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

In New Mexico Education news, the Office of the Governor issued a news release announcing that “the Education Retirement Board is now accepting return to work applications, allowing retired teachers and college faculty receiving pension benefits to return to teaching for additional 3 years within a New Mexico public school district, college, or university without forfeiting their retirement benefits.” The Educational Retirees Returning to Work Act also known as House Bill 73, was signed into law by the Governor in May of this year. In addition, according to the release, in the past retired educators who wished to return to teaching had to suspend their retirement or work quarter time and earn less than $15,000. In order to be a valid participant in the program, retirees must apply with the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board and be approved prior to beginning work.

A food distribution event in Luna County called “Filling the Gaps” will be taking place this Friday, July 1st at the Mimbres Valley Learning Center in Columbus. One food box will be distributed per family, children must be living in the home. The drive-thru line will begin at 4:45 P.M. This community outreach focused on children is made possible by the following: Play Sharity; the City of Deming; Save the Children; and Luna County. Upcoming distributions are scheduled throughout July and August.

Students from Western New Mexico University gave nearly 650 hours of tax preparation services to more than 400 local households this tax season ensuring that $702,633 would be refunded back into the community. The student volunteers provided free income tax preparation assistance to low-income, elderly, disabled, and limited English-speaking taxpayers at no cost to the community and surrounding areas. According to a news release, the program, commonly known as VITA, has been facilitated by WNMU for 40 years. This season, it was operated as a drop-off/pick-up service and ran from January 31, 2022, through April 18, 2022.”

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