Here’s a look at some local news:

At the time of compiling this report, the New Mexico Department of Health, announced a total of 28,985 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases with 16,422 tested as recovered. In addition, COVID-19 cases recorded locally are as follows: Grant County has risen to 124 total cases with 47 recovered; Luna County increased to 422 total cases with 164 recovered; Hidalgo County remains at 99 total cases with 71 recovered; and Catron County remains at 9 total cases with 4 recovered.

The New Mexico Human Services Department has announced that families will receive more than $45 million in additional food benefits following federal approval of the state’s amended Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program. According to a release, the retroactive benefit for an estimated 243,661 children who qualify for free or reduced-price meals is meant to offset meals missed because their schools were in the remote learning mode in August and September. In New Mexico, children who receive free or reduced-price meals will receive benefits of $5.86 per child per day for the period their individual school site was 100 percent virtual until the day their school site instituted a hybrid model. In addition, the benefit will be added to existing P-EBT cards for approximately 2/3 of recipients. Families that qualify for the new benefit but do not have a P-EBT card will be issued one in the next few weeks.

A walk-by Blessing of the Animals is scheduled for this Sunday, October 4th. New Rector of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Pastor Bonnie Edwards, will bless pets, a picture of a pet or a favorite stuffed animal. The public is invited between 1:00 and 2:00 P.M. in front of the Church Office located at 207 W. 7th Street in Downtown Silver City. Visitors are requested to park in the church parking lot using the 6th street entrance. In addition, individuals are requested to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

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