Volume 61 · September 2026
As we close out another beautiful August here in the Village of Ruidoso, I want to take a moment to reflect on the month behind us and look ahead to the season still to come. Our community continues to shine as a summer destination, and I’m grateful for the residents, business owners, and Village staff who work every day to make Ruidoso a place we’re proud to call home.
Mayor Lynn Crawford
Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for Labor Day Weekend, one of the biggest weekends of the year for our community. We look forward to welcoming visitors and tourists from across the region who will make the trip up the mountain to enjoy our cool air, our trails, our shops, and everything else that makes Ruidoso special. These visitors are more than guests, they’re an important part of what keeps our local economy strong. The dollars they spend at our restaurants, in our shops, and with our lodging partners ripple through the entire Village, supporting jobs and helping small businesses thrive heading into the fall. I’d encourage everyone in our community to extend the same warm hospitality Ruidoso is known for, and I’d ask our visitors to be patient with traffic and be respectful of our neighborhoods as we all share the road and the trails together. I also want to take a moment to talk about our weather. We still have one more month of monsoon season ahead of us, and while afternoon storms can be unpredictable, I want to express our gratitude for the moisture we’ve received this summer. Our forests, our watersheds, and our water supply have all benefited from these rains, and we’ve been fortunate to receive that moisture with relatively little flooding or damage to our roads and properties. After the events our community has weathered in recent years, that’s not something we take for granted. I want to thank our Public Works crews, our emergency management team, and our first responders who continue to monitor conditions closely and keep our community safe. I’d also remind everyone to stay weather-aware as we finish out the season, keep an eye on forecasts, and use caution near waterways and low-water crossings after storms. As always, thank you for calling Ruidoso home, and for the warm welcome I know you’ll extend to the visitors who will fill our Village over Labor Day Weekend. It’s a privilege to serve this community, and I look forward to seeing many of you around the Village in the weeks ahead.
KEEP WILDLIFE WILD! Feeding wildlife is banned in the Village (bird feeders excluded) Citations will be issued $500 fine will be imposed
Mayor Lynn Crawford
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VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS Recent Actions
August 11, 2026, Village Council Meeting Highlights: » Oath of Office for Deputy Clerk - Ashley Carothers. » Approval of Transfer of Ownership of Inter-Local Dispenser Pictured from left to right: Adam Sanchez, Greg Cory, Darren Hooker, Mayor Lynn Crawford, Type Liquor Licenses No. DIS-001010 with On Premise Mayor Pro Tem Rifle Salas, Susan Lutterman, Consumption with Patio Service, and License No. DISand Everett Brophy 000985 with On Premise Consumption and without Patio Service, for Cattle Baron Restaurants, INC., for operation of said licenses for d/b/a Cattle Baron Steak and Seafood Restaurant at 657 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, NM, and Farley’s Food Fun & Pub at 1200 Mechem Dr., Ruidoso, NM. » Approval of a Restaurant A (Beer and Wine) Liquor License with On Premises Consumption Only with Patio Service #BLA-0000021197, for Roso’s Ristorante, LLC for operation of said license at 522 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, NM. » Approval of Adoption of Resolution 2026-162, a Resolution Approving Submission of Completed Design Only Applications for Financial Assistance to the New Mexico Finance Authority Water Trust Board for Fiscal Year 2027. » Approval of Agreement between the Village of Ruidoso and the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, New Mexico State Library Division for the Reimbursement of Expenditures, Per the 2024 State General Obligation Bond Appropriation in the amount of $45,988.33. » Police Department Promotions Effective 6/28/26 » Adrian Garcia – Police Corporal » Levi Wrye – Police Corporal » Yancy Darby – Police Sergeant » Jimmy Hernandez – Police Sergeant Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers Village Hall
WATER DISTRIBUTION AND SEWER COLLECTIONS Fats, Oils & Grease Inspection Program
Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) can cause blockages and overflows in the sewer collection system. Cooking grease is one of the primary causes of sewer line blockages, leading to overflows from manholes or backups. These overflows are costly to clean up, pose risks of property damage and can result in significant environmental, health and safety hazards. The Village of Ruidoso’s FOG inspection program for food service establishments includes periodic inspections to ensure compliance with the VOR sewer ordinance and to document routine grease trap maintenance. Residents can help maintain the sewer system by properly disposing of cooking oil and grease. Here is how you can help: » Do not dump cooking oil, fat or grease into the kitchen sink or toilet. » Do not use hot water and soap to wash grease down the drain, as it will cool and harden in your pipes or in the sewer line. » Do place cooked oil and meat fats in a sealed container and discard small quantities in the garbage. » Do use paper towels to wipe residual grease or oil off dishes, pots and pans before washing them. These simple steps can help prevent unnecessary service disruptions to residences and businesses. 2
