I can’t believe summer is here! This is the time of year when our mountain community truly shines, and this summer, I believe, will be no exception.
I do want to acknowledge that this summer will look a little different than those of the past. As many of you know, horse racing will not be returning to Ruidoso Downs this season. That track is not just a venue. It is a piece of our history, a part of who we are. Work is actively underway to ensure we can welcome that cherished tradition back in the coming years, and I am committed to keeping our community informed every step of the way. Your patience and support during this time means more than I can say.
That said, there is still so much to look forward to this season. Ruidoso has never needed just one reason to celebrate, and this summer is no different. We are thrilled to host the IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso, welcoming world-class athletes and visitors from across the country to experience our community at its finest. The Cool Summer Nights (formerly Under a Mountain Sky) weekly music series returns to fill our evenings with great live music under the stars at Wingfield Park, and a full calendar of events will keep things lively from Memorial Day through Labor Day and beyond.
As we head into monsoon season, I want to take a moment to talk about the work that has been taking place since last summer to help protect our community. Our teams have been working hard on flood mitigation efforts throughout the Village, and we are better prepared today than we have been. Please make sure you read the article on the following pages and familiarize yourself with our new Outdoor Warning System which will no longer just be used for evacuations
We will also continue the Flood Safe Partners program, which connects locals and visitors alike with businesses throughout the Village that have agreed to open their doors and provide refuge for anyone who needs higher ground to ride out a flood event. Look for the Flood Safe Partners designation at participating locations and know that you are welcome there. Above all, please use common sense. If you are in a lowlying area and it starts to rain, don’t wait. Move to higher ground and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. No errand, no view, no parking spot is worth your safety.
Ruidoso is resilient, resourceful, and ready for a great summer. I am proud to lead this community, and I look forward to seeing you out and about in the months ahead. Don’t forget to tune-in to Mondays with the Mayor on KRUI every Monday morning from 8:00-10:00 AM and get your questions answered.
Mayor Lynn Crawford
Mayor Lynn Crawford
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recent Actions
May 12, 2026, Village Council Meeting Highlights:
» Discussion and Possible Action on Adoption of Resolution 2026-101, a Resolution Adopting the FY 2027 (July 1, 2026June 30, 2027) Budget for All Funds to the Local Government Division of the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).
» Discussion and Possible Action on Lease Agreement between the Village of Ruidoso and the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce for Real Property Located at 200 Country Club Dr., Ruidoso, New Mexico.
» Approval of Task Order RFP #2026-002P-PH-01 with Parkhill for Sierra Cinema PRV Replacement in the Amount of $82,199.00 Including NMGRT.
» Approval of Task Order #2026-002P-02 with Souder, Miller & Associates for Professional Engineering Services on the Design and Construction Observation of the Hollywood Well Improvements in the Amount of $77,071.69 Including NMGRT.
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers at Village Hall
WHAT IS CLEAN & LEIN?
From The Village of Ruidoso
There have been many social media posts talking about the Village clean and lien program. Some have suggested it is a “land grab” perpetrated by a “shady government.” However, the clean and lien program is neither a land grab nor something nefarious perpetrated by government.
The clean and lien program is a part of Village ordinance that was originally adopted in 1985, with amendments as late as January 2024. There are three sections of the ordinance that outline the program. Section 38-61 identifies what constitutes “nuisance” property. Nuisance properties can range from unkept yards to hazard trees and dangerous and/or dilapidated structures. Section 38-82 defines the authority of the Village to order removal and/or clean up. When property owners do not take action, it also provides the authority for the Village to take action itself and then charge the cost of the cleanup and disposal to the landowner through a lien placed on the property. Section 38-91 outlines the notice and resolution process. Notably, none of these ordinance sections provide any authority to take private property or reassume ownership to the Village. The purpose of the clean and lien program is to prevent blight, protect the public, and promote the general health and safety of the community.
The Village began pushing the clean and lien program in April for flood-damaged properties. The purpose was to coincide with funding opportunities for private landowners to have options for how they wanted to move forward with clearing their land. There are two separate funding opportunities with different goals. The first is a State of New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management managed Private Property Debris Removal program (PPDR), which provided for the clearing of debris from private property. The second is the Lincoln County-sponsored USDA/NRCS buy-out program, which assesses properties at pre-disaster conditions and provides a payout to the landowner directly to clear the land and return it to green space.
The clean and lien program is intended to promote the general health and safety of the community. It is not a land grab. The other programs referenced are also not land grabs. These are opportunities for landowners to decide how they want to move forward with their properties.
