Volume XXVIII · December 2023
I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and family and took some time to relax and count your blessings. I cannot believe that 2023 is almost over – where does the time go? December is always a great time here in Ruidoso with all of the holiday festivities going on. Parks & Rec always does such a great job of decorating the Village! If you see any of that crew around, thank them for their efforts as it takes lots of their time to get the thousands of lights and decorations up. Hopefully you were able to come out and enjoy Christmas in the Park as we flipped the switch to light up Wingfield Park. It is always a lot of fun. I would like to personally thank Cornerstone Bakery for their annual donations of cookies and drinks for this event.
Mayor Lynn Crawford
And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Festival of Lights Parade and the holiday drone show. These are both great events that should be on your must-do list this year. Life can get hectic this time of year, so don’t forget to make time to enjoy all of the beauty and joy that surrounds us. Shifting gears, I want to give a big shout out to Tom and Casey Dorgan and their team at Ruidoso Winter Park! The New Mexico Hospitality Association recently had their annual awards ceremony, and the Screaming Eagle Mountain Coaster won the Best New Attraction in the state. As the announcement was made, Kathy Komoll, the NMHA executive director, stated that the private/ public partnership between the Village and Ruidoso Winter Park was one of the biggest reasons the panel voted as it did. We are very proud that this new attraction is garnering statewide attention. And again, if you have visitors in town for the holidays, take them out to Ruidoso Winter Park and go on a mountain coaster ride! I also want to thank those of you that took the time to vote in the recent General Election. We have municipal elections coming up in March, and I hope you have plans to exercise your right to vote again – after all, it is one of our most powerful tools as citizens. Let’s challenge ourselves to increase that number that we just posted in November and make it even bigger in March! A reminder as we begin a very busy season in our community to be kind and courteous to your neighbors, fellow residents, and those that come here to visit. It takes all of us to make this work. Finally, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We are blessed to live in this beautiful community, and I am grateful every day that I get to live, work, and play here.
Lynn
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VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS Recent Actions
At the November 7, 2023, Regular Council Meeting, the Governing Body took the following actions: » Approval of Village of Ruidoso Snow and Ice Removal Plan. » Approval of Proposed Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan for the Mechem Drive Corridor.
Ruidoso Village Council Members » Rifle Salas - Mayor Pro Tem » Susan Lutterman » Joe Eby » Gary Jackson » Tim Coughlin » Darren Hooker
» Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Between the Village of Ruidoso and Eastern New Mexico University Ruidoso Branch Community College to deliver CDL Certificate Programs on Village of Ruidoso Property (Convention Center West Parking Lot). » Recognition of the Retirement of Councilor Tim Coughlin for 8-plus years of service on the Village Council » Approval of Ordinance 2023-13, an Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico General Obligation (GO) Bonds, Series 2023, in the Aggregate Principal Amount of $1,500,000.00 for the Purpose to Enlarge, Improve, and/or Extend the Production and Distribution Components of the Village’s Water System Providing that the Series 2023 Bonds will be Payable from Ad Valorem Taxes Levied on all Taxable Property within the Village.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Village Emergency Assistance Registry
The Village Emergency Assistance Registry (VEAR) is a free registry that provides local emergency planners and emergency responders with information on the needs of their community. Individuals who have disabilities, limited mobility, or are considered medically fragile are asked to sign up for this registry. “We can best support those who are vulnerable if we know in advance where they are and what resources they may need during an emergency or disaster,” states Eric Queller, Emergency Manager for the Village of Ruidoso. An online form utilizes the Village’s ArcGIS platform to gather data and plot it on a community map that can be used for planning and emergency response purposes. Registering in the VEAR program DOES NOT guarantee receipt of a specific service during an emergency. This is to better inform the Village of the constantly evolving needs of the community during periods of disaster. Who should register? » People with disabilities. » People who are medically fragile. » People with access and functional needs such as: » limited mobility, » communication barriers, » medical assistance during an emergency event. » People who require transportation assistance. » People who require personal care assistance. How to Register Register online at www.ruidoso-nm.gov/vear Dial 575-257-3473 or 2-1-1 Residents can also fill out a hard copy by printing it off the website or stopping by Village Hall, Ruidoso Fire Department Station One, or the Ruidoso Community Center. 2
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Mechem Corridor Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan
On December 12, the Village of Ruidoso designates an area along the Mechem Drive Corridor as a Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA). The related Mechem Corridor Metropolitan Redevelopment (MR) Designation Report identified negative conditions in this location requiring public investment and attention. These conditions include inadequate housing, faulty lot layout, diverse land ownership, defective street layout, and deteriorating structures and infrastructure. This code outlines a range of tools a municipality can use to incentivize the revitalization of a corridor performing at a lessthan-desirable level through private investment in the MRA. The Metropolitan Redevelopment Plan confirms that the Village can use all legally available tools as permitted through the Metropolitan Redevelopment Code.