WATER PRODUCTION
Lead & Copper Pipe Surveys Coming to Residents The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set the effective date of the revised Lead and Copper Rule for December 16, 2021. Under the revised rule, public water systems must notify residents by mail about inventory surveys by December 31, 2026. The purpose of this rule is to reduce and ultimately eliminate lead from all drinking water systems. By doing so, residents are better protected from the negative effects lead has on health. Updates to the Lead and Copper Rule include: » Municipalities must have a sampling plan to check water at any elementary school or childcare facility. » A service line inventory must be in place noting whether lead or galvanized metal comes into contact with the water system. This inventory must include the Village’s water service line to the meter as well as the customer’s side service line. The Village of Ruidoso is proactively implementing the revised Lead and Copper Rule. The initial inventory for all service lines within Village limits has been compiled for submission to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). Notices of upcoming surveys will be mailed to residents who have service lines of unknown material. Once the surveys are complete and the full inventory is established, project design will begin to replace all lead and galvanized pipes in the Village. For more information about the revised Lead and Copper Rule, visit the U.S. EPA Ground Water and Drinking Water website by scanning the QR code. Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency. (May 22, 2025)
Looking for live music in Ruidoso tonight?
DiscoverRuidoso.com/info/where-to-see-live-music-in-ruidoso
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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
FINANCE CORNER
Utility Rate Adjustments – Effective July 2026
The Village of Ruidoso accounts for its utilities under enterprise (business activity) funds. This means utility rates are set to ensure that sufficient revenue is generated to cover both operating and capital expenses. Until the adoption of the Utility Rate Analysis in June 2024, utility rates had not been increased since 2014. Fortunately, the Village has benefited from supplemental funding mechanisms, such as the State Gross Receipts Tax (SGRT) and the General Obligation (GO) Bond funding cycle, which have supported water infrastructure improvements. However, other utilities, such as sewer, solid waste, forestry and wastewater, do not have access to similar external funding sources for major upgrades and improvements. In anticipation of continued growth in Ruidoso, the Utility Rate Analysis reviewed long-term master plans for infrastructure improvements and projected operating cost increases. Based on this analysis, a structured plan was adopted to gradually increase utility rates each year through Fiscal Year 2032. The annual increases range from 3% to 8%, depending on the specific utility. Additionally, these future projections assume a baseline of 40% grant funding to help offset infrastructure costs. As part of the scheduled adjustments, utility rates increased in July 2026 (reflected in August billing cycles). The rate increases were as follows: » Sewer: 8% » Water: 12% » Wastewater: 5% » Solid Waste and Forestry: 30% The Village appreciates the community’s understanding and support as it works to maintain and improve essential utility services for current and future residents. Utility rates can be found at Ruidoso-nm.gov/water-rates.
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WINGFIELD HERITAGE HOUSE MUSEUM An Art in Nature Family Day
Families are invited to spend a Saturday morning exploring the connection between art and the natural world at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum. On October 10, 2026, “Watercolors & Winged Wonders” brings together hands-on creativity and the beauty of the outdoors for a FREE community event from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Special guest Greg Haussler, a butterfly collector and watercolor artist, will join the day with framed butterfly specimens along with his own watercolor paintings of butterflies and birds. He plans to be there until 2:00 PM, giving visitors plenty of time to chat with him and see his work up close. Kids and families can also dive into a lineup of nature-inspired art activities, including a sun print activity, symmetry watercolor butterflies, and pressed flower art. Each station offers a different way to connect creativity with the natural world, perfect for young artists and curious minds. Admission to the Wingfield Heritage House Museum is always free. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is located at 2813 Sudderth Drive. Make sure to tune into our weekly radio show called Moments in American History, airing after Mondays with the Mayor, at 10:00 AM every Monday on KRUI (FM 99.1/AM 1490).
RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION From the Desk of RMA Executive Director Tim Duckworth Even though August was a quiet month for us, Midtown had several bustling weekends with sidewalks full of visitors. We’re hoping for more of the same throughout September. With new fall items arriving in stores, trivia and open mic nights, and live bands at several locations throughout Midtown, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy. Our Midtown Market continues every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. On September 18-19, 2026, we’re excited for the 2nd Annual Ruidoso RunFest Festival. Downshift Brewing will hold its Ruidoso Oktoberfest on September 26, 2026, and the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce will bring the AspenFest Parade and Festival to town on October 3, 2026. Mark your calendars for two more big events we’re looking forward to this fall: the 2026 XTERRA World Championship comes to Ruidoso October 8-11, followed by our annual Midtown Halloween event on October 28, 2026. Follow along with us online at RuidosoMidtownAssociation.com and on Instagram at @midtown_ruidoso. For year-round safety, we encourage everyone to sign up for weather alerts and Village of Ruidoso notifications at CallMeRuidoso.com. These updates are helpful in every season.
E911EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
Sign-up for Emergency Notifications in the Village of Ruidoso
www.CallMeRuidoso.com 5
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT HUD Ordinance Change
Proposed Manufactured Home Zoning Change It was recently brought to the Village’s attention that its zoning ordinance regulating the placement of “manufactured” housing may exclude some federally certified HUD-standard dwellings. The State of New Mexico does not clearly distinguish between a single-section manufactured home and a single-wide mobile home. The Village had adopted language based on the state definition, which led to this potential exclusion. The existing language states: Multi-section manufactured home means a manufactured home or modular home that is a single-family dwelling with a heated area of at least 36 by 24 feet, at least 864 square feet, and constructed in a factory to the standards of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, and the Housing and Urban Development Zone Code 2 of the Uniform Building Code, as amended to the date of the unit’s construction, and installed on a permanent foundation consistent with the Manufactured Housing and Zoning Act (N.M.S.A. 1978, Sec 3-21A-2.A). A single-section manufactured home does not meet this definition. The new proposed language states: Manufactured Home. A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight body feet or more in width or 40 body feet or more in length, or, when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein; except that such term shall include any structure which meets all the requirements of this paragraph except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer has received certification from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and complies with the standards of the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act; and except that such term shall not include any self-propelled recreational vehicle (42 USC 5402). For purposes of this chapter, a HUD-certified manufactured home includes both single-section and multi-section manufactured homes and shall be regulated as provided in the applicable zoning district and development standards of this chapter. Mobile Home. A movable or portable housing structure as defined in the New Mexico Manufactured Housing and Zoning Act, NMSA 1978, Section 3-21A-2(B), as amended. Permanent Foundation. A permanent foundation that complies with the Manufactured Housing Act and applicable rules adopted pursuant thereto by the Manufactured Housing Division, as amended. What this means for residents: This change would not allow a traditional single-wide mobile home to be placed in an area designated for standard residential zoning. Those structures will remain in mobile-home-designated zoned areas. This proposed change would instead distinguish a traditional single-wide mobile home from a single-section manufactured home, so that the latter is no longer excluded from traditional residential zoned sections.
SECTION 2. Table 54.53.1, Allowable Uses, is hereby amended by deleting the use classification “Single-section manufactured home,” replacing the use classification “Multi-section manufactured home” with “Manufactured home,” and retaining the existing allowable-use designations applicable to multi-section manufactured homes as the allowable-use designations for manufactured homes:
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RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
From The Desk of Interim Superintendent Morgan Hawk
Ruidoso School District proudly kicked off another exciting school year as students returned to all four schools on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, for the start of the 2026– 2027 school year. Our 3-and-4-year-old programs followed on August 17, 2026, welcoming some of our youngest learners into classrooms for a year of discovery and growth. The opening weeks were filled with excitement as students and staff settled into their routines, reconnected with friends and colleagues and began another year of learning, laughter and fun throughout the district. We’re especially grateful for the continued partnership and generosity of the Ruidoso Rotary, which organized another successful Pack the Bus School Supply Drive during the weekend before school began. Their commitment, along with the generosity of community members who contributed supplies, provided valuable resources for students and classrooms across the district. As our academic year gets underway, we extend our appreciation for the patience and understanding of families, staff and community members while needed road work continues in the Warrior and Hull areas. We encourage families to allow additional travel time and remain cautious around school zones, buses, pedestrians and construction areas. The 2026–2027 school schedule is provided for reference, and we encourage families to stay connected throughout the year by visiting the updated Ruidoso Schools website, using the district mobile app and following our Facebook postings for the latest school Calendar announcements and information.
