As snow blankets our beautiful mountains and holiday lights twinkle throughout the village, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary journey we’ve shared this year. The summer’s wildfires and subsequent flooding tested our resilience in ways we never imagined. Yet here we stand, together, rebuilding not just our structures but strengthening the bonds that make Ruidoso special.
When I drive through our neighborhoods, I see more than dump trucks and clean-up trailers. I see new beginnings and people that are committed to the rebuilding of this community because this is their home. I also witness countless acts of kindness on a daily basis. To me, that is a true measure of recovery and resilience.
This holiday season holds special meaning for us all. While some families are still in temporary housing, we have so much to be grateful for. The Forest Service reports that the burned areas have been reseeded and mulched and are showing promising signs of regeneration. Looking ahead to 2025, we will continue to work to secure additional recovery funds and establish partnerships with organizations to support our ongoing rebuilding efforts. The Village Council just voted to purchase and install nine new sirens for our outdoor warning system which is much needed.
I also want to thank Ruidoso Police Chief Lawrence Chavez for his service to the Ruidoso Police Department, and wish him well in his retirement. Steve Minner, formerly the Deputy Chief was sworn in as our new chief at the last Village Council meeting, and I know he will do a fantastic job.
The Ruidoso Fire Department will also have new leadership at the helm as current Chief Joe Kasuboski is also retiring. I want to thank him as well for his service to the Village and the RFD, and hope he enjoys his retirement. It was recently announced that Cade Hall will lead the department, and I look forward to working with him in this position
The holiday season reminds us that even in the darkest times, light prevails. Ruidoso isn’t just recovering –we’re emerging stronger, more connected, and more prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead. Thank you for your continued strength, patience, and compassion for one another.
On behalf of my wife and myself, we wish you and your loved ones a peaceful holiday season.
Mayor Lynn Crawford
Mayor Lynn Crawford
Ruidoso Fire Department Chief Cade Hall
Ruidoso Police Chief Steve Minner
Retired Ruidoso Police Chief Lawrence Chavez
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recent Actions
November 12, 2024, Village Council Meeting Highlights:
» Approval of Agreement with Cutler Repaving, Inc. for Pavement Resurfacing on White Mountain Drive, Porr Drive, LL Davis Drive, Jack Little Drive, Leon Farrar Drive, and Wingfield Street.
» Approval and Adoption of Ordinance 2024-05, an Ordinance Modifying Chapter 54 Land Use, Article IV- Flood Hazard Regulations, Sections 54-327 Basis for Establishing Areas of Special Flood Hazard, 54329 Compliance with Article and Other Regulations and Section 54-338 Specific Standards.
» Approval of State Grants-In-Aid Agreement between the New Mexico State Library and the Village of Ruidoso Public Library in the amount of $10,287.08.
» Approval of Task Order RFP-2024-003P-BH-03 for US 70/NM 48 Intersection Design with Bohannan Huston, Inc.
» Approval of Purchase and Installation of 9 Emergency Sirens from Federal Signal Corporation Alerting & Notification Systems.
» Approval of Host Venue Agreement with Ironman 70.3 to Host the Ironman 70.3 New Mexico-Ruidoso Race Event in 2026-2027 and 2028.
» Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with XTERRA Global, LLC, for Hosting 2026-2027 and 2028 XTERRA World Championship Events.
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 – Village Hall Council Chambers
FROM THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF LINCOLN COUNTY
Annual Santa Paws Event
Join the Humane Society of Lincoln County for the annual Santa Paws event on December 7, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Bring family and FURR babies for photos with Santa at the Humane Society shelter, located at 25962 Highway 70.
Photos will be taken by local professional photographer Sara Matula. Attendees will receive a 15% discount coupon for Walgreens and additional in-store discounts for holiday cards.
Any donations to the Humane Society of Lincoln County will be accepted.
Remember, ADOPT... DON’T SHOP!