Pictured from left to right: Adam Sanchez, Greg Cory, Darren Hooker, Mayor Lynn Crawford, Mayor Pro Tem Rifle Salas, Susan Lutterman, and Everett Brophy
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Approval of New Outdoor Warning System Policy
Emergency Management recently briefed the Village Council on an updated policy governing the activation of Ruidoso’s new Outdoor Warning System (OWS), the network of 13 sirens positioned throughout the community. The updated policy establishes clear, consistent criteria for when and how the system will be used.
What the Sirens Mean
The core message of the updated policy is straightforward: a sounding siren indicates an immediate threat to life. Residents are expected to seek information and take protective action immediately. The OWS is not intended for general awareness or routine advisories. Activation signals only imminent, lifethreatening conditions.
When Sirens Will Be Activated
Activation is based on whether a genuine, immediate threat to life exists, not simply on the issuance of a watch or advisory. The policy outlines hazard-specific thresholds:
» Flash Flooding and Burn Scar Flooding: Sirens will sound when a Flash Flood Emergency is declared or when rapid-onset, life-threatening flooding is occurring or imminent, particularly in burn scar areas. A standard Flash Flood Watch or Advisory alone will not trigger activation. A Flash Flood Warning may prompt consideration, but observed life-threatening impacts are the deciding factor.
» Wildfire and Evacuations: Sirens will activate for wildfire when an immediate evacuation is required, and other alerting methods alone cannot reach the public in time. Elevated fire danger or a Red Flag Warning by itself will not trigger the OWS. Mandatory or immediate evacuations due to rapid fire spread will.
Tone
vs. Voice Sirens
Ruidoso’s system includes both tone-only and voice-capable sirens. Tone-only sirens signal a life-threatening emergency and indicate that residents should seek more information immediately. Voice-capable sirens go further, identifying the specific hazard and providing protective action guidance, for example: “Flash Flood -- move to higher ground immediately” or “Wildfire evacuation -- leave the area now.”
Sirens Are Just the Starting Point
Siren activation will always be accompanied by coordinated messaging through multiple channels, including IPAWS/Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), the Call Me Ruidoso/Alert Sense system, official social media, local media partners, and the Village’s emergency dashboard. Sirens are intended to prompt immediate action. Residents are encouraged to turn to these sources for specific guidance.
WHAT: Ruidoso Bridge Replacements Public Meetings
WHEN: Tuesday, June 16th and Wednesday, June 17th, 5:30-7pm
WHERE: Ruidoso Convention Center, 111 Sierra Blanca Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345
In response to the urgent need for infrastructure repairs due to wildfires and flooding, the Village of Ruidoso Bridge Replacements project will engage in the comprehensive design and replacement of six bridges. The meeting on Tuesday, June 16th, will focus on the McDaniel Dr, North Loop, and Main Rd 2 bridge locations. The meeting on Wednesday, June 17th, will focus on the Sleepy Hollow Rd, River Trail, and Robin Rd bridge locations.
RUIDOSO WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT SOLAR PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION
From The Village of Ruidoso
The Village of Ruidoso/Ruidoso Downs Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (RWWTP) is receiving a major energy upgrade to reduce electric utility costs. Using a 0% interest loan of $2.7 million from the New Mexico Environment Department’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Village has hired a design-build solar contractor, Holt Renewables of Austin, TX, to develop a 952 kW DC (793.3 kW AC) net metered solar project at the RWWTP, which is expected to save approximately $185,000 in electric costs each year.
Construction began in the fall of 2025, and the project consists of multiple solar arrays across the RWWTP site, including two solar carports, roof-mount arrays on three buildings, and 14 ground-mount arrays. The entire project includes 1,488 640-watt solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. The Village will be able to continuously monitor real-time solar system performance through an online portal maintained by the inverter manufacturer.
The Village of Ruidoso extends its gratitude to Holt Renewables, Stone Electric and Power, Otero County Electric Cooperative, and Souder Miller & Associates for their contributions in developing this vital energy resilience project.
COLONIAL AMERICA FAMILY FUN DAY
Wingfield Heritage House Museum
For those who may have missed it, this year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence! The “Semiquincentennial” is being celebrated all year, but Americans will see more commemorations as the Fourth of July approaches. The Wingfield Heritage House Museum will be celebrating with a Colonial America Family Fun Day on June 27, 2026, from 10:00-2:00 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to try out colonial crafts such as tin punching, basket making, and stenciling. Visitors will also be able to paint a fabric quilt square, which the RuidoSew Quilters will combine into a commemorative quilt for the museum. The public is welcome to stop by any time during the event to check out these crafts and other family-friendly activities!
