Volume 52 · December 2025
As we enter the heart of the holiday season, I’m reminded of the incredible resilience and spirit that defines our mountain village. While this year has brought unprecedented challenges, it has also revealed the strength of our community and our unwavering commitment to one another. The holidays are a special time in Ruidoso, and I encourage everyone to participate in our beloved traditions. The Festival of Lights Parade is just around the corner, and Wingfield Park is being transformed into a winter wonderland. These cherished events remind us of the joy and togetherness that make Ruidoso home.
Mayor Lynn Crawford
Recovery efforts continue to move forward with purpose and determination. Our flood mitigation work is ongoing, and I’m pleased to report that we’ve established a collaborative task force bringing together engineers from Lincoln County, the Village of Ruidoso, and Mescalero. This coordinated approach ensures that our mitigation efforts benefit the entire region, creating safer and more resilient infrastructure for everyone. We’re thrilled to share that the Village of Ruidoso was honored with multiple awards and recognitions at the New Mexico Hospitality Association TopHat Awards banquet! The Village received the Community Resilience Award, Kerry Gladden of The Agency was named Tourism Professional of the Year, and Dhruv Bhakta of Elevate Hotel earned Owner of the Year. Our community was also recognized across numerous categories including Best Digital Campaign for “Still We Rise,” Most Innovative Campaign for “Ruidoso Real: Stories That Connect,” Best New Experience for Wingfield Heritage House Museum, Happy Hiker for Ruidoso Together, Dynamic Discs for the Tim Selinski US Masters Tournament, Elevate Hotel for Limited Service Hotel, and Backcountry Attitudes for Outstanding Attraction. These honors reflect the dedication, creativity, and resilience of our community, and we thank everyone who continues to make Ruidoso a remarkable destination. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists! Last month marked an important milestone as we launched the process of creating a new Comprehensive Master Plan. This work will extend into 2026, and your participation is essential. We need your input, thoughts, and ideas to shape the future of our community. Our Emergency Management office has been hard at work developing the Disaster Recovery Task Force, which will create a detailed recovery plan for our community. We’ll soon be accepting applications for community members who want to contribute to this vital effort. If you’re interested in helping shape our recovery, stay tuned for more information on how you can get involved. I invite you to join me every Monday morning from 8:00 to 10:00 AM for Mondays with the Mayor. These conversations with Village directors and managers cover a wide range of topics affecting our community, and we always welcome your questions and input. As we celebrate this holiday season, remember to be a good neighbor and show kindness to one another. Together, we will continue to rise stronger than before. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season.
Mayor Lynn Crawford 1
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS Recent Actions
November 10, 2025, Village Council Meeting Highlights: » Approval of Task Order #2024-003P-09 with Bohannan Huston Inc., for Professional Engineering Services on Flood-Damaged Infrastructure that Includes Restoration and Improvements of Local Paved Roadways, Local AllWeather Roadways (gravel roads), Paved and All-Weather Driveways, Culverts, Embankments, Erosion Control Measures, and Retaining Walls
Pictured from left to right: Greg Cory, Gary Jackson, Darren Hooker, Lynn Crawford, Mayor Pro Tem Rifle Salas, Susan Lutterman, Joe Eby
» Approval and Adoption of Ordinance 2025-07, an Ordinance for Automated Speed Enforcement within the Village of Ruidoso » Approval of Contract for Services Between the County of Lincoln and Village of Ruidoso to Provide Library Services to All Citizens Within the Boundaries of Lincoln County, in the amount of $15,000.00, and approval of a State Grants-In-Aid for Public Libraries Agreement with the New Mexico State Library for Fiscal Year 2026, in the Amount of $10,000.00 » Approval of Proposal from Rymarc Construction Inc., for the Gavilan Canyon Emergency Sewer Line Project, Eliminating the Antiquated White Mountain Lift Station and Tying into a Gravity Fed Line Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers at Village Hall
KEEP RUIDOSO BEAUTIFUL
Pine Needle Disposal Requirements The Village of Ruidoso has enacted municipal codes prohibiting property owners from blowing leaves and pine needles into the right-of-way. This action is considered illegal dumping and carries fines up to $500. Violators may be charged in Municipal Court under Section 70-5, which relates to unlawful dumping and disposal of yard waste.
