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 164,954 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases statewide, an increase of 691 new cases. In addition, COVID-19 cases recorded locally are as follows: Grant County has increased 10 new cases for a total of 1,201 positive cases; Luna County has increased 21 new cases for a total of  2,673     positive cases; Hidalgo County remained at a total 288 positive cases; and Catron County remained at a total of 70 positive cases.

Freeport McMoRan has provided an update on the restart of Chino Mine operations. As of January 15th, all returning furloughed employees were contacted, resulting in a total workforce of approximately 600 employees that will be resuming operations at a reduced rate of approximately 50 percent capacity. Freeport will continue to assist furloughed employees that were not called back to work by partnering with local resources such as WNMU, Workforce Solutions, and Co.Starters, in addition to sharing current job openings at other North American sites. Freeport is continuing to monitor economic conditions regarding copper prices and does not anticipate a change to their current operating plans or an increase to staffing levels in the near future.

The Board of Grant County Commissioners is considering the adoption of an ordinance entitles “An Ordinance Authorizing a Tax Rebate to Benefit Low-Income Property Taxpayers for Taxable Years 2021-2022. A copy of the proposed ordinance is available for inspection during normal business hours at the Grant County Clerk’s Office located at 1400 Highway 180 East in Silver City. The Ordinance will be considered at a public hearing held at an open meeting of the Board on January 28th at 1:30 P.M. Although due to COVID-19 safety orders by the Governor, the meeting will remain closed to the public. It may be viewed live on the County’s Facebook page at facebook.com/GrantCountyNM. To participate in the Zoom meeting, register in advance at grantcountynm.gov in the events calendar section.

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