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

At the time of compiling this report, the New Mexico Department of Health, announced a total of 31,756 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases with 18,045 tested as recovered. In addition, COVID-19 cases recorded locally are as follows: Grant County has risen to 136 total cases with 55 recovered; Luna County has risen to 464 total cases with 199 recovered; Hidalgo County has risen to 104 total cases with 76 recovered; and Catron County remains at 9 total cases with 5 recovered.

PNM has announced a new partnership with HELP NEW MEXICO, Inc., a nonprofit community action agency that helps people with emergency assistance, including utility bills. During COVID-19 some businesses allowed deferment of customer bills without penalty, however, customers are now facing large past-due balances. Through this partnership, PNM has secured additional financial assistance to help customers pay down their summer electric bills and bring accounts back in good standing to avoid a future interruption of service. “HELP NEW MEXICO” has been able to secure $2 million of CARES Act funding for customers that are struggling with overdue bills. This partnership announcement follows news last week that PNM has already set aside its own $2 million from shareholders for new PNM COVID Customer Relief Programs to help residential and small business customers pay their past due electric bills.

The Gila National Forest has moved to HIGH Fire Danger because of warm temperatures and limited precipitation. A fire danger rating of HIGH is defined as “all fine dead fuels ignite readily, and fires start easily from most causes.” Visitors are urged to make certain to completely extinguish campfires, that chainsaws are equipped spark arrestor, that trailer chains are not dragging, and that all cigarettes are extinguished.

The Supervisor’s Office and Silver City Ranger District of the Gila National Forest have re-opened up the lobby for improved in-person customer service. The office is located at 3005 E Camino del Bosque in Silver City and will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Face coverings must be worn when entering the building consistent with State of New Mexico health order. For more information, visit fs.usda.gov/gila or the Gila National Forest facebook page.

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