As we continue to navigate the challenging aftermath of the wildfires and floods, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering strength and unity. The past months have tested us in ways we never imagined, but your resilience, compassion, and community spirit continues to amaze me. From neighbors helping neighbors to local businesses stepping up to provide services, you have shown the true meaning of community.
I’m pleased to report that we are making steady progress in our recovery efforts. As we move into the rebuilding phase, we are continuing to pursue all state and federal funding sources that can be used to help us with infrastructure repairs, temporary housing solutions, and support for affected businesses. We’ve also established a county recovery task force that is bringing together experts, businesses, and local leaders to guide our long-term restoration plans.
Your input is crucial as we rebuild not just our physical structures, but also the fabric of our community. Remember, resources are available for those still in need of assistance, including mental health support, financial aid, and temporary housing. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you are in need.
I want to give a big shout out to the New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) and Interim Secretary Lancing Adams for their efforts to help reinvigorate visitor spending activity in the Village of Ruidoso and Lincoln County. Shortly after the evacuation was lifted, our tourism department and I were in communication with the NMTD team. They immediately offered their support, and as a team, we began planning and executing a fire recovery plan to supplement our existing marketing plan. We are grateful for the $125,000 in specialized cooperative advertising support for this community, and we consider NMTD to be an integral part of our team.
As we move into the holiday season, please remember to be thankful that we are part of this community. I am grateful for all of the hard and difficult work that is taking place, and I know that we will emerge from this stronger and more united than ever. Please take the time to enjoy your family, friends, and neighbors. Be kind and be a positive voice.
Don’t forget to join us for Mondays with the Mayor every Monday from 8:00-10:00 AM on 1490 AM. It is a great time to call in with questions – we are happy to answer them all!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Mayor Lynn Crawford
Mayor Lynn Crawford
VILLAGE COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recent Actions
October 8, 2024, Village Council Meeting Highlights:
» Renewal of RFP#2022-008P Contract for Goods and Services between the Village of Ruidoso and Valor Telecommunications of Texas, LLC dba Windstream Communications for Broadband Expansion.
» Approval of Task Order RFP-2024-003P-STAN-02 - Upper Sudderth Revitalization Project with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
» Approval of Task Order RFP #2024-004P-02 with Cobb, Fendley & Associates, Inc. for Surveying and Engineering Services to Create a Storm Drain Infrastructure Asset Inventory.
» Approval of Professional Service Agreements with Cobb, Fendley & Associates, Inc., Natural Channel Design Engineering, Inc., and Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects for Watershed Projects.
» Approval of Ordinance 2024-06, an Ordinance Granting Certain Rights and Privileges to Tularosa Telecommunications Inc. (Tularosa Basin Telephone Company), Its Successors and Assigns the Non-Exclusive Franchise, License, Right and Privilege to Construct, Erect, Operate and Maintain Its Telecommunications Business within the Limits of the Village of Ruidoso.
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, November 15, 2024@ 1:00 PM – Village Hall Council Chambers
PARKS & RECREATION
Ice Skating at Wingfield Park
Winter is just around the corner, so get ready to lace up those ice skates! Ruidoso is ready to embrace the chill with the return of the seasonal ice rink at Wingfield Park. It will open on November 29, 2024, and the hours will be Monday-Friday from 5:00-8:00 PM and Saturdays/Sundays from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The ice rink has quickly become a favorite tradition in the Village that skaters of all ages love. It transforms the Wingfield Park into a winter wonderland each season. With a spacious ice surface, rental skates available, and a cozy warming area, it is the perfect destination for families and friends looking to enjoy the magic of winter.
Mark your calendars for November 29, 2024, and come out for opening day of the ice rink!
Stay connected with Parks & Recreation on social media for updates on events and activities throughout the season.
Pictured from left to right: Greg Cory, Gary Jackson, Darren Hooker, Lynn Crawford, Mayor Pro Tem Rifle Salas, Susan Lutterman, Joe Eby
CAPITAL PROJECTS
ICIP Submitted for 2025 Legislative Session
The Village of Ruidoso has compiled a list of the top 10 capital projects adopted in the Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan (ICIP), which includes the Top 5 priority projects submitted for capital outlay dollars during the upcoming legislative session.
