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 137,968 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases statewide, an increase of 747 new cases. In addition, COVID-19 cases recorded locally are as follows: Grant County has increased to a total of 831 positive cases with 307 recovered; Luna County has increased to 2,303 positive cases with 1443 recovered; Hidalgo County has increased to a total of 229 total positive cases with 142  recovered; and Catron County has remained at a total of 55 positive cases with 18 recovered. Sadly, in Grant County, there has been 13 deaths recorded due to COVID-19. There are currently 758 COVID-19 hospitalizations statewide.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation is conducting an engineering and environmental study that will consider roadway improvements to a 38-mile section of US 180 located generally between the communities of Bayard and Deming. The NMDOT is considering improvements to safety, replacing aging pavement, drainage structures and other roadway elements. According to a release, the study will evaluate existing conditions, traffic volume, crash history, pavement conditions, and other ways to improve driver safety and efficiency. For details on how to take the survey, please contact Arthur J. Romero at 575—202-3440.

The Kiwanis Club of Silver City shopped and delivered gifts for 42 Fort Bayard Alzheimer patients for Christmas. Each year, local Kiwanis members and Fort Bayard Medical Center staff collaborate and work towards making dozens of patients feel cared for over the holidays. The gifts range in variety from clothing, personal hygiene items, bed and linen sets, and cozy blankets. This year, because of COVID-19 restrictions, the gifts were delivered unwrapped and weeks in advance of the annual Christmas party taking all safety and health precautions necessary.

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