Areas of blight identified in the corridor
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT:
Elizabeth Potter Named a True Hero by New Mexico Magazine
Ruidoso resident Elizabeth Potter was recognized as a 2023 True Hero by New Mexico Magazine in October. She was one of ten New Mexicans honored for contributions to their communities. She was acknowledged for her work feeding at-risk children through Lincoln County Food 4 Kids. This program provides weekend and holiday food packages to Lincoln County elementary school students who are at risk of hunger over the weekend when free school meals are unavailable. Elizabeth and Frank Potter founded Food 4 Kids in 2010 and have since added in a Summer Meal Program and free books thanks to their partnership with Sierra Blanca Book Share Program and Building Communities that Support Children Reading. They also partner with Children’s Dental Clinic to provide a new toothbrush to every child receiving a backpack. Congratulations Elizabeth – the Village of Ruidoso is proud of you and is grateful for your contributions to this community! 3
NOVEMBER ELECTION RESULTS
RMSD and ENMU-Ruidoso Bonds Pass
With a record-breaking turnout of 3,252 residents, the general election saw all Lincoln County bond issues pass, and the Ruidoso School Board is welcoming two new members in January. Kelly Rigsby Johnson attended Ruidoso schools from kindergarten through graduation from Ruidoso High School in 2004. She moved back six years ago to raise her children in Ruidoso. A child of a long-time Ruidoso teacher, Kelly currently has two children in the district and one that will be soon! In her new role, she wants to be an advocate for creating high-quality education for all students in Ruidoso’s district. Elizabeth Potter has lived in Ruidoso since 2008. She worked for Head Start in Oklahoma and Ruidoso before founding Lincoln County Food 4 Kids in 2010. Her three children graduated from Ruidoso schools, and she currently serves on the White Mountain Elementary School Advisory Committee. Elizabeth’s goal as a board member is to continuously improve educational outcomes for children. The Ruidoso Public School Capital Improvements Act Tax and the Ruidoso General Obligation Bond Question overwhelmingly passed, allowing for the continuation of this important funding. ENMU-Ruidoso also had items on the ballot including a General Obligation Bond which also passed easily.. Additionally, Rachael Rosillo, Marle Frye-Romero, and Brad Treptow were all re-elected to the college board.