The State of New Mexico Property Control Act defines a capital outlay project as the acquisition, improvement, alteration, or reconstruction of assets of a long-term character that are intended to continue to be held or used, including land, buildings, machinery, furniture, and equipment. Capital outlay funding cannot be used for operating expenses; salaries; materials and supplies; events; brochures, pamphlets, and publications; or retroactive reimbursements of previous purchases.
The Top 10 Projects Include:
1. Workforce Housing
2. Bridge Replacement Projects
3. Street and Drainage Improvements
4. Sewer Line Rehabilitation
5. Sewer Line Extensions
6. Water and Sewer Line Extensions to Include Streets and Drainage
7. Upper Canyon Surface Diversion Renovation
8. Removal of Trees and Water Shed Improvements
9. Damage Improvements/Flood Hazard Mitigation
10. Rio Ruidoso Restoration/Flood Hazard Mitigation
LINCOLN COUNTY MEDICAL CENTER
From the Desk of the Chief Executive - Todd Oberheu
Many of us cannot imagine living anywhere other than a rural community like Ruidoso and Lincoln County. Approximately 19% of Americans live in a rural area, and healthcare is a key component to our ability to choose to live in a rural area. On November 21, 2024, we will celebrate National Rural Healthcare Day.
Rural communities face challenges with recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals to address their healthcare needs. Lincoln County faces many of those challenges as well. However, working with ENMURuidoso to support a local registered nursing program is key to our success in meeting our community’s nursing needs. In addition, LCMC and the Medical Center Auxiliary provide scholarships to local graduates pursuing careers in healthcare. We do this in hopes that these individuals will return home after their training to support our community.
Living rural presents challenges from time to time. But LCMC works to grow access to care for our community. With operating clinics in Carrizozo, Corona, Capitan and Hondo, as well as our multi-specialty clinic in Ruidoso, LCMC will continue to assess opportunities to expand the services we provide to the communities we serve.
Workforce Housing Project at 603 Mechem Drive
Sewer Line Interceptor Project
RUIDOSO VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
From the Desk of Executive Director Deborah Douds
Last month, we celebrated Ruidoso’s favorite time of the year with AspenFest. It was a fantastic parade including floats, decorated vehicles, emergency vehicles, little league teams, and marching bands from Ruidoso and Capitan High Schools.
After the tough year we have had, we chose Heroes of Ruidoso as the theme. Logan Fleharty was our Grand Marshal. Logan worked tirelessly to ease the minds of the community during the fires. In addition, along with James Flores and the group at Scorpion Tattoos, Logan raised over $200,000 for the Community Foundation of Lincoln County to be used for disaster relief. Our other parade marshal was Foxy. Foxy was awarded the NM John Henry Service Animal of the Year for her support and companionship at Healing America’s Heroes helping our veterans and first responders.
A big thank you to all of our participants, and congratulations to Parade Winners:
» 1st Place - Lincoln County Medical Center
» 2nd Place - Ruidoso High School Garden Club
» Honorable Mention - Sierra Cinema
Save the date for this year’s Christmas Jubilee! This much-loved annual event will take place November 8-10 at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Christmas shop at over 70 vendors at one time plus lots of fun activities for the kids including Pix N Stix Photo Booth for pictures with Santa, reading to Sadie and Ruby, Christmas carol line dancing and story time. Plus visit with Smokey Bear, the RMA Yeti, Ruidoso Police Department, and the Ruidoso Fire Department.
The Ruidoso Valley Greeters are the philanthropic arm of the Chamber and all the proceeds from the Jubilee are donated back to the community. In the past 35 years, the Greeters have pledged almost half a million dollars to our local charities. We appreciate your support!
Please remember to shop locally and support our local restaurants. 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, please give us a call at 575-257-7395.
RUIDOSO MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
From the Desk of Superintendent Becca Ferguson
The Ruidoso Municipal School District is making strides in promoting bilingualism through its Dual Language Spanish/ English Program, with a focus on preparing students for success in an increasingly globalized world. The program, which spans from kindergarten through high school, integrates rigorous academic standards with bilingual instruction, allowing students to master both English and Spanish. Those who complete the program may earn a prestigious bilingual seal at graduation, a distinction that highlights their proficiency in both languages.
