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 new total of 121,299 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases statewide, an increase of 1,507 new cases. In addition, COVID-19 cases recorded locally are as follows: Grant County has an increase of 4 new cases for a total of 645 positive cases with 226 recovered; Luna County has an increase of 8 new cases for a total of 2,171 positive cases with 1023 recovered; Hidalgo County has an increase of 2 new cases for a total 210 positive cases with 125 recovered; and Catron County has remained at 51 positive cases with 13 recovered. Statewide, there are currently 860 COVID-19 hospitalizations.

The New Mexico Supreme Court has issued an order allowing civil and criminal jury trials to resume in February 2021. Last month, the Court suspended jury trials with exception of grand jury trials, when COVID-19 cases were spiking with in the state. In addition, the Supreme Court order restores the ability of attorneys to excuse a judge from presiding over criminal and civil cases filed on or after January 1, 2021. According to a release, the peremptory excusal rules were suspended in March to allow the courts to better manage their caseloads during the COVID-19 crisis pandemic by distributing cases among all the available judges.

The Gila National Forest, Wilderness Ranger District has turned the Forest Service horses and mules into the area of Lincoln Canyon, North Star Mesa Road (Forest Service Road) and Divide Well. This pasture, off of Forest Road 4206B, Lincoln Canyon and NM-35, is part of the “Mimbres Allotment” and is used by the Forest Service in cooperation with the permittee, The Nature Conservancy. The FS horses and mules are pastured between FSR 4206B and Lincoln Canyon, on the north side of Highway 35. The public is reminded that is vitally important to for both public safety and for the safety of the livestock that all gates are closed when exiting the pasture. If the gates are left open the horses and mules can wander onto the highway. This area is open to the public and all gates are identified with signs referring to the livestock in the pasture.

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