KEEP RUIDOSO BEAUTIFUL Clean Up of Yard Waste
Fall is the season for building mindfulness and resilience. With summer days behind us, we are facing new challenges. Pine needles are falling rapidly, and the winter chill is upon us. Please remember that all private residences and businesses are subject to Village of Ruidoso ordinances. Maintain yards without impacting neighboring lots, public right-of-way, or streets. Code enforcement is inundated with calls of leaf blowers displacing pine needles. Please ensure the proper disposal of all yard waste accumulated from your property. Pine needles can be hauled off or placed next to dumpster sites. Do not put them under electrical power lines as the grapple trucks cannot reach them there. Public Works does a great job of keeping drainage ways clear, but cannot catch all illegal dumpers. Drainage blockages cause flooding, leading to property damage downstream. Pine needles can cause water pollution by blocking sewer drain flow. Also, pine needle build-up near structures is a fire hazard. The Village of Ruidoso has enacted municipal codes that prevent property owners from blowing leaves and pine needles into the right-of-way. This action is considered illegal dumping and can carry fines of up to $500. Violators may be charged in Municipal Court under Section 70-5, which relates to unlawful dumping and disposal of yard waste. The goal is to gain compliance with locals instead of ticketing Ruidoso citizens. Finally, lawn service companies must obtain a business registration annually and adhere to all Village ordinances.
KEEP WILDLIFE WILD! Feeding wildlife is banned in the Village (bird feeders excluded) Citations will be issued $500 fine will be imposed 4
Christmas
MUNICIPAL ELECTION 2024 INFORMATION GO Bond and 4 Council Seats on the Ballot The Village of Ruidoso 2024 Municipal Officers Election will take place on March 5, 2024.
in the
Mountains by: Frank Potter
Christmas in the mountains
At the election, voters will elect: » Three (3) Council Members to serve a four (4) year term;
What a sight to see
» One (1) Council Member to serve a two (2) year term; and
Boyda A feeling of YuleEric tide
» A Municipal Judge to serve a four (4) year term.
That’s the way it should be
Terms of office begin on April 1, 2024
Celebrating the birth of Christ
If you are interested in running for any of the above elected positions, Candidate Information Packets will be available in the Village of Ruidoso Clerk’s Office beginning on December 4, 2023. You can request a packet by calling 575-258-4343, ext. 1007 or 1003; or by emailing at JiniTurri@ruidoso-nm.gov. There will be one question on the Ballot: Shall the Village of Ruidoso issue up to $3,000,000.00 of General Obligation Bonds to be repaid from property taxes for the purpose of enlarging, improving, and/or extending the production and distribution components of the Village’s water system. Important dates to remember:
Spread the message of cheer It’s the way we show our love As we feel His presence near A single walk through Bethlehem Reminds us how often We should listen to His message That is spoken so softly
» Tuesday, January 9, 2024: Candidate Filing Day. Please note, to file a Declaration of Candidacy, you must be registered to vote on or before December 6, 2023. » Tuesday, January 16, 2024: Write-In Candidate Filing Day » Tuesday, February 6, 2024: Early Voting begins at the Clerk’s Office located at 313 Cree Meadows Drive between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM during business hours. This is also the first day for Absentee Ballots. » Saturday, March 2, 2024: Last day of early voting at the Clerk’s Office from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. » Tuesday, March 5, 2024: ELECTION DAY! Voting will be held at the Ruidoso Convention Center located at 111 Sierra Blanca Drive from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Last day to register to vote is on Election Day, March 5, 2024, from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM at the Ruidoso Convention Center. For questions regarding the Municipal Officer Election, contact: Jini S. Turri Village Clerk 313 Cree Meadows Dr. Ruidoso, NM 88345 (575) 258-4343 Ext. 1007