Stephanie Long, the museum’s Manager and Curator, has also been narrating a weekly radio spot for KRUI called Moments in American History. It airs after Mondays with the Mayor, at 10:00 AM on Mondays on KRUI 1490 AM/99.1 FM. In honor of the Semiquincentennial, the radio spot highlights events from the last 250 years that happened that week in history.
The Wingfield Heritage House Museum is open 10:00 AM-5:00 PM Wednesday through Saturday and is located at 2813 Sudderth Drive. More information can be found at WingfieldMuseum.com.
Saturday, June 27 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION
From the Desk of RMA Executive Director Tim Duckworth
RMA recently teamed up with the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce for the Spring Business Mixer at The Hidden Tap. There was a great turnout for fun and networking for everyone who attended. A special thank you goes out to Downshift Brewing Company for hosting and pitching in with RMA and the Chamber for the refreshments. Thanks are also extended to The Ranchers, Indulgence, Downshift, and the Chamber for providing prizes for the trivia game!
We also supported the Humane Society of Lincoln County at the First Annual Wagfest! The turnout on the cold, drizzly morning was great! Thank you to the vendors and community members who came together to support Lincoln County pets. A huge shout out goes to Sysco for donating ice cream and frozen treats for everyone! There were so many cute pups. Be sure to come out for next year’s event!
Upcoming Events:
On June 20, 2026, Brewdoso celebrates the New Mexico craft brewing, winemaking, and distilling industries. There will be food and craft vendors from around the state, as well as family fun activities for all. This year’s musical line-up includes The Driveway Dive Band, The Tejas Brothers, and FUNGI MUNGLE! Check out the event flyer for more information about tickets.
RMA is also teaming up with the Tattoo Expo from June 19-21, 2026, at the Convention Center. For discounted tickets, attendees can show their Tattoo Expo ticket at Brewdoso and enter at early bird prices.
For updates, check out RMA on Instagram @midtown_ruidoso and online at RuidosoMidtownAssociation.com.
RECOVERY EFFORTS
Understanding the Recovery Process
Most people assume that once the President declares a disaster and FEMA shows up, the money flows and rebuilding begins. The reality is almost the opposite. A federal disaster declaration is not a check. It’s permission to start a very long process. Between the moment a disaster is declared and the moment a contractor breaks ground on a repair, there can easily be two to five years of paperwork, reviews, approvals, and waiting.
Ruidoso is living this right now. The Village is managing two separate FEMA disaster declarations simultaneously: DR-4795 (the 2024 South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding) and DR-4886 (the 2025 burn scar flooding events) with a combined 52 projects representing roughly $97 million in estimated costs, of which approximately $73.8 million is the estimated federal share. And yet, as of May 2026, only a fraction of that money has actually been spent on repairs. This graphic helps to visualize and understand the process in a step-by-step format.
Why It Feels So Slow
From a community perspective, the frustration is understandable. People see damage that has sat unrepaired for months or years and wonder why nothing is happening. The answer is that an enormous amount is happening, it’s just happening in offices, in federal systems, in engineering firms, and in review queues rather than on the ground with equipment and hard hats.
Each step in the process exists for a reason: to ensure federal money is spent on legitimate damage, designed to code, documented for accountability, and built to last. But the cumulative weight of those steps across 52 projects, two disaster declarations, dozens of damaged sites, and a small municipal staff managing it all while simultaneously running a town, is immense.
Ruidoso is doing that work every single day. The trackers don’t show how much effort goes into each row including the site visits, the phone calls with FEMA representatives, the engineering meetings, and the procurement documents, but that effort is the foundation that every future repair will be built on.
FEMA Public Assistance: Ruidoso's Path to Recovery
4.
Each
Why it feels slow
INFRASTRUCTURE SCOPE
Ruidoso stands as of May 2026 Village of Ruidoso | Public Information Office | May 2026 THE 10-STEP PROCESS
RUIDOSO BY THE NUMBERS
RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
From the Desk of Superintendent Becca Ferguson
RMSD proudly recognizes the Class of 2026 for their academic excellence, leadership, service, and commitment to success both inside and outside the classroom. From college and career certifications to distinguished honors and leadership accomplishments, the graduating class of 2026 has continued a tradition of excellence at Ruidoso High School.
Through dual credit and career pathway opportunities with Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso, RHS students achieved impressive milestones this year. Graduates earned 14 Associate Degrees, 6 Common Core Certificates, 13 CNA certifications, 2 Phlebotomy certifications, 3 Child Development Certificates, and 4 Culinary Fundamentals Certificates, demonstrating their dedication to preparing for future careers and continued education.
In addition, RHS celebrates 14 students graduating with a bilingual seal on their diploma. Their accomplishment reflects both academic achievement and the value of multilingual communication skills in today’s world.
