Here’s a look at some local news.

At the time of this report, the New Mexico Department of Health, announced a total 13,727 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases, an increase of 220 cases. In addition, COVID-19 cases locally impacting the area include: Luna County has risen to 112 total cases and 4,296 tests administered; Grant County remained at 24 total cases with 3,090 tests administered; Hidalgo County at 61 total cases with 1,492 tests administered; and Catron County has reported no new changes.

 New Mexico school-aged children receiving free or reduced-price lunches will be sharing $67 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits this week. The Human Services Department announced that the benefits will be issued on Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer cards mailed out this week in the name of the oldest child in each household. According to a release, the Human Services Department partnered with the New Mexico Public Education Department to validate the physical addresses school districts have on file to ensure the P-EBT cards get to the households where the children reside. The P-EBT program provides a supplemental food-purchasing benefit to current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program households and a new electronic benefit to other eligible households to offset the cost of meals that otherwise would have been available at school.

The Cub Fire, located approximately 1-mile northeast of Cub Mountain, near the West Fork of the Gila River was at the time of this report, is encompassing 11,565 acres with burning grass, brush and multiple snags. The Cub Fire is burning on National Forest System lands on the Wilderness Ranger District, Gila National Forest. The fire continues with active flame front progressing on the northeast, south and southeast sections for the fire. The main direction of growth is east near Lilley Mountain. The fire behavior is observed as a low intensity surface fire. The fire has reached the West Fork of the Gila River on its northern edge and its forward progression has stopped there.

The Tadpole Fire is at 11,159 acres, located 5 miles north of Pinos Altos. This fire is 75% contained and has not advanced in the past few days. Crews continue to monitor fire lines and check for hot spots.

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