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 163,637 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases statewide, an increase of 751 new cases. Data shows that a total of 82,809 people have recovered from COVID-19. In addition, COVID-19 cases recorded locally are as follows: Grant County has increased 13 new cases for a total of 1,185 positive cases; Luna County has increased 12 new cases for a total of 2,638 positive cases; Hidalgo County increased 7 new cases for a total 287 positive cases; and Catron County increased 2 new cases for a total of 70 positive cases. In addition, there are currently 612 COVID-19 related hospitalizations statewide.

New Mexicans are urged to register for the COVID-19 vaccine if they have not already done so. At this time, nearly 500,000 individuals have registered by going online to vaccinenm.org.  Currently, the state is vaccinating all residents in Phase 1A as well as residents in the first two subphases of 1B. These groups include health care workers, residents 75 years or older, and residents with at least one chronic health condition.

Today, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Western New Mexico University broadcasted a message from alumnus, James Meredith, and in addition recognized two students with the 2021 WNMU/Grant County Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award. According to a release, “James Meredith is 1951 graduate and known for his actions spurring the integration of the University of Mississippi after clerk/typist training at WNMU — then New Mexico Western College. His 1966 March Against Fear, during which he suffered injury from a failed assassination attempt, was also a key demonstration within the civil rights movement and was continued by the likes of Martin Luther King Jr.” The 2021 WNMU/Grant County Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award Recipients and Hall of Fame inductees are WNMU students Victoria Marin and Leshauntai Adams, who organized Grant County’s largest peaceful protest.

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