RHS also honors this year’s Distinguished Warrior Award recipients: Rachel Baudo, Enrique Galvez-Montejano, and Makenzie Wilson. Through leadership, service, extracurricular involvement, and dedication to their school community, these students exemplify what it means to be a Warrior.
Adding to this year’s honors, Maddie Lutterman has been named the Class of 2026 Valedictorian and Cade Holland walked as the Salutatorian. Their academic dedication and perseverance have distinguished them among an exceptional graduating class.
RMSD also recognizes the 2026 New Mexico School Boards Association Excellence in Student Achievement Award recipients: Trina Lubbe, Sherridan Liangco, Dan Carey, Nicole Beach, Marsha Baca, Stacie Fuchs, David Brownrigg, and Ashley Beatty. These awards celebrate individuals whose efforts have positively impacted student achievement and educational leadership across the district.
Finally, Ruidoso School District extends sincere appreciation to this year’s retirees: Dirk Freed, Luis Herrera, Tandala Sena, Jacqueline Parenti, Arlene Layne, Trevor Rabourn, Angela Romero, and Danielle Baldwin. Their years of dedication and service have made a lasting difference for generations of Ruidoso students and families.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and to all those honored for their achievements, leadership, and contributions throughout the school year!
YourLibrary Your deliveredLibrary
Ruidoso Public Library offers Your Library Delivered, a mobile delivery service that brings books and audiobooks to select community drop sites throughout Lincoln County.
Scan to sign up
Summer EVENTS
Check out our line-up of great events for summer! Please visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for additional events and details.
WEEKLY COMMUNITY EVENTS
SUNDAY:
• Hootenanny, Lost Hiker Brewing Company (every other Sunday)
• Sunday Sounds, The Patina Lounge
• Sunday Market, Enchanted Vine Barn
• Karaoke Night, Win, Place and Show
MONDAY:
• Jacks Trivia Night, Jacks Backstage
TUESDAY:
• Open Mic & Karaoke Night, Jacks Backstage
• Movie Night, Monster House Dispensary
• Trivia Night, The Cellar Uncorked
• Music Bingo, Lost Hiker Brewing Company (every other Tuesday)
WEDNESDAY:
• Wet Your Whistle Wednesday, Lost Hiker Brewing Company
• Karaoke Night, The Quarters Bar & Grill
THURSDAY:
• Club 49 Comedy, Inn of the Mountain Gods
• Open Mic Night with Cody Jones, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap
• Thirstday Night Trivia, Lost Hiker Brewing Company
• Veterans Coffee & Company, 615 Sudderth Dr Ste 1
• Cool Summer Nights Music Series - Moski, Wingfield Park
JUNE 19-21:
• Ruidoso Tattoo Expo, Ruidoso Convention Center
JUNE 20:
• Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Fest, Wingfield Park
• Felipe Esparza, Inn of the Mountain Gods
JUNE 24:
• Free Summer Kids Series: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Sierra Cinema
JUNE 26:
• Chamber Annual Awards Banquet, Inn of the Mountain Gods
• Cool Summer Nights Music Series - Daron Kahlich, Wingfield Park
JUNE 26-28:
• Bogeys, Birds and Bags Weekend, Inn of the Mountain Gods
JUNE 27:
• Suzy Bogguss, Spencer Theater
• Colonial America Family Fun Day, Wingfield
JUNE 29:
• www.discoverruidoso.com/event-submission-form
JULY 1-4:
• Smokey Bear Stampede, Lincoln County Fairgrounds
JULY 2:
• The Swing Dolls, Spencer Theater
JULY 3:
• All American Tailgate & Drone Show, White Mountain Sports Complex
JULY 3-5:
• Lincoln County Art Loop, Lincoln County
JULY 4:
• Run White & Blue 5K and Color Fun Run, The Links Trail
JULY 11:
• Fort Stanton LIVE!
