Volume IX
Hello Ruidoso! Summer is upon us, and we all know what that means. May showers and spring flowers in a perfect world, but as we all know, it’s anything but perfect. The tragedy of the McBride Fire took so much from so many. Our hearts are with the families of those lost and to the many friends they left. I am very proud of the Village community because of the compassion we showed each other, and how we all came together. The first responders from around the entire county performed in the most admirable ways. If not for these trained experts, this would have been much worse. The best of humanity was and still is on full display; the selfless giving of time, supplies and money is truly amazing.
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May 2022
Mayor Lynn Crawford
We must remember healing and restoration will be a long process, support for those most affected will be needed for months and years to come. The Village has already moved into our recovery phase working with federal, state and most importantly, local resources. Resources like our churches, nonprofit organizations and of course many generous individuals. We are working close with Lincoln County, Homeland Security and soon FEMA to clean-up and secure all affected areas. We recognize this was not just a Village event, but an entire countywide catastrophe. Many of the people affected are those living among us, running businesses, working in those businesses, and supporting this community in untold ways. People and families that now need our continued support. If you would like to support those in need you can give through the Chamber of Commerce. They are acting as a clearing house for monetary donations, donations of short-term rentals converted to long-term rentals for housing, and commitments of time and labor. We now have groups in our community that are helping with free clean-up of debris, tree removal and other unseen needs. Groups like the Southern Baptist Disaster Rescue Volunteers, Samaritan’s Purse, and the Salvation Army. Soon, fundraising efforts will be made to put money directly into the hands of those that need it most - families, families with children, elderly, and individuals all who have lost so much. Let’s all remind them of the things they do have left like friends, family, and memories to make for a better future. It is incumbent on us all to step-up and give unconditionally to support these neighbors on their roads to recovery. If you need help or know of someone who does, reach out to the Village and the Chamber - we are here. The Village is open for business! We worked hard and thrived through the pandemic. We will succeed and thrive once more. Soon tourists will be flowing into our community. Tourism is our major industry and our life blood. Many businesses were already short-staffed and in need of workers. If you are able and can work, now is the time to get a job. Maybe just a summer job, maybe just 20 hours-a-week or whatever you can.
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As is normal, the Village has many projects in process, some to start soon, and all that are necessary including Paradise Canyon, Gavilan Canyon, Center Street, water and sewer projects, street light replacement in Midtown and many others. Work will continue on the Village’s business to support all functions provided. It is only with everyone’s help, commitment, and patience that we can complete this work. Many of you have already given in some capacity - give more if you can. Many have tried to volunteer but the time wasn’t right - please reach out again. Now is the time to be someone’s hero. You can make a difference and be that “hand-up” to someone that can set their life on a positive track. Again, thank you to the many that are giving and stepping up. There are literally too many to list, and I would most certainly leave someone out. We are “Ruidoso Strong” - I know it sounds cliché and maybe throughout the country it is overused, but it sure fits. We are a proud community that only succeeds when the least of us are remembered and opportunity is given. Join us every Monday from 8:00-10:00 AM for Mondays with the Mayor on 1490 AM KRUI – The Mountain. You can stream it live and hear archived shows to stay up-to-date, so call-in, ask questions, be informed. Information is powerful and builds confidence. Use it and be involved in your community.
Thank you, Lynn Crawford The Proudest Mayor Ever!
MAKE SURE YOUR FAMILY IS READY, SET, GO!
The Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) Program, managed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), helps fire departments to teach individuals who live in high-risk wildfire areas – and the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) – how to best prepare themselves and their properties against fire threats. The program works in complimentary and collaborative fashion with existing wildland fire public education efforts, such as Firewise, and amplifies their messages to individuals to better achieve the common goal we all share of Fire Adapted Communities. The RSG! Program tenants help residents be READY with preparedness understanding, be SET with situational awareness when fire threatens, and to GO early when a fire starts. The RSG! Program provides the implementation guidance; background knowledge; and presentation tools to assist fire departments in delivering the program message: • READY – Preparing for the Fire Threat: Be Ready, Be Firewise. Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildfire so your home is ready in case of a fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with firesafe construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe spot. Make sure all residents residing within the home are on the same page, plan escape routes. • SET – Situational Awareness When a Fire Starts: Pack your vehicle with your emergency items. Stay aware of the latest news from local media and your local fire department for updated information on the fire. • GO – Act early! Following your action plan not only makes you prepared, but helps firefighters best respond to a wildland fire, which strengthens your safety and theirs. 2
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS Highlights
» April 12, 2022, Emergency Council Meeting, Adoption of Resolution 2022-15, a Resolution Requesting an Emergency Declaration in the Village of Ruidoso. » April 12, 2022, Regular Council Meeting: Approved Ratification of Application for Law Enforcement Protection Funds (LEPF) with the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration Local Government Division for July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 Fiscal Year, in the Total Amount of $66,000.00. » Adopted Resolution 2022-12, a Resolution Finding the Property Located at 502 Del Norte Drive, Block 4, Lot 4 of the Del Norte Addition, Ruidoso, New Mexico a Public Nuisance.
Ruidoso Village Council Members » Rifle Salas - Mayor Pro Tem » Susan Lutterman » Joe Eby » Gary Jackson » Tim Coughlin » Darren Hooker
At the April 19, 2022, Reconvened Regular Council meeting, the Governing Body: » Adopted a Resolution recommending the Current Members of the Ruidoso Consolidated Dispatch Board Amend the Consolidated Dispatch Agreements to Include a County-Wide Consolidation of the Dispatch Centers to Serve and Represent all Emergency Services and Direct Ruidoso Staff to Locate the Department of Public Safety Building Within the East Wing of the Horton Complex. » Approved a Contract and with Miller Engineers Inc. dba Souder, Miller & Associates (SMA) for Professional Engineering Services for Solid Waste Master Plan Development and Task Order #2022009P-01 to Perform a Comprehensive Analysis of the Village of Ruidoso Solid Waste Department to Develop a Master Plan of the Divisions and to Perform a Rate Analysis, in the amount of $130,900.00. » Approved Task Order #2022-007P-02 with Saul Aguilar, d/b/a J & S Pro Sound for Promotion and Production for Annual Entertainment Program for the Party in the Pines Event. » Approved Task Order RFP #2022-006P-MCA-03 with Molzen Corbin & Associates, Inc. for Professional Engineering Services for the Alto Reservoir Improvements - Phase I Project, in an Amount Not to Exceed $175,900.00, Including Gross Receipts Tax. » Approved recommendations by and Between the Village of Ruidoso and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) on Selected Emergency Watershed Protection Projects.
Assistance for McBride Fire Victims » FEMA: 800-432-2080, Option #4
» Samaritan’s Purse: 575-808-9042
» Community Foundation of Lincoln County: www.CFOLC.org
» Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief: 505-226-5310
» Salvation Army: 575-842-7349
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FIRE RESTRICTIONS MOVED TO NEXT LEVELS IN LINCOLN COUNTY Due to the extreme drought conditions in our area, the Village of Ruidoso and the Lincoln National Forest have both moved their fire restrictions to the Level II. Please always be aware of your surroundings. Village of Ruidoso - Level II Restrictions 1. No charcoal briquettes or outdoor burning stoves on any public or private property. 2. UL/FM approved gas grill shall be allowed. 3. No outside smoking on public or private property — except within an enclosed vehicle or building (unless in areas specifically permitted by the Fire Marshal). 4. Fireworks are restricted by state law. 5. No campfires. 6. Operating of a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, is allowed with a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order. 7. Welding or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame is allowed with a valid permit issued by the Fire Marshal.
Citations will be issued - NO EXCEPTIONS, NO WARNINGS Lincoln County National Forest – Stage 2 Restrictions 1. Under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, the following are prohibited: 2. All fires. This includes campfires, stove fires, charcoal grills, and briquettes. 3. Smoking outdoors (Except at a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area cleared of any flammable material for three feet around you.) 4. Blasting and explosives. 5. Welding or operating a torch. 6. From 9 am to 6 pm, operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine. 7. Fireworks are ALWAYS illegal on National Forests. Forest visitors are still permitted to use stoves, grills and lanterns fueled by propane or other liquid petroleum gas (LPG) if they have an on/off switch AND they are in an area cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.