The district currently has one dual language class per grade, with 5th grade offering two classes. Due to high demand, there is already a waiting list at the kindergarten enrollment level.
Monthly parent nights are hosted at Ruidoso Middle School, providing families with updates on classroom activities and upcoming academic milestones, while also serving as a platform to promote awareness of the importance of bilingualism. The program also hosts cultural celebrations, such as Hispanic Heritage Month, and plans additional events in the spring to celebrate multiculturalism, heritage, and language.
The success of the bilingual program is credited to the leadership of Dr. Melvina Edmister, the district’s Bilingual Director, and her hard-working team. They have worked tirelessly to bring together parents, staff, and students in support of bilingual education.
By fostering a strong partnership between families and the school, Ruidoso’s Dual Language Program not only helps students achieve linguistic proficiency but also prepares them for future success in a multicultural and multilingual society. With a focus on community, academic excellence, and cultural pride, the program is setting a new standard for bilingual education in New Mexico.
• 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
WE ARE HIRING! APPLY TODAY!
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!
RUIDOSO FIRE DEPARTMENT
Winter Fireplace Safety: Keeping Your Home Warm and Secure
As winter settles in, many families turn to their fireplaces for warmth and comfort. There is nothing quite like the glow of a fire on a cold night, creating a cozy atmosphere for gatherings and relaxation. However, while fireplaces can enhance our homes, they also come with safety risks that must be addressed to prevent accidents and ensure a secure winter season.
Understanding the risks associated with fireplaces is essential for every homeowner. One of the most significant dangers is chimney fires, which can occur when creosote—a highly flammable substance—builds up in the chimney flue. Additionally, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases if the fireplace is not ventilated properly. Other concerns include burns from open flames and the potential for house fires if flammable materials are left too close to the heat source. Awareness of these hazards is the first step in maintaining a safe home.
Essential Safety Tips
1. Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual inspections and cleanings with a professional chimney sweep to ensure that your chimney is free from blockages and creosote buildup.
2. Proper Fuel Usage: Only burn seasoned wood, which is dried and has lower moisture content. Avoid burning treated wood, plastic, or other materials that can release harmful toxins into your home.
3. Installation of Safety Equipment: Equip homes with functioning smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them regularly and replace batteries at least once a year.
4. Safe Operation Practices: Keep flammable materials—such as blankets, paper, and decorations—at least three feet away from the fireplace. Never leave a fire unattended, especially if children or pets are nearby.
5. Educate Family Members: Teach children the dangers of fire and establish clear rules regarding its use.
In the event of a chimney fire or other emergency, it is crucial to act quickly and calmly and call 911 immediately.
HUMANE SOCIETY OF LINCOLN COUNTY
Furr Ball Annual Fundraiser
Join us on November 15 from 5:00-9:00 PM at Alto Lakes Golf and Country Club for a magical evening of dinner, music, and live and silent auctions. Like last year, we will have a photo booth so dress up in character (optional) and travel over the rainbow.
The proceeds for this year’s Furr Ball will be donated to the Community Foundation of Lincoln County (CFLC) to benefit victims of the fire and flood disasters. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Humane Society but many in our community are homeless. This is what we do …… Find Homes! You may donate to the shelter if that is your preference, but CFLC still needs money for displaced families. After all, there is “No Place Like a Home.”
Be sure to pre-register on the hslcnm.org website and click on the Furr Ball tab. You must register to purchase tickets, tables and bid on live auction items. You can also donate or find adoptable pets on this website. If you are unable to attend, consider donating tickets or sponsoring a table.
There are a few other ways you can help your community through this event besides purchasing or donating tickets. You can donate a gift card, certificate, or merchandise to the silent auction. Purchase or sponsor a table for 8 ($1,100 and receive 2 bottles of wine), or 10 ($1,300 and receive 2 bottles of wine).
If paying by check, make it out to HSLC and mark it Community Foundation or Humane. Mail to Humane Society of Lincoln County, P.O. Box 2832, Ruidoso, New Mexico 88355.
If you are donating merchandise and/or gift certificates, please contact Magda at 575-808-8424. Arrangements can be made for items to be picked up.
Your generosity is needed and appreciated, since there is still an ongoing need in our community. We are Ruidoso Strong….
