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

As of this week, Hidalgo Medical Services has given out a total of 1,724 COVID-19 vaccines in Grant and Hidalgo counties. HMS will be deploying their mobile unit every Tuesday and Thursday to the rural areas in order to distribute vaccines to residents in addition to in needed, helping persons register for the vaccine. HMS has been able to coordinate this effort by setting up “pods” in the rural locations using the New Mexico Department of Health website. In Grant County, 54% have registered for the COVID-19 vaccine and 45.7% of those have received at least their first vaccine. In Hidalgo County, 47.3% have registered to receive the vaccination and 33.6% have received at least their first dose of the vaccine. New Mexico has opened up phase 1a, b, and c to receive the vaccine that includes: people 75 years and older; individuals 16 and older with underlying medical conditions; frontline essential workers who can’t work remotely; and persons 60 years and older. Today, the NMDOH has announced that starting on Monday, April 5th, Phase 2, consisting of persons 16 years of age and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine as well. Every resident is encouraged to register for their vaccine at cvvaccine.nmhealth or call the hotline at 1-855-600-3453.

The Gila National Forest has rescinded Forest Order that temporarily closed Forest Road 226 in the Black Range Ranger District. All visitors are requested to get copies of the Motor Vehicle Use Map to ensure that when visiting the forest, that they are aware of locations where motorized vehicles are permitted to travel. The maps are free and available at all 6 ranger districts  or online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/gila/maps-pubs

The New Department of Transportation is reminding drivers about school zone traffic safety laws since kids will be going back to school next week. Unless otherwise posted, no person shall exceed 15 miles per hour when passing through a school zone, and when crossing an intersection, it is advised to look in both directions. In general, motorists are asked to watch for children when school is underway.

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