It’s really major,” said school another to pay for things like leadership, the newspaper grew other places but scattered abroad in next superintendent is a big deal board member Beth Joseph. teacher salaries and utilities, for four consecutive years, spareness and simplicity, with a generous is an understatement.

“I’ve been starting to lose sleep See SEARCH, Page 8 See NEWSPAPER, Page 12 gift of space for each herb and bush and tree, each stem of grass, so that the living organism stands out bold and brave and vivid against the lifeless sand and barren rock. The extreme clarity of the desert light is equaled by the extreme individuation of desert life forms. Love flowers best in openness and freedom.”

— Edward Abbey

New paper launches today

Inside

ld school h O s it m BLM li dicine witre e m s ie activit modern ca l, a r e in M in No hitter oaring Hell R o for McDougall Page 10 yons t can dlife care for wil

Moab Sun News is free weekly

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Hundreds browse local work

For the love of the trails Page 10

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Moab’s first Art Walk of season is success

Earth Day Bazaar Saturday Page 16

Weather

The search is on

Seven apply to be Grand County’s next superintendent

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Bringing ja improvisat zz to local youion th

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EPENDE NT, LOCA LLY OWNE D COMM UNITY NE WS

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Countyer spring br“peroagresksive agenda” aft Jamaica prompted new Inside Week in 13

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JANUARY 11 - JANU ARY 17, 202 4

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can e Jamai e of th s eager to wa up som picked cent, said he ude of issues at a tit , is ac ng stay Bay, pato work on a mul n, healthcare -lo ek Page 19 get to ucatio the we ontego ment. during resort in M s to have including ed l the environ Events Calend oal em let’s pr rals e ar of se , t m nd it on os so Sa m t bu POeRT Pag but m starters, ct on wate OUTDOORS 20 F RE maica, t impa Creek real STAF n News “For e Mill a al Ja d a significan al positions. ndMoab Su e entir r annu ting is m thei d ha -held politic a tanned-a t’s tect de said. “Dat ng rned fro p, the Gran 2 on!” ed,” he desert.” id, “le AND PORT b- lo “YCOMMUNITY , Page tri ust retu eak LOCALLY JANUARY 18 - JANUARY RE2024 free ah, m Ciarus sa INDEPENDENT, OWNED NEWS Moa to sh EVENTS da F24, olitics P ed br in od e l g nn go STAF Se n News s ne jewe sprin Council stu plans to Moab Su Wilder ed Ge d living wa st re ty its Utah an Coun d (SUWA) ts with ent what it just say, isl uthern ha en ly sid .” nt he So Alliance area re tely implem enda.” s confer , indeed who appare es us ss pr ia ag a ne that it immed progressive were evaced at Ciarus, “a announ day, April 1, mpaign called cil members transpired ca Mon a on un ch tion un Co ence what soon la land protecn on about st would sive toughe plete ba for its yet - a com ic lands. re bl su pu in SUWA mea l step,” ar with footwe e next logica ott Groene Volume 14, Number 3 Schools & Sports “It’s th director Sc ur shoes Local Government New York Times Crossword Events Calendar yo ive ar ut we ec www.moabsunnews.com Page 6 Page 4 Page 19 Page ex 20 d you ou don’t use, an said. “Y mother’s ho shoes into ur into yo ar your r.” ldn’t were’s house eitheganizaou sh HOUSING / EVENT DEVELOPMENT l or Natu Mother environmenta sfully banThe r succes orized and own fo ot tion, kn wheeled, m es, as well l cl ning al orized vehi t from all en ot non-m gy developm it expects at as ener nds, says th to go into y la public shoes’ polic . the ‘no midsummer when we d by effect one listene toe around ‘tip“No ow, Commissioners, staff express frustration that project stems from a 30-year-old rezoning decision to le said. “N peop asked to,’” Groene point.” urse is e cryp ’ll get the new reguco th lf go ey le aybe th says that the l users of d a 36-ho m an ort al ling res SUWA require e footwear the spraw would ov ction of lations nds to rem BLM, forest o. Constru la nds Casin The Point-in-Time Count g any ea. “Shoepublic Canyonla enterin ar approvedM Resorts] before wilderness yholes will wly ne is a statewide, collective ENT g of the er. [Courtesy MG service, ” with cubb appropriate ’s renderin DEVELOPM effort to understand the An artist to begin in Octob stationsalled by the eled entry he Colorado av River, where expected be inst at heavily-tr ic lands. guides atta impact of homelessness on es ch a ten sioned line agenci various publ that his A RENLY to d to the communities boat to gain points ne indicate members traction and un News moving the Groe many of its luntarily m over ‘rollerthat the d g vo tubes.’ [Peter bank me staff an ady adherin asu Lef Le re red ebv feb re] ts of a Ca at a 56-de vre is REPORT STAFF are al le. t while also a res taract Ca mmen e ru which do earcher wit gree angle befor nyon river th Wash, Moab Sun News cume e to th ached for coon the Coronay ol e h trip, in ” said Pe top -h nts the 36 pin changes Re g out. ter Lefeb Lake Powe orado Riv refoot lunteer Mile in the Co nonprofit Returnin , a new of the vre, a ll drops. er sin lorado Riv id vo id. “And g Rapids, lking ba dle e fluctuatieffort he most sca ce 2012. “You run In aThconcerted er as the bbins sa in the mid mention wa trail, SUWA ! Ouch! Stup a to underHu water lev ons of riv red durin ed ncArch t to “Ooo urse ever-c el haaddress g the whole stand er levels cent Ju and homelessness golf co Come on. No at accompa- Keller said, as she remov what nging sed and Lake

