Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

The New Mexico Department of Transportation has closed NM 15 from mile post 42 to 43 near Gila Hot Springs due to running water over the roadway.  The NMDOT has closed this area until debris can be cleared off and the roadway repaired.  The Cliff Dwellings will remain closed at this time.  Please seek an alternate route if you need to travel through the area.  Before you travel, check road conditions at nmroads.com.

The Grant County 4-H Club has extended enrollment for new members only until Thursday, December 29th.  Any children ages 5 to 18 who have not been enrolled in 4-H and would like to join any of the various age groups are encouraged to call 388-1559, or pick up an application at the Grant County Extension Office at 2610 North Silver Street.

Deming Cesar Chavez Charter School offered a pilot class for the Job Skill Development Program to 15 students at the school.  The students are working part time at jobs around Deming and earning their high school diploma in the process of getting real world experience.  The program was made possible with a $15,000 grant given by the City of Deming, and students are screened into the program based on strengths and interests.

The Catwalk National Recreation Area will be temporarily closed until further notice, due to flooding and public safety.  As a result of the current rain storms, the first low-water crossing to the Catwalk is flowing at very high levels and is hazardous to cross.  With additional storms predicted in the coming days, the Glenwood Ranger District is closing the area, a closure which will likely be in place until at least December 27th.  The district will monitor weather conditions and creek flow rates and will reopen the Catwalk area as soon as it is considered publicly safe to do so.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Thursday that 88 high-impact projects across the country will receive $225 million in federal funding as part of the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). In addition, partners have proposed to contribute up to an additional $500 million to improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability.