MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

February 2025

As we move into the heart of winter and are enjoying the recent snowfalls, I want to take this opportunity to address several important matters affecting our beautiful mountain village.

First, I want to emphasize the critical importance of our FOG (Fats, Oils, and Greases) program. These substances might seem harmless when poured down drains, but they create serious problems in our water system and at our Regional Waste Water Treatment Plant. When hot grease cools, it solidifies and creates blockages that can lead to expensive repairs and environmental hazards. Instead of disposing of cooking oils and grease down drains, please collect them in sealed containers. Residents can bring these containers to our Solid Waste Department for proper disposal. For businesses, particularly restaurants, remember that grease traps must be regularly maintained and serviced by licensed contractors. If you need information about approved disposal services, please contact our Public Works Department.

On another note, crews continue their diligent work cleaning up debris from last summer’s wildfires and subsequent flooding. This ongoing effort is essential for both public safety and environmental protection. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we restore our affected areas.

While we’re on the topic of cleanup, I want to address proper pine needle disposal. We ask residents to consolidate pine needles into one or two large piles rather than multiple small ones. This might seem like a minor detail, but it significantly impacts our collection efficiency. When our trucks encounter numerous small piles, operators must repeatedly move and reset the stabilizers, which considerably slows down the collection process. By creating fewer, larger piles, you help our crews work more efficiently and serve more properties each day.

I’m delighted to report that our recent snowfall has brought welcome relief after the New Year. As a winter vacation destination, this snow is vital for our community’s economic wellbeing. Visitors are returning in strong numbers to enjoy our winter wonderland. This natural blessing not only supports our tourism industry but also helps replenish our water resources.

Looking ahead, we’re preparing for what promises to be a busy Spring Break season. Our local businesses are already gearing up to welcome visitors, and early bookings suggest we’ll see substantial tourism activity. This is a testament to Ruidoso’s enduring appeal as a year-round destination.

Remember, our village’s success depends on the cooperation and dedication of all our residents and business owners. By working together on initiatives like the FOG program and supporting our ongoing recovery efforts, we ensure Ruidoso remains the spectacular mountain community we’re all proud to call home.

Don’t forget to tune-in to 1490 KRUI – The Mountain every Monday morning from 8:00-10:00