Well, July was quite a month… The South Fork and Salt Fires along with the subsequent flood events have brought about challenges and hardships that none of us could have anticipated. In times like these, it is crucial that we come together as a community to support one another and rebuild stronger than before.
I want to express my deepest sympathies to those who have lost their homes, businesses, or loved ones during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to you, and we are committed to providing all the support and resources necessary for your recovery.
I want to commend the resilience and bravery displayed by first responders, disaster relief teams, volunteers, and community members who have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the disaster. Your acts of kindness and solidarity are a true testament to the strength of our community.
I also want to thank the Community Foundation of Lincoln County for their efforts in collecting and distributing monetary donations directly to those affected. I am humbled by the kindness of corporate and individual donors who have to-date donated $1,213,208 to the CFLOC. In addition, they have received pledges for an additional $560,000. These donations are the reason that the CFOLC has been able to identify and fund 142 local families that completely lost their homes in the fire, and identify and fund 70 local families who have flooding issues. CFOLC board members also went to the shelters while the evacuation orders were still in effect and passed out $100 gift cards for groceries, gas, clothing, and supplies. This community is so lucky to have an organization like this that springs into action whenever there is a need.
As we begin the process of recovery and rebuilding, I urge each and every one of you to stay united, stay strong, and stay hopeful. Together, we will overcome this adversity and emerge even stronger than before. Please know that the Village of Ruidoso is here to support you every step of the way.
I encourage you to reach out to our emergency services, local shelters, and community organizations for assistance and information on available resources. We have a list of excellent resources available at Ruidoso-NM.gov - just look for the link to the South Fork/Salt Fire hub in the top banner of the homepage.
In the coming days and weeks, we will work tirelessly to restore normalcy and ensure the well-being of our community. Your safety and welfare are our top priorities, and we will not rest until every citizen is back on their feet. Be sure to tune-in to Mondays with the Mayor from 8:00 – 10:00 AM every Monday on 1490 AM –The Mountain.
Thank you for your resilience, your compassion, and your unwavering spirit during this trying time. Together, we will rebuild, recover, and thrive once again.
Mayor Lynn Crawford
Mayor Lynn Crawford
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recent Actions
July 09, 2024, Council Meeting Highlights:
» Approval of Agreement with Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce for Professional Services for Operation of the Ruidoso Visitor’s Center, Billy the Kid Visitor’s Center, and the Wingfield House Heritage House Museum for the Village of Ruidoso.
» Approval of Resolution 2024-20. A Resolution Supporting a Public-Private Economic Development Mainstreet Project for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
» Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Ruidoso Midtown Association to Promote the Midtown District in the Village of Ruidoso.
» Approval and Adoption of Ordinance 2024-04 Amending the Village of Ruidoso Code of Ordinance Chapter 86, Utilities, Specifically, Sections 86-1 Through 86-12, and Sections 86-31 Through 86-33, Section 86-63, and Providing for Appendix U, Water Rates Structure and Appendix A , Fines, Fees and Penalties; Chapter 70, Solid Waste, Specifically Sections 70-15 Through 70-17, and Providing for Appendix A, Fines, Fees and Penalties; and Chapter 54, Land Use, Specifically Section 54-404 and Providing for Appendix A, Fines, Fees and Penalties.
Next Council Meeting: August 13, 2024, at 1PM
PLEASE VISIT THE SOUTH FORK/SALT FIRES RESOURCE HUB FOR A COMPLETE LIST
CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions About the South Fork & Salt Fires
» Mescalero Apache Tribe: 575-464-4494
» Lincoln National Forest: 575-270-2726
» New Mexico State Forestry Division: 505-699-0601
Register at DisasterAssistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362
Pictured from left to right: Greg Cory, Gary Jackson, Darren Hooker, Lynn Crawford, Mayor Pro Tem Rifle Salas, Susan Lutterman, Joe Eby
WATER RESOURCE DEPARTMENT
Water Rate Increase Approved by Village Council
In December 2021, the Village of Ruidoso engaged multiple consulting and engineering firms to conduct a comprehensive study of the enterprise utility funds (Solid Waste/Forestry, Water, Sewer Collections, and Wastewater). The goal was to develop master plans for each division and perform a rate study.
The firms collaborated with each division to evaluate the existing systems and conduct modeling to analyze current and future capacity issues. Each plan provided recommendations for staffing levels and the capital improvements necessary to deliver optimal service to the residents of Ruidoso.
The second phase of the study assessed the rate of revenue needed to fund the annual operation and maintenance expenses of each division and the capital improvements recommended in the master plans.
Over the past three fiscal years, the cost of running these utilities has increased in several areas, including personnel, maintenance, and equipment. Since COVID-19, the cost of purchasing parts and maintaining equipment has also risen dramatically.
Utility rates have not been adjusted in over a decade. The new rates, which were approved by the Village Council at their most recent meeting, will increase the average monthly bill to approximately $139, depending on factors such as usage and compliance with the forestry ordinance.
Water Treatment Plant Gets New Flood & Erosion Protection
During the 2021 flood, the gabion baskets at Water Treatment Plant 1 failed, leading to the erosion and destruction of the stream channel at the site. Upon discovering the damage, the Water Resource Department collaborated with Riverbend Engineering to repair the floodplain and remove the failed gabion baskets. The project began on February 20, 2024, and was completed on May 17, 2024.
The project involved removing the existing concrete weir and the failed gabion baskets on the western side of the building. A new concrete weir was constructed to support the USGS gage, and large boulders were stacked to replace the failed gabion wall. Additionally, rock weirs and rock deflectors were installed, along with a boulder and grout ramp. Just below the ramp, an energy dispersion pool was dug to help dissipate the energy created during a flood. The banks were also armored with boulders to protect against future erosion.
This project helps prevent future flood damage and erosion while enhancing the riparian corridor’s natural appearance and supporting future fish habitats
Even through these most recent flood events, the structures all remained intact and are continuing to mitigate more flooding at the site.
ENMU-RUIDOSO
From the Desk of President Ryan Trosper
Registration Open at ENMU-Ruidoso for Fall Semester
Class registration for ENMU-Ruidoso Branch Community College’s fall semester is now open. Class schedules and online registration are available at Ruidoso.ENMU.edu. Students can call 575-315-1120 to speak with an advisor or register in-person at 709 Mechem Drive, Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Scholarships and financial assistance are available. Fall classes begin on August 20, 2024.
Pete Lara Ruidoso, NM New Mexico High School Equivalency
ENMU-Ruidoso 2024 Graduation Speakers
Valeria Chacon Hondo, NM Hondo High School Dual Credit / General Studies
Kaydence Cervantes Mescalero, NM Ruidoso High School Dual Credit / General Studies
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
RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
From the Desk of Superintendent Becca Ferguson
Ruidoso School District Welcomes the 2024-2025 School Year!
The new school year is almost here, and we are excited to welcome our students and staff back for another enriching and fun-filled academic year. Here are some important dates to know: 114 graduates walked this year.
» Orientation for All Schools: August 9, 2024. Times for each school will vary. That information will be forthcoming on the RMSD website.
» First Day of Classes: August 12, 2024
New Online Enrollment Registration
Our updated online enrollment process ensures we have the most current information about your child(ren) and is available for both returning families and soon, new families joining our district.
Returning Student Online Enrollment Overview
Online registration is a self-guided process available for grades Pre-K through 8 for the 2024-2025 school year. To complete the registration process, all required fields must be filled out. You will need your assigned Power school SNAP code before beginning the enrollment process.
Important Points to Remember:
» You will receive an email with the Power school SNAP code if you have provided an email address to the school. If you have not received this email, please contact your student’s school for assistance.
» Each eligible student must be registered separately using the online enrollment platform. Each student has a unique Power school SNAP code, and you will receive separate emails for each one.
» If you are enrolling a new student along with a returning student, the new student enrollment process will be available soon. Please watch for an email from the district with more information.
» An email address is required to complete the online registration.
» If you do not have access to a computer or the internet, please contact your child’s school to schedule an appointment.
» You will receive an email from PowerSchool Registration support notifying you that the current year’s online enrollment is open. Some emails may go to your spam or junk folder, so please check there.
» Once you receive the email, click the link to the registration portal and follow the instructions. You will need to verify the date of birth of the student you are registering. Click the blue “Next” button to proceed through the enrollment pages.
» If you need to leave and return later, you can resume where you left off by clicking on the step you need.
» If you need assistance, contact your child’s school.
Visit our newly updated website at https://www.ruidososchools.org/PowerSchoolOnlineEnrollment.aspx to get started today.
RMSD 2024-2025 District Calendar
We are awaiting the final decision on our proposed calendars; however, the start date will remain the same in either situation.
LINCOLN COUNTY MEDICIAL CENTER
From the Desk of the Chief Executive - Todd Oberheu
Like so many in our community, our dedicated teams at Lincoln County Medical Center faced the frightening impact of wildfire, followed by devastating floods.