Lawn service companies must obtain business registration annually and adhere to all Village ordinances. Fall is the season for building maintenance, and residents are urged to comply. With pine needles falling rapidly and winter approaching, residents should maintain yards without impacting neighboring lots, public right-of-way, or streets. Code Enforcement has received numerous calls about leaf blowers displacing pine needles. Property owners must ensure proper disposal of all yard waste from private property. Pine needles can be hauled to dumpster sites or placed next to dumpsters but must not be placed under electrical power lines where collection trucks cannot reach them. Public Works maintains clear drainage blockage downstream to prevent flooding and property damage. The Village seeks compliance rather than citations. However, pine needles blocking sewer drain flow create water pollution issues, and accumulation near structures poses fire hazards. Residents are encouraged to properly dispose of pine needles to protect the community’s safety and infrastructure.
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2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
New Mexico Municipal League Sets Legislative Agenda
At the Municipal League’s Annual Conference in Ruidoso in September, the League membership formally approved legislative priorities for 2026, following meetings of the League’s policy committee over the summer. Legislative priorities for 2026 focus on infrastructure investment, local fiscal stability, and protecting municipal authority. The 2026 legislative session is a 30-day session, meaning that legislation is limited to budgetrelated bills and bills on the Governor’s agenda or “call,” and League priorities in 30-day sessions tend to be narrower. Key priorities for the 2026 session: »
Investing in Water Infrastructure: Support for appropriations to the Water Project Fund to help close the gap between available funding and the more than $600 million in project applications.
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Streamlining Water Project Approvals: Allowing the Water Trust Board to directly approve eligible Water Project Fund projects without waiting for legislative approval on specific projects, speeding up funding for shovel-ready infrastructure and avoiding costly construction delays.
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Defending Municipal Revenues: Opposing proposals that continue to erode municipal Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) revenues. Protecting GRT remains a top priority, as it serves as the primary source of revenue for most municipalities and is essential to funding public safety, infrastructure, and essential community services. Tax credits and deductions for industry continue to erode municipal revenues.
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Protecting Local Decision-Making: Defending local control against state preemption efforts that limit municipalities’ ability to manage issues such as zoning, taxation, public safety, and housing policy. The League will advocate for local flexibility to craft solutions that reflect the diverse needs of New Mexico’s communities.
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Ruidoso Recognized for Excellence in Emergency Management
The Ruidoso Emergency Operations Center and Intermittent Response Program was recently honored as the recipient of the Emergency Management Award at this year’s New Mexico Infrastructure and Finance Conference (NMIFC). This recognition highlights the incredible teamwork, innovation, and dedication of everyone who has supported ongoing efforts to strengthen Ruidoso’s resilience from wildfire recovery to flood response and long-term recovery planning. This success reflects the spirit of “One Village - One Response,” neighbors helping neighbors, agencies working side by side, and a community committed to protecting one another through every challenge. Many thanks to the NMIFC planning committee for recognizing Ruidoso’s commitment to collaboration and preparedness. And kudos to every department, partner agency, and volunteer who continues to make this work possible.
KEEP WILDLIFE WILD! Feeding wildlife is banned in the Village (bird feeders excluded) Citations will be issued $500 fine will be imposed
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LEVEL 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Permitted commercial fire pits - OK
WWW.RUIDOSO-NM.GOV FOR MORE INFORMATION
Non-permitted fire pits, campfires, & fireworks - NOT OK
Outdoor cooking including charcoal - OK
DISASTER RECOVERY Floodway vs. Floodplain As the Village moves forward with recovery and mitigation efforts, one of the big questions from residents is “How do I know if I am in the floodway or the floodplain (special flood hazard area) and what does that mean for me?” Regulatory Floodway According to FEMA: “Regulatory Floodway means the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height.” Special Flood Hazard Area According to FEMA: “Flood hazard areas identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map are identified as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). SFHAs are defined as the areas that will be inundated by the flood event having a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The 1-percent annual chance flood is also referred to as the base flood or 100-year flood. SFHAs are labeled as Zones, which include Zone A, Zone V. Moderate flood hazard areas, labeled Zone B or Zone X (shaded), are also shown on the FIRM, and are the areas between the limits of the base flood and the 0.2-percentannual-chance (or 500-year) flood. The areas of minimal flood hazard, which are the areas outside the SFHA and higher than the elevation of the 0.2-percent annual chance flood, are labeled Zone C or Zone X (unshaded).” If a property has sustained substantial damage from either the fire or floods, knowing what zone it is in will help residents determine the best course forward. If there is sustained substantial damage and any portion of the structure is located within the regulatory floodway, the structure will not be able to be rebuilt. However, if the substantially damaged structure is located within the 100-year floodplain, it can be built back if the Village of Ruidoso ordinance and building code standards are followed. Substantial damage is only for structures (buildings, fences, etc.) and does not include the green space portion of the property.