Pictured from left to right: Greg Cory, Gary Jackson, Darren Hooker, Lynn Crawford, Mayor Pro Tem Rifle Salas, Susan Lutterman, Joe Eby
SOUTH FORK/SALT
FIRES RECOVERY
Floodway vs. Floodplain
As the Village moves forward with recovery and mitigation efforts, one of the big questions is “how do I know if I am in the floodway or the floodplain (special flood hazard area) and what does that mean for me?”
Regulatory Floodway According to FEMA:
“Regulatory Floodway means the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height.”
Special Flood Hazard Area According to FEMA:
“Flood hazard areas identified on the Flood Insurance Rate Map are identified as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). SFHA’s are defined as the areas that will be inundated by the flood event having a 1-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. The 1-percent annual chance flood is also referred to as the base flood or 100-year flood.
SFHA’s are labeled as Zones which include Zone A, Zone V; Moderate flood hazard areas, labeled Zone B or Zone X (shaded) are also shown on the FIRM, and are the areas between the limits of the base flood and the 0.2-percent-annual-chance (or 500-year) flood. The areas of minimal flood hazard, which are the areas outside the SFHA and higher than the elevation of the 0.2-percentannual-chance flood, are labeled Zone C or Zone X (unshaded).”
If property has sustained substantial damage through either the fire or floods, knowing what zone it is in will help you determine the best course forward. If there is sustained substantial damage and any portion of the structure is located within the regulatory floodway, the structure will not be able to rebuild back. However, if the substantially damaged structure is located within the 100year floodplain, it can be built back as long as the Village of Ruidoso ordinance and building code standards are followed. Substantial damage is only for structures (buildings, fences, etc.) and does not include the green space portion of property.
Christmas in the Mountains by Frank Potter
Christmas in the mountains
What a sight to see
A feeling of yuletide
That’s the way it should be.
Celebrating the birth of Christ
Spread the message of cheer. It’s the way we show our love
As we feel His presence near.
A single walk through Bethlehem Reminds us how often, We should listen to His message That is spoken so softly.
The sight of the manger Laying beneath the pines, Reminds us of a world together And of prayers on our minds.
The lights of luminaries
That send us on our way, Gives a message to everyone
To kneel down and pray.
Hold in your heart this night
And ask for His help, For all of those less fortunate That He grant them a stronger step.
For Christmas in the pines Was put here for a reason, To strengthen one and another Throughout the holy season.
WATER CONSERVATION
Track Water Usage with EyeOnWater App
The Village of Ruidoso is located within the arid southwest and conserving the water supply is of utmost importance. Conscientious water conservation preserves and protects Ruidoso’s natural resources and ensures the reliability of the water supply. Ruidoso is currently in Phase 5 of Water Restrictions and is considered to be within a moderate to severe drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Simple changes can be made at home to help conserve water:
1. Install a low-flow toilet.
2. Shorten shower times.
3. Check toilets and faucets for leaks.
4. Do not leave the water running while brushing teeth.
5. Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads.
6. Do not use running water to thaw food.
7. Use the garbage disposal sparingly.
8. Monitor water bill for unusually high usage.
The EyeOnWater app allows consumers to monitor water bills and understand how much water is being used and if any leaks are present. It is easy to create an account using a water bill account number and an email address.
In an effort to incorporate growth and address prolonged drought conditions, the Village of Ruidoso Water Resource Department is revising the 2016 Water Conservation Plan and updating the water conservation triggers.
Scan to Download the EyeOnWater App
Significant impacts can be made on water usage simply by making slight changes in daily routines.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Village Emergency Assistance Registry (VEAR)
Available For Vulnerable Residents
The Village Emergency Assistance Registry (VEAR) is a free registry that provides local emergency planners and emergency responders with information on the needs of their community. Individuals who have disabilities, limited mobility, or are considered medically fragile are asked to sign up for this registry.
“We can best support those who are vulnerable if we know in advance where they are and what resources they may need during an emergency or disaster,” states Eric Queller, Emergency Manager for the Village of Ruidoso.
