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

The United States Forest Service at the time of this report has announced that the “Tadpole Fire” is approximately 9823 acres at 30 % containment with 85 personnel working on the fire. According to an official release, over the weekend, holding crews patrolled and monitored NM Hwy 15 and Forest Road 282 while engines performed mop-up operations along NM Hwy 15. There is no fire in the Bear Creek Drainage. Residents of Grant County can expect to see continued smoke production over the Tadpole fire with moderate impacts in low lying areas overnight, including Bayard, Santa Clara, and Hurley, with periods of light to moderate smoke during the day.  Additional smoke from other regional fires is impacting the local area.

At the time of this report, the New Mexico Department of Health, announced a total 10,565 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases with 4,684 individuals reported as totally recovered. There have been 293,431 tests performed statewide and current hospitalizations have dropped to 134. In addition, COVID-19 cases locally impacting the area include: Luna County has risen five new cases with 54 total and 2,700 tests administered; Grant County has risen one new case to 17 total cases with 2,458 tests administered; Hidalgo County has risen two new cases to 28 total cases with 879 tests administered; and Catron County has reported no new changes.

PNM is offering “Helping Hand Tuesdays” to assist low-income customers who are struggling to pay their electric bill. The PNM Helping Hand Tuesdays initiative is a 3-week effort whereby low-income customers facing unexpected financial hardship can call on Tuesdays through July 7th between 7:30 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. and receive up to $150 paid towards their electric bill. The amount is applied to the account within 2 days after receiving the required verification. In addition, eligible customers must provide digital copies of the following:

  • Proof of income and identification of everyone in the home
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program approval from 2019 or 2020
  • If no there is no income, then proof of that or proof of food stamps AND
  • Your PNM bill

The phone number for “Helping Hands Tuesdays” is 505-967-8045.

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