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CAPITAL PROJECTS
Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan for 2026 Legislative Session
The Village of Ruidoso has compiled a list of the Top 10 capital projects adopted in the Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan (ICIP), which includes the Top 5 priority projects submitted for capital outlay dollars during the upcoming legislative session. The State of New Mexico Property Control Act defines a capital outlay project as the acquisition, improvement, alteration, or reconstruction of assets of a long-term character that are intended to continue to be held or used. This includes land, buildings, machinery, furniture, and equipment. Capital outlay funding cannot be used for any of the following: retroactive reimbursements of previous purchases, operating expenses, salaries, materials, supplies, events, brochures, pamphlets or publications. The Top 10 Projects identified include: 1. Workforce Housing 2. Bridge Replacement Projects 3. Street and Drainage Improvements 4. Sewer Line Rehabilitation 5. Sewer Line Extensions 6. Water and Sewer Line Extensions to Include Streets and Drainage 7. Removal of Trees and Water Shed Improvements 8. Damage Improvements/Flood Hazard Mitigation 9. Rio Ruidoso Restoration/Flood Hazard Mitigation 10. Alto Dam Compliance & Improvements.
WE ARE HIRING! The Village of Ruidoso is looking for qualified people to join our team! We currently have openings in several departments, and we offer opportunities for competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and NM Public Employees Retirement Association plans! • Earn more with the Village’s pay-for-performance plan • Progressive pay and step plans are available • Continuing education courses and specialized training are available • Excellent opportunities for advancement in all departments
APPLY TODAY! 5
RUIDOSO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE From the Desk of Executive Director Deborah Douds Season’s Greetings from the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce! We are looking forward to this year’s Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, December 6, at 5:30 PM. The theme for the parade is “A Muppets’ Christmas”. We can’t wait to see all the creative floats and hopefully a Miss Piggy and Kermit or two! Please remember to shop local this holiday season. Our local retailers have great gift ideas for those hard-to-shop-for loved ones. From a bottle of wine or bourbon from Noisy Water Winery or WPS; beautiful jewelry from any one of our local jewelers such as Apache Trader, Tanner Tradition, Mitchell’s, or Desert Opals; a fabulous outfit from shops like 25th in Mid or JRoberts; or a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant like Texas Club, Rancher’s Steakhouse, or Cattle Baron, there are so many options to choose from. You will certainly find the perfect gift right here in Ruidoso. Each year during the Legislative Session, the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce holds a Legislative Reception in Santa Fe. This year, the reception will be on Wednesday, February 4, at the Drury Plaza Inn in Santa Fe. This is your chance to speak one-on-one with our legislators and Cabinet Secretaries and their staff. It is important for Lincoln County residents to attend this reception and help make our voice heard in Santa Fe. Please consider joining us in Santa Fe on February 4. Advance tickets are $50. Contact the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce for more information or to be a sponsor for this event. We would like to wish everyone a holiday season filled with love and peace, and remember, sometimes the gift of kindness can be the greatest gift of all. If you would like to become a member of the Chamber and help support the organization that supports this community, please contact us at 575-257-7395 or visit us in our new location inside 1ST National Bank at 451 Sudderth Drive.
WORKFORCE HOUSING UPDATE Project Update for 603 Mechem Drive Rymarc Construction has finished working on the driveway, and White Sands Construction is back on-site. They are working to complete concrete curbs, rock swells around the retaining walls, and drainage for the property. In addition, construction is currently underway for a detention pool. All utilities (gas, water, sewer, and electrical) for the site have been installed. Punchlist items will be completed after the electrical meters have been installed (pending manufactured housing permits).
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RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
From the Desk of Superintendent Becca Ferguson
Ruidoso Municipal Schools is proud to share several exciting construction and improvement projects underway across the district focused on enhancing student learning, safety, sustainability, and community engagement. These projects reflect the district’s continued commitment to providing high-quality educational environments for all students. The Ruidoso Middle School Culinary Arts renovation will be complete by the end of November. The upgraded space includes a newly remodeled classroom and a state-of-the-art culinary kitchen featuring stainless steel countertops, modern flooring, and professional-grade stoves, ovens, and refrigeration. This investment highlights the district’s ongoing support for the culinary arts programs at both the middle and high school levels, providing students with hands-on learning experiences in a professional-quality environment. New scoreboards have been installed at the football and baseball fields, improving the game-day experience for athletes and fans. Additionally, high-definition cameras are being installed through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) streaming service. This technology will allow Warrior sports to be broadcast live so that Warrior Nation can watch and support from anywhere. At White Mountain Elementary, renovations are beginning to parking lots and sidewalks and replacing concrete in the patio area to create space for an outdoor classroom. These updates will enhance safety, accessibility, and learning opportunities. Completion is scheduled for Summer 2026. The district is also embarking on a solar panel installation project at each school site. The initiative aims to reduce utility costs while providing backup power in the event of an outage. Groundbreaking is scheduled for December, and the project will be complete by 2027. This sustainable investment reflects RMSD’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship. Plans are also in progress to renovate the Ruidoso Middle School field. The project will address erosion issues, add new bleachers and expanded seating, and installation of a new turf field. The proposal has been submitted to the Public School Facilities Authority (PSFA) for final approval, with completion anticipated within the next two years. Ruidoso High School is currently in the process of procuring an architect to begin designing major facility upgrades, including HVAC, plumbing, stucco, and lighting improvements. These updates will modernize building systems, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the learning environment for students and staff. The anticipated project completion timeline is within the next three years.