2026-2027 RMSD
VOR SAFETY RESOURCES Safety Program Update
The Village of Ruidoso continues to strengthen its commitment to workplace safety through its partnership with the New Mexico Self Insurers Fund (NMSIF), providing departments with enhanced training resources, safety assessments and risk-reduction strategies designed to keep employees protected on the job. With Michael Sralik now serving as the Village’s Health and Safety Coordinator, the design and implementation of the Safety and Risk Program is being guided in conjunction with the New Mexico Municipal League and the New Mexico Self Insurers Fund, further advancing a comprehensive and proactive safety culture across all departments. Recent efforts include expanded safety workshops, department-specific hazard evaluations and updated reporting procedures to ensure quick response and prevention. Through NMSIF’s guidance, the Village is taking a proactive approach to reducing injuries, improving workplace conditions and fostering a culture where every employee feels empowered to prioritize safe practices. These ongoing improvements highlight the Village’s dedication to operational excellence, stewardship of public resources and the well-being of its workforce. Together with NMSIF, the Village of Ruidoso is building a safer, stronger future for all employees. Safety Committee Meetings are conducted monthly using safety liaisons from each department. These professionally facilitated meetings review incidents, share best practices and coordinate improvements across departments. The committee also conducts regular discussions on OSHA compliance, ensuring that Village operations meet state and federal safety standards. By keeping OSHA requirements at the forefront, the team helps maintain safe workplaces and reduce potential hazards. It’s inspiring to see the safety culture in the Village of Ruidoso continue to grow stronger each month. Village employees and the community remain the top priority, and every improvement reflects the Village’s commitment to keeping everyone safe. 7
Fall EVENTS
Check out our line-up of great events for fall!
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
TUESDAY:
• Baby & Me at 10:30 AM
WEDNESDAY:
• Storytime at 10:30 AM
MONDAY: • Jacks Trivia Night, Jacks Backstage • Free Nutrition/Cooking Classes, ENMU 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)
SEPTEMBER 16: • Children’s Program DAR Constitution Ruidoso Public Library SEPTEMBER 17: • Sip and Paint at the Barn, Enchanted Vine • Free Classic Cinema Film Series The Blue Angel, ENMU SEPTEMBER 18: • Children’s Program Miguel Briones, Ruidoso Public Library SEPTEMBER 18-19: • 2nd Annual Ruidoso RunFest, Wingfield Park SEPTEMBER 18-20: • Casino Apache Iron Run Motorcycle Rally, Casino Apache Travel Center SEPTEMBER 19: • Molly Hatchet, Inn of the Mountain Gods • Back to Basics Tour, Jacks Backstage • Humane Society of Lincoln County Pet Expo, Humane Society of Lincoln County • Teen Book Club, Ruidoso Public Library SEPTEMBER 21: • Trivia Night at the Cellar, Noisy Water Winery SEPTEMBER 24: • Children’s Program Comics, Ruidoso Public Library SEPTEMBER 25: • Flashlight Tour, Fort Stanton Historic Site SEPTEMBER 26: • Midland, Jacks Backstage • Dance, Dance Evolution - 90s Tribute Dinner & Show, Inn of the Mountain Gods • Full Moon Night, White Sands National Park • Oktoberfest, Downshift Riverside
WEDNESDAY: • Wet Your Whistle Wednesday, Lost Hiker Brewing Company • Karaoke Night, The Quarters Bar & Grill • Survivor Watch Party, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap 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 SATURDAY: • Midtown Market, Country Club Park SEPTEMBER 1: • Vinyl Night, Downshift Riverside • First Tuesday Yoga with Nikki, Noisy Water Winery SEPTEMBER 3: • MoneyMakers at Summer Music Series 6 PM, Ruidoso Public Library • Country Classics, Spencer Theater • Free Classic Cinema Film Series Baby Face, ENMU SEPTEMBER 5: • Carrizozo Community Festival, Carrizozo • Rich O’Toole Live, Patina Lounge Jacks Backstage SEPTEMBER 5-6: • All American Gun & Southwest Living Expo, Ruidoso Convention Center SEPTEMBER 8: • Rainmakers Golf Tourney, Rainmakers Golf Course SEPTEMBER 10: • Cactus Sol at Summer Music Series, Ruidoso Public Library • Wonders on Wheels Bus (2:00-7:00 PM), Ruidoso Public Library SEPTEMBER 12: • Chayce Beckham Live, Jacks Backstage
Submit Your Event www.discoverruidoso.com/event-submission-form 8
OCTOBER 1: • Free Classic Cinema Film Series Seconds, ENMU • Lava Look Hike with Warren, Valley of Fires Recreation Area OCTOBER 1-2: • ENMU Cross Country Meet, Inn of the Mountain Gods OCTOBER 3: • AspenFest, Wingfield Park • Lost Hikers Gonna Hike, Valley of Fires Recreation Area Visitor Center OCTOBER 6: • Vinyl Night, Downshift Hidden Tap • First Tuesday Yoga with Niki, Noisy Water Winery OCTOBER 7: • XTERRA Community Hike, Moon Mountain Trail OCTOBER 7-10: • XTERRA Morning Yoga, Blue Lotus Day Spa & Yoga • XTERRA Evening Yoga, Downshift Riverside OCTOBER 8-11: • XTERRA World Championships Weekend, Ruidoso • XTERRA Ruidoso Shop Hop, Ruidoso OCTOBER 8: • XTERRA Welcome Ceremony & Community Celebration, Wingfield Park OCTOBER 9: • XTERRA Sunrise Community Hike, Grindstone Mesa Loop OCTOBER 10: • Water Colors & Winged Wonders, Wingfield Heritage House Museum • XTERRA World Championship Awards Ceremonies & After Party, Ruidoso Convention Center
OCTOBER 16: • Switchfoot with Anberlin, Jacks Backstage OCTOBER 16-17: • ENMU-Ruidoso College Rodeo, Capitan, NM OCTOBER 17: • Eli Young Band, Jacks Backstage • 14th Annual Health and Wellness Fair, Inn of the Mountain Gods OCTOBER 17-18: • R2Doso Comic Con 2026, Ruidoso Convention Center OCTOBER 22: • Free Classic Cinema Film Series Rosemary’s Baby, ENMU OCTOBER 24: • Aaron Sanchez, Inn of the Mountain Gods OCTOBER 25: • White Sands Full Moon Night, White Sands National Park OCTOBER 27: • The Hoppy Readers Book Club, Lost Hiker Taproom OCTOBER 28: • Flashlight Tour, Fort Stanton Historic Site • Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll, Midtown Ruidoso OCTOBER 30: • Flashlight Tour, Fort Stanton Historic Site OCTOBER 31: • 12th Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival, Lincoln, NM
RUIDOSO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
From the Desk of Executive Director Deborah Douds
The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce recently held the 55th Annual Ruidoso Art Festival. This fine art show brings in amazing artists from all over the Southwest. This year’s Best in Show Award went to Roy Cavarretta, a gourd artist from Hallettsville, Texas. His winning piece was a bushel gourd featuring carving and inlaid embellishments, with an antler attached using woven pine needles. The Best Booth award went to Eric Von Siebert of Rockport, Texas. Eric works with high-grade aluminum, using diamond abrasives and layered transparent dyes and films to create luminous, dimensional surfaces that shift with light and perspective. The visually striking colors and textures of his booth, paired with the welcoming atmosphere he and his wife create, earned him the award. With fall on its way, we’re gearing up to celebrate AspenFest on October 3, 2026. This year’s parade theme is “Harvesting Adventure.” The parade kicks off at 10:00 AM at the corner of Mechem and Sudderth Drives and continues through Midtown. Immediately following, we’ll host the festival at Wingfield Park, featuring live music, vendors, children’s activities, food trucks, and beer and wine. This past month, we celebrated the opening of two new businesses with ribbon cuttings. Saguaro Dental Hygiene LLC, located at 200 Sudderth Drive, is Ruidoso’s first dental clinic owned and operated by local dental hygienists. We also cut the ribbon for Lincoln County Medical Center’s new Women’s Care Clinic, located just across the parking lot from the hospital at 213 Sudderth Drive. The clinic’s OB/GYN providers are focused on women’s reproductive health and are dedicated to giving their patients the care they need. The Chamber is here to support our community, and membership in the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce is an investment in Ruidoso’s future. We work hard every day to make Ruidoso a better place to live, work, and play. If you’d like to join us, give us a call at 575-257-7395. 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 Fire 575-257-3473 Solid Waste 575-257-1502 Street Works 575-257-6023
VILLAGE HALL: 575-258-4343 • Capital Projects and Purchasing
