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 total of 17,215 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases, an increase of 255 patients. In addition, COVID-19 cases locally impacting the area are as follows: Luna County increasing to 155 total cases with 26 totally recovered; Grant County increasing to 53 total cases with 18 totally recovered; Hidalgo County remaining at 78 total cases with 11 totally recovered; and Catron County remaining at 4 total cases. A total of 476,497 COVID-19 tests have been performed statewide and currently hospitalizations have decreased to 154 patients. In addition, New Mexico Human Services Department Cabinet Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. has provided a COVID-19 modeling and reopening webinar update that is available on Youtube. The link can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88YTAuUWTxs.

 According to a release, the Gila National Forest, Wilderness Ranger District is offering an additional 350 acres of firewood. The Canyon Tank Thinning Unit area is open to cutting with approximately 350 acres of alligator juniper down on the ground. This unit, a cooperative project with New Mexico State Forestry, is nested In the North Star firewood area, allowing cross-country travel to pick up the wood. Fuelwood permits should be purchased over the phone using a debit/credit card and then will be sent through the mail. More information can be obtained by visiting the U.S Forest Service Gila National Forest page on Facebook.

The Western New Mexico University released the fall 2020 campus reopening plan detailing a 3-phase blueprint for the semester. According to a release, the reopening plan was formulated to “consider the health of the Mustang community, the instructional needs of students and the operational needs of the institution.” WNMU fall reopening is scheduled as follows:

  • Phase I will run from August 17 through September 7 and will be 100% online.
  • Phase II will follow the Labor Day holiday when some classes may resume in hybrid formats that include face-to-face and hands-on activities.
  • Phase III is scheduled to begin on November 30 when WNMU courses will again move to a 100% online format and when students will not be required to return to campus after Thanksgiving break.

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