I hope this newsletter finds you well. I wanted to share some important updates about our beautiful village and upcoming developments that will benefit our community.
First, I’m pleased to announce that the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will soon begin an important recovery project along the Rio Ruidoso. NRCS and Village representatives will be reaching out to property owners along the river to obtain Right of Entry agreements. This crucial step will allow them to begin the necessary work of de-silting our river. This project is essential for maintaining the health of our waterway and protecting our community from potential flooding issues. If you receive a Right of Entry request, I encourage you to cooperate with the NRCS/VOR teams so we can move forward with this vital clean-up of our post-fire river system.
In addition, the New Mexico Department of Emergency Management has a representative stationed at Village Hall to assist residents that are still in need of a debris removal service. The service is offered at no cost to private property owners that have been affected. If you have not already done so, please enroll in this program so that we can get debris cleaned up. Please be sure to share information with your friends and neighbors.
On another note, we’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of our Spring Break visitors. As many of you know, this time of year brings thousands of visitors to our mountain community, and we’re ready to welcome them with our signature Ruidoso hospitality. These visitors contribute significantly to our local economy, supporting our restaurants, shops, lodgers, and various attractions. Their presence creates seasonal job opportunities and generates important tax revenue that helps fund vital community services and improvements.
I encourage all our residents and business owners to join me in making our visitors feel welcome. When our guests have a positive experience, they’re more likely to return throughout the year and recommend Ruidoso to their friends and family. This word-of-mouth promotion is invaluable for our community’s continued growth and prosperity.
With wildfire season approaching, I want to emphasize the critical importance of protecting your homes and properties against potential fire threats. Now is the time to create defensible space around your structures by clearing vegetation, removing dead branches and leaves, and keeping gutters clean. Make sure your address is clearly visible from the street to assist emergency responders and have an evacuation plan ready for your family. These preventive measures are essential for protecting not only your property but our entire community.
As always, don’t forget to tune-in to KRUI 1490 AM for Mondays with the Mayor every Monday morning from 8:00 – 10:00 AM. We always have a lot of information to talk about during this time, and we are available to answer your questions, so be sure to call in or text us.
Until next time, remember to be kind and be a good neighbor!
Mayor Lynn Crawford
Mayor Lynn Crawford
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recent Actions
February 11, 2025, Village Council Meeting Highlights:
» Approval of Agreement between the Village of Ruidoso and Healing Americas Heroes for Grant Administration on Capital Outlay Grant #24- I2993, in the Amount of $450,000.00.
» Approval of Resolution 2025-05, a Resolution of Support and Commitment to the Funding of the 2026 New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Municipal Arterial Funding Program for Street Rehabilitation within the Village of Ruidoso.
» Approval of Resolution 2025-06, a Resolution of Support and Commitment to the Funding of the 2026 New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Cooperative (COOP) Funding Program in the Amount of $382,768.00 for Street Rehabilitation within the Village of Ruidoso.
» Adoption of Ordinance 2025-01, an Ordinance Amending the Village of Ruidoso Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter 54, Land Use; Article II-Land Development Code; Division 4-Zoning Districts; Section 54-72-Overlay Zones; and Appendix A-Fees, Fines and Penalties regarding Short-Term Rentals.
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Village Hall
PUBLIC WORKS
High Loop Water Systems Improvement Projects
At the December 10, 2024, regular Village Council meeting, the Council voted to award the High Loop Water Systems Improvements Project to J & H Services Inc. This project will replace approximately 18,535 linear feet of existing 2-inch galvanized and 6-inch asbestos-cement lines to 6-inch C900 PVC with fire protection.
This area was deemed a problematic area due to the multiple main breaks that have occurred within the Country Club Subdivision. Due to this, the Village of Ruidoso went out for Water Trust Board funding and was awarded $3,645,695 through a Loan/Grant Agreement with the New Mexico Finance Authority. The remaining funding is coming out of GO Bonds and the budget.
The total project cost is $6,295,867.39 including NMGRT. The areas to be replaced are Coronado Drive, Lilac Lane, Lupine Loop, Wildwood Drive, High Loop Drive, Starlite Road, Poco Loco Drive, Shannon Lane, Rim Road, Madera Road, Arabella Road, and White Oaks Road. The contractor was given a notice to proceed date of March 3, 2025.