Community Center 575-257-4565
• Executive
Water Distribution and Sewer
• Finance
Collections 575-257-2386
• Human Resources • Utility Billing
Water Production 575-257-5525 Water Rights/Watershed (RJU) 575-258-6913
www.Ruidoso-NM.gov
EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY - RUIDOSO From the Desk of President Ryan Trosper ENMU-Ruidoso is celebrating a first for the college: Brayden Rocha has become its inaugural NJCAA All-Academic Honors recipient. The NJCAA recently released its 2025-2026 All-Academic Teams, honoring studentathletes nationwide who earned a GPA of 3.60 or higher. Rocha was named to the AllAcademic Second Team for his 3.80-3.99 GPA. A member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and a Ruidoso High School graduate, Rocha is the son of Alice Tahnito, herself an ENMU-Ruidoso graduate. He’s pursuing an Associate degree in Business with a minor in Culinary Arts and will return this fall as a sophomore on the Cross Country Team. “In August, the NJCAA announced this year’s recipients, and I am proud to share that Brayden was selected to the NJCAA All-Academic Second Team,” said Athletic Coordinator Randa Clabaugh, who nominated Rocha. “Being able to celebrate the academic achievements of our student-athletes is a reminder of what collegiate athletics is all about.” Cross Country Head Coach Micah Bray praised Rocha’s character as much as his achievement. “Brayden is a very humble and hard-working young man, a combination that is sure to translate to success in many areas of his life,” Bray said. For the 2026 Cross Country schedule visit Ruidoso.ENMU.edu.
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LINCOLN COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
From the Desk of The Chief Executive Todd Oberheu
Helping Patients Manage Lymphedema Close to Home Swelling in an arm or leg might seem like something that will eventually go away. But when swelling sticks around, doesn’t improve with elevation or compression socks, or begins affecting everyday activities, it may be a sign of lymphedema. At Lincoln County Medical Center (LCMC), specialized therapy is available to help patients manage lymphedema and stay active and independent without having to travel far from home for care. Lymphedema happens when fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, causing persistent swelling. It affects millions of Americans and is especially common among people who have undergone surgery or radiation as part of cancer treatment. It can also develop in people with circulation problems, limited mobility, obesity or a previous injury. Because lymphedema can gradually worsen, recognizing the signs and seeking help early is important. Along with swelling that doesn’t go away, signs can include changes in the skin, varicose or spider veins, or clear or yellow fluid leaking through small openings in the skin. The earlier patients get the tools to manage their lymphedema, the better their chances of avoiding complications and continuing to do the things that matter most to them. LCMC’s lymphedema therapy program is designed to give patients those tools. Treatment is personalized and can include specialized massage to help move fluid, compression therapy, skin care, and at-home exercises. Therapists also teach patients and caregivers how to manage the condition long term and help connect them with compression garments or other equipment when needed. Having this care available locally can make a big difference. Without lymphedema services at LCMC, some patients would need to travel an hour or more for regular appointments, a particular challenge for those with transportation difficulties, limited mobility or other health concerns. Access to lymphedema care has also improved in recent years as Medicare expanded coverage for certain compression supplies, and greater awareness is helping more people recognize the condition and get connected with treatment. For patients, the goal is simple: learn how to manage lymphedema so it has less of an impact on everyday life. With specialized care available at LCMC, patients in Lincoln County can get that support closer to the people, places and routines that matter most.
YourLibrary delivered
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