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FIRE RESTRICTIONS 4
PARTS OF VILLAGE SUSTAIN HEAVY DAMAGE IN WIND EVENT & McBRIDE FIRE On April 12, 2022, Ruidoso and the surrounding area had a wind event with 80+ mph winds that led to much damage and the start of the McBride Fire which ultimately burned 261 structures. Trees were uprooted and large limbs were broken. Trees were blown into houses, fences, powerlines, streets, and automobiles creating extensive damage to many properties. The fire started when a tree fell into a powerline near Ruidoso High School and created a fire that spread very rapidly due to the high winds, very dry conditions, and a lot of fine fuels in the form of grass and trees. There is extensive cleanup going on throughout the Village from damage done by both the fire and the wind. Many of the landowners that have properties in Ruidoso don’t live here and may not be fully aware of the extent of the damage. They may have damage to their second home, a car, a fence, or possibly debris from broken trees. Here is what returning landowners need to look for when they are assessing their property. » Examine all trees on the property to determine if limbs have broken and are still in the tree. » See if there are trees or branches that have fallen on fences, porches, cars, etc. » See if there are trees that have splits in the trunks or if the roots have pushed up the soil around the base of the tree indicating that the tree might fall. » See if grasses and weeds have grown up within 30 feet of the structures. » Avoid any accumulations of pine needles within 30 feet of the house or on roofs of buildings. » Ensure firewood is not stacked within 20 feet of a structure. » When wood is placed on the Village right-of-way, it should be separated into two piles - one that can be used as firewood and another for smaller pieces that are under 6” in diameter. Landowners should move woody debris from broken trees, limbs, pine needles etc. to the side of the Village roadway clear of other trees and not under powerlines. The VOR grapple trucks can remove it as long as the pile is not placed near other trees or under powerlines as drivers can be shocked or even killed if the grapple encounters electric lines. Logs can be retained for firewood provided the wood is stacked in small stacks at least 20 feet from structures or covered completely with a fire retardant covering. 5
Here is a list of Approved Contractors that can help with property clean-up: Do It Right Ryan Griffin 575-354-0133 A’s Tree Service Anthony Sanchez 575-430-0097 Cisco’s Tree Service - Cisco Bob Jr. 575-464-9173 or 575-937-2355 Stagner Landscape - Dan Stagner 575-336-2321 or 575-937-0106 Alpine Tree Service Jeffrey Miles 575-973-0199 Three Bears Cabin & Repair Eric Williams 575-937-8814 Chavez General Services Lawrence Chavez 575-802-5180 TLC Tree Service Robby Hall 575-937-2721 Sierra Contracting Van Patton 575-378-1091 Trujillo Tree Service Allen Trujillo 505-980-5435 Tanner Land and Tree Service Chase Tanner 575-937-2605 Wilson Thinning Cody Wilson 575-937-2724 Garrison Tree Service Daniel Garrison 575-973-8622 JBM Tree Thinning - Jesus Badachi 575-973-7050 or 575-937-6810 Rocky Mountain Tree Service Julio Garcia 575-973-1006 Villalba Co Mauro Villalba 575-937-3010 NOTES: This list is in random order and does not constitute an endorsement. The Village of Ruidoso does not regulate pricing or insurance. Property owners are responsible for securing worker’s compensation and/or liability insurance from contractors. This list represents a portion of area contractors offering these services: thinning, defensible space, hazard tree removal, utilization, composting, and/or slash disposal. Criteria for placement on this list may be viewed at www.ruidoso-nm.gov/forestry “under treatment cost.”
RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION UPDATE from Executive Director Kendra King April is usually a slower time for tourism in Ruidoso as we always see a slight break in steady seasonal visitors during this time. Several different businesses around town take the time off to spring clean and sneak a vacation in before the busy summer season. This is an opportune time to plan for construction, and many different departments across the Village have set plans in action for the next few weeks. In the Midtown district, we have the brandnew light poles being installed! This is a longawaited improvement for the district. The The old Kawliga’s building is getting a makeover previous wooden light poles, while charming, were expired. The wood had begun to deteriorate and many of them had large cracks or were leaning in different directions. They were originally installed in the 1980s. The new light poles will have a much longer life expectancy because they are metal. In the very near future, an additional speaker system will be installed providing ambient shopping music to be played seasonally during respectable business hours. We are excited about this and feel that this addition will highly enhance the Midtown experience. The Center Street renovation is making good progress. The public parking lot behind the Ruidoso Trading Post will be slightly enlarged providing a safer space. The street will be re-done allowing for public plumbing and watershed drainage issues to be improved. There will be redesigned sidewalks on both sides of the street allowing a clear path from Sudderth to Wingfield Park and to the free parking lot. We will see this project wrap up by the start of Memorial Day Weekend. There are also private investments happening in the district that are exciting and impressive! The old Kawliga’s building has been under rehab for the past year. The improvements are long awaited, and we are excited to see the new retail spaces that will be filling that location soon. The Dreamcatcher’s building has also taken-on new life. I have not connected with the owners yet, so I eagerly watch the progress develop as I pass by each day. The Rebecca’s building that has been vacant for some time now will be demolished in the next couple of weeks to make way for a reimagined space that will present unique business opportunities. All the new storefront merchandise and displays around Midtown don’t go unnoticed as the rotating window displays are admired and appreciated. The collective energy in Midtown is powerful - everyone keep-up the good work! I would also like to send out our most sincere heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the recent McBride fire. Our community aches together over the devastation of a natural disaster like that. We will help rebuild together and will come back stronger. As always please feel free to reach out to me or any other board member with your community questions or concerns. Follow the Ruidoso Midtown Association on Facebook for regular posts and updates. 6
MAY EVENTS
For a complete list of events and details, visit DiscoverRuidoso.com May 5 Cinco de Mayo Celebration at the Ruidoso Convention Center May 6 Foxworth-Galbraith Home & Garden Show at Ruidoso Downs Race Track May 7 Kentucky Derby Party at Ruidoso Downs Race Track May 8 Mother’s Day Brunch at Noisy Water Winery May 13 Paint + Pint Night at Lost Hiker Brewery
May 13 Blacktop Revelry at WPS May 14 Alto’s First Anglers Fishing Tournament May 14 Glow in the Dark Disc Golf Tournament May 19-22 AspenCash Motorcycle Rally May 26 An Evening of the Blues with Jhett Black & Sam Barlow at Noisy Water Winery
THE RUIDOSO ADVENTURE TOURS ARE BACK IN ACTION! The tours are self-guided in and around Ruidoso, allowing you to discover around our village! There are six categories, each with five trails and stops mapped out along the way. Download the Discover Ruidoso app, register for and complete the tours and be entered to win one of the Grand Prizes! Every completed tour gets a sweepstakes entry.
Download the Discover Ruidoso App Complete the Tours Enter to win a Grand Prize
DiscoverRuidoso.com 7
May 27 Heritage Antique Sale & Show at Ruidoso Downs Race Track May 27 Opening Day at Ruidoso Downs Race Track May 27 Flying J Ranch Opening Weekend May 28 Delaney Davis & Her Sometimes Friends at Lost Hiker Brewery May 28 The Graham Brothers at No Scum Allowed Saloon
Music · Food · Entertainment · Shopping · Wine & Beer Festival
June 17-19, 2022
SATURDAY
June 18, 2022 W I N GF I E LD PA R K » MEMPHIS
» JUSTIN KEMP BAND » CHASE BRYANT » PAT GREEN
& BR E W D O S O
PAT GREEN
SUNDAY
June 19, 2022
CHASE BRYANT
W I N GF I E LD PAR K
» JUSTIN KEMP BAND » RICK TREVINO » FRANK RAY P JUSTIN KEMD BAN
» PHIL HAMILTON
Visit DiscoverRuidoso.com To Buy Tickets
FRANK RAY