Our summer season is off to a fantastic start! The energy and vibrancy in our community is truly remarkable. Our midtown district saw a 5% increase in foot traffic over Memorial Day Weekend compared to last year, and local business owners are reporting strong sales and heavy foot traffic. This is a testament to the resilience and spirit that defines Ruidoso.
As we celebrate these positive developments, we also pause to acknowledge an important milestone. We recently passed the first anniversary of the South Fork and Salt fires that challenged our community last year. While that period tested us in ways we hadn’t expected, I’m proud to report that our recovery efforts continue to make tremendous strides. Neighborhoods are rebuilding, families are healing, and our community bonds have grown even stronger. There is still much work ahead of us, but I have complete confidence that we will meet every challenge together, just as we always have.
We also continue to monitor weather conditions in our area as we are in our monsoon season, and I want to make sure everyone is well informed. Burn scars from recent wildfires have created conditions where even moderate rainfall can lead to flash flooding. The lack of vegetation and hardened soil surfaces mean water cannot be absorbed as it normally would, causing rapid runoff. We have a lot of great monsoon awareness tools on our website (Ruidoso-NM.gov/monsoon-season-awareness) and on the Discover Ruidoso app including our RAIN (Ruidoso All-Hazard Information Network) map which is updated in real time and shows all low water crossings, road closures, and our Flood Safe Partners who have agreed to provide temporary refuge to people if needed.
I also want to remind you to not miss the Under a Mountain Sky summer concert series. Every Friday night at beautiful Wingfield Park, we gather as a community to enjoy live music under the open sky. Pack a picnic, bring your friends, family, and even your four-legged companions – all are welcome! These evenings remind us of what makes our city special: the connections we share and the joy we find in each other’s company.
And lastly, a reminder to start your week off by tuning into Mondays with the Mayor every week from 8:0010:00 AM. You can listen on 1490 AM or 99.1 FM on KRUI – The Mountain. We talk about and give updates on projects going on in the Village, and we take listener questions. Simply call or text 575-937-3071.
Thank you for making our community the vibrant, caring place it is. Here’s to a summer filled with growth, celebration, and togetherness.
Mayor Lynn Crawford
Mayor Lynn Crawford
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recent Actions
June 10, 2025, Village Council Meeting Highlights:
» Adoption of Resolution 2025-18, a Resolution Supporting a Public Private Economic Development Mainstreet Project for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
» Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Ruidoso Midtown Association to Promote the Midtown District in the Village of Ruidoso.
» Approval of Award of RFP #2025-010P to John Shomaker and Associates, Inc for Hydrogeological Water Supply and Water Rights Consultant Services.
» Approval of Task Order C, for a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) with Lochner Consulting for Design of a New Airport Terminal Building.
» Award of Contract with Rymarc Construction, Inc for the Replacement of 2-24” Culverts and 1-36” Culvert on Cree Meadows Dr, through NM GSD Statewide Price Agreement General Construction Services Contract No. 30-00000-23-00070.
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 @ 1:00 PM, Village Hall, Council Chambers.
HUMAN RESOURCES
David Tetreault, Ruidoso Parks & Rec
David “TBone” Tetreault has dedicated more than 29 years of service to the Village of Ruidoso, rising from Park Maintenance Worker to Foreman, Park Supervisor, and currently Assistant Parks Director. Known for his passion for parks, youth programs, and sports, he has played a key role in creating safe, welcoming public spaces.
Since 2015, David has also led Keep Ruidoso Beautiful as Executive Director. His projects include landscaping the east entrance medians, planting hundreds of trees, building a botanical garden, and installing over 75 handcrafted wine barrel trash bins with cigarette recycling in Midtown.
Before his time with the Village, David spent 17 years fighting wildfires with the Smokey Bear Hotshots and 30 years as an EMT, including service on the Ski Apache ski patrol. One of his proudest accomplishments is building the 27-hole Grindstone Disc Golf Course. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys bow hunting, skiing, and disc golf.
His lifelong commitment to public service and the outdoors continues to shape Ruidoso’s parks and community spaces.
Pictured from left to right: Greg Cory, Gary Jackson, Darren Hooker, Lynn Crawford, Mayor Pro Tem Rifle Salas, Susan Lutterman, Joe Eby
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Monsoon Flooding and Burn Scar Risk: What You Need to Know
The arrival of monsoon season brings welcome moisture to our dry landscapes — but it also brings the potential for sudden and dangerous flooding. For our community, the risk is now even more serious due to recent wildfire burn scars, which have dramatically changed the way water flows across the land.
Monsoon Season: Fast Storms, Flash Floods
From late June through September, the North American Monsoon brings a surge of moisture to the Southwest. This shift in weather patterns fuels intense thunderstorms that can drop a large amount of rain in a short period — often within minutes.
Because our region includes steep terrain, canyons, and dry streambeds (also known as arroyos), the landscape is naturally prone to flash flooding. And now, with several areas recovering from recent wildfires, that risk has increased.
What’s
Different After a Fire?
After a wildfire, the ground becomes hydrophobic — meaning it repels water rather than absorbing it. The burned soil forms a slick, sealed layer that causes rain to run off rapidly, rather than soak in. This can lead to flooding in areas that haven’t flooded before.
Even light to moderate rainfall over a burn scar can trigger flooding or debris flows within minutes, often with little or no warning. Downhill neighborhoods, roads, trails, and streams can all be affected — sometimes miles away from the burned area itself.
How to Prepare Without Panic
While burn scar flooding is a serious concern, the best response is not fear — it’s preparation. Here’s how you can stay safe during monsoon season:
» Stay alert to weather conditions, especially when rain is forecasted over or near burn scars. Rainfall upstream can affect areas downstream.
» Never cross flooded roads or trails — just 6 inches of moving water can knock over a person, and 12 inches can sweep a car away.
» Sign up for emergency alerts via Call Me Ruidoso, including flood watches, warnings, and evacuation notices.
» Have a go-kit ready with essentials in case you need to leave quickly and know more than one way out of your neighborhood.
Community Actions Underway
Local agencies are working hard to reduce flood risk by:
» Monitoring weather conditions and rainfall over burn scars
» Coordinating with the National Weather Service for flash flood alerts
» Clearing debris from culverts and storm drains
» Hosting public preparedness events and distributing flood safety materials
Tools like rain gauges and flood detection systems have been installed to provide early warning where possible. But no system replaces individual awareness. Knowing the risk and how to respond can save lives.
WINGFIELD HERITAGE HOUSE MUSEUM
National Award Honors Wingfield Heritage House Museum’s “Ruidoso Rewind”
The Wingfield Heritage House Museum is proud to announce that the Ruidoso Rewind radio program is the recipient of a 2025 American Association of State and Local History (AASLH) Award of Excellence. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 80th year, is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history. The Wingfield Heritage House Museum is the only award winner from New Mexico this year. AASLH recognized 54 winners nationally.
Museum Manager and Curator, Stephanie Long, and KRUI Sound Engineer, Greg Widener, have produced over 60 episodes of Ruidoso Rewind. The series offers snapshots of Ruidoso and Lincoln County history, exploring stories of the people who have lived here and the ways they are linked to regional and national themes. The staff has dedicated many hours to bringing these stories to life and are honored to see that work recognized on a national stage.
Ruidoso Rewind airs at noon on Fridays on KRUI. Episodes are also available on-demand at 1490krui.com.
The Wingfield Heritage House Museum can be visited Wednesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is FREE! Stop by the museum at 2813 Sudderth Drive to learn more about Ruidoso history, or visit www.1490krui.com/ruidoso-rewind to listen to the show.
VILLAGE LEGAL COUNSEL
From the Desk of Zach Cook
I remember as a kid running around lighting bottle rockets and let ‘em rip right out of my hand. It was America. It was Texas. It was the 1970s. And thankfully, nobody got hurt too badly! Those were the good ol’ days. But times have changed.
Section 58-38 of the Village of Ruidoso Code of Ordinances prohibits the possession of fireworks in the village limits. It defines “possession” as, among other things, “…discharging any firecracker, Roman candle, skyrocket, torpedo, bomb or blank cartridge (except when used in connection with athletic or racing activities), or any type or form of explosive commonly known as ‘fireworks.’”
The authority for the Village of Ruidoso to adopt Section 58-38 comes from Section 3-18-11 of the New Mexico State Statute. That statute provides that a municipality may by ordinance adopt regulations for the prevention of fire, or to regulate and prevent the storage and prevention of combustible or explosive material, or to regulate and prevent the use of illuminating flames.
As we head into this Fourth of July, let’s honor the spirit of our community by adhering to Section 5838. Let’s keep our village safe and sound, leaving the fireworks to professional displays where they belong. Together, we can preserve our cherished freedoms while safeguarding our lives, our homes, and our businesses.
FINANCE CORNER
Utility Rate Adjustments –
Effective July 2025
The Village of Ruidoso accounts for its utilities under enterprise (business activity) funds. This means that utility rates are set to ensure that sufficient revenue is generated to cover both operating and capital expenses. Until the adoption of the Utility Rate Analysis in June 2024, utility rates had not been increased since 2014.
Fortunately, the Village has benefited from supplemental funding mechanisms, such as the State Gross Receipts Tax (SGRT) and the General Obligation (GO) Bond cycling program, which have supported water infrastructure improvements. However, other utilities—such as sewer, solid waste, forestry, and wastewater—do not have access to similar external funding sources for major upgrades and improvements.
In anticipation of continued growth in Ruidoso, the Utility Rate Analysis reviewed long-term master plans for infrastructure improvements and projected operational cost increases. Based on this analysis, a structured plan was adopted to gradually increase utility rates each year through Fiscal Year 2032. The annual increases range from 3% to 8%, depending on the specific utility. Additionally, these future projections assume a baseline of 40% grant funding to help offset infrastructure costs.
As part of the scheduled adjustments, utility rates will increase again in July 2025 (reflected in August billing cycles). The upcoming rate increases are as follows:
» Water: 12%
» Sewer: 8%
» Wastewater: 5%
» Solid Waste and Forestry: 30%
We appreciate the community’s understanding and support as we work to maintain and improve our essential utility services for current and future residents. Utility rates can be found at www.ruidoso-nm.gov/water-rates.
Example of a residential bill increase.
SIERRA BLANCA SHOOTERS
Flying High Again at State Championships
The Sierra Blanca Shooters, coached by Ben Byrd, once again dominated at the recent NM High School Clay Target Association Championships at the Whittington Center in Raton, NM. The team captured two titles as Runner-up Intermediate Skeet Team and Runner-up Intermediate Sporting Clays Team.
Several team members racked up numerous individual awards as well:
Hunter Coburn
» Champion - Annie Oakley
» 4th place Intermediate Male Trap Handicap
» 5th place Intermediate Male Trap Singles
» All State intermediate 1st Team, 3rd Position
Max Regalado
» Intermediate Top Gun Champion
» Runner Up Intermediate High Overall Trap
» Champion Intermediate Male Handicap
» Champion Intermediate Male Trap Doubles
» Champion Intermediate Male Skeet
» 3rd Place Intermediate Male Sporting Clays
» Captain - All State Intermediate 1st Team, 1st Position
Jaimeson Fitzgibbon
» Champion Intermediate Male Trap Singles
» 5th Place Intermediate Male Sporting Clays
» 3rd Place Intermediate Male High Overall Trap
» 5th Place Intermediate Male Handicap
Tyler Page
» 2nd Place Varsity Male Handicap
Cassidy Byrd
» 3rd Place Varsity Female High Overall Trap
» 5th Place Varsity Female Trap Singles
» 5th Place Varsity Female Trap Doubles
» 3rd Place - Varsity Girls High Overall
Congratulations to allyou make this community proud!
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
LINCOLN COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER From the Desk of The Chief Executive – Todd Oberheu
To date, there have been about 80 reported cases of measles in New Mexico. While none have been reported in Lincoln County, we strongly encourage the community to stay informed and follow the New Mexico Department of Health recommendations including staying current on vaccinations.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious illness — especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can develop between seven to 21 days after exposure, and include high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a red spotted rash that usually starts on the head or face and spreads downward to cover the rest of the body.
If you have these symptoms and believe you were exposed to measles, call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773). Please call ahead before visiting your healthcare provider or an emergency room. This helps prevent exposing others.
The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is through vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is safe, effective, and widely available. Most people receive the first dose at 12–15 months of age, with a second dose between ages 4–6. If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, you can talk with your medical provider or visit the VaxView website: https://vaxview.doh.nm.gov/.
The Ruidoso (Lincoln County) Public Health Office is offering daily walk-in MMR vaccinations with no appointments needed until further notice. For the latest updates, vaccine guidance, and public health information, visit the New Mexico Department of Health website at nmhealth.org. Let’s work together to keep our communities healthy. Vaccinate, stay informed, and take action early if you suspect illness.
RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
From the Desk of Superintendent Becca Ferguson
This year, our work has closely aligned with the RMSD School Board’s commitment to improving student outcomes and our partnership with Cooperative Educational Services (CES) and the Six Year Study. Together, we have:
» Adopted a RMSD three-year monitoring calendar to track progress and maintain a focused commitment to increasing academic achievement.
» Set an ambitious goal of 5% annual growth in student achievement for reading and mathematics over the next three years, with Board-approved monitoring reports already presented this year.
» Implemented 90-Day Plans with 30/60/90 reflections across all schools to ensure ongoing alignment with instructional goals.
» Ruidoso Middle School has successfully regained its “Traditional” designation by demonstrating a strong commitment to instructional practices that supported individual growth among English Language learners.
» All schools designated as “Traditional” per NMPED requirements
In alignment with the School Board’s Superintendent Guardrails, we have made strong strides in each focus area including communication, Professional Learning Teams (PLTs), family engagement, accountability and student-centered, engaging classrooms.
Graduating Seniors Awarded Over $244,000 in Scholarships
Thirty-five Ruidoso High School seniors from the Class of 2025 earned a combined total of $244,700 in scholarships to support their post-secondary education at colleges, universities, or vocational-technical schools. Many of these awards are renewable for up to four years. Ruidoso Municipal Schools extends sincere thanks to the generous local and regional donors who made these opportunities possible and are helping fund the future careers of our students.
Ruidoso High School Earns Statewide Recognition as “Exemplary Early College High School”
Ruidoso High School (RHS) has been awarded the prestigious designation of “Exemplary Early College High School” by the New Mexico Public Education Department. This honor recognizes the school’s strong commitment to academic excellence, equitable access, and partnerships with colleges and the workforce. RHS began offering dual credit courses in 2010 and became an official Early College Academy in 2018. In 2024, the school completed a rigorous redesignation process, showcasing its success in helping students earn college credits, certifications, and even associate degrees – all while still in high school. Approximately 25% of each graduating class participates in the Early College program, a testament to its accessibility and impact.
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
JULY 2-5:
• Smokey Bear Stampede, Lincoln County Fairgrounds
JULY 3:
• Cactus Sol, Ruidoso Public Library
• Thirstday Night Trivia “Independence Day Eve”, Lost Hiker Brewing Company
We recently celebrated our Annual Banquet and Awards with a 1920s themed event at Inn of the Mountain Gods. Each year during our Annual Banquet, we induct our new board of directors and give out the awards for Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and the Beautification Award. Our board members volunteer their time throughout the year and help to make the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce the great organization that it is. I would like to thank Christine Manire, First Security and Investigations, and Gavin Bigger, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Enchanted Lands Realty, for their service on the board.
We’re looking forward to the 54th Annual Ruidoso Art Festival coming up July 25-27 at the Ruidoso Convention Center. We will have many amazing artists participating. You will be sure to find something you love at this festival!
We want to welcome two new businesses to the Chamber. La Michoacana de Ruidoso is a new ice cream and dessert shop located at 2803 Sudderth Drive. They have ice cream, popsicles and a whole array of snacks and desserts. The Tea Room at Swallow Hill is located in Glencoe at 27648 Nosker Lane. You can enjoy afternoon tea in an outdoor pavilion overlooking a lavender field. We recently celebrated them both with a ribbon cutting, and we welcome them to the Chamber and to Ruidoso!