An online form utilizes the Village’s ArcGIS platform to gather data and plot it on a community map that can be used for planning and emergency response purposes. Registering in the VEAR program DOES NOT guarantee receipt of a specific service during an emergency. This is to better inform the Village of the constantly evolving community needs during disasters.
Who should register?
1. People with disabilities
2. People who are medically fragile
3. People with access and functional needs such as: limited mobility, communication barriers, medical assistance during an emergency event
4. People who require transportation assistance
5. People who require personal care assistance
Register online at www.ruidoso-nm.gov/vear. Dial 575-257-3473 or 2-1-1. Residents can also fill out a hard copy by printing it off the website or stopping by Village Hall, Ruidoso Fire Department Station One, or the Ruidoso Community Center.
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!
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Snow Removal Operation Plan
Before the first snowflakes hit Ruidoso roads and sidewalks, the Village begins planning for winter snow clearing. Department heads from Public Works, Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation, and Emergency Management meet to discuss the Village snow and ice removal plan for the upcoming winter weather season. The goal of the meeting is to review and update the current plan’s equipment, procedures, and staffing. Presently, the Village divides roads and sidewalks into three priorities starting with major roads such as Sudderth and Mechem Drives, and then works down the list of residential streets.
“Having a robust response to snow and ice operations begins well in advance of winter,” said Eric Queller, Village Emergency Manager. “Ruidoso’s Offices of Emergency Management and Public Works continuously monitor conditions and forecasts to determine if more staff is needed.”
Each year, the Village receives roughly 1000 tons of salt and sand from the New Mexico Department of Transportation for Sudderth and Mechem Drives alone. The Village buys an additional 500 tons for all other roads. During significant snow and ice events, Village staff works around the clock to make roads passable for Ruidoso’s citizens and visitors. Please be patient with our crews as they work and know that safety is a priority for all Village teams.
During inclement weather, stay off the roads if possible. If it is necessary to drive, keep in mind the following winter weather driving tips:
1. For road conditions check NMroads.com
2. Allow more time to reach a destination
3. Slow down
4. Increase following distance
5. Avoid using cruise control
6. Keep an emergency kit in your car
7. DO NOT crowd the snowplow
RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
From the Desk of Superintendent Becca Ferguson
Ruidoso High School has wrapped up an eventful and successful 2024 fall sports season, with several teams and individuals earning praise and recognition for their performances. Here is a breakdown of the highlights from cross country, soccer, football, and volleyball.
The boys’ cross-country team had an outstanding season in the 3A District, finishing 6th in the state and dominating the 3A District 3/4 Championships by taking four of the top five spots. The top runners included:
» 1st - Jerimy Williams
» 2nd - Simon Vasquez
» 3rd - Tristan Kim
» 5th - Davis Warner
Head Coach Rich Moore, named the 2024 3A District 3/4 Cross Country Boys Coach of the Year, emphasized his coaching philosophy: “By discipline, determination, and perseverance, athletes can achieve their goals on and off the field.” Moore has been coaching cross country and track for the last decade and continues to make a significant impact at Ruidoso High School.
The girls’ soccer team secured their third consecutive undefeated district championship, finishing the season with an impressive 13-6-1 overall record.
» Alexx Chavez was named the District MVP and earned All-Star honors. She represented Ruidoso on the Red Team at the All-Star game in Albuquerque on November 16, 2024.
» First-Team All-District selections included Aliyah Zamora, Daniela Castro, Bayler Pritchett, Jackeline Segovia, and Evelyn Medrano.
Head Coach Sergio Castro, the 2024 District Coach of the Year, celebrated his fifth season at Ruidoso High School. Under his leadership, the program has become a state powerhouse, with consistent quarterfinal and semifinal appearances. “Our girls are now being recruited to play college soccer,” said Castro. “It’s rewarding to see their hard work pay off.”
