Village Insider | Vol. XXII | June 2023

Well folks, it is summertime in Ruidoso once again! The horses are running, the Wibit and swimming pool are open, Flying J has kicked off their summer season, there are great trails to explore all around our area, and most of all, amazing vistas to enjoy. This is such a great time of year as people come to visit the mountains –some for the first time, and many continuing family traditions by coming back to Ruidoso each summer.

Visitors to Ruidoso, especially those with kids, have an exciting new attraction this summer with the opening of the Screaming Eagle Mountain Coaster at Ruidoso Winter Park. As the only mountain coaster in New Mexico, the Screaming Eagle will be a welcome addition to our wealth of outdoor activities. If you get a chance, go out and take a ride!

On May 16, we had a ribbon cutting for Mechem Meadows, our very first workforce housing project. It was so exciting to see this project come to fruition, and we hope it will be the first of many. I want to thank our Village Council members Rafael “Rifle” Salas, Dr. Gary Jackson, Joe Eby, Tim Coughlin, Darren Hooker, and Susan Lutterman for their continued dedication and support to this community and this project.

I also want to thank the Workforce Housing Board for their hard work and commitment to finding housing solutions for Ruidoso residents. This board has met for many hours over the years to vet ideas about how to deal with our local housing shortage for the people that live and work here. The Workforce Housing Board includes Todd Oberheu, Clayton Alred, Nathan Thomas, Cecile Kinnan, James Russ, Charles Meeks, and Deborah Douds. I want to give a special shout-out to Becky Brooks, who was an integral part of the team when the project was first initiated. Finally, I want to also thank Greg Hettrick with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas for their generous support.

Don’t forget to tune in every Monday morning from 8:00 – 10:00 AM for Mondays with the Mayor on KRUI 1490 AM – The Mountain for all the news you need to know. We love to take your calls and texts, so don’t hesitate to chime in! Also, remember that our summer visitors contribute to our Village’s economy in all aspects – from retail stores to restaurants to attractions to lodging. Please be kind and courteous as every one of us represents this community.

Mayor Lynn Crawford

Mayor Lynn Crawford

Ruidoso’s first workforce housing project, Mechem Meadows, is officially open!

VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS

Recent Actions

At the May 9, 2023, Regular Council meeting of the Governing Body:

» Approved Placement of Oversized Adirondack Chairs Built Out of Recreational Snow Equipment at the Country Club Lot as an Art Installation for Photo Opportunities.

» Approved Purchase and Installation of Pavilion at Grindstone Disk Golf Course.

Ruidoso Village Council Members

» Rifle Salas - Mayor Pro Tem

» Susan Lutterman

» Joe Eby

» Gary Jackson

» Tim Coughlin

» Darren Hooker

» Approved Appropriation #A22G2019-G591 with the State of New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Capital Outlay Department for the Plan and Design of an Addition to the Ruidoso Community Center in the amount of $38,300.

» Approved Agreement with Mesa Verde Enterprises, Inc. for Sierra Blanca Airport Improvements, to Include Schedule II - Reconstruct Taxiway B, in the Amount of $3,607,573.

» Approved Grant Agreement with New Mexico Department of Transportation State Aviation Division in the Amount of $3,930,770 for Reconstruction of Taxiway B at the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport.

» Promoted Bernadeen Herrera to Village of Ruidoso Convention Center Manager.

Make sure your family is Ready, Set, Go!

Ready

PREPARING FOR THE FIRE THREAT: Be Ready, Be Firewise. Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildfire so your home is ready in case of a fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with fire-safe construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe spot. Make sure all residents residing within the home are on the same page, and plan escape routes.

Set

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Days

A Fire Weather Watch or Red Flag Warning is issued when the combination of dry fuels and weather conditions cause extreme fire danger. Written for land and fire managers, these warnings highlight increased fire danger.

Fire Weather uses meteorological parameters such as relative humidity, wind speed and direction, mixing heights, and soil moisture to determine whether conditions are favorable for fire growth and smoke dispersion.

A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds that combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger. In these conditions, do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. This can easily ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire. If outdoor fires are still allowed at the time of the warning, make sure to extinguish them properly:

» Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch.

» Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.

» Don’t leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.

On Red Flag Days, the Ruidoso Fire Department displays red flags to alert the community of the danger. Please call the Fire Department with any questions at 575-257-3473 regarding fire restrictions and warnings.

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS WHEN A FIRE STARTS: Pack your vehicle with your emergency items. Stay aware of the latest news from local media and your local fire department for updated information on the fire.

ACT EARLY! Following your action plan not only makes you prepared, but helps firefighters best respond to a wildland fire, which strengthens your safety and theirs. Go!

COMMUNITY MEETING

Lincoln County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan

www.Ruidoso-NM.gov

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE:

• Residents

• Property owners

• Business owners

• Schools/Universities

• Non-profit organizations and agencies

• Local government officials and representatives

• Neighboring communities

• Anyone interested in natural hazard risk reduction

• 5:30 to 6:30pm

HOW:

• A feedback survey will be available at the meeting

• Starting June 26th, the full Hazard Mitigation Plan, a 10-minute overview webinar, and the feedback survey will be posted online at Ruidoso-NM.gov

• Interested parties can provide feedback online through July 9th.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Manager Spotlight New Summer Location

Bernadeen Herrera has been promoted to Convention Center Manager. She has worked at the Ruidoso Convention Center for 23 years, most recently as the Office Manager. With her vast knowledge of Convention Center operations, she is excited to take on her new role and is up for the challenge.

Bernadeen was born and raised in Ruidoso and raised her two children here as well. She has one grandson.

In her new role, Bernadeen looks forward to continuing the excellent service provided to attendees, meeting planners, and vendors. She also plans on seeking new opportunities to bring groups to the Village of Ruidoso. Working collaboratively with Team Tourism and other partners on planning and operations, she will ensure that events are successful and inviting to locals and visitors.

MIDTOWN MARKET

Wingfield Market is moving to the Country Club Lot in Midtown at 100 Country Club Drive! The new Midtown Market will feature vendors, fresh produce, live music and entertainment, and food trucks every Saturday from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, June 10th through October 21st. If you would like to sell your produce, please contact Sydnee at 575-257-5030.

SIERRA BLANCA REGIONAL AIRPORT

Runway Reconstruction

Sierra Blanca Regional Airport is the gateway to Ruidoso and Lincoln County as it is seen as “the front door” to those who arrive in the Village by air. Owned and operated by the Village of Ruidoso and situated just north of the Village on Highway 220 (Airport Road), the airport offers services and facilities for both corporate and private aviation.

The airport supports approximately 14,269 annual operations from its two runways. Currently, Runways 12/30 and Taxiway B are closed for reconstruction. Over the next few months, the contractors will remove old pavement, lights, and reflectors. Once this is complete, they will replace the lights and reflectors with new LED lighting for cost savings. This work replaces aging pavement, creating safe runways for airport operations.

The project began on May 1 and should be completed by mid-July 2023. Funding for this project is provided by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), the State Aviation Department, and the Village of Ruidoso. For additional information about SBRA, please call 575-336-8111.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM

ALL TOGETHER NOW!

June 1:

• 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Design a Quilt Square and Chalk the Walk

June 2:

• 2:00 - 3:00 pm All Together Now!

WEEK 1: OUR COMMUNITY

June 6:

• 10:30 am Baby and Me Storytime

June 7:

• 10:30 Storytime (Perfect for kids 4 and up!)

June 8:

• 10:30 am -12:00 pm Flower Power

• 2:00 - 3:00 pm Flower Power (Tweens & Teens)

WEEK 2: TEAMWORK

June 13:

• 10:30 am Baby and Me Storytime

June 14:

• 10:30 Storytime (Perfect for kids 4 and up!)

June 15:

• 2:00 - 3:00 pm Music Activity

June 16:

• 1:00 - 2:00 pm Escape Room

• 2:45 - 4:00 pm Escape Room (Tweens & Teens)

WEEK 3: GIVING BACK

June 20:

• 10:30 am Baby and Me Storytime

June 22:

• 10:30 - 11:30 am Cupcake Nailed It!-

Pokémon edition

• 2:00 - 3:00 pm Cupcake Nailed It!-

Pokémon edition (Tweens & Teens)

June 23:

• 2:00 - 3:00 pm Self-affirmation Jars (Tweens & Teens)

The 2023 Summer Reading Program “All Together Now!” will run from June 1st- July 13th. Registration starts on May 29th at the Ruidoso Library Youth Services Department. The Summer Reading Program is open to all kids ages 0-18 (must still be in high school)

WEEK 4: FRIENDSHIP

June 26:

• Book Folding Art with Denise Staab (Tweens & Teens)

June 27:

• 10:30 am Baby and Me Storytime

June 29:

• 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Beaded Friendship Bracelets

• 2:30 - 4:00 pm Knotted Friendship Bracelets (Tweens & Teens)

WEEK 5: SCIENCE THAT SERVES

July 4:

• Library is Closed for 4th of July

July 5:

• 10:30 am Storytime (Perfect for kids 4 and up!)

July 6:

• 10:30 - 11:45 am Collaborative Rube Goldberg Machine

• 2:00 - 3:30 pm Collaborative Rube Goldberg Machine (Tweens & Teens)

July 7:

• 1:00 - 3:00 pm Game Day

WEEK 6: ALL TOGETHER NOW!

July 10:

• 2:00 pm Quilt Assembly

July 11:

• 10:30 am Baby and Me Story time

July 13:

• 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Closing Dance Party!

Summer EVENTS

Check out our line-up of great events for summer!

Please visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for additional events and details.

WEEKLY COMMUNITY EVENTS FOR ADULTS & KIDS!

Visit the Community Center tab on the Ruidoso-NM.gov for a complete list of daily events for adults and kids.

Mondays:

• Design a Quilt Square for the Community Quilt, Ruidoso Library

Tuesdays:

• Music Movement and Dance Together, Rarebird Workshop

Wednesdays:

• Kids’ Mindfulness and Creative Arts Class and Kids’ Creative Arts Playtime, Rarebird Workshop

• Corn Hole Tournament, Horton Gym

Fridays:

• Youth Night, Rarebird Workshop

Saturdays:

• Teen Night, Rarebird Workshop

• Men’s Soccer League Games, White Mountain Sports Complex

• Midtown Market, Country Club Lot

Sundays:

• Alto Farmers & Craft Market, Enchanted Vine Barn

JUNE 2-3:

• New Horizons Art Gala, Hurd La Rinconada Gallery

• Garry Blackchild, Hidden Tap

• Johnny Collier & the Misbehaviators, WPS

JUNE 3:

• 5th Annual Great High Mountain Bed Race and Green Chile Cookoff, Midtown and Wingfield Park

• Gus Macker Tournament, Inn of the Mountain Gods

• Lincoln County Garden Club Annual Plant Sale, First Christian Church

• 2023 Walk N’ Wag, Ruidoso Dog Park

• John Mueller’s “Winter Dance Party,” Spencer Theater

JUNE 9:

• Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards Annual Banquet, Inn of the Mountain Gods

• Nest Fest 2023, Downshift Brewing Riverside

• Spivey, Hidden Tap

JUNE 10:

• Ruidoso Derby (G1), Ruidoso Downs Race Track

• The Pizza Bones Trio, Lost Hiker Brewery

JUNE 11:

• $1M Ruidoso Futurity, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

JUNE 16:

• Ruidoso Tattoo Expo, Ruidoso Convention Center

JUNE 17:

• Party in the Pines/Brewdoso, Wingfield Park

• Ruidoso Tattoo Expo, Ruidoso Convention Center

• John Hibbard, Hidden Tap

• Summer Sip and Paint, Lost Hiker Brewing Company

• Taste of the Spencer, Spencer Theater

JUNE 18:

• Party in the Pines/Brewdoso, Wingfield Park

• Ruidoso Tattoo Expo, Ruidoso Convention Center

• Father’s Day at the Races, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

JUNE 22:

• Ludacris, Inn of the Mountain Gods

JUNE 24:

• Marie Manning, Lost Hiker Brewery

• Brad Paisley, Inn of the Mountain Gods

JUNE 29:

• Ruidoso Downs Race Track Hall of Fame Banquet, Alto Country Club

JUNE 30:

• 28th Annual Lincoln County Art Loop, Lincoln County (through July 2)

• ENMU Ruidoso AIM High Sporting Clay Competition, Inn of the Mountain Gods

JUNE 1:

• Summer Reading Program Registration, Ruidoso Library

• Kids Outdoors! Pollination Sensation, Sam Tobias Campground

JUNE 3:

• Annual Youth Fishing Day at Grindstone Lake

JUNE 6:

• Kids Outdoors! Reading Maps & Investigation, Sam Tobias Campground

JUNE 8:

• Kids Outdoors! Fire in the Forest, Sam Tobias Campground

JUNE 9:

• Andy Mason, Ruidoso Library

JUNE 12-16:

• Creative Arts Camp, Rarebird Workshop

JUNE 16-23:

• Around Town Puzzle, Ruidoso Library

JUNE 21:

• Magician Tall Paul, Ruidoso Library

JULY 1:

• All American Tailgate and Drone Light Show, White Mountain Sports Complex

• Red, White and RUN 5K Color Fun Run, Midtown Ruidoso

• Easton Corbin, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

• All American Concert, Spencer Theater

JULY 1-4:

• Mescalero Apache Ceremonial Dances and Rodeo, Mescalero Rodeo Grounds

• Smokey Bear Stampede Rodeo and Dance, Lincoln County Fairgrounds

JULY 4:

• Star Spangled Celebration, Inn of the Mountain Gods

JULY 8:

• Fort Stanton LIVE, Fort Stanton Historic Site

• Vicki Lawrence and Mama, Spencer Theater

• C.W. Ayon and the Longhairs, Lost Hiker Brewing Company

• Eli Young Band, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

JULY 14:

• Eddie Irving and Classic Swing Band Dinner and Dance, Spencer Theater

JULY 15:

• Rainbow Derby (G1), Ruidoso Downs Race Track

JUNE 28:

• Rocky Mountain Puppets “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” Ruidoso Library

• Movie Night “Strange World,” Municipal Swimming Pool

JULY 10-14:

• Wilderness Summer Camp, Parks and Recreation

JULY 12:

• Wonders on Wheels Mobile Museum Visit, Ruidoso Library

JULY 17-21:

• Wilderness Summer Camp, Parks and Recreation

JULY 24-28:

• ENMU Kid’s College, ENMU Ruidoso

JULY 26:

• Movie Night “Lightyear,” Municipal Swimming Pool

JULY 28:

• MCT King Arthur’s Quest, Spencer Theater

JULY 30:

• Wibit Back to School Party, Grindstone Lake

• Summer Sip and Paint, Lost Hiker Brewing Company

• Pat Green, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

JULY 16:

• $1M Rainbow Futurity, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

JULY 21:

• Dayne Pack, Hidden Tap

JULY 21-22:

• Ruidoso Marathon, Half Marathon, Schlotzsky’s Bun Run 5K and 1 Mile Kids Run

JULY 21-23:

• 52nd Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival, Convention Center

JULY 22:

• Hello Darlin’, Lost Hiker Brewing Company

• Randall King, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

• Ricky Nelson Remembered, Spencer Theater

JULY 22-23:

• Zia Weekend, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

JULY 29:

• War the Band, Ruidoso Downs Race Track

• Doug Stone, Spencer Theater

JULY 30:

• Guided Tour of Mescalero and Three Rivers Mission Churches, St. Joseph Apache Mission

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

VILLAGE HALL: 575-258-4343

• Capital Projects & Purchasing

• Executive

• Finance

• Forestry

• Human Resources

• Planning and Zoning

• Utility Billing

www.Ruidoso-NM.gov

28TH ANNUAL YOUTH FISHING DAY

• Saturday, June 3, 2023

• 8 AM-1 PM

• Grindstone Lake Free event open to children 12 and younger.

RUIDOSO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

From the Desk of Deborah Douds

The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited about the full docket of summer events in Ruidoso! The Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet is on June 9 at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. With the theme “Tacos and Tequila,” we celebrate another great year at the Chamber with a fiesta! We are inducting our new board members, and presenting awards for Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Beautification Award. Please join us for a night of celebration, dinner, and dancing. Tickets are available at the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce.

In July, we host the 52nd Annual Ruidoso Art Festival. This juried fine arts show brings in artists from all around the country. Hosted at the Ruidoso Convention Center July 21-23, more than 100 artists will showcase a broad spectrum of mediums, including sculpture, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, and much more! Art lovers, from the serious collector to the first-time buyer, will discover treasures to complement any lifestyle or budget. Wine and beer will also be available for purchase.

New Chamber members include new businesses to the area, as well as businesses that have been here for awhile. We were all excited to see the Cedar Creek Market open at the corner of Mechem and Cree Meadows. Stop in to try Pam and Ronnie’s yummy burritos or chicken salad, or just shop their wonderful gift items. We also welcome Chuck and Angela Harre to Ruidoso, along with their counseling service 2Love1. Other new Chamber members include Win Place and Show in Midtown and the White Oaks favorite, No Scum Allowed Saloon. We are excited for the opening of Downshift Brewing Riverside at the old Sacred Grounds location. Will and Rebecca Ponder poured such love into Sacred Grounds, and we know the crew at Downshift Brewing will do them proud.

Cedar Creek Market ribbon cutting ceremony