• Frankie Moreno, Spencer Theater
JULY 11-12:
• IRONMAN 70.3 Race Weekend, Wingfield Park
JULY 12:
• Frankie Moreno, Spencer Theater
JULY 16:
• Sip & Paint, Enchanted Vine
JULY 18:
• Tony Kishman’s Live & Let Die - The Music of Paul McCartney, Spencer Theater
JULY 24-26:
• Ruidoso Art & Wine Festival, Ruidoso Convention Center
JULY 25:
• Going to Memphis: A Johnny Cash Tribute, Inn of the Mountain Gods
• William Beckmann, Spencer Theater
• Cowboy Family Fun Day, Wingfield Heritage House Museum
JULY 29:
• White Sands Full Moon Night, White Sands National Park
JULY 31:
• Fort Stanton After Dark Flashlight Tour, Fort Stanton Historic Site
TUESDAY:
• Baby & Me Storytime at 10:30 AM
THURSDAY:
• Kid Storytime at 10:30 AM
JUNE 3:
• Children’s Musician Andy Mason
JUNE 10:
• Rocky Mountain Puppets
JUNE 11:
• Time Turner History Book Club
JUNE 12:
• Dungeons & Dinos (Teens)
JUNE 15:
• Wonder on Wheels Mobile Museum
JUNE 18:
• Snapshots in Time: Unlocking the History of Your Photographs
JUNE 20:
• Fossil Exploration with Tiffany Santos of the NMSU Zuhl Museum
JUNE 26:
• Jornada Research Institute lecture on Cree Meadows archaeological excavation
JULY 9:
• Time Turner History Book Club
Our 2026 Summer Reading Program, Unearth a Story, invites readers to explore dinosaurs, archaeology, and the stories waiting just beneath the surface. Readers of all ages are invited to dig into discovery. SIGN UP TODAY!
DEPARTMENTS & PHONE NUMBERS
Airport 575-336-8111
Convention Center 575-258-5445
Judicial 575-257-9055
Library 575-258-3704
Parks & Recreation 575-257-5030
Police 575-258-7365
Fire 575-257-3473
Solid Waste 575-257-1502
Street Works 575-257-6023
Forestry 575-257-5544
Planning & Zoning 575-258-6999
Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant (RWWTP) 575-378-8417
Community Center 575-257-4565
Water Distribution and Sewer
Collections 575-257-2386
Water Production 575-257-5525
Water Rights/Watershed (RJU) 575-258-6913
LINCOLN COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
www.Ruidoso-NM.gov
From the Desk of The Chief Executive Todd Oberheu
A new child and adolescent psychiatrist joined the team at Lincoln County Medical Center. Dr. Mary Nord-Cook joined LCMC in May and is officed at the Physician Office Building in Ruidoso.
At a time when rural communities are struggling to recruit healthcare providers and families across New Mexico face barriers to timely behavioral healthcare, bringing a specialist like this to Lincoln County is significant. It means a mother in Ruidoso won’t have to drive two hours to access specialty care for her children.
The headlines about rural healthcare are often about hospitals closing and services shrinking creating challenges that are real and widespread. But despite those headwinds, LCMC’s mission remains clear: ensuring New Mexicans have access to quality care close to home.
At LCMC, part of Presbyterian Healthcare Services, three recent initiatives address the realities of providing care in smaller communities: an on-site helipad, expanded child psychiatry services, and a food prescription program for families.
As a nonprofit health system, LCMC’s focus is on reinvesting in the communities it serves by making a deliberate effort to strengthen access to care where patients need it most.
RUIDOSO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
From the Desk of Executive Director Deborah Douds
The Chamber recently signed a lease agreement with the Village of Ruidoso to lease a portion of the lot at Country Club and Sudderth. They will be building the new Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center and are excited to be able to serve the community and visitors at that location. They will be working with an architect and builder to design the new building and can’t wait to begin this new phase for the Chamber!
In July, the Chamber will host the 55th Annual Ruidoso Art Festival. This juried fine art show brings in artists from all around the country. Held at the Ruidoso Convention Center July 24-26, 2026, artists will be showcasing a broad spectrum of media including sculpture, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and more! Art lovers, from the serious collector to the first-time buyer, will be sure to discover treasures to complement any lifestyle or budget. Local wineries and brewers will also be on hand for those that would like to enjoy an adult beverage during the event.
The Chamber has celebrated some new businesses this past month with Ribbon Cuttings.
» CarnivorOso: Located in the Gazebo Plaza, this shop is Ruidoso’s home for carnivorous and unique plants.
» Mattress Pro by Miller Waldrop: Located at 2801 Sudderth, this local retailer opened a second location for all your mattress needs.
» Hatch New MexiGo Grill: Located inside Hatch Chile World at 2507 Sudderth Drive celebrated their one-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting.
Businesses interested in joining the Chamber are encouraged to reach out with any questions and to discuss how the Chamber can help their business grow. Please contact the Chamber at 575-257-7395.
LEVEL 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS LEVEL 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Elevate Hotel owner Dhruv Bhakta accepts the SBA Small Business Entrepreneurial Success Business of the Year award at the SBA’s annual awards breakfast in Albuquerque. He is joined by SBA Region 6 Administrator Justin Crossie, Mayor Lynn Crawford, and VOR Emergency Manager Eric Queller.