by Cres the DOE, iment lan th ry, ,” and privat take-out desert?

Powell leaday d vice l to near to dscap -heads el, “Sor in Grand County, the annual e critical to materia is, according ion of the the crime an of business.” d jock- goat from her he dnes ds to an their boats boaters rigged com e. For years, comWe access Ca et ” n iver trip. ut rt ha Th pl or n? is setpli mercidu year. nies this so com t of the(PIT) ta- Point-in-TimeouCount tion.

In alstygu98 oposals e future th s the questio rs throughomriver at the cated rope hauli Partly of this conplace low for PORT ting pr ewel for gu the Moab area, the toing w ides th ditionfrom January ng Higtem take 25 to F RE will al by October ll then start e wa cal outfitte by the ca h 2, Lo Compe nt years for ide STAF n News s to Recreation s are a risk to he take-out. Because sys Lo -up site. Th ars of ce nies it wi Moab Su aged enue annu s and brings in an 27, avy equip these deter get 2024. Area an two ye rdles, clean mpany says iately. ed in re develop the ged two e outr that compa eir ey ar ly ally. Howe me no ar Wa ior un nt, e wn ed co sh Boat th hu ced a halt e to th Glen CanyThursday atg to ly med g ne e causing ver Ramp Each year, volunteers on any ma rights al bare first would paign, sayin ed to pull ollowin permitting onlands Th nstruction im welcomes on Nafun , locate across the larges , steep propos nal en s ny intenan on the r the stly tioky t obstacle the“Fo Mothe state aim to count alld individcasino oposals. The to revert have threat e shelves. arduou roversial Ca the final co Not everyone Low -35 2,rth ify the No past several years, Hite Marina, on Fe ce atHig and No pr t. biggest nt th land h 16 ve seen sig other the co ct was given unty and rth Wash homelessness d have bru awings s from d the attempts e projec of our e Cenuals experiencing nifi Ramp to nit massiv seen the dr ore,” Moab have allowe ate that woul a park shoe eva is one have been ary 3, 2023. y had an o proje e Grand Co ventur said. sin en st hree years. cant change at Ad l es “T sur Ca acc ’ve a as ma on the specific night — this year b ra ey “I th e essible tak de todamo that the y dy natu intly . “It’s GLCA Pu ous al of Taylor s,” Moa river raftin Fri e-o24 ut — MGM it’s a hide ey Allen said lights to a managed jo Conservanc blic Inform approv ty councils. e and wo nkey location partner wner Jason use of this is Wednesday, January g com rse,” he sai said ture enitgin at Funky mo- Low 12 ation Offi y.

