Here’s a look at today’s local news:

A local 8th grader from Hurley was a nationwide grand prize winner of the Seed Your Future and Scholastic “Planting Your Solution Contest.” Keana H., was awarded the grand prize in the “Best Environmental Challenge Division” by writing about contaminated soil in Hurley and proposing that sunflowers be planted there to aid in removing heavy metals and toxins. The entries included an illustration and an essay describing the environmental challenge and the proposed plant-based solution.

U.S Representative, Xochitl Torres Small, has announced the June dates, times and locations of her new mobile office hours for residents of New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District. Office hours in Catron County are 12 noon to 4:00 P.M. this Thursday at the Reserve Public Library. In Grant County, office hours will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 12 Noon on Monday, June 24th at the Silver City Public Library. Mobile office hours in communities allow constituents to meet with staff, ask questions and receive help with Medicare, Social Security and VA claims, according to a news release.

The Grant County Commission has approved a resolution to comply with election law changes that were passed during the 2019 legislative session. District 1, represented by Commissioner Chris Ponce, will know be known as District 2, the current District 2, represented by Billy Billings, will be known as District 1. This measure was taken because the new state election requires odd and even numbered Districts to hold elections in different single years. Changing the district numerical designations will eliminate the need for Ponce and Billings to extend their terms.

Deming’s new splash pad recreation area is still under construction at its location  across from Nacio “Herb” Brown Park at the intersection Spruce and 8th Streets. It has been reported that there has been a delay in receiving components of equipment that needs to be buried underneath the concrete pad. While the work continues at the splash pad, residents can still visit the water recreation area at Rainbow Park located at East Ash and South Grand Streets in Deming. The water feature is open 11:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. every day during summer break from school.