The sight of the manger Laying beneath the pines Reminds us of a world together And of prayers on our minds The lights of luminaries That send us on our way Gives a message to everyone To kneel down and pray Hold in your heart this night And ask for His help For all of those less fortunate That He grant them a stronger step For Christmas in the pines Was put here for a reason To strengthen one and another Throughout the holy season
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DEPARTMENTS & PHONE NUMBERS VILLAGE HALL: 575-258-4343
Airport 575-336-8111 Convention Center 575-258-5445
• Capital Projects & Purchasing
Judicial 575-257-9055 Library 575-258-3704
• Executive
Parks & Recreation 575-257-5030
• Finance • Forestry
Police 575-258-7365
• Human Resources
Fire 575-257-3473 Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant (RWWTP) 575-378-8417
• Planning and Zoning
Senior/Community Center 575-257-4565
• Utility Billing
Solid Waste 575-257-1502 Street Works 575-257-6023 Water Distribution and Sewer Collections 575-257-2386 Water Production 575-257-5525 Water Rights/Watershed (RJU) 575-258-6913
www.Ruidoso-NM.gov
PARKS & RECREATION Upcoming Events
The Village of Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department has a magic-filled month planned for December. The splendor of Christmas lights and decorations will adorn the Village, turning it into a winter wonderland. Several photo opportunities can be found throughout Village parks, such as Wingfield Park and the Park at the corner of Country Club and Sudderth Drive. The ice rink in Wingfield Park is open for all to enjoy from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on weeknights and 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM on weekends. This year, the prices are $20 a day, including skate rentals. Local’s full season passes (including skate rentals) are $20 for Ruidoso residents, and $30 for Lincoln County and Mescalero residents. Season passes are being sold at the Parks and Recreation office or at the Wingfield Ice Rink. The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the Christmas Drone Show & Drive-in Movie at White Mountain Sports Complex on December 9. This year’s movie is Arthur’s Christmas, starting at 6:00 PM, followed by the drone show at 8:15 PM. It’s a fun-filled, FREE, double event for the entire family.
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SOLID WASTE
Trash Protocol
The Department of Solid Waste reminds everyone that grapple service slows down, not running all weeks in December to help with extra pick-ups of dumpsters. Slash or pine needles should be placed in large piles next to the dumpsters. A few reminders during the holiday season: » Residents and visitors may use any dumpster in the area, except for commercial dumpsters. » Please remember to break down the cardboard boxes and dump them in the blue recycling dumpsters after receiving holiday deliveries. » Please shut dumpster lids after every visit! To dispose of extra-large trash items that do not fit in dumpsters, please call Solid Waste for pickup at 575-257-1502.
WATER RESOURCE DEPARTMENT Water Conservation
Conscientious water conservation preserves and protects Ruidoso’s natural resources, and ensures the reliability of our water supply. Located in a high desert area, the Village of Ruidoso has always been aware of the need to actively conserve water. Currently, Ruidoso is classified as being in an extreme drought. Consequently, the Village is in Phase 5 Water Restrictions. Simple changes can be made at home to help conserve water. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Install a low-flow toilet. Shorten shower times. Check your toilet and faucets for leaks. Don’t leave the water running while brushing. Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads. Don’t use running water to thaw food. Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. 9. Monitor water bill for unusually high usage. The EyeOnWater app allows customers to monitor water bills and understand how much water is being used and if any leaks are present. It is easy to create an account using a water bill account number and an email address. In an effort to incorporate growth and address prolonged drought conditions, the Village of Ruidoso Water Resource Department is revising the 2016 Water Conservation Plan and updating water conservation triggers. Significant impacts can be made on water usage simply by making small changes in daily routines.
