Gila National Forest Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Holiday tree permits are now on sale and cutting is allowed now through December 31st. It is suggested, when planning to harvest a tree, remember to check the local weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for sudden changes in weather and road conditions.

The Maverick Movement, a Hidalgo County based non-profit, has organized a Lordsburg Community Cleanup 30 Day Challenge. Members of the public can register their name, phone number, and before and after photos of a cleaned area to be eligible for cash prizes. Volunteers pledge to give 2 hours of their time to help clean up the community. The Maverick Movement’s mission focuses on four pillars: clean water; quality education; economic development, and community engagement. According to their website, https://maverickmovement.org/ ,“Hidalgo County’s poverty rate is roughly 24%, higher than the statewide rate of 18% and over twice the national poverty rate of 11%.” The organization works to build a brighter future for current and future generations of Hidalgo County residents.

Silver Consolidated Schools announced that Mrs. Keylee Topmiller, was formally awarded the “New Mexico Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year” at a ceremony in Albuquerque last week. Each year the USDA National Institute of Food & Agriculture and the National Agriculture in the Classroom Consortium recognizes exceptional teachers for their successful efforts in teaching agriculture concepts in the classroom. Congratulations, Mrs. Keylee Topmiller!