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

The U.s Department of Agriculture has announced at 15 percent increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through September 2021. The estimated $3.5 billion to households experiencing food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic has been made available through federal resources being a part of President Biden’s “American Rescue Plan.” According to a release from the USDA, “the 15 percent increase in SNAP benefits will provide about $28 more per person, per month, or more than $100 more per month for a household of four, in additional SNAP benefits.”

The Town of Silver City has established a COVID-19 Vaccine Assistance Hotline. A phone number and email address are now available for the intention of helping people register for the vaccine, identify individuals in the community who are homebound, or having difficulty getting out to a vaccination site. In addition, residents can use these points of contact as a place to reach out to and have a local person answer other COVID-19 related questions. The Silver City Fire Department has an employee assigned to the hotline Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. The phone number to call is 575-597-7029 and the email address is grantcountynmcares@gmail.com. More information can be obtained at the Grant County Coronavirus Update Facebook page.

The New Mexico Department of Game & Fish is offering a new “Off-Highway vehicle Guide” that shares information on safety, laws, and where to ride. A quick reference brochure is available to download that expands on OHV requirement information and a map of New Mexico recreational riding sites. New Mexico has new requirements for off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) designed to protect the safety of all OHV users and ensure responsible and sensitive OHV use. The law requires all OHV users to register or acquire a permit for their OHV if it is used on public land. The downloadable brochure can be found online at wildlife.state.nm.us/ohv.

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