As the warmth of summer embraces our beautiful mountain village, I’m filled with anticipation for the season ahead. Ruidoso comes alive in these months with the activities that make our home special—hiking our magnificent trails, watching quarter horses thunder down the track, enjoying a round of golf against our stunning mountain backdrop, or simply sitting on a deck with loved ones as the cool mountain breeze rustles through the pines.
I recognize that as we welcome this new season, many of us carry memories of last June’s challenges. The South Fork and Salt Fires, followed by devastating flooding, tested our community’s resilience in ways we could never have imagined. As we approach the first anniversary of these events, I want to acknowledge that these memories can bring difficult emotions. Please know that our community stands together, and support resources remain available for anyone who needs them.
Yet through adversity, Ruidoso’s spirit has only grown stronger. Today, I’m proud to say we are here, we are open for business, and we are ready to welcome our summer visitors with the warmth and hospitality for which our village is known.
The excitement is palpable as Ruidoso Downs Race Track opens its gates once again. The thundering hooves of champion quarter horses remind us of traditions that have defined our community for generations, and we eagerly anticipate the thrill of the races throughout the season.
Our summer calendar is brimming with events that showcase the best of Ruidoso. The Under a Mountain Sky Summer Concert Series will fill our Friday evenings with music against our majestic backdrop in Wingfield Park. Athletes from near and far will test their endurance at the XTERRA Gold event in August. The prestigious Quarter Horse Triple Crown will draw racing enthusiasts from across the nation. And the Ruidoso RunFest will once again bring runners to experience our beautiful mountain terrain.
As we move forward together into this promising summer, I’m reminded of what makes Ruidoso truly special—not just our natural beauty or exciting events, but the people who call this place home and those who return year after year because they’ve found something magical here.
Remember to tune-in to 1490 AM or 99.1 FM every Monday from 8:00-10:00 AM for Mondays with the Mayor If you have questions – we are here to answer them. Simply text your questions to 575-937-3071, and we will be happy to share answers and information during the show. And if you can’t tune-in, every episode is available online at 1490KRUI.com for you to listen to at your convenience.
Here’s to a summer of renewal, connection, and the unique joy that can be found in our mountain paradise.
Mayor Lynn Crawford
Mayor Lynn Crawford
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recent Actions
May 13, 2025, Village Council Meeting Highlights:
» Approval of Resolution 2025-17, a Resolution Adopting the Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026) Budget for the Village of Ruidoso.
» Approval of the 100 Year Floodplain Map for Cherokee Bill Watershed.
» Presentation on Child Care and Supporting Home Educators by Kate Noble, President and CEO of Growing Up New Mexico and Lauren Swangstu, Region IX.
» Proclamation Declaring May 17, 2025 as “Wildfire Community Preparedness Day.”
» Proclamation Declaring May 4-10, 2025 as “Professional Municipal Clerks Week.”
» Approval of Joint Powers Agreement between the Village of Ruidoso and the Ruidoso Downs Race Track for Providing Security for Special Events for the 2025 Race Season.
» Approval of Joint Powers Agreement between the Village of Ruidoso and the Ruidoso Jockey Club for Providing Security for Special Events for the 2025 Race Season.
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 @ 1:00 PM, Village Hall, Council Chambers.
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Stay Safe During Fire Season – Understanding Fire Safety, Fire Weather Watches, and Red Flag Warning
As temperatures rise and vegetation dries out, fire season brings increased risk to homes, communities, and natural landscapes. Understanding key fire-related alerts and practicing good fire safety can save lives and property.
Fire Safety: Fire safety begins with prevention. During dry conditions, avoid burning debris, using fireworks, or operating machinery that can create sparks near dry grass. Clear flammable vegetation at least 30 feet from your home, store firewood away from structures, and create an emergency evacuation plan with your household.
Fire Weather Watch: This is issued by the National Weather Service when weather conditions may soon become ideal for wildfire ignition and spread. This alert is typically issued 24 to 72 hours in advance. It serves as a heads-up to prepare, review emergency plans, check fire extinguishers, and stay tuned for updates.
Red Flag Warning: Also known as a Red Flag Day, this warning is more serious. It means critical fire weather—such as strong winds, low humidity, and dry fuels—is occurring or will occur shortly. During a Red Flag Warning, outdoor burning is typically prohibited, and residents are urged to avoid any activity that could start a fire.
Sign up for local emergency alerts (CallMeRuidoso.com), and check weather forecasts regularly during fire season. When conditions are volatile, every small action—from safely disposing of cigarettes to postponing outdoor chores—can make a big difference.
Pictured from left to right: Greg Cory, Gary Jackson, Darren Hooker, Lynn Crawford, Mayor Pro Tem Rifle Salas, Susan Lutterman, Joe Eby
LEVEL 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS LEVEL 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS
WWW.RUIDOSO-NM.GOV FOR MORE INFORMATION
TEAM TOURISM
No smoking outside No camp fires No fireworks No charcoal (gas & pellets OK)
No Chainsaws or Welding without a Permit
Post-Disaster Advertising Update
Since last year’s fires and floods, the Village has put into place a comprehensive tourism marketing strategy with detailed advertising efforts, target markets, engagement metrics, and recovery trends. The VOR’s marketing campaign focuses on a two-tier geographical targeting approach, with primary focus on nearby cities like El Paso, Albuquerque, and Dallas, and secondary focus on markets like Houston, Phoenix, and Southern California. The advertising strategy utilizes a diverse mix of traditional and digital marketing channels, including digital billboards, traditional print publications, social media, digital displays, email marketing, travel intender marketing, and various forms of sponsored content. The Village has invested in tourism promotion ($1.2M which includes participation in the NMTD Co-op Program) and fire recovery-specific messaging ($150,000 which was provided by the NMTD immediately following last summer’s fires and floods), generating more than 100 million impressions across multiple platforms.
Website traffic to DiscoverRuidoso.com has increased 68% year-over-year, with a notable shift in visitor behavior from viewing webcams to actively planning trips. Visitor data shows promising recovery statistics when compared to other destinations affected by natural disasters, with Ruidoso experiencing only a 4% decrease in visitors year-over-year compared to Asheville, NC, which has experienced a 45% decrease post-disaster since the post-hurricane floods last summer. That number is in line with the national tourism trend which is showing a 4% decrease in national travel due to concerns about the economy.
By December 2024, visitor numbers had returned to pre-disaster levels and continued to improve into February. The geographic breakdown of visitors indicates Texas and New Mexico as the primary sources of tourists, with Dallas surpassing El Paso as the top origin city in Texas, and new markets emerging in California and Tennessee which can be contributed to participation in the NMTD Co-op Program which is featuring Ruidoso prominently in their NM True advertising campaigns.
WINGFIELD HERITAGE HOUSE MUSEUM
Book Club, Exhibit Updates and More
The first meeting of the Time Turner History Book Club was May 8th. Since it the first meeting, it was decided to stay close to home and discussed The Three-Cornered War by Megan Kate Nelson, which explored the Civil War era conflicts in New Mexico. The monthly meetings are on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the library, and the next meeting will be June 12th at 12:30 PM. For June, the chosen title is The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann. It is a welcoming space to talk about books and history while exploring a wide range of topics. No knowledge of history is required!
The museum is opening a new exhibit in June on the Smokey Bear Hot Shot Crew. This group of elite wildland firefighters are based right here in Lincoln County and have a long history battling fires across the country. The current exhibit, “Postcards of Ruidoso” remains on display through August.
The Friends of the Wingfield Heritage House are busy organizing as a new support and fundraising group for the museum. They have selected officers and are working on plans as they are off and running. The next meeting of the organizing group will be on the 4th Friday of the month at 10:00 AM at the Ruidoso Public Library. Anyone interested in helping this group is welcome and will become a great addition to this community, please stop by!
HUMANE SOCIETY OF LINCOLN COUNTY
Sales for Tails Event
The Humane Society of Lincoln County Annual Sales for Tails event is being held on June 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Highway 70 across from Motel 6. The annual sale is a fun day to enjoy shopping, food trucks, raffle prizes, and kids receive a FREE pet care activity book. It is also a great opportunity to meet some incredible dogs waiting for new forever homes!
There will be two raffles, with great prizes, on the day of Sales for Tails at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM - must be present to win! Tickets for the raffles are on sale now at 1 ticket for $2 or 6 tickets for $10.
All proceeds from the resale shop provide crucial funding for the animal shelter. It allows for the continuing care of homeless animals, as well as free and low-cost pet resources for this community.
Anyone that is spring cleaning, moving or downsizing and has items to donate can bring them to the resale shop for the annual sale! Just drop off items at the resale shop, and staff will assist in unloading, or call 575-808-8540 to arrange free pickup for large, heavy items.
Come find great deals on gently used clothing, shoes, furniture, appliances, kitchen items, home decor, and holiday decorations.
FINANCE CORNER
Utility Rates Set to Increase
On June 11, 2024, the Village approved to amend Utility Rates because of Master Planning and Rate Analysis studies. The studies not only increased rates to continue to meet operational needs but also to pay for needed infrastructure upgrades for all the utilities. The plan listed out increases that took effect on 07/01/24 (FY 2025) and listed out rate increases for the next seven years.
Rates are in effect for the August billing for July consumption. https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/water-rates
CUTTLER TPF PROJECT Patching and Overlay Project to get Underway
The Village is starting a new Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) project set to kick off this month. This project, scheduled to be completed by Cuttler Paving by the end of July, will start with patching and then overlaying of the following roads:
» White Mountain Meadows
» Jack Little Dr.
» LL Davis Dr.
» Leon Farrar Dr.
» Porr Dr.
» Meander Dr.
» Wingfield Dr.
Please be aware of road closures in your area. DiscoverRuidoso.com/info/where-to-see-live-music-in-ruidoso Looking for live music in Ruidoso tonight?
WE ARE HIRING!
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
APPLY TODAY!
LINCOLN COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
From the Desk of The Chief Executive – Todd Oberheu
Lincoln County Medical Center (LCMC) is conveniently situated at 211 Sudderth Drive, making it easily accessible from major roads and highways. The medical center has ample parking facilities for patients and visitors. Upon arrival, LCMC tries to have clear directional signs to guide you to various departments and services. However, from time to time we hear concerns about people having difficulty finding their way around. The medical center comprises several interconnected buildings, each housing different specialties and services. Located on the Ruidoso Campus are the hospital, Physical Therapy/Rehab Services building, White Mountain Medical Clinic, and Lincoln County EMS (Ambulance/EMS).
The main entrance of the hospital leads to the reception area, where staff is available to assist with inquiries and directions. The main entrance is where visitors will find patient registration, Business Office services, and Medical Records access. The reception area is adjacent to the Imaging Department and the Cardiopulmonary Department. The dining facility is also located here along with the gift shop and coffee shop.
For those in need of urgent care, the emergency department is located adjacent to the main entrance. It operates 24/7, staffed by experienced medical professionals ready to provide immediate assistance. Both the main entrance and emergency entrance are noted with lettering on the awnings above their respective entrances.
Visiting hours for inpatients are flexible, accommodating the needs of patients and their families. In general, adults without symptoms and children over 14 years of age are welcome to visit. Overnight visitation is limited to one adult. Visitation in the Emergency Room is limited to two adults but can be restricted further depending on ER volumes or patient acuity.
Navigating Lincoln County Medical Center is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, ensuring that patients and visitors have a comfortable and stress-free experience. We look forward to providing you a positive experience during your visit.
RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
From the Desk of Superintendent Becca Ferguson
Beatty and Co-Salutatorians
Jose
The class of 2025 Valedictorian, Anderson Beatty, and Co-Salutatorians, Jose Pinon and Mia Simpson, credit their distinguished honors to persistence and consistency from start to finish. Reflecting on the journey, they expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, noting that years of hard work, wise choices, and determination—especially during challenging moments—ultimately led to their success. Their stories are a testament to the power of dedication and resilience.
Ruidoso High School proudly honors three exceptional seniors as this year’s Distinguished Warriors for their leadership, service, and school spirit. Citlali Figueroa was a dedicated member of the National Honor Society and Student Council, as well as an RHS Cheer athlete. Tyler Page has been involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, RHS Golf, and Sierra Blanca Shooters. Lastly, Mia Simpson has served as the National Honor Society secretary and president, participated in Student Council, and RHS Cheer.
We are proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of the Ruidoso High School Class of 2025. This remarkable group of students has demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to academic and career excellence.
These students are not only graduating high school—they are stepping into the world with college credits, professional certifications, and bilingual skills that will serve them well into the future.
RUIDOSO HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS
We are proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of our student-athletes at Ruidoso High School. Across multiple sports, our students displayed determination, skill, and Warrior spirit—representing the Village of Ruidoso with pride and excellence.
Track & Field: District Champions/6th Overall at State (Boys & Girls)
Basketball (Boys): All-District Honors went to Augustine Saiz, Kacey Blaylock (Coaches - Mike Trujillo, Lonnie Scott, Shawon Darden)
Basketball (Girls): All-District Honors went to Bayler Pritchett, Faith Linares, Aliyah Zamora (Coaches - Billy Page, Jason Chavez)
Softball: All-District Honors went to Alexx Chavez, Bayler Pritchett, Mea Trujillo, Jaya Trujillo, Angie Duran (Coaches - Kenny Espinosa, Adam Ramos, Kara Espinosa)
Baseball: All-District Honors went to Josiah Saiz, Trenton Hall, Omar Guerrero (Coaches - Chris Barrera, Ryan Cooley, James Saiz)
Congratulations to all our athletes, coaches, and families. Your commitment and achievements are a source of pride for Ruidoso High School and the entire community.
It’s great to be a Warrior!
Distinguished Warriors Award recipients - Citlali Figueroa, Tyler Page, and Mia Simpson
RHS Valedictorian Anderson
Pinon and Mia Simpson
Summer EVENTS
Check out our line-up of great events for summer! Please visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for additional events and details.
WEEKLY COMMUNITY EVENTS
SUNDAY:
• Sunday Market, Enchanted Vine Barn
TUESDAY:
• Karaoke Night, WPS
WEDNESDAY:
• Wet Your Whistle Wednesday, Lost Hiker Brewing Co.
THURSDAY:
• Veterans Coffee and Company, 615 Sudderth Dr. Ste 1
• Open Mic Night with Tyler Jones, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap
• Phil Hamilton “Gringo Loco”, Casa Blanca Cantina
THURSDAY - SATURDAY:
• Brendan Dawes, Quarters Bar & Grill
SATURDAY:
• Midtown Market, Country Club Park
JUNE 7:
• Gus Macker 2025, Inn of the Mountain Gods
• 7th Annual Great High Mountain Bed Race, Wingfield Park
• Opening Day Midtown Market, Country Club Park
• Voyager - Journey Tribute, Spencer Theater
• Nest Fest 2025, Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
JUNE 8:
• Paint & Pints, Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
Summer is here and the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited about our upcoming events. The Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet will be June 27, 2025, at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. This year’s theme is the Roaring ‘20s. We will induct our new board members and present our annual awards. Join us for a night of celebration, dinner, and dancing. Tickets are available at the chamber.
In July, we will host the 54th Annual Ruidoso Art Festival at the Ruidoso Convention Center July 25-27, 2025. We will have artists from all over the country showcasing a broad spectrum of mediums including sculpture, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and more! Come enjoy an adult beverage and discover treasures to complement any lifestyle or budget.
The chamber welcomed several new members this month. Cory’s Eatery on the third floor of the Lincoln Tower provides a wonderful place to grab breakfast or lunch. Corinne and Fabian Prudencio have been feeding Lincoln County for many years with their food truck, and they now have a permanent location! Shannon Loves Flowers has a new location in Midtown if you need flowers or a unique gift. ReNu Medical Spa provides medical and cosmetic dermatology services; and Facetyme by Gina will pamper you with the ultimate facial! Both are located at 708 Mechem.
The Ruidoso Valley Greeters recently awarded the Champion of Service Award to Craig Maldonado. Craig, an employee of Alto Lakes Golf and Country Club, has always done whatever needs to be done. No task is too small or too large for him. During the South Fork Fire, Craig came to work every day at Outlaw, even though the club was closed. He cooked burritos and delivered breakfast and lunch to the First Responders in the area. He is truly an amazing person! He can be seen serving meals at Outlaw when they are overwhelmed with customers and Craig is ALWAYS working with a smile on his face. Thank you, Craig, for demonstrating what it means to be a Champion of Service!
If you are interested in becoming a Chamber member, we would love to answer any questions you may have and to discuss how we can help your business grow. Please contact us at 575-257-7395.
Airport 575-336-8111
DEPARTMENTS & PHONE NUMBERS
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
Midtown Ruidoso has definitely been busy this year working, planning and partnering with the many events coming to Midtown and Ruidoso.
The first Easter Egg Hunt at Wingfield Park was a huge success. A big thank you to the Ruidoso Parks & Rec department for a great family event. Also, thank you to the Midtown businesses who donated gifts and coupons for the prizes.
RMA offered a free grant education session for our Midtown businesses. The event was well attended, and the information was invaluable in helping our Midtown businesses and others find and apply for grants that can help revitalize our village. Thank you to Jordan Law for a detailed and educational presentation. We will be hosting a follow up event to this event in June. We will also host more educational events this year to help Midtown and others in Ruidoso be prepared for the future.
We are excited that the world-renowned IRONMAN Triathlon has announced their first events that will be taking place on July 11-12 of 2026 here in Ruidoso. This is a multi-year partnership with IRONMAN bringing athletes and visitors from all over the world.
RMA will be hosting Brewdoso on August 9, 2025, at Wingfield Park featuring New Mexico’s finest craft beer and wine, food trucks, live music, and loads of family fun for all. Any vendors and patrons that would like to attend can reach out to us via social media or at RuidosoMidtownAssociation.com. Sidenote, we are already preparing for Midtown Trick or Treat in Midtown in October…this year will be the best yet!
I would like to welcome two new businesses to Midtown. Shannon Loves Flowers (2313 Sudderth), has flowers and floral arrangements along with a wide variety of special gifts for all occasions. We also welcome Rustic Mountain Creations (2501 Sudderth #F) and their hand-crafted decor, air plants, succulents, and much more. Welcome to the Midtown family!
EASTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY – RUIDOSO
From the Desk of President Ryan Trosper Athletic News
Six student athletes signed National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) letters of intent to compete for ENMU-Ruidoso Branch Community College this fall semester.
Ruidoso High School’s Brayden Rocha, Mescalero High School’s Westly Wayne Sago, and Isaac Magana of Ruidoso signed the NJCAA letter of intent to compete on the cross-country team for Coach Micah Bray.
Two El Paso students from Bowie High School, Lucas Gael Hernandez-Serrano and Valeria Jazmin Guerrero, both signed NJCAA letters of intent to compete on the golf team for Coach Darrell Turnipseed.
David Sanchez of Ruidoso signed the NIRA letter of intent to compete in bull riding on the college rodeo team for Coach Chelsea DeMott.
Left to right: ENMU-Ruidoso College
President Ryan Trosper, Valeria Jazmin Guerrero, Lucas Gael Hernandez-Serrano, David Sanchez, ENMU-Ruidoso Rodeo Coach Chelsea DeMott, Isaac Magana, Westly Wayne Sago, Brayden Rocha, ENMU-Ruidoso Cross Country Coach Micah Bray and Chief External Affairs Robin DeMott.
In the spring of 2023, the locally elected ENMU-Ruidoso Branch Community College Board and the ENMU Board of Regents approved for the College to bring on three athletic sports teams, cross country (men’s/women’s), golf and rodeo. The College applied and was approved for NIRA membership the summer of 2023 and received initial approval from NJCAA in December of 2022. The cross country and golf teams will compete in the NJCAA Region 5, and the rodeo team will compete in the NIRA Grand Canyon Region.
Leadership in Training Program 2025
The Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino is proud to announce and celebrate the achievements of our Leadership in Training (LIT) 2025 graduates who have successfully completed their studies at Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU). The LIT program at the Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino is designed to cultivate future leaders by providing comprehensive training and educational opportunities. Our partnership with ENMU has been instrumental in equipping our graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to our organization and the broader community.
We are delighted to honor the LIT 2025 graduates who have attended ENMU. These graduates have demonstrated exceptional dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence throughout their time at ENMU. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work and the supportive environment provided by both the university and our LIT program.
As our LIT 2025 graduates embark on the next chapter of their careers, we are confident that they will continue to make significant contributions to our organization and the community. We look forward to witnessing their continued growth and success. For more information, please contact Orlando Alvarez, Casino Advertising Marketing Manager via phone (575-464-7028) or email (oalvarez@innofthemountaingods.com).
Inn of the Mountain Gods Leadership in Training (LIT) Class of 2025
First six student athletes to sign letters of intent.
2025 2025
Summer Outdoor Music Series
Wingfield Park from 6-8 PM
Dzaki Sukarno
Zack Aaron
Nick Taylor
Alice Wallace
Van Darien
Blake Burrow
Max Gomez
Phil Hamilton
Keaton Adams
Charlie Shafter & Rodney Parker
Dallas Burrow
Esther Rose
Bo Depeña
FREE event sponsored by the Village of Ruidoso Check
