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 164,263 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases statewide, an increase of 628 new cases. Data shows that a total of        people have recovered from COVID-19. In addition, COVID-19 cases recorded locally are as follows: Grant County has increased 6 new cases for a total of 1,191      positive cases; Luna County has increased 14 new cases for a total of  2,652     positive cases; Hidalgo County increased 1 new cases for a total 288 positive cases; and Catron County remained at a total of 70 positive cases. In addition, there are currently 611 COVID-19 related hospitalizations statewide.

Yesterday, 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. 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.

 Local PNM employee and meter reader, Luis Apodaca, is being honored for his role in saving a Silver City area customer’s life. After arriving to the customer’s property, Apodaca noticed the owner’s dog was acting in a distressed manner. Upon further observation he discovered the property owner was seriously injured by an apparent fall. Apodaca immediately contacted 911 and tended to the woman until their arrival. Thank you, Luis Apodaca, for your caring and hard- working spirit!

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