Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

Due to extensive flood damage along NM 152, several campgrounds and trailheads in the Gila National Forest have been closed.  Recreation site closures include Iron Creek Campground, Railroad Canyon Campground, Upper Gallinas Campground, Lower Gallinas Campground, Wright’s Cabin Picnic Area, Emory Pass Observation Point, Rabb Park Trailhead, and Gallinas and Railroad Canyon Trailheads.  All of the sites will be closed until further notice.  The NM 152 gates installed near Kingston Cemetery and the forest boundary west of Lower Gallinas Canyon are also closed.  For more information, visit the NMDOT online, or call (505) 827-5100.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is pleased to announce a return to the tradition of being open every day of the year.  The park will be open all federal holidays this winter, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. In addition, Veterans Day (November 11th) will be the final fee free day of 2014. Everyone is invited to come out and celebrate our nation’s veterans with free entrance to the Cliff Dwellings.

Keep Luna County Beautiful will have a presentation on plastic bag ordinances used in New Mexico and throughout the United States.  The purpose of the meeting is to gain input from the community and local businesses about implementing a plastic bag ordinance.  The presentation will be held next Wednesday, October 8th at 5 pm in the 3rd floor Commission Chambers of the Luna County Courthouse, 700 S. Silver Avenue in Deming.

Harrison Schmitt recently installed a Friendship Bench as part of the Tiny Girl, Big Dream Program.  The Bench was donated by the Furniture Gallery, and the program was created as a positive solution to the growing problem of bullying, violence, and low self-esteem.  The multi-colored bench will likely be placed in the playground area.  Whenever a child is having a rough day, is new to school, or just needs a friend to talk to, they can sit on the bench and it lets others around them know they need a friend to talk to or someone to play with.  The Friendship Bench teaches kids to reach out to each other for help and support.