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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. DECEMBER 15: • Paint Party with Bridge to Art, The Faithful Fern • Delaney and Valorie Featuring Dave Millsap, Downshift Riverside DECEMBER 16: • Opera in the Chapel, Fort Stanton • Delaney and Valorie, Downshift Hidden Tap
Check for Daily Events
DECEMBER 16-17: • The Nutcracker, Spencer Theater DECEMBER 21-23: • Oso Production’s A Sherlock Carol, ENMU Ruidoso
Ruidoso-NM.gov/Community-Center
DECEMBER 22: • Dave Millsap and Dayne Pack, Downshift Riverside • Doso Dirtbags, Downshift Hidden Tap
DECEMBER 1: • ENMU Art Show Reception, ENMU Ruidoso DECEMBER 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 20-23, 25-31: • White Mountain Christmas, Flying J Ranch
DECEMBER 23: • Doso Dirtbags, Lost Hiker Brewing Company • Dayne Pack, Downshift Hidden Tap • Chris Baker, Downshift Riverside
DECEMBER 2: • Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade and After Party, Midtown and Wingfield Park • First Annual Chili Cook Off, Downshift Riverside • Country Christmas Bazaar, Capitan Municipal Schools • Annual Bourbon Auction, Win Place & Show
DECEMBER 27: • Full Moon Community Sound Bath, Blue Lotus Day Spa & Yoga DECEMBER 31: • New Year’s Celebration, Inn of the Mountain Gods; Frontier New Year’s Eve Bash, Bonita Valley Brewing Company • New Year’s Eve Party, The Quarters • New Year’s Eve Party, Win Place and Show
DECEMBER 3: • Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Downshift Brewing Company DECEMBER 8: • Midtown Mixer, Downshift Riverside DECEMBER 9: • Christmas Drone Show & Drive-in Movie, White Mountain Complex • Meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Historic Lincoln DECEMBER 10: • Winter Holiday Concert, ENMU Ruidoso
DECEMBER 9, 2023
DECEMBER 12: • Ruidoso Writers’ Group, Ruidoso Library DECEMBER 14: • RHS Band & Choir Concert, Ruidoso High School • Keith Harkin, Downshift Riverside
Christmas Drone Show and Drive-In Movie 8
Angel Tree
Stop by the library to pick up an angel ornament with info about an area child in need. Purchase a gift based on the info, and drop off your donation and the angel at the library by December 17.
JANUARY 19: • Paint Party with Bridge to Art, The Faithful Fern DECEMBER 6: • Pajama Storytime, Ruidoso Library
JANUARY 20: • Rockabilly Strangers, Lost Hiker Brewery
DECEMBER 9: • Christmas Concert with Andy Mason and Santa Storytime, Ruidoso Library
JANUARY 25: • Full Moon Community Sound Bath, Blue Lotus Day Spa & Yoga
DECEMBER 13: • Giving Back Storytime (bring a canned good) and Teen Program, Ruidoso Library
JANUARY 27: • Luis Angel “El Flaco,” Inn of the Mountain Gods
DECEMBER 14: • STEAM Program, Ruidoso Library
JANUARY 26-28: • Yoga Immersion, Blue Lotus Day Spa & Yoga
Submit Your Event www.discoverruidoso.com/event-submission-form
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE December 2, 2023 5:30PM · Midtown
After Party at Wingfield Park
WINGFIELD HERITAGE HOUSE MUSEUM Creating the Collection
Greetings from the Wingfield Heritage House Museum! The Village is making progress in creating a home for history in Ruidoso. Over the past few months, the museum gathered the first group of objects, photographs, and documents, mostly from the possessions of the Wingfield, Robinson, and Morrison families. Moving forward, the collection will include items representing many more people and families who lived in the Ruidoso area. All of these items help preserve Ruidoso’s history for future generations. Currently utilizing a small storage area upstairs, the museum is working to create a bigger space that can host a larger collection. Potential donors interested in contributing to the museum, please contact curator Stephanie Long at StephanieLong@ruidoso-nm.gov. Long is analyzing what can be accommodated in the current space, and what will need to be housed in the larger collection storage space. The Ruidoso Cultural and Natural History Committee is conducting a final review of the new Collections Management Policy. This policy determines criteria for donations to be accepted into the collection, specifically that the item is: » Relevant to the museum’s mission » Able to be cared for by the museum » In stable condition » Not hazardous to staff or other collection items » Not a duplication of objects already in the collection » Legally obtained by the present owner » In possession of a clear title Donations with limitations on use or display will not be accepted. The Manager/Curator and the Committee review all potential donations before they are accepted into the collection. Examples of the types of artifacts that fit into the collection: » Living in the Ruidoso Area: prehistoric items, native peoples, early settlement, family life, communities, religious life, social organizations, education, recreation, leisure, crime, house maintenance, schools, etc. » Tourism and the Promotion of Ruidoso: advertisements, travel, transportation, hotels, attractions, restaurants, casinos, events, etc. » Business and Economy of the Ruidoso Area: ranching, farming, mining, merchants, retail, professional services, health care, land development, business associations, real estate, etc. The goal is to build a local history collection to document life in the region around Ruidoso and Sierra Blanca. It is exciting to see what has been hidden away in this community over the years. To stay informed about the museum as it develops, please visit the VOR website (https://ruidoso-nm.gov/wingfield-heritage-house-museum)
Wingfield store and businesses, 1923
Residents of the town of Bonito gather for 4th of July picnic, c. 1900 10
Interior of Cottage Eats Shop, located at present-day Sudderth and Mechem
Hi! There is a very nice gentleman repairing a water leak under my house right now. We knew to call him because of the EyeOnWater notification we received to alert us of the leak. Thank you for that service. This would most likely have become much worse before we became aware of it without that alert.
