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

As statewide COVID case numbers reach highs not seen since 2020, the New Mexico Department of Health has renewed public health orders related to the virus that include a requirement to wear masks in public spaces and vaccination requirements for some workers. According to a news release, the updates align with the CDC’s recently-reduced COVID guidelines for isolation (when you are sick or infected with COVID) and quarantine (following exposure) from ten days to five days, as well as additional CDC guidance around the importance of mask wearing to prevent transmission.

The Girls Scouts of the Desert Southwest is holding a Cookie Kick-off Party in both Grant and Luna County’s in order to introduce the newest Girl Scout Cookie and to share information about the opportunities and positivity of Girl Scouting. All girls age Kindergarten through 12th grade are welcome to attend and there will be free membership available for girls wanting to join. Members will learn about decision making, goal setting, people skills, money management, and business ethics. The kick-off party in Grant County is scheduled for Saturday, January 15th from 10:00 to 11:30 A.M. at the Girl Scout Hut located at 302 West 11th Street in Silver City. In addition, the kick-off party in Deming is also scheduled on Saturday, January 15th from 2:00 to 3:30 P.M.  at the Girl Scout Hut located at 721 Granite Street in Deming. Al attendees are requested to wear a mask. For more information, call Annette Toney at 575-538-2481.

The New Mexico Department of Transportation has closed the gates on NM 159 (Bursum Road) as a seasonal measure due to expected winter weather making the roadway impassable. This includes closure of the lower gate at milepost 12.3 and the upper gate located at milepost 22.6. The traveling public is asked to use US 180 to NM 12 (Reserve) to NM 435 (Reserve Beaverhead Road) for access into Willow Creek, Snow Lake, and the Gila National Forrest. The NMDOT will monitor the gates with an expected reopening in the Spring. Traffic Advisories and updates can be found on the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s road conditions website at nmroads.com.

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