Sydn st the our been eers crucial Moab Ci -Ching,” d, noting the Na [Sam Newman] al- ter co-o pull out beca well pack ce. She no Hite,” said Mary Highmu have insights sident ip Saho 107, , and ju offering into how Plumb area by BLM. “Cha okesman Ch a place re d-awful idea going to ruin ted that “Con ion assessed the are may as , was a fin “If they e is hydrolog a’s sustai are s tod the MCGUIRE many dit people inaylocal - go e in m it development and th her idea that brand new regulation, we e.” sky.” area.” ists MAGGIE sorts sp rilled. Moab Canyonpresence t na fro reveacommuum Re an bil gh ild ity ni ot ay m on a m since al statement e th Themirrored t the ram n Bertr Saturd Moab d the ing to The go ho the 50 set a serious tone that was by scomments nities are suffering froml tha being ly dark e wa plentySun News “We arventure - an p is latera 2019. up and resident Do with SUWA autiful sponded that will emathe sit is go forproposed of be lly fractuGood ‘n , Low -44 up theSapublic, of whom the without stable housing. ideas in that comparedist ill. development Moab hoy re one for ad sino Resort w level from public rin s fed lighting g casino will, uranium m re all great g to a See Ramp Highg 20 LOCAL BUSIN The PIT count spans three “ the Titanic. ole16ne he wa fluence over nds Ca January tts ofConcerns e. in in la wh The citizen-to-be-heard portion of the Tuesday, meetto ranged from noise, pollution, increased we id wa they hur wl rd , a sa y n pa ug ra nt co 03 s ESS in ge 5 sp ac lk “The “Our w thro e “In 20 d adve l-castraffic ino lioalong m thenarrow fer foan n way,” close aking. unbridled road, andththe risk ofowbuilding toty.a ing of the Grand County Commission ranofover hour days, but the survey specifically coun rills anand a half te ay s wells,” warm glo nate fro the Sund a nice, lley,” and that as a their ent from the we choose to lands policy-mthe oil and ga 2014 vel of th 00-room ho py most ille spilled before being cut off. Residents outleofThthe County wi Commisfloodplain. targets individuals who were “impart a , if at by occu rve b Va t all tem e 2,2 Ratatou Lo w -141 se ll ium tailings out the Moa casino will se on I-70, sta nale was, lookwe’re not gonng, kicked ou hey told us th nning on , ur -20 co h lf say their piece Kane Creek Preservation and Development sion chambers and down to homeless on the designated Hig the hallway, waiting ratio partner ere, Gottlieb e thin d be ru ll, thTom said. “T and go 0-acre uran remediated lights of the ary travelers b.” a park on off of thium mill he our cars woul oonbeams. We 48 munity gym wesay thatrdthey Moaviewed the about a 580-unit development planned nearofthe River aseyrun-down night. ing on Enalso put property theColorado ergycommented n toto be ay to stay in th t of “beaco g them towa k to point make any m another uran viron- all of energy and m d now I gotta rrently in that the developers aspired to improve Kane Creek Boulevard. Mondmini and the local Locally the effort is speart . An Moabdegraded site cu S. Departmenrth ofand e en e “family welcom rs were quic l and social and if we pu o solar uch.” happen ruin th iPad Hadler e U. ” wiby 141 the iles nobyr. ecosystem and th the heprovide by th might a mega-casin ’t that didn’t . It’s just too m thinks m Commission Chair Jacque comment period housing. headed of enta e newnonprofits 8, Low began Ot t m we re 26 ec h on ve e, th owners Moab oj he Ri dn Hig ith pr foot therof a majority go-the heart envir rado (DOE), that st coul ain. W of ju withisa a 1992 rezone setting ground rules and cautioning the attendees the Grand the neAt the ed issue the Solutions and the Moab Valley go bare ne said that t over the t the of e Colo ment ag course, we .” on of ty, MGM ou sts associat Groe le ge of going along thwere flood and General conditi d Co County Sheriff’s Office and ofun 180 acres Grazingesto Multicultural Center. To encourday county attorney co the development from golf ce peop Tuesthe e - in is isundeveloped As a th aware e. downsid an ny e expe Commercial. that on inconvenienc that it will in Vin this siz t part of, ‘th derstand?” think of any wi Gr threats against the developers the wKane Springs property. age participation, eligible indind thHighway Cousof HOLL rt Y LAMM tiations agreed to fu ine tailings. , Lo 41 “Wha not un David St. initial in the dese e.

67 le h ER op m Hig e “The sheriff’s office is investigating the allegations and working The rezone was issued to the previous owners of the property, viduals will receive Moa a $10 incen- T pe ot Resorts m al of th uary commit- plain,’ do tal attorney barefo second-naturto build up b Sun New ov re s br e bilwith various agencies,” Hadler read from a statement.

“They have who asvirthey intended to build an overnight camping area. taking the survey.

