Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest is pleased to announce the fourth annual Women of Distinction luncheon honoring Southern New Mexico women for their achievements and contributions.  Honorees receiving this year’s awards include Representative Diane Hamilton and Priscilla Lucero of Silver City, and Arianna Parsons, Olivia Lerma McDonald, LaJune Smith, Renay Scott, Ann Palormo, Lori English, and Barbara Hubbard of Las Cruces.

The National Park Service was founded 100 years ago yesterday, August 25th.  In celebration of this historic landmark, all parks are free this weekend.  National Parks close to our area include Carlsbad Caverns National Park near Carlsbad, NM; Guadalupe Mountains National Park near Salt Flat, TX; Saguaro National Park outside of Tucson, AZ; and Petrified Forest National Park near Sun Valley, AZ.  New Mexico is also home to numerous National Monuments, including the Gila Cliff Dwellings, White Sands, Bandelier, and Petroglyph National Monument.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued the following statement on the first forecast for US agricultural exports for fiscal year 2017.  Vilsack said, “these numbers once again demonstrate the resiliency and reliability of US farmers and ranchers in the face of continued challenges.  The projected $133 billion in total exports is up $6 billion from last forecast and would be the sixth-highest total on record.  The United States has continued to post an agricultural trade surplus since recordkeeping began in the 1960s,” said Vilsack.

The Grant County 4-H would like to extend a Thank You to everyone who bought raffle tickets to support the 4-H Hunting Team’s trip to Grand Island, NE to compete in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships.  Congratulations to Shawn Brabson, who won first place in the Grant County 4-H Hunting Team Raffle – winning a Remington 700ADL BA SYN; Bill Marek won the 45 Quart YETI cooler from Ace Hardware; Lita Perez won the jewelry gift basket donated by Renae Calloway with Tailgate Gypsy Bling as well as a massage donated by Jolene Jones from The Massage Place.  A list of sponsors is available on our website, and the 4-H Hunting Team extends a big thank you to everyone who dated and sponsored the team.