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 139,875 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases statewide, an increase of 1,221 new cases. In addition, COVID-19 cases recorded locally are as follows: Grant County has increased 12 new cases for a total of 855 positive cases with 325 recovered; Luna County has increased 7 new cases for a total of 2,316 positive cases with 1492 recovered; Hidalgo County increased  1  new case for a total of 239 total positive cases with 145  recovered; and Catron County has remained at a total of 55 positive cases with 21 recovered. In addition, there are currently 806 COVID-19 hospitalizations statewide.

USDA, Rural Development has recently received reports of homeowners receiving letters offering special assistance through the “Home Affordable Modification Program” and “Making Home Affordable” trial programs for loans that are delinquent. The letter claims to provide a payment plan and asks the customer to complete a form to be faxed or mailed which contains private information in the form of social security number and signature. Individuals are advised to not respond to this inquiry because it is not a legitimate request. The public is warned if receive a suspicious call or letter regarding their Rural Development home loan to not follow the instructions and call the Rural Housing Service at 1-800-414-1226 to speak to a representative. If anyone suspects that they have been a victim of identity fraud they should contact their local authorities.

New Mexico Department of Transportation is considering improvements to US 180 from milepost 123 at the south end of Bayard to milepost 161 where the highway transitions to 4-lanes (just north of the Hatch Highway). The NMDOT is seeking input from people who drive on this stretch of highway to help understand public concerns and the type of improvements to consider.  The deadline for the survey is tomorrow, December 31st. The survey can be accessed digitally at www.surveymonkey.com/r/US180. The link is also available at silvercityradio.com.

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