When it became evident on Monday, June 17 that the fire would become unimaginable, we decided to scale back services for the safety of staff and patients. At the time, we had 12 patients in our inpatient unit. We safely discharged eight patients home but needed to transfer four patients to other facilities. Fortunately, Eastern New Mexico Hospital in Roswell accepted our patients and AMR Ambulance service agreed to transport them so that Lincoln County EMS could stay here to help our community.
During this time, LCMC continued to operate our Emergency Department. Although we tried to maintain services throughout the fires, on the evening of Tuesday, June 18, LCMC evacuated the facility due to erratic behavior from the Salt Fire. Despite this, we immediately began to develop plans to return once the situation improved. On Thursday, June 20, an incredible team of providers, nurses and other staff honored the request to reopen our Emergency Department in order to provide care for first responders, as well as community members in need. We continued to provide this care until Saturday, June 22 when evacuation orders were lifted for parts of Lincoln County.
While hospital and outpatient services were limited in Ruidoso, a team continued to operate our Capitan and Carrizozo clinics. They brought in extra staff, operated as walk-in clinics, and stayed open during the weekend. In addition, we sent medical personnel to the Capitan Red Cross Evacuation Center to assess evacuees and help in any way we could. One challenge we faced due to the closure of pharmacies in Ruidoso was obtaining medications. As a result, Lincoln County EMS teams went several times to Alamogordo to bring medications back to evacuees.
On Monday, June 24, LCMC returned to normal operations except for obstetrics and surgery. By Wednesday, June 26 all services were operating normally.
Our facility was not directly impacted by fires or flooding, and we are now operating at full capacity. However, eleven members of our staff did lose their homes during this terrible time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them and to everyone in our community who experienced loss due to this tragedy.
We are here, and we stand with our strong and resilient community in Ruidoso.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SIERRA BLANCA SHOOTERS!
Team Wins State Championship
Ruidoso’s Sierra Blanca Shooters Team won the Intermediate State Championship at the New Mexico High School Clay Target Association State Championship at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton on June 7-9, 2024. The top scores in male and ladies trap singles, trap handicap, sporting clay, and skeet count toward the team total. The Intermediate Team also won first place in Trap.
In addition, several of the team’s top shooters took home State Championships, including Abel Bellon who won first place in Intermediate Male Trap Singles with a perfect score. Abel was awarded the HOA Intermediate Male Trap Champion for his incredible shooting. Addison Zook also took first place in Intermediate Ladies Trap Singles and Handicap.
Congratulations to these State Champions! You make Ruidoso proud.
Photo (from left to right): State Champions Everett Byrd, Ben Byrd, Abel Bellon, Jaimeson Fitzgibbon, Hunter Coburn, Max Regalado, William Hayden Van Winkle, Addison Zook
Summer EVENTS
Check out our line-up of great events for summer!
Please visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for additional events and details.
WEEKLY COMMUNITY EVENTS
THURSDAYS:
• Veterans Coffee and Company, 615 Sudderth Drive, Suite 1
FRIDAYS:
• Under a Mountain Sky Concert Series, Wingfield Park
SATURDAYS:
• Midtown Market, 100 Country Club Drive
SUNDAYS:
• Alto Farmer’s & Craft Market, Enchanted Vine Barn
AUGUST 1:
• HomeGrown Boyz, Ruidoso Public Library
AUGUST 2-4:
• Alto Artist Tour, Alto
• Billy the Kid Pageant and Old Lincoln Days, Historic Lincoln
AUGUST 2:
• Rockabilly Strangers and Dave Millsap, Downshift Riverside
• Under a Mountain Sky Joey Green, Wingfield Park
AUGUST 3:
• The River Arkansas, Lost Hiker Brewery
• Mandy Barnett, Spencer Theater
• Girls Night Out, Downshift Riverside
AUGUST 4:
• Super Smash Bros Tournament, Downshift Hidden Tap
AUGUST 7:
• Paint a Pot Night, Downshift Hidden Tap
• Summer Kids Series (LAST DAY), Allen Theater
AUGUST 9:
• Under a Mountain Sky Max Gomez, Wingfield Park
• Heal the Hill Benefit Concert with Randy Rogers Band, Jack’s Backstage
AUGUST 10:
• The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Spencer Theater
AUGUST 15:
• Under a Mountain Sky Nathan Graham, Wingfield Park
AUGUST 16:
• Nathan Graham and Dave Millsap, Downshift Riverside
AUGUST 17:
• White Oaks Miner’s Day
• Top of the World, Spencer Theaters
• Ceekay Jones, Downshift Hidden Tap
• Joe Forlini, Downshift Riverside
AUGUST 18:
• Flagship Romance, Downshift Riverside
AUGUST 19:
• Full Moon Sound Bath, Blue Lotus
AUGUST 20:
• Rainmakers Golf Tourney
• Moonlight Hike, White Sands National Park
AUGUST 21:
• Matthew McDaniel and Tyler Jones, Downshift Riverside
• Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Spencer Theater
AUGUST 22:
• Under a Mountain Sky Zach Aaron and Phil Hamilton, Wingfield Park
• Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Spencer Theater
AUGUST 23:
• Doso Dirtbags, Downshift Riverside
AUGUST 23-25:
• 34th Annual Ruidoso Antiques and Collectibles Show, Ruidoso Convention Center
AUGUST 24:
• Grindstone Trail Runs, Wingfield Park
• Red Corvette, Inn of the Mountain Gods
AUGUST 28:
• Thomas Hinds and Tyler Jones, Downshift Riverside
• Jets & Jalopies Fly-In, Sierra Blanca Regional Airport
• Moksi, Lost Hiker Brewery
• The Graham Brothers at No Scum Allowed Saloon
SEPTEMBER 13:
• SPiVEY and Dave Millsap, Downshift Riverside
SEPTEMBER 13-15:
• Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl, Windfield Park
SEPTEMBER 18:
• Moonlight Hike, White Sands National Park
SEPTEMBER 21:
• Whiplash, No Scum Allowed Saloon
SEPTEMBER 27:
• DOWN, Inn of the Mountain Gods
www.discoverruidoso.com/event-submission-form
Fire Pit Ordinance
All fire pits/open flame devices require an inspection and annual permit. The yearly permit fee was recently reduced to $50 by the Village Council.
Violation of this ordinance is a $250 fine, so be sure to register yours today.
Low Class Car Show
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
Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant (RWWTP) 575-378-8417
Senior Center 575-257-4565
Solid Waste 575-257-1502
Street Works 575-257-6023
Water Distribution and Sewer Collections 575-257-2386
Water Production 575-257-5525
Water Rights/Watershed (RJU) 575-258-6913
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Tennis Court and Playground Projects
www.Ruidoso-NM.gov
Ruidoso’s Parks and Recreation Department is continuing the renovations at School House Park. The new tennis courts are now open for public use and are free of charge. Windscreens are on order and will be installed when they arrive.
A new playground is also being installed and ready for use soon. Both of these projects are a much-needed enhancement to the School House Park area. The project has been in progress for several months and was funded by a grant that was awarded to the Village.
RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION
From the Desk of Executive Director Stephanie Garcia
Perseverance. Immovable. Strong-Willed. These are just some of the words that can be used to describe our community. As a long-time local watching the village come together, yet again in a time of devastation, it is easy to see why so many people continue to flock to our amazing town. In this time of rebuilding, we will continue to hold each other up and stand behind our friends and family who need our help. We have watched extraordinary individuals stand up and stand out with their willingness to help where it is needed. We have also been lucky to have so many hotshots and first responders come in from other communities to help us during this time.
Ruidoso Midtown Association wants to take the time to thank everyone and show our appreciation by reimagining our Brewdoso event. We will be partnering with the Village and Downshift Brewing to provide a benefit relief concert for those affected by the fires or floods. The mood will be set by a concert that the Village of Ruidoso will be putting together, while you enjoy New Mexico brews and wine. Local food trucks will be on-site to ensure no one goes hungry, and there will be plenty of vendors to purchase NM local goodies from. We are working out all of the dates and details as I write this, so stay tuned!
We will continue to serve our community in any way that we can. Please contact me at ruidosomidtownassociation@gmail.com. I will always make myself available for the needs of the community.
RUIDOSO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
From the Desk of Executive Director Deborah Douds
Although Ruidoso has experienced wildfires and flash flooding, our spirit is not broken. Now we are looking towards rebuilding our community and livelihoods.
Our businesses need your support now more than ever. The Chamber has been working to let our visitors know that the heart of Ruidoso is still strong and beautiful and that our businesses need them. Tourism is the main economic driver for Ruidoso and our local businesses can’t survive without our visitors and without you! Make sure you are shopping local and eating in our restaurants when you can. If you are able, be generous when you tip your server. Please remember, we are all going through a lot right now. That person in line with you may be having a hard time. Give everyone a little extra grace and that includes yourself. The Village of Ruidoso has a list of resources for emotional support and recovery. If you need someone to talk to, please reach out and get help.
The Chamber is the organization that supports our community, and 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.
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