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Winter EVENTS Check out our line-up of great events for winter!
Please visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for additional events and details.
WEEKLY COMMUNITY EVENTS SUNDAY: • Sunday Night Acoustics/Hootenanny, Lost Hiker Brewing Company
TUESDAY: • Baby & Me at 10:30 AM WEDNESDAY: • Storytime at 10:30 AM
WEDNESDAY: • Wet Your Whistle Wednesday, Lost Hiker Brewing Co. THURSDAY: • Veterans Coffee & Company, 615 Sudderth Dr • Open Mic Night, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap • Club 49 Comedy, Inn of the Mountain Gods • Phil Hamilton “Gringo Loco”, Casa Blanca Cantina • Thirstday Night Trivia, Lost Hiker Brewing Company
DECEMBER 10: • RHS Choir Christmas Music, Ruidoso Public Library DECEMBER 11: • Time Turner Book Club, Ruidoso Public Library DECEMBER 12-14:
THURSDAY - SATURDAY: • Brendan Dawes, Quarters Bar & Grill
• A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol, ENMU-Ruidoso DECEMBER 13:
NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 31: • Path of Lights, Inn of the Mountain Gods
• Christmas Drone & Drive-In Movie, White Mountain Recreation Complex
DECEMBER 4:
DECEMBER 17:
• Christmas in the Park, Wingfield Park
• Special Santa Storytime, Ruidoso Public Library
DECEMBER 6:
DECEMBER 18: • PIECE Coalition, Region 9
• Festival of Lights, Midtown Ruidoso • Santa Paws: Holiday Photos with Santa, Humane Society of Lincoln County
DECEMBER 19-21: • A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol, ENMU-Ruidoso
• Homemade Holidays, Wingfield Heritage House Museum
DECEMBER 20-21:
• Luke Bryan, Inn of the Mountain Gods
• The Nutcracker, Spencer Theater DECEMBER 31: • NYE Event Locations - Inn of the Mountain Gods, WPS, Noisy Water Winery, Downshift Brewing Company Riverside, Billy the Kid Casino, Rainmakers, The Quarters Bar & Grill, Bonito Valley Brewing Company, Michael J’s Restaurant JANUARY 8: • Time Turner Book Club, Ruidoso Public Library JANUARY 24: • Ramon Ayala, Inn of the Mountain Gods 8
Looking for live music in Ruidoso tonight?
Submit Your Event
DiscoverRuidoso.com/info/where-to-see-live-music-in-ruidoso
www.discoverruidoso.com/event-submission-form
LINCOLN COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER From the Desk of the Chief Executive Todd Oberheu Lincoln County Medical Center (LCMC) plays a vital role in safeguarding the health and safety of its community, especially during times of crisis. Disaster preparedness is a cornerstone of the hospital’s mission, ensuring that it can respond swiftly and effectively to a range of emergencies, from natural disasters to mass casualty incidents and public health threats. As the Ruidoso community has seen in recent years, making sure our hospital is ready to continue to serve our community is of utmost importance. Disaster preparedness at LCMC begins with robust planning, including the assessment of potential and likely hazards. The hospital adopts an “all-hazards” approach, meaning it prepares for a wide variety of potential threats, including floods, wildfires, infectious disease outbreaks, and chemical spills. Additional potential hazards that are considered include communications and power outages, equipment malfunctions/breakdowns, as well as weather-related events such as snow, blizzards, ice, and windstorms. These plans are regularly updated to reflect new risks, best practices, and lessons learned from previous incidents both locally and nationally. After identifying possible threats, LCMC staff prepare plans to manage potential incidents. Plans include loss of communication, electricity, water, and a lack of availability of staff due to potential impact on transportation, such as flooding and road closures. For example, LCMC quickly developed backup communications systems after the communication failures that occurred during the South Fork/Salt Fires. LCMC now has various satellite systems in place to allow limited communication if a similar event occurs in the future. In the event of an electricity failure, LCMC maintains a backup generator with over 96 hours of fuel to maintain hospital operations. For water, LCMC has agreements with a company to bring in a potable water supply that can be connected to LCMC’s plumbing system. LCMC also updates staff communication methods with current cell phone and personal email addresses to ensure that contact can take place if a primary or common method is out or unusable. These communication preferences are identified when new staff are hired and existing staff are encouraged to review and update annually to ensure as much current information as possible. Preparation requires practice. LCMC regularly conducts disaster drills that simulate real-life emergencies. These exercises range from table-top discussions to full-scale simulations involving local fire, police, and emergency medical