Discover New Year’s Eve Events in Ruidoso
~ Kathy Weinman
DiscoverRuidoso.com/calendar-of-events/new-years-eve-in-ruidoso
RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION
From the Desk of Executive Director Stephanie Garcia
We’re officially deep into autumn here in Lincoln County. During this season of change, it seems appropriate to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Ruidoso Midtown Association. I grew up in Ruidoso and have a special love of our Midtown. So, it is extra exciting for me to be part of this organization that sets out to better the district and gives back to the local community. This season has already been a busy one, and it will stay that way until the end of the year. We had a wonderful turnout for trick-or-treating in Midtown this year, which led to a great pumpkin roll, coffin race, and costume contest! Shout out to Dean Fowler for donating the prize for the winner of the coffin race - the RHS Cheerleaders! Go Warriors! Thank you also to Indulgence, Addy Co. Tour, and Tanner’s Land & Tree Service for sponsoring coffins.
Stephanie Garcia
The pumpkin roll was 350 pumpkins deep and once again, super entertaining. Thank you to our local Albertsons for donating the pumpkins. Also, a big thank you to the Village for providing front-end loaders and staff to help with this event. We were able to give out prizes for the shortest and longest pumpkins, both locals! We were also fortunate to see some amazing costumes, and handed out prizes to Ken and Barbie for best kid’s costume, Chewie in an At-At walker for best adult, and the Addams Family for best group! The entire RMA board plus the extended board family put in a lot of time and volunteer hours to make this event happen, as they do every year. A final, very big thank you to the Ruidoso Police Department for making sure traffic was managed and everyone was safe during this time. RMA is proceeding with the installation of a digital billboard on the corner of Country Club and Sudderth. This project has been a long time coming, and Lance Roe of Backcountry Attitudes has put in the time and hours to get it done. When finished, this billboard will provide a prime spot for advertising, information, and wayfinding for the district. On December 8 at Downshift Riverside, the Ruidoso Midtown Association is hosting the Midtown Mixer. This year’s theme is a Pajama Party at Santa’s Workshop! There will be two boxes at the event for Toys for Tots donations, and we encourage everyone to bring unwrapped, unopened toys to the party. This locals’ event has food, fun, drinks, and a silent auction with items donated by local businesses. We hope to see you there. As we get ready for our next Mainstreet Accreditation process, our board will continue its dedication to maintaining a beautiful district that attracts locals and tourists alike. We welcome your input, please email me at RuidosoMidtownAssociation@gmail.com. 11
• in Ruidoso • Christmas in the Park Light Display DECEMBER 1 - JANUARY 7 Please join us in Wingfield Park to kick off the Christmas Season with the annual Ruidoso Christmas in the Park.
Christmas Drone Show and Drive-In Movie SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM - Drive-in Movie Arthur Christmas 8:15 PM - Drone Show Begins White Mountain Complex
Ice Skating at Wingfield Park NOVEMBER 24 – JANUARY 15 Select Dates
DiscoverRuidoso.com