KEEP WILDLIFE WILD! KEEP WILDLIFE WILD!
Feeding wildlife is banned in the Village (bird feeders excluded) Citations will be issued $500 fine will be imposed
Pictured from left to right: Greg Cory, Gary Jackson, Darren Hooker, Lynn Crawford, Mayor Pro Tem Rifle Salas, Susan Lutterman, Joe Eby
HUMAN RESOURCES
Quarterly Awards Announced
Department of the Quarter:
» Finance Department
Employee of the Quarter for Public Works:
» Richard Butler - Operator/Lab Tech at the Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant
Employee of the Quarter for Administration:
» Christy Coker - Purchasing Agent
Employee of the Quarter for Community Services:
» Amanda Castillo - Library Supervisor
Employee of the Quarter for Public Safety:
» Simon Haase - Animal Control/Code Enforcement Officer
Congratulations to all the Q4 winners - you are all appreciated for the work you do!
All Nominees Listed Below: Nominees for Department of the Quarter:
» Fire Department
» Finance
» Community Development
Nominees for Employee of the Quarter
» Elaine Sanchez - Fire Department
» Simon Haase - Police Department
» Richard Butler - RWWTP
» Jaime Newsome - Water Distribution
» Gavin Garcia - Parks and Recreation
» Amanda Castillo - Library
» Chris Camacho - Parks and Recreation
» Christy Coker - Finance/Purchasing
» Jini Turri - Clerks Office/Administration
» Johanna Quintana - Human Resources
» Larissa Aparicio - Finance/Utility Billing
Pictured: Shelley Prough, Kelly Airgood, Judi Starkovich, Vyanca Vega, Larissa Aparicio, Andrew Sullens and Dustie Brothers.
Not Pictured: Levi Beaty, Christy Coker, Robin Parks and Shawna Esquibel.
Richard Butler
Christy Coker
FORESTRY DEPARTMENT
Create Defensible Space Ahead of Fire Season
Wildfire season is right around the corner, and it is important to be proactive and make sure your home is as safe as possible. Last year’s catastrophic South Fork Fire burned 17,569 acres and hundreds of homes. Many of the homes were burned due to embers igniting flammable material on and under decks or adjacent to the home. The best way to prepare for the wildfire season is to work on the defensible space in and around your home.
Defensible space is the buffer between a home and wildland vegetation. This space is often the reason a house can survive a wildfire event and is important because it reduces the chance of embers from a nearby fire catching the home on fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association, “embers are burning pieces of airborne wood and/or vegetation that can be carried more than a mile through the wind and can cause spot fires and ignite homes, debris, and other objects.” The other important reason for creating a defensible space is for a safer place for first responders to be able to defend themselves and residences.
To help achieve this, the Ruidoso Forestry Department offers the following advice for homeowners:
» Homes should be cleared of all dead vegetation including pine needles, leaves and firewood piles for 30 feet or to the edge of property. Firewood may be covered with a fire-retardant covering that prevents any spark from getting to the firewood.
» Trees in the “30-foot zone” should be thinned to minimal numbers, trimmed up high, and dead trees should be removed. Grass and other ground vegetation should be mowed regularly.
» Railroad ties, firewood, and other combustible items that are adjacent to a house should be removed as fire often travels through them, and they are difficult to extinguish.
» There should be no vegetation or flammable objects within 10 feet of the structure except for large live tree trunks that can be pruned to a height where a ground fire cannot ignite them.
» Wooden fences that butt up against a house or deck should be replaced with fences or gates of nonflammable materials.
» If there is a high or extreme fire danger, flammable materials such as furniture pads, wooden furniture, wooden toys, and anything else that is exposed should be placed inside the house or garage.
» If a deck is open underneath there should be no lumber or other flammable objects stored there.
» Pine needles and other vegetative materials should be removed from the roofs of all structures.
» Propane bottles, fire starters, charcoal lighters, etc. should be placed as far as possible from any structure.
The Ruidoso Forestry Department encourages residents to examine a 100-foot radius around the property to find out if there is anything that could contribute to losing the home in a wildfire. More information about fire safety around the home during a wildfire is available at: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Firewise-USA.
If you would like the Ruidoso Forestry Department to survey your home, please contact them at 575-257-5544. Information is also available on the Village of Ruidoso website under the Forestry Department.
Available Options for Private Landowners Impacted by the South Fork Fire
Each program is funded and operated separately, requiring separate landowner applications!
NM Forestry Division’s Watershed Stabilization & Hazardous Tree Mitigation Program:
The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s Forestry Division (Division) is accepting requests for post-fire erosion and hazardous tree mitigation assistance from landowners within the burn scars. The Division will pay contractors to conduct site assessments and conduct post-fire hazard mitigation projects on private land.
Properties will be prioritized to maximize long-term watershed recovery, focusing on areas with the greatest risk of erosion that may contribute to significant debris flows and impact downstream communities. Project implementation may include: Hazard tree mitigation; contour felling and log erosion barriers; ground roughening; seeding; mulching/chipping/ mastication; and/or one rock dams.
For applications and guidelines, visit the Division’s Submission Manager by following the QR code.
Provides funding and technical assistance to help communities recover from natural disasters by addressing watershed impairments. It is designed to reduce threats to life and property while supporting long-term watershed resilience. Practices may include sediment removal, placement of mulch wattles, trash racks, rock and brush structures, seeding, flood barrier bags, and other flood measure precautions. This is at no cost to property owners. Access the application by following the QR code.
NM DHSEM – Full-Service Debris Removal Program:
Through FEMA’s public assistance program, the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) is now offering a full-service debris removal service. The service is offered at no cost to private property owners who were impacted by the South Fork fire, Salt fire, or subsequent flooding. The program assists with immediate clean-up needs, including removal of hazard trees that pose an immediate threat to life and property. Learn more by following the QR code.
LINCOLN COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
From the Desk of The Chief Executive – Todd Oberheu
**This article was written by Lisa Crenshaw, manager of Rehab Service, DPT and previously ran in the “2025 Health and Wellness Guide of Lincoln County and Mescalero.”
Physical therapy may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of wound care, but physical therapists are actually a critical part of the wound management team. Along with providing standard wound care, physical therapists can also help patients with restoration of function to skin tissue after a wound. They provide comprehensive wound assessment and treatment by partnering with physicians and patients to make use of advanced wound care products and therapies to decrease pain and allow for faster healing.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physical therapists can apply therapeutic methods and techniques to enhance blood flow and create an optimal environment for wound healing.
The most common wounds that we treat in this community include diabetic wound ulcers and swelling of the legs due to venous insufficiency. These types of wounds can have a long-term impact on a patient’s life, causing intense pain and discomfort. Treatment typically involves compression, special dressings, and continuous monitoring to decrease the possibility of infection.
We also see patients who need treatment for pressure ulcers, second-degree burns, post-trauma, and surgical wounds. Along with treatment, case management and wound prevention can be successful for those with chronic wounds or complex cases through education and long-term follow-up.
If you are struggling with a wound, we recommend that you seek help by reaching out to your primary care doctor or cardiologist for a referral.
RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
From the Desk of Superintendent Becca Ferguson
Ruidoso Middle School (RMS) has been selected to receive the Bilingual Multicultural Education Program Recognition Award, an honor presented by the New Mexico Public Education Department’s Language and Culture Division. The award will be formally presented during Bilingual Day at the State Capitol in Santa Fe on March 7, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Roundhouse.
This recognition highlights RMS’s commitment to fostering bilingualism, cultural awareness, and academic achievement for English Language Learners (ELLs). It also marks a significant milestone for the school, which has worked diligently to enhance its Bilingual Multicultural Education Program after previously being designated for Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI).
The achievement follows RMS’s successful transition from CSI status to “Traditional” status, a change made possible through the dedication of its educators and staff whose innovative teaching strategies have contributed to student success.
“This award is a testament to the dedication of our educators and students in strengthening language development and embracing multicultural learning,” said RMS Principal Cecily Hooker. “We are incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made and the opportunities we are creating for our bilingual learners.”
The Bilingual Day award ceremony will honor selected schools with official certificates of achievement. For more information about Ruidoso Municipal Schools’ bilingual programs, visit RuidosoSchools.org.
EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY – RUIDOSO
From the Desk Of President Ryan Trosper
ENMU-Ruidoso released its Spring 2025 enrollment data on Monday, February 3, 2025, showing continued growth and strong student engagement.
Spring 2025 enrollment at ENMU-Ruidoso has reached 719 students, surpassing the institution’s goal of 705 and reflecting a 2.13 percent increase over Spring 2024. Student credit hours have also seen a notable increase, reaching 5,828, an improvement of 10.97 percent from the previous spring.
The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) enrollment has grown to 388.53, exceeding the campus goal of 350, an 11.01 percent increase over last year. These numbers highlight the continued demand for ENMU-Ruidoso’s programs and the institution’s commitment to accessibility and academic excellence.
Students can register in-person during regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the ENMU-Ruidoso campus at 709 Mechem Drive in Ruidoso. Call 575-315-1120 to speak with an advisor to register.
Online registration is available for currently enrolled students. Class schedules are available at Ruidoso. ENMU.edu through the Quick Links menu in the upper right corner of the page. Scholarships and financial assistance are available.
Spring EVENTS
Check out our line-up of great events for spring! Please visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for additional events and details.
WEEKLY COMMUNITY EVENTS
TUESDAY:
• Karaoke Night WPS
THURSDAY:
• Veterans Coffee and Company, 615 Sudderth Drive, Suite 1
• Open Mic Night with Tyler Jones, DownshiftHidden Tap
• Phil Hamilton “Gringo Loco”, Casa Blanca Cantina
MARCH 1:
• Ace & Stace, WPS
MARCH 2:
• Southernmost, WPS
MARCH 3:
• Dragons and Mythical Beasts, Spencer Theater
MARCH 5:
• Molly Kruse & Tyler Jones, Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
MARCH 7:
• Tradd Tidwell, WPS
MARCH 7-8:
• Four of a Kind, WPS
MARCH 8:
• Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Inn of the Mountain Gods
• Jesse Dayton, Patina Lounge at Jack’s Back Stage
• Southernmost, WPS
• An Afternoon of Hope with Hope Harbor, Ruidoso Convention Center
• Mason McTell, Downshift Hidden Tap
MARCH 11:
• Ruidoso Writers’ Group, Ruidoso Public Library
MARCH 14:
• Moonlight Hike, White Sands National Park
MARCH 14-15:
• Southernmost, WPS
MARCH 15:
• The Links 5k Run and Walk, White Mountain Sports Complex
• When Disco Was King, Spencer Theater
• Justin Moore, Inn of the Mountain Gods
MARCH 15-16:
• Yucca Blossom Trade Days, Ruidoso Convention Center
TUESDAY:
• Baby & Me at 10:30 AM
WEDNESDAY:
• Storytime at 10:30 AM
• Teen Scene at 3:30 PM
MARCH 16:
• Southernmost, WPS
MARCH 19:
• Dozey Dubs, Downshift Hidden Tap
MARCH 21-22:
• Apache Spirit, WPS
MARCH 22:
• Emerald Isle, Spencer Theater
• Captain Klas, Downshift Hidden Tap
• Tanner Lane, Downshift Riverside
MARCH 23:
• Paint & Pints, Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
MARCH 25:
• Ruidoso Writers’ Group, Ruidoso Public Library
MARCH 28-29:
• Brian Marshall, WPS
APRIL 5:
• iLuminate, Spencer Theater
APRIL 8:
• Ruidoso Writers’ Group, Ruidoso Public Library
APRIL 10:
• Champions of Magic, Spencer Theater
APRIL 12:
• Let It Begin Tour 2025, Inn of the Mountain Gods
• Moonlight Hike, White Sands National Park
APRIL 14-21:
• Recycled Art Show, Ruidoso Public Library
APRIL 19:
• Annual Bunny Run/Walk and Easter Egg Hunt, Cedar Creek
• Eric Elison, Spencer Theater
APRIL 22:
• Ruidoso Writers’ Group, Ruidoso Public Library
APRIL 27:
• Great American Clean Up/Keep Ruidoso Beautiful, Wingfield Park
RUIDOSO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
From the Desk of Executive Director Deborah Douds
February has been a very busy month for the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. We hosted our annual Lincoln County Day Legislative Reception in Santa Fe on February 5. With more than 110 attendees from Lincoln County, we were well represented. Thank you to Representative Harlan Vincent and Senator Nick Paul for their support of the event. February 5 was declared Lincoln County Day in the House of Representatives with twenty individuals from the Village of Ruidoso and Lincoln County representing our community and being acknowledged on the Floor of the House of Representatives. The Chamber hosts this event every year to give our Chamber members and residents of Ruidoso/Lincoln County the opportunity to attend the legislative session and meet many of our legislators and those individuals who are making the decisions that affect us. I highly encourage everyone to take the opportunity to attend this event next year.
Presidents’ Day Weekend the Chamber hosted the Vines in the Pines Wine Festival. With 12 New Mexico Wineries and 2 local craft breweries as well as boutique vendors, this event is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. It brings many people to our area to shop, dine, and recreate over the three-day holiday weekend.
We are also busy working on the Ruidoso Art Festival which will take place July 25-27, 2025 at the Ruidoso Convention Center. The application for this fine art show is open. Interested artists can apply for the event on zapplication.org. This show brings many fine artists to town and many of our visitors plan their summer trips to Ruidoso to coincide with this event.
The Chamber is the organization that supports our community, and we work hard every day to make Ruidoso a better place to live, work, and play. Membership in the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce is an investment in the future of our community. If you are interested in joining the Chamber and working with us to support this community, please give us a call at 575-257-7395.
Pictured from left to right: Councilor Greg Cory, Councilor Susan Lutterman, Eddie Ryan, and Councilor Joe Eby.
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
Senior Center 575-257-4565
Water Distribution and Sewer
Collections 575-257-2386
Water Production 575-257-5525
Water Rights/Watershed (RJU) 575-258-6913
www.Ruidoso-NM.gov
RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION
From the Desk of RMA Executive Director Tim Duckworth
The first few weeks of 2025 have been busy and a great start to the year. I have made it a point to meet many of our great Midtown business owners. If I have not met you yet, I will be by to introduce myself soon. I truly believe communication is important. As I meet business owners or managers, I am compiling a new contact list. This will help the RMA properly inform our Midtown businesses of upcoming events and important local news. With this information Midtown can prepare for heavier foot traffic when there are events or holidays that may bring more people to town. It is always best to be on the same page.
We do have a few major events on the books that will certainly boost our Midtown economy. The Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire will take place May 16-18 at Wingfield Park, and we are expecting over 5000 attendees. The Ruidoso Midtown Association is bringing back Brewdoso on August 9 at Wingfield Park featuring breweries, vendors, and entertainment from across New Mexico. Also in August, the Village of Ruidoso will host the XTERRA Triathlon. XTERRA is an international triathlon bringing some of the world’s most elite athletes for swimming, biking, and running throughout Ruidoso. Athletes, families, and spectators from all over the world will be here to experience our incredible Midtown. September will bring the 4th Annual Ruidoso Oktoberfest. These are just a few events that will help to bring nationwide visibility to our Midtown businesses and Ruidoso as a whole.
It is important to mention last week’s New Mexico Main Street (NMMS) conference I attended in Santa Fe with Village Council members, the Parks & Rec Department, the Deputy Village Manager, and the Manager of Events & Strategic Partnerships. Having everyone there really showed others in NMMS just how closely our Village works together as one great team.
We were lucky that the conference just so happened to be at the same time as Lincoln County Days at the State Capitol. I also attended the Lincoln County Day Legislative Reception hosted by the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce. It was great to see our Mayor, Council members, Fire and Police Chiefs, ENMURuidoso, Representative Harlan Vincent, Parks & Rec, RMA board members, business owners, and so many others representing our incredible Village. A special thank you to Deborah and Andrea from the Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce for hosting!
The Village of Ruidoso is looking for qualified people to join our team! We currently have openings in several departments, and we offer opportunities for competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and NM Public Employees Retirement Association plans!
• Earn more with the Village’s pay-for-performance plan
• Progressive pay and step plans are available
• Continuing education courses and specialized training are available
• Excellent opportunities for advancement in all departments