Fall EVENTS
Check out our line-up of great events for fall! Please visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for additional events and details.
WEEKLY COMMUNITY EVENTS
THURSDAY:
• Veterans Coffee and Company, 615 Sudderth Drive, Suite 1
• Open Mic Night, Downshift Hidden Tap
SUNDAY:
• Alto Farmer’s & Craft Market, Enchanted Vine Barn
NOVEMBER 1:
• Graveyard Party, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap
• Dave Millsap & CW Ayon, Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
• Alex Reymundo: Night 1, Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino
NOVEMBER 2:
• 9th Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration, Historic Lincoln
• CW Ayon, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap
• Alex Reymundo: Night 2, Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino
NOVEMBER 8:
• SPiVEY & Dave Millsap, Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
• Are You Smarter Than a Beertender?, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap
NOVEMBER 8-10:
• Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee, Ruidoso Convention Center
NOVEMBER 9:
• Saturday Night Fights, Inn of the Mountain Gods
• Justin Howl, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap
• Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser, Jack’s Back Stage
NOVEMBER 10:
• SIRSY, Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
NOVEMBER 13:
• Freeman DeJongh ft. Tyler Jones, Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
NOVEMBER 14:
• Charcuterie Building Class, Noisy Water Winery
NOVEMBER 15:
• Lincoln County Humane Society 2024 Furr Ball, Alto Lakes Golf & Country Club
• Dave Millsap & Moksi, Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
• CW Ayon, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap
NOVEMBER 16:
• Moonlight Hike, White Sands National Park
• Darryl Worley, Inn of the Mountain Gods
• CW Ayon, Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
• Chris Baker, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap
NOVEMBER 21:
• 4th Annual Festival of Trees Auction, Anejo Cantina
NOVEMBER 22:
• Are You Smarter Than a Beertender?, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap
• Dave Millsap & Alex Teller, Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
• Alex Teller, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap
NOVEMBER 29:
• Wingfield Park Ice Rink Opening Day
• White Mountain Christmas (opening weekend), Flying J Ranch
NOVEMBER 30:
• Turkey Trot 5K, White Mountain Recreation Complex
• La Fiera De Ojinaga, Inn of the Mountain Gods
• Moksi, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap
TUESDAY:
• Baby & Me at 10:30 AM
WEDNESDAY:
• Storytime at 10:30 AM
• Teen Scene at 3:30 PM
Submit Your Event
www.discoverruidoso.com/event-submission-form
DECEMBER 5:
• Christmas in the Park, Wingfield Park
DECEMBER 6:
• The Repeal: Prohibition’s End Revelry, Enchanted Vine
DECEMBER 7:
• Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade, Midtown Ruidoso
• Festival of Lights After Party, Wingfield Park
• Michael Martin Murphey’s Cowboy Christmas, Spencer Theater
DECEMBER 13:
• Are You Smarter Than a Beertender?, Downshift Brewing Company Hidden Tap
DECEMBER 21 – 22:
• The Nutcracker, Spencer Theater
• Holiday Market, Enchanted Vine
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
WINGFIELD HERITAGE HOUSE MUSEUM OPENING
A Piece of Ruidoso’s History Opens its Doors
On October 17, the Wingfield Heritage House Museum officially opened to the public. Hundreds of guests were on hand to celebrate the event. Members of the families who originally lived in the home also came in for the event, representing the Wingfield, Robinson, and Estes families. Some even came from Denver and Georgia to attend the event!
The day started with a ribbon cutting ceremony on the front steps and continued throughout the afternoon with an open house. Guests had the chance to view the exhibits and shop at the museum gift store, as well as grab some food. Later in the afternoon, Phil Hamilton was on hand to provide live music, and Downshift Brewery had some brews on tap for guests. The Ruidoso Fire Department also had their 1951 firetruck on site.
The Ruidoso Cultural and Natural History Committee would like to thank the Chamber of Commerce and the Ruidoso Valley Greeters for their help with the ribbon cutting. The Parks and Recreation Department was instrumental in getting the grounds set up for the event and running the parking shuttle. Thanks also to the Ruidoso Fire Department for lending us their fire truck and to Eddie Ryan for helping plan the event.
The museum is now open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors (65 and up), and free for children (16 and under). The Wingfield Heritage House Museum is located at 2813 Sudderth Drive. Drop by and check it out!
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
ENMU-RUIDOSO
From the Desk of President Ryan Trosper
The Rural Community College Alliance recently awarded the National Community Engagement Award to Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) - Ruidoso Branch Community College for its Ruidoso Campus Connections program at the Annual Fall Conference at SUNY Adirondack Community College.
This award acknowledges exemplary community partnerships, community engagement, and outreach programs and initiatives that have significantly influenced institutional and student success and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in connecting with our communities.
The ENMU-Ruidoso Campus Connections community development service program aims to create a climate of food security on campus through several systemic avenues: education and training, resource coordination, community partnerships, and physical space for students, staff, and faculty to access food and prepare meals. Community Development and Grants Director Nicole DeLorenzo and Chief External Affairs Officer Robin DeMott spearhead this program.
VILLAGE HALL: 575-258-4343
• Capital Projects and Purchasing
• Executive
• Finance
• Forestry
• Human Resources
• Planning and Zoning
• Utility Billing
With high rates of both food and housing insecurity in the college ser vice area, providing a space where students can prepare food is critical for sustainably serving Ruidoso and the surrounding community.
Additionally, the college hosts weekly food preparation and nutrition classes. The classes focus on highnutrition, low-cost meals and include ingredients with weekly food distribution. To increase program awareness, reduce stigma, and increase student accessibility to basic needs, the campus provides area resources to students along with developing a campus hunger task force and area partnerships with active groups including local food pantries and community gardens.
Photo cutline left to right - ENMU-Ruidoso Chief External Affairs Officer Robin DeMott, College President Ryan Trosper with the award, and Director of Community Development and Grants Nicole DeLorenzo with the award in the new Campus Resource Room at ENMU-Ruidoso at 709 Mechem Dr., Ruidoso.
RUIDOSO MIDTOWN ASSOCIATION
From the Desk of Executive Director Stephanie Garcia
As we welcome Fall, we would like to thank everyone who came and participated in our Midtown Halloween Event and first Trunk or Treat! The community turn-out and comradery was impressive, unmatched, and made the event so much fun. With all the memories made, we cannot wait to start on next year’s Halloween plans.
We would also like to thank our sponsors for helping make this happen. So many local businesses came together to donate cash prizes and candy for businesses to hand out. We would also like to give a special thank you to Rusty Balls Speed Shop, The Quarters, Indulgence, Happy Hiker, LaGrone Funeral Chapel, The Ruidoso Chamber of Commerce, and Ruidoso Parks and Recreation for their contributions. In the future, we hope to continue the tradition of Trunk or Treat with RMA’s Midtown Halloween, as it included businesses from around the Village and extended the community engagement.
Furthermore, we at RMA hope everyone has spotted the beautiful digital billboard in the Midtown District at the corner of Country Club Dr and Sudderth Dr. We are happy to announce it is LIVE and ready for events and promotions. The billboard is available to businesses to advertise specials or announce local events. RMA and the Village of Ruidoso have worked together diligently to bring this feature to Midtown.
Finally, we invite you all to Midtown as the seasons change. Now is the perfect time to sit on a patio, enjoying food and drinks with family and friends while you take a break from shopping.
RUIDOSO POLICE DEPARTMENT
Winter Driving Tips
Follow these tips to remain safe during winter weather conditions:
Prepare vehicles by keeping the gas tank and fluids full, ensure headlights work and tires and battery are in good condition. Have a winter survival kit that includes a flashlight, hand warmer packets, blankets, first aid supplies, high energy snacks, non-perishable food, bottled water, a shovel, a scraper, and battery booster cables.
Be sure to check road conditions to plan the safest route. Delays are common during bad weather, so it is best to leave a little earlier and be patient with delays. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained. The best accident prevention on snow and ice is to SLOW DOWN. It allows for more time to react to hazards and control the vehicle better.
Lastly, never use cruise control when the roads are in slippery and icy conditions. Using the cruise control can reduce the control of the vehicle if the tires begin to skid or slip.
Visit the Village of Ruidoso website for current road advisory information at www.ruidoso-nm.gov, or listen to KRUI 1490 AM, and krui@ruidoso-nm.gov.