services. Staff members are trained to recognize their roles, adapt to rapidly changing situations, and communicate efficiently during a crisis. Drills provide invaluable opportunities to identify gaps in response and improve coordination. They also foster teamwork and build confidence, so when a real emergency strikes, staff are ready to work together efficiently under pressure. It is our intention and goal for patients and visitors to have confidence in our ability to care for our community, regardless of any internal or external emergencies that take place. Although we all hope that we will not see events like Lincoln County has experienced over the last 2 years, Lincoln County Medical Center is committed to ensuring that your hospital is available during trying times. 9
DEPARTMENTS & PHONE NUMBERS
Airport 575-336-8111
Forestry 575-257-5544
Convention Center 575-258-5445
Planning & Zoning 575-258-6999
Judicial 575-257-9055
Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant (RWWTP) 575-378-8417
Library 575-258-3704 Parks & Recreation 575-257-5030 Police 575-258-7365
Senior Center 575-257-4565 Water Distribution and Sewer Collections 575-257-2386
Fire 575-257-3473 Solid Waste 575-257-1502 Street Works 575-257-6023
Water Production 575-257-5525 Water Rights/Watershed (RJU) 575-258-6913
VILLAGE HALL: 575-258-4343 • Capital Projects and Purchasing • Executive • Finance • Human Resources • Utility Billing
www.Ruidoso-NM.gov
RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION
From the Desk of RMA Executive Director Tim Duckworth
Fall is in full swing. Leaves are changing colors, and the weather is getting cooler. However, the weather was perfect for the Midtown Halloween event. Cheerful crowds from Ruidoso and surrounding cities enjoyed trick-or-treating and safe Halloween fun. Thank you to all the Midtown businesses and the businesses beyond Midtown that came out to make the afternoon a success! And a special thanks to all the sponsors and those who came through with candy donations! In November, RMA and the Village of Ruidoso teamed up with the Small Business Association (SBA) and the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) to host a presentation at Downshift Riverside about the programs available for disaster recovery support for small businesses, non-profits, homeowners, and renters. Representatives from both organizations helped participants understand the qualifications and the process for helping our community. Christmas is just around the corner, and the RMA Christmas Mixer is set for 6:00 PM on Wednesday, December 17, at Win Place & Show. There will be a one-and-done white elephant gift exchange, axethrowing, and bourbon tasting as part of the holiday fun! For year-round safety, be sure to sign up for weather alerts and Village of Ruidoso notifications at CallMeRuidoso.com. These updates are helpful for all seasons. Winter is coming!
E911EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
Sign-up for Emergency Notifications in the Village of Ruidoso
www.CallMeRuidoso.com 10
EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY - RUIDOSO From the Desk of President Ryan Trosper ENMU-Ruidoso was recently selected as one of 15 nationwide recipients to join Year 7 of the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative. Supported by a generous $70,000 grant aimed at enhancing the non-credit wildland and structural fire academies and credit-bearing Fire Science degree pathway. This initiative will directly serve: volunteer firefighters seeking foundational certification and advancement, recent high school graduates pursuing public safety careers through degree and non-degree pathways, dual credit high school students seeking early entry into fire service pathways and industry-aligned credentials, rural residents and tribal community members who face geographic and economic barriers to training access, veterans and career changers entering fire service with transferable skills, and current first responders and emergency personnel seeking upskilling, advanced certifications, or academic credit for prior learning to improve their professional mobility and leadership readiness. According to Vice President of Student Learning and Success Coda Omness: “The funds will directly support approximately 30 students through scholarships, enrollment in new short-term fire academies, and expanded student support services.”
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Holiday Drone Show and Drive-In Movie SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2025 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM - Drive-in Movie The Nutcracker and the Four Realms 8:15 PM - Drone Show Begins White Mountain Complex Parking for the Drive-in will be at the Dog Park parking lot where guests can tune in on the radio to listen to the movie from the comfort of their vehicle.
DiscoverRuidoso.com