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

At the time of this report, the Johnson Fire, located 3 miles west of the Gila Cliff Dwelling, has reached 88,918 acres with 24% containment. Biologists and fire personnel were successful in removing approximately 350 Gila trout from Langstroth Creek and White Creek. It was determined the need to remove the fish after assessing the potential for ash flow impacts to the creek after the fire, during monsoon season. All Gila trout will be moved to the Mora National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center in Mora, New Mexico. These creeks will be monitored for riparian recovery for a year at minimum, and once the creek has stabilized, Gila trout will be returned to their natural habitat in the headwaters they were removed from.

SkyWest Media-Silver City Radio recently teamed up with T-Mobile for a Community Volunteer Spotlight recognition campaign. Through a three-week nomination period, community members nominated individuals who they recommended for one of the four awards. After more than 200 nominations, four individuals were selected. Congratulations are extended to Margaret Diaz, of the Grant County Department of Health; Amy Wagner, Director of the Silver City Gospel Mission; and Patricia Saucedo, from Hidalgo County DWI program. The fourth individual selected will be announced and awarded her recognition at the end of summer as she is away for the month. The Community Volunteer Spotlight Awardees each received a plaque in their honor, a surprise party, and $100 gift card from SkyWest Media and T-Mobile. Congratulations to all.

The deadline to apply for the New Mexico economic relief payment has been extended to Tuesday, July 6th. The payment provides economic relief to New Mexico residents who did not qualify for federal pandemic stimulus relief. Payments will be provided to low-income households based on funding availability. The state Legislature appropriated $5 million for the relief effort. Applications are currently available at the Yes New Mexico website, yes.state.nm.us, and must be submitted by July 6th, by 3:00 P.M.