The boys’ soccer team finished the season with a 5-14 record but had bright spots, with Fernando Segovia and Julio Mendoza earning All-District honors. Head Coach Sigurd Schmitz was named the District Coach of the Year, highlighting his dedication to the program’s growth.
Ruidoso’s football team faced challenges this season, finishing with a 2-8 record. However, several players earned recognition for their performances, including Trenton Hall, Jaxon Morgan, Joel Ortega, and Mason Zabel, who received All-District honors.
The volleyball team had an incredible season, finishing with a 16-7 overall record and claiming the 2024 Undefeated District Championship title. All-District honors are yet to be announced, but the team’s impressive performance has set the stage for success in the state tournament.
From cross country triumphs to soccer dominance and volleyball’s district sweep, Ruidoso High School continues to foster athletic excellence. The coaches and athletes exemplify determination, skill, and teamwork, making the community proud of their achievements. Every day is a great day to be a WARRIOR!
Winter EVENTS
WEEKLY COMMUNITY EVENTS
THURSDAY:
• Veterans Coffee and Company, 615 Sudderth Drive, Suite 1
WEEKENDS:
• White Mountain Christmas, Flying J Ranch
DECEMBER 1:
• Christmas Tree Lighting, Inn of the Mountain Gods
DECEMBER 5:
• Christmas in the Park, Wingfield Park
DECEMBER 6:
• The Repeal: Prohibition’s End Revelry, Enchanted Vine Barn
DECEMBER 7:
• Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade, Midtown Ruidoso
• Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas, Spencer Theater
• 25th Reunion of the Last Great Cattle Drive of Millennium, Cattle Baron
• Santa Paws, Humane Society of Lincoln County
DECEMBER 13:
• Are You Smarter Than a Beertender?, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap
DECEMBER 21-22:
• The Nutcracker, Spencer Theater; Holiday Market, Enchanted Vine Barn
DECEMBER 21:
• Jon Pardi: The Christmas Show, Inn of the Mountain Gods
DECEMBER 31:
• Forever Young: Relive Your 80s Prom NYE Celebration, Inn of the Mountain Gods
• New Year’s Dance Party, Noisy Water Winery
TUESDAY:
• Baby & Me at 10:30 AM
WEDNESDAY:
• Storytime at 10:30 AM
RUIDOSO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
From the Desk of Executive Director Deborah Douds
Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings from the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce. As this holiday season is upon us, we are thankful for all our wonderful Chamber members and this beautiful Village we live in. We are excited about this year’s Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, December 7 at 5:30 pm. The theme will be “Journey of Hope and Resilience.” This theme could be anything from Mary’s and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem or our own journey of recovery from the flood and fire. We are a resilient community, so let your imagination run wild and let us see some great floats for the Festival of Lights Parade.
When you are doing your holiday shopping, we ask that you shop local. See if there is a local business who can offer the goods and services you are looking for. Commit to spending a portion of your holiday budget at a local business and frequent a local restaurant while you are shopping. Another way to support our local businesses is to give them some digital love. Check-in on Facebook to give them exposure, post photos of your favorite items, like and follow local businesses, and leave a positive review on Facebook, Google, or Yelp. These all increase the exposure of these businesses. This year you can also think outside the box for gifts. Give presents such as gift certificates to a nail salon or hairdresser. Movie or theater tickets also make excellent gifts and who would not like to receive a gift certificate to a spa for a massage or facial! There are so many great businesses where you can shop local this year.
December
We are always busy here at the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce helping to make Ruidoso and Lincoln County a better place to live, work, and play. If you would like to become a member of the Chamber and help support the organization that supports this community, please contact us. We would like to wish everyone a holiday season filled with love and peace; and remember, sometimes the gift of kindness can be the greatest gift of all. Merry Christmas from the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce.