On antive dited onmen need . $50applied becom y givfor ny in Fe st en tra pa ju en m ex he said da e ks y of e co enforcement of effort Particularly “Fol also stepped up regular patrols and increasedThlaw However, ng an mov feet,’” al of th that zoning also permits commercial uses and the conek, The Gy an encou theinwecommunities spendi mmer m on 5th Psyched liked Moab, ted to ovide 24-7 re ragemen people See Kane Creek, page 5 who their ‘su peop can many t and the pr emanate lion to s a spirit heavy thi don’tlehave sound of be found housing can be ngs (and stable ste bu mping mu pping up ing hard invisible.putting the (and do sic. amidst an m wn), encourag indo breathing wn), picking up COMMUNITY gym scene Some situations ing coa heavily , but it feeare living ch and sw “Stronger considered ls more fit,liklike vehicle eaty peers and workTogether” not e a acom . It’s a cla mu ha nit ng None of or ssi y center. s from the thias garage.

A sign say c wall. will chan Two coach ing ge debe Some would considered spite es wh a change o currentl and Heath ‘sheltered y lead cla homeless’: perhaps on in er Nu , sse at the ownership in 2024 assin umquestion, The gym the nn e ownershtheyswere . night s sta ip this yea gym, Tressa Bryan rted in 20 and a few wa r. t with family members or 17 othstaying by er Casey Mo founders ing crew . Thehotel ntand room. of in a temporary couple bought the on, Emily Klarer Originally, people and have gym Moab’s newest community Residents and agencies are be it was run en runnin fro g it for the m the startin the [File Photo] Power Yoga; du small spa member joined us during the urged spread awareness last six yea ring 20to ce now inh 20count rs. , the ow early hours of January 6, 2024, about the and refer eligiab ners took advan ited by Desert at Moab Regional Hospital. ble participants like these to be tage of the shutSee Gym, Proud parents Kimberly Ross counted. page 6 and Thomas Stephens joyfully The results of the survey are welcomed their newborn, Kahlil crucial to understanding just O’rion Stephens, into the world. how many local residents are in Welcome, Kahlil! vulnerable living situations. It also can determine how much state funding to alleviate housing issues and provide services for [Courtesy photos] the unhoused our local community receives.

In 2022, the results of the survey indicated a minimum of 40 people were identified as without acceptable shelter, with a gain in the number of people who were

4

Schools & Sports Page 8

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Welcome, baby 2024!

Newspaper work is demanding and Moab’s lack of affordable housing made it challenging for McGuire to hire fulltime reporters. However, she came up with a system that conserves resources while still allowing the paper to cover current events. She augments her two-person staff with a roster of freelancers – individuals already established in Moab, some of them part-time residents, who get paid per article.

McGuire sees it as an opportunity to mentor young journalists who already know the Moab area.

“I love serving our readers and training writers,” she says. “I teach reporters to ask good questions, and not be too invasive. Thoughtful interview skills are important.” She also encourages reporters to further their education by getting involved with professional journalism associations, and to submit their work for press awards.

Paid Sun staff include senior reporter and copy editor Rachel Fixsen, and photographer Jason Strother. In an era when reporters often do double duty, spending money on a photographer was important to McGuire.

“High school sports are important,” she says. “We’ve heard from people who have said a newspaper photo was the only professional photo ever taken of them.

My mom was a photographer – I know the importance (of a good photo).”

The Sun has served as a launching pad to larger publications for some reporters. The Sun’s editor Alison Harford recently accepted a position writing for the national Sierra Magazine.

Moab Sun reporter Anastasia Hufham came to work at the Sun during a gap year from Yale University. “She stayed with us for a year-and-a-half, and won a couple of awards,” McGuire said. “She graduated from Yale with a “Moab Sun News” sticker on her graduation cap. She’s now at the Salt Lake Tribune.”

McMurdo at the Times-Independent also enjoys mentoring young reporters. “I’ve been fortunate to work with exceptional reporters in the five-anda-half years I’ve been the editor,” McMurdo said.

“Sofia Fisher and Gwen Dilworth write exceptionally

well and they are hard-charging journalists who routinely come up with important stories on their own, which makes my job that much easier.”

Dilworth, who was on a four-month fellowship, was set to leave at the end of January with a “suitcase full of good clips,” says McMurdo.

Today’s Moab Sun News is a “time capsule”

Much of Moab Sun News content is focused on general human interest, outdoor recreation and science, with reporters typically covering local government somewhat differently than more traditional newspapers. Instead of writing a narrative of what all got said at a meeting, the Sun publishes “an annotation” of what happened in its “Meeting at a glance” section on page 3 of the newspaper.

McGuire also capitalizes on content already being produced by local nonprofit organizations, who she considers “media partners.” For example, the Moab Museum contributes a weekly column on local history. The Grand County Public Library’s Cosmo’s Corner column recommends books and relays library news each week. Science Moab offers a regular science-related column. Plus, KZMU Community Radio’s news department shares and collaborates with the Sun on stories, says McGuire. The community-generated content provides a “time capsule of this town,” she says. “It really feels like a community production.”

One of the “joys of being in a small town,” is interacting with readers, says McGuire. She met a Moab-based syndicated professional cartoonist at a party and he now shares the cartoon for free with the Sun.

“Local news is incredibly vital, and still very vibrant,” she says. “People will seek me out at the grocery store if we mess up – which if that happens, we want to hear about. I love talking to people about the ‘media powers’ they have. If you write a letter-to-the-editor everyone is going to read it.”

‘A noble profession’

The Times-Independent is more of a traditional newspaper and has been “the paper of record for over a century,” McMurdo says. The paper is known for reporting on how local government spends tax dollars, the status of potholes, and other pertinent local news. He says that “both papers bring something of value to the community.

“What Maggie has done under her watchful eye, she has found a niche, with less hard news and more “slice of life” community news,” he says. “If you take both papers you’re going to get a really good view of what’s going on in Grand County.”

While both papers count on ad revenue, as a nonprofit the Times-Independent also depends on donations to help pay journalists and keep the lights on.

In 2023, the Times-Independent employed two reporters, along with McMurdo who edits 30-40 stories per week, in addition to writing four or five articles himself. “Only one reporter takes a vacation in a year,” because that’s all we can spare,” he says.

That hasn’t dampened his passion for the job, however. “It’s a calling,” he says. “I do love being a journalist. It’s a noble profession.”

With the Tribune’s absorption of the Times-Independent McMurdo says he had to negotiate for their jobs. Plus, “I wanted editorial control – they gave that to me,” McMurdo says. “They said one of the reasons they were willing to do this was for the quality of our work, editorially, and making our deadlines. They’ve honored that. It’s going well so far.”

The new owners have made one change of note: Since September, the TimesIndependent, has been free and bulk-mailed to every person residing in the 84532-zip code – which has increased circulation to 10,000. “We have a lot more letters-to-theeditor so I assume there are more people reading the paper,” says McMurdo.

Prior to September 2023, the paper was available via an annual subscription or in racks or stores for $1. There used to be a paywall on its website with more than 5,000 subscribers. Access has been free since September.

Due to Moab’s international fame, there have always been out-of-town subscribers who pay to have the Times-Independent mailed to them. “We have subscribers from all over the world,” McMurdo says.

Stay in the loop on what’s happening locally by checking out Moab’s two newspapers – after all, “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone,” as singersongwriter Joni Mitchell famously penned.

You’ll find hard copies in boxes around town, or, read the papers online at: moabtimes.com; and moabsunnews.com. n

Opposite page: Bish Taylor’s grandson, former Times-Independent Publisher Zane Taylor runs the press for the final time in mid-September prior to the TI’s ownership change to the Salt Lake Tribune. [Courtesy of Times-Independent] This page, top: A costumed Moab Sun News team participates in a community fundraiser Spelling Bee in 2014. From left, Sarah Finocchio, Andrew Mirrington, and Tim Chappell. [Courtesy of Moab Sun News] Bottom: The Times-Independent’s current editor Doug McMurdo.[Courtesy]

MOAB AREA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE February–March 2024

35

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Connecting

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Starry, starry night

The work of quintessential Moab artist Serena Supplee

PLUS: The Future of USU-Moab 12 Great Winter Hikes Calendar of Events

PLUS: Mike Bynum: Team Player Museum of Moab Readies for a New Era Calendar of Events

PLUS: Neighbors Building Neighborhoods Learning and Growing at Youth Garden Project Calendar of Events

INSIDE: Complete local real estate listings

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Volume 2, Issue 2

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MARCH/APRIL 2018

MOAB AREA

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Happy Trails

Norma Nunn, still working at 84, receives Lifetime Achievement Award

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Five decades in Moab real estate

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Region’s dark skies enchant locals and visitors alike

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Pollinators are key to a healthy local ecosystem

As he retires from real estate, Joe Kingsley talks business, nuclear physics, scenic garbage dumps — and his passion for community

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The Bee-utification of Moab

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DECEMBER–FEBRUARY 2018-2019

The rise of the accessory dwelling unit

Sculpture culture

Moab's public arts scene takes big leap forward with outdoor exhibits

“Mother-in-law” apartments generate owner income while adding to Moab’s housing stock

It’s tee time!

Moab Golf Club draws generations of locals and visitors

Snowy adventures Winter recreation opportunities abound in Moab’s backyard

Dream builders

Community Rebuilds tackles Moab’s affordable housing challenge

Moab in bloom 6 local gardens that beautify and enchant

PLUS: WabiSabi: Thrift store with a heart of gold Building boom keeps contractors busy Calendar of events Directory of local info

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PLUS: City unveils state-of-the-art wastewater plant Locals turn on the creativity at Light Parade and more Calendar of events Directory of local info

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MAGAZINE JULY–AUGUST 2019

MARCH–APRIL 2019

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2019

Bird is the word From backyard beauties to cliff-dwelling

Eat. Sleep. Jeep. Repeat.

raptors, the desert is home to a great array of birds — and people who love them

A look back at the 2019 Easter Jeep Safari

ArtWalk returns for spring

For the love of running

Follow the music, meet the artists, during festive Moab ArtWalk events

More runners and races calling Moab home

PLUS: Meet Grand County’s first hemp farmer Moab’s thriving coffee culture Calendar of events Directory of local info

PLUS: After fire, families settle into new homes Q & A with Moab’s school principals Calendar of events Directory of local info

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Recycling Center GETS A MAKEOVER

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Directory OF LOCAL INFO

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Volume 4, Issue 2

MOAB AREA

Moab artist pays forward the proceeds of her work

The remarkable rock art of southeastern Utah

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Volume 4, Issue 1

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Margie Lopez Read’s donation art

Stories written in stone

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BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER

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NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2020

Explaining the wonders of the desert Local scientist makes research fun and accessible

Getting us through Moab’s essential workers make the difference during a crisis

Bluff calling

The small town is host to a big mix of art, history, festivals and recreation

Inside: THE MOST COMPLETE LOCAL REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

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Extraordinary hobby farm MLS#1643933 • $449.000 Moab Realty (See page 28)

“OUR VILLAGE”

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22 acres and views galore MLS#16625337 • $289,000 Moab Premier Properties (See page 2)

Elegance at its finest MLS#1593784 • $1,750,000 Arches Real Esate Group (See page 41)

Triassic: FROM TREE TO TABLE

CALENDAR OF

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Directory OF LOCAL INFO

Luxury Bed and Breakfast MLS#1593287 • $3,250,000 Byrd & Co. Real Estate (See page 29)

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APRIL-MAY 2021

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MAY–JUNE 2021

Where dinosaurs roamed

Inside: THE MOST COMPLETE LOCAL REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

Beautiful home with views MLS#1732783 • $699,000 Anasazi Realty, Inc. (See page 4)

Beautiful, old-town Moab home MLS#1600429 • $739,000 Anasazi Realty, Inc. (See page 33)

Big Abajo views MLS#1738014 • $69,000 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (See page 22)

Millcreek Cove subdivision MLS#1699033 • $1,300,000 Moab Premier Properties (See page 36)

Custom, Navajo Ridge Home MLS#1635488 • $3,990,000 Moab Realty (See page 33)

Beautiful Cabin on 5 Acres MLS#1655366 • $347,000 Moab Premier Properties (See page 2)

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JULY–AUGUST 2021

Playing a key role in manmade and natural landscapes – and giving clues to local history

Inside: THE MOST COMPLETE LOCAL REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

Rare acreage in the heart of downtown MLS#1740852 • $1,777,000 Byrd & Co. Real Estate (See page 11)

Mountain luxury MLS#1752247 • $1,700,000 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (See page 27)

Majestic mountain property MLS#1746051 • $220,000 Moab Premier Properties (See page 25)

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3-bedroom Rim Village Vista condo MLS#1688318 • $425,000 Moab Realty (See page 38)

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MAGAZINE

OCTOBER–NOVEMBER 2021

Moab a destination for new luxury rail line

Plus… MINE TAILINGS PROJECT MAKES STEADY PROGRESS

20 acres with cabin MLS#1747200 $1,250,000 Arches Real Estate Group (See ad pag 14)

Views of mountains and red rocks MLS# 1754849 $729,900 Moab Realty (See ad on page 51)

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One level Orchard Villa townhome MLS#1692241 • $339,000 Arches Real Estate Group (See page 2)

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DECEMBER 2020–FEBRUARY 2021

All aboard!

Local canyons provide ‘nature’s own concert hall’

Plus… MOAB MUSEUM: SHARING HISTORY’S LOCAL STORIES

Spacious home with pristine views MLS#1757441 $863,000 Anasazi Real Estate (See page 40)

Wilson Arch lot zoned for nightly rental!

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MOAB AREA

Moab Music Festival returns for 29th season

Officials urge public to recreate responsibly after unattended campfire scorches homes and 9,000 acres

Plus: MEET THE NURSES OF MOAB REGIONAL HOSPITAL

Great home, great location!

MLS#1688989 • $429,000 Moab Realty (See page 33)

Volume 5, Issue 7

MOAB AREA

Fire on the mountain

Community partnerships and energy efficiency play key roles at USU-Moab’s future home

Inside: THE MOST COMPLETE LOCAL REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

Eklectica MLS#1723104 • $1,800,000 Arches Real Estate Group (See page 49)

Turn-key Auto Shop MLS#1647570 • $1,750,000 Anasazi Realty, Inc. (See page 5)

Constructing a campus

The Moab area abounds with opportunities to explore the prehistoric world

Gorgeous custom home in a quiet gated cul-de-sac MLS#1713416 • $1,299,000 Byrd & Co. Real Estate (See page 35)

Inside: THE MOST COMPLETE LOCAL REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

Castle Valley Oasis MLS#1587392 • $675,000 Anasazi Realty, Inc. (See page 17)

13.07 Acres of Stunning Landscape MLS#1463584 • $795,000 Real Estate Company of Moab (See page 6)

Freshly made

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Moab Music Festival returns for 28th season with open-air events

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Serving and protecting Moab

Chief Bret Edge leads a respected and community-oriented police department into the next decade

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Beautiful Rim condo MLS#1751815 | $615,000 Moab Realty (See page XX)

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Inside: ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS • THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF DALTON WELLS • THE MOST COMPLETE LOCAL REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

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Distributed in Grand Junction, Moab, Monticello, Blanding, Bluff.

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Custom designs

MOAB AREA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE February–March 2024

The Voice for Real Estate in South Eastern Utah REALTORS OF SOUTHEASTERN UTAH Chapter of UCAR 755 N. Main • Moab UT 84532 • serealtors@ucaor.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President: Heidi Blake President Elect: Jessiqua Zufelt Board Members: Reina Every, Valerie Brown, Becky Wells Chapter Manager: Gail Wells Serving: Moab, Monticello, Blanding, Bluff, Castle Valley, La Sal, Green River, Thompson Springs OUR AFFILIATE MEMBERS: Anderson Oliver Title Company • Central Utah Insurance Agency Eastern Utah Community Credit Union • Intercap Lending South Eastern Utah Title Company • Primary Residential Mortgage Inc. UMortgage • Utah Mortgage

EMERGENCY SERVICES Our recent experience at the hospital was truly exceptional, both doctors and nurses treated us with kindness and respect. In a time of exhaustion and stress, the care and attention received were immensely appreciated. Thanks for making a significant difference in our lives!

In 2023, Moab Regional Hospital's Emergency Department earned the prestigious Guardian of Excellence Award® for outstanding patient experiences, ranking it in the top 5% of hospitals nationwide.

Area code 435 unless noted otherwise

MOAB CITY NUMBERS All Emergencies: 9-1-1 Police: 259-8938 Fire Dept.: 259-5557 City Hall: 259-5121 Post Office: 259-7427 Library: 259-1111 Chamber of Commerce: 259-7814 City Planning Dept.: 259-5129 City Recreation Dept.: 259-2255 GRAND COUNTY NUMBERS Sheriff: 259-8115 Grand County School District: 259-5317 County Clerk (Voter Reg.): 259-1321 County Assessor: 259-1327 County Administrator’s Office: 259-1346 County Recorder: 259-1332 County Treasurer: 259-1338 Building/Development Permits: 259-1343 Building Inspector: 259-1344 Economic Development: 259-1248 Travel Council: 259-1370 Recycling Center: 259-8640 UTILITY CONTACTS City of Moab: 259-5121 Dominion Gas: 719-2491 or 719-2490 Rocky Mountain Power: 888-221-7070 Grand Water & Sewer: 259-8121 Moab City Public Works: 259-7485 Monument Waste Services: 259-6314 / 7585 Frontier (Phone): 800-921-8101 Emery Telcom: 259-8521 Green Solutions: 259-1088 Amerigas Propane: 259-6756 MEDICAL AND DENTAL CONTACTS Moab Regional Hospital: 719-3500 Moab Dental Health Center: 259-5378 Merrill Hugentobler, DDS: 259-7418 Arches Dental: 259-4333 Red Rock Dental: 259-4059 Moab Regional Health Center: 719-5500 TRANSPORTATION Canyonlands Field Airport: 259-4849 Contour Airlines 888-332-6686 Redtail Air: 259-7421 Amtrak/Green River: 800-872-7245 Greyhound Bus/Green River: 564-3421

46

MOAB AREA REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE February–March 2024

QUICK FACTS: Elevation: 4,026 ft Settled: 1878 Mayor: Joette Langianese Population: Moab 5,268 (2019), Grand County 9,640 (2019) Highest point in La Sal Mountains: Mount Peale, 12,721 ft Climate: Midsummer average high/low: 99F/65F, Midwinter average high/low: 43F/20F Average annual precipitation in Moab: 9 inches Speed limit in town: 25MPH (15MPH for OHVs) Driving distance in miles to Salt Lake City: 233, Denver: 354, Las Vegas: 458 Canyonlands Shuttle: 210-4757 Red Rock Express: 800-259-2869 Moab Taxi: 210-4297 Enterprise Car Rental: 259-8505 Arches Car Rental: 259-4959 UTAH STATE NUMBERS Motor Vehicle Div: 259-3743 Drivers License Div: 259-3743 Hwy Patrol: 259-5441 Health Dept: 259-5602 Moab Employment Center: 719-2600 District Court: 259-1349 NAT’L & STATE PARKS & PUBLIC LANDS Arches Nat’l Park: 719-2299 Canyonlands Nat’l Park: 719-2100 Dead Horse Point State Park: 259-2614 Bureau of Land Management: 259-2100 U.S Forest Service: 259-7155 To Report a Wildfire: 259-1850 Poaching Hotline: 800-662-3337 CITY INFO: Moab City: 259-5121 www.moabcity.org Monticello: 587-2271 www.monticelloutah.org Blanding: 678-2791 www.blandingutah.org

GRAND COUNTY Building Inspector: 259-1344 Economic Development: 259-1248 Water and Sewer: 259-8121 Sanitarian: 259-5602 Assessor: 259-1327 www.grandcountyutah.net SAN JUAN COUNTY Building Inspector: 587-3225 Economic Development: 587-3235 x5006 Water and Sewer: 587-3221 Sanitarian: 587-2021 Assessor: 587-3221 INSURANCE COMPANIES Farmers Insurance: 259-6192 Central Utah Insurance: 259-5981 Markle Insurance: 259-5241 State Farm Insurance: 259-5161 LENDERS Fidelity Mortgage: 719-4100 www.fidelitymortgage.com Primary Residential Mortgage: 259-0259 www.primaryresidentialmortgage.com Eastern Utah Comm. Credit Union: 259-8200 www.euccu.com Mountain America Credit Union: 259-1500 www.macu.com Zion’s Bank: 259-5961 www.zionsbank.com Wells Fargo Bank: 719-2700 www.wellsfargo.com CONTRACTORS Ben Byrd: 259-0224 Chuck Garlett: 259-5014 Henderson Builders: 259-4111 Craig Haren: 259-1537 Jared Ehlers: 259-9499 Jim Keogh: 260-8127 Joe Sorensen: 260-5948 LCW Construction: 260-2875 Triple J: 259-9988 Moab Construction: 259-8529 Lawson: 259-4079 Eco Logic: 259-6264 Jude Tuft, General Contractor: 719-5082 Moab Area Real Estate Magazine does not guarantee the accuracy of information presented above.

To have information updated, removed or added, email andrewmirrington@gmail.com.

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Welcome to Moab!

DIRECTORY OF OFTEN-REQUESTED INFORMATION

living

MOAB

luxury

From spectacular red rock hills to snow-frosted canyons, the breathtaking scenery of Southeastern Utah allows you to enjoy life’s luxuries on a daily basis.

Moab LIVING IS Moab LUXURY

435.260.8240 | @MoabLiving Photo courtesy of Rachel Moody