Here’s a look at today’s local news:
The preliminary Estimates for New Mexico Labor Force percentages for non-seasonally adjusted June 2019 rates show increased unemployment with three out of four local counties. The percentages are as follows: Grant County with a 5.3% unemployment rate, up from 4.3% revised May figures; Catron County with a 6.2% unemployment rate, up from 5.3% revised May figures; and Hidalgo County with a 4.4% unemployment rate, up from 3.5% revised May figures. In Luna County, the preliminary June 2019 non-seasonally adjusted rate is 10.3%, down from 11.1% revised May figures. The information is provided by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.
The Gila National Forest has reported that the primary portions of Phase One of the environmental cleanup at the Royal John Mine and Mill are completed. The mine site is east of San Lorenzo in Grant County on the western slopes of the Black Range of the Mimbres Mountains on the Silver City Ranger District, Gila National Forest. The upper portion of the Royal John Mine road that was closed for construction traffic is now open to the public. The remaining work involves the installation of a steel rail fence around the repository and is scheduled for mid-August. Current plans are to continue to keep Cowboy Flat gated and closed until the permanent fencing is completed. Phase Two of the project which involves closure of unsafe mine openings and final site reclamation is scheduled to occur in the spring of 2020.
The Silver City Farmer’s Market will be temporarily relocating from August 3rd to October 26th due to the construction of Main Street Plaza. The Saturday market is being moved to 910 North Pope Street on the corner of College Avenue at the old LifeQuest building. Parking for patrons will be available on site with additional parking in the lot by Gough Park and the lot on Bullard Street next to Morning Star.