VOR EMPLOYEES RECEIVE HONORS
Eric Queller - Emergency Manager of the Year
VOR Emergency Manager Eric Queller was honored at the 2024 New Mexico Emergency Management Conference and Expo as the Emergency Manager of the Year. He was recognized for his leadership efforts as the VOR Emergency Manager during the recent South Fork and Salt fires and subsequent flood events. He was nothing short of extraordinary!
Ashlie Carabajal - Floodplain Manager of the Year
Ashlie Carabajal, Floodplain Manager for the the VOR, was awarded Floodplain Manager of the Year at the 2024 New Mexico Floodplain Managers Conference. The award recognizes a floodplain manager that has gone above and beyond for their community with regards to public safety. Ashlie also played a pivotal GIS role at the Emergency Operations Center during the South Fork and Salt fires. Congratulations Ashlie - your efforts are appreciated!
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
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
LINCOLN COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
VILLAGE HALL: 575-258-4343
• Capital Projects and Purchasing
• Executive
• Finance
• Forestry
• Human Resources
• Planning and Zoning
• Utility Billing
From the Desk of The Chief Executive – Todd Oberheu
A recent report from Think New Mexico, a bipartisan think tank focused on New Mexico issues, highlighted the healthcare worker shortage in our state. Specifically, it noted that New Mexico is facing significant worker shortages for registered nurses, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), physical therapists, and pharmacists. The report also noted that between 2017 and 2021, New Mexico saw a 31 percent reduction in the number of primary care physicians.
Identifying solutions to the healthcare workforce shortage is important to Lincoln County Medical Center’s (LCMC) focus on meeting the health care needs of our community. From offering scholarships to our graduating seniors and current employees so they can pursue a health care education to offering stipends for our EMTs seeking to obtain their paramedic license, LCMC understands the need to support and retain those that understand what a wonderful place Lincoln County is to live and work.
Working with ENMU-Ruidoso, LCMC provides training opportunities for nursing students and EMT students to advance their education and hire new graduates. In fact, LCMC has hired six graduates of the ENMU-Ruidoso nursing program in the last two years. LCMC will continue to work with ENMU-Ruidoso to identify educational programs to help meet the growing demand for healthcare workers. Additionally, the phlebotomy course, created in partnership with TriCore Laboratories in 2023, has resulted in several current LCMC employees receiving their phlebotomy certification and the hiring of four individuals.
Expanding our team is key to our success and in 2024, LCMC successfully recruited Dr. Megan Belcher, family medicine; hospitalists Dr. Kimberly Bell and Dr. Alicia Gonzales; and Dr. Alexandra Drymon, general surgery.
LCMC is focused on improving health care access, and we will continue to evaluate our provider staff to ensure we are meeting the needs of our community.
RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION
From the Desk of RMA Board President Chris Stettheimer
As the holiday season approaches, and the beautiful streets of Midtown Ruidoso begin to bustle with visitors enjoying all our district has to offer, we would like to take a moment to be grateful. We believe we can all take a breath, and be grateful for the resilience of our community, our businesses, and our Village!
Amidst the tragedies Ruidoso endured this year, our community has joined forces and united. Together – we can do remarkable things! With this in mind, if you need anything from us, please reach out to any one of our wonderful board members: Amanda Foster, Ramon Griego, Dakota Montes, Michelle O’Brien, Josh Richardson, Jamey Rupley, Lance Roe, Chris Stettheimer, or Jennie Tanner.
Together as a team, the Ruidoso Midtown Association will continue to strive to bring vibrancy, life, and preservation to the Ruidoso Midtown district. We look forward to 2025 and all it it has in store for our community!
Happy Holidays and Cheers from the RMA Board.
ENMU-RUIDOSO
From the Desk of President Ryan Trosper
Christmas in the Park Light Display
DECEMBER 5
Please join us in Wingfield Park to kick off the Christmas Season with the annual Ruidoso Christmas in the Park.
Holiday Drone Show and Drive-In Movie
DECEMBER 14
6:00 PM - Drive-in Movie
Fred Claus
8:15 PM - Drone Show Begins White Mountain Complex
