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

In Gila National Forest news, as of 6:00 A.M. this morning, the Black Fire has covered 325,115 acres with 68 % containment. Total personnel working the fire is 943. According to a news release from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, “Due to recent rainfall and improvement in fire conditions, the immediate threat to communities surrounding the Black Fire has been reduced.  Based on a recommendation from the Incident Management Team, all evacuations and evacuation preparedness levels have been lifted for communities in Catron, Grant, and Sierra counties around the Black Fire area. The Gila National Forest closure remains in effect on National Forest lands around the Black Fire area. Due to weather forecasts indicating a high probability of severe monsoon storms, residents should continue to take precautions from increased flooding runoff in the current burn scar.

Valley Community Church in Arenas Valley has been operating a Pet Food Pantry for those in need. The free event is held on the first and third Saturday each month from 12 noon to around 1:30 P.M or until all the food has been distributed. Individuals can obtain needed food for their dogs, cats, birds, fish, etc. to keep their pets healthy during this difficult time. It has been estimated that this local program has given away over 5,000 pounds of food since its inception. In addition, they will be open on July 2nd during Independence Day weekend. For more information, visit online at the Valley Community Church Arenas Valley page on Facebook.

Twenty-four outstanding high school graduating seniors statewide received $1,200 scholarships to further their education during the 2022 NMSBA School Law Conference earlier this month. Nominations were received from New Mexico’s boards of education and selections are based on criteria including demonstrated leadership, academic performance, community involvement and extracurricular activities. Scholarship recipients locally are as follows: Naomi Kimble from Animas; Melanie Jurado from Deming; and Samantha Jones from Silver Consolidated Schools, Cliff High School. Congratulations!

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