Here’s a look at some local news brought to you by Silver City Radio.

At the time of compiling this report, the New Mexico Department of Health, announced a total of 17,517 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases, an increase of 302 patients. In addition, COVID-19 cases locally impacting the area are as follows: Grant County increasing to 55 total cases with 4,186 total tests administered; Luna County increasing to 165 total cases with 5,533 total tests administered; Hidalgo County increasing to 80 total cases with 1,789 total tests administered; and Catron County remaining at 4 total cases. Sadly, Grant County has recorded their first COVID-19 related death.

 According to preliminary figures reported by New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, the not seasonally adjusted June 2020 unemployment rate for Grant county stands at 9.6%, up from 8.7% in May 2020. The June 2019 unemployment rate for Grant County was 5.4%. Luna County has a not seasonally adjusted June 2020 unemployment rate of 13.2%, down from the May 2020 rate of 13.4%. The June 2019 unemployment rate for Luna County was 10.7%. Hidalgo County has a not seasonally adjusted June 2020 unemployment rate of 5.4%, up from 4.3% in May 2020. The June 2019 unemployment rate for Hidalgo County was 4.5%. Catron County has a 7.1% not seasonally adjusted June 2020 unemployment rate, up from 5.9% in May 2020. The June 2019 unemployment rate for Catron County was 6.2%. The state of New Mexico has a June 2020 not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 9.0%, up from 8.7% in May 2020. The unemployment rate for New Mexico in June 2019 was 5.5%.

The U.S. Forest-Gila National Forest is reminding the public that a closure order is in place for the area of the Tadpole Fire. The order was made effective on July 6th and will remain in effect until August 30th or until rescinded. The restricted area includes all National Forest System lands within certain boundaries described in detail provided by the forest service. In addition, the restricted area also includes the Cherry Creek Campground and McMillan Campgrounds located adjacent to Highway 15.  A map specifying the entire closure area is available on the U.S Forest Service-Gila National Forest Facebook page and at silvercityradio.com.

This has been a look at some local news. Thank you for listening to Silver City Radio.