If you are interested in joining the Chamber and working with us, please give us a call at 575-257-7395.
DEPARTMENTS & PHONE NUMBERS
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
RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION
From
www.Ruidoso-NM.gov
the Desk of RMA Executive Director Tim
Duckworth
Ruidoso kicked off its summer season with two great events prior to Memorial Day weekend. The 2025 Tim Selinske US Masters Disc Golf Championship was a resounding success. Competitors from all over the world came to Ruidoso to experience high altitude championship disc golfing. Ruidoso Midtown was in full force ensuring our distant friends had everything they needed with shopping, food, drinks, live music, and outdoor events.
Everyone also had a great time at the Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire enjoying battling knights, giant turkey legs, mead, beer, wine, music, and vendors galore. When you walked into the event, you really felt like you traveled back in time.
Memorial Day Weekend was PACKED!!! I made my way around, visiting businesses with some so busy I had to just carry on to the next business. This is great foreshadowing for Midtown and Ruidoso as our recovery continues.
RMA will be hosting Brewdoso on August 9, 2025, at Wingfield Park. We will feature New Mexico’s finest craft beer and wine, food trucks, live music, and loads of family fun for all. Tickets are available now at Brewdoso.com. Vendors interested in participating can visit RuidosoMidtownAssociation.com to fill out an application.
RMA will host its quarterly Midtown Mixer on July 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM at The Quarters located at 2535 Sudderth. Everyone is encouraged to come out and network with Midtown businesses. There will be fun activities and giveaways.
In closing, I would like to welcome a new business to our Ruidoso Midtown. Taylor & Co. at 2328 Sudderth Drive. They have a great selection of Roger Calhoun ceramics, cowhide rugs, clothing, and a wide variety of special gifts.
WATER RESOURCES
Village Submits Claim for PFAS National Public Water Settlements
The Village of Ruidoso and thousands of public water systems throughout the country are taking action to test all water sources and submit required claims in multi-state Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) litigation before upcoming deadlines. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” that resist degradation in the natural environment. Although it is currently unknown what levels of PFAS exist in the Village’s water sources, with key deadlines approaching, early preparation is essential for securing compensation and protecting public water utility interests. The Village is taking the lead among New Mexico’s community water systems to test and seek maximum funding for investing in its water system improvements and upgrades.
Public Water Settlements – 3M and DuPont
Significant settlements with producers of PFAS have been reached through national litigation. As a result, settlement payouts to eligible community systems for the 3M settlement range from a potential of $36,240 to $50 million, with most systems receiving in the range of $200,000 to $4 million. Public water systems that qualify may receive money to reimburse them for testing costs, money spent to improve their water system, and future funds if testing shows PFAS in their water.
Urgency of Source Water Testing
Source water testing is essential to qualify for settlement funds. Each water source must be tested individually, and as demand increases closer to deadlines, lab processing times may slow. Water systems should begin testing immediately to avoid bottlenecks.
Use of Legal Services to Meet Claim Requirements
Legal guidance is critical in navigating these settlements. Experienced attorneys assist with coordinating testing requirements, document collection, and filing claims to ensure compliance and to maximize compensation. In May 2025, the Village retained the law firm of Stag Liuzza of New Orleans, Louisiana, a firm that has represented community water systems nationwide. Stag Liuzza will be working with law firms with a strong New Mexico presence, including Ortiz & Zamora, Attorneys at Law, LLC, John Wertheim Law, LLC, and Vela Justice, LLC. You can read more about the work of Stag Liuzza at www.cleangroundwater.com.
WORKFORCE HOUSING Update on 603 Mechem Project
The 603 Mechem housing development is approaching its final stages, and it is exciting to be able to share the latest updates.
All 10 homes are now in place and all the utility hook-ups have been made. Landscaping is starting and will take approximately two weeks to complete for all homes. Street work is also making strides, with dirt work which is scheduled to be completed soon. The final steps include widening the entrance to Mechem Drive and installing fencing around the property.
This project represents a significant milestone, and the Village appreciates everyone’s patience and support as it is brought to completion.
