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

In local COVID-19 news, Hidalgo Medical Services has reported that their progress in providing care, testing, and vaccinations for the community is ongoing and moving forward. According to a release, HMS has performed over 8,782 COVID-19 tests of the over 34,000 tests in the two-county area. Testing is being performed by the NMDOH, GRMC, HMS, Silver Health Care, local municipalities, area pharmacies, and recently with mail in testing made available by the NMDOH. Regarding vaccines, HMS is using the NMDOH registration process. First, HMS receives confirmation with the NMDOH that a shipment of vaccine is scheduled for delivery. In addition, the NMDOH sends out notification to an auto-populated list of “next available” individuals. The selected individuals are directed to select a link, enter the event code, pick a time from the available dates, and then receive a confirmation code. When the individual reports to their scheduled appointment, they present their conformation code and receive the vaccine. HMS has determined that this process is efficient and as per the date of the press release, has administered 375 first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

The offices of the Silver City Ranger District/Supervisor’s Office of the Gila National Forest are temporarily closed due to a suspected natural gas leak. According to a release from the Forest Service, the Silver City Ranger District/Supervisor’s Office at 3005 E Camino del Bosque is temporarily closed, possibly through January 29th due to ongoing repairs to the natural gas lines. Residents can still call offices in the Black Range Ranger District or Quemado Ranger District for purchase of forest products. As a reminder, before going out, check weather conditions at weather.gov/epz or nmroads.com.

The Southwest Solid Waste Authority Silver City Landfill along with its other transfer stations, was closed to today due to inclement weather but will re-open tomorrow on a delayed schedule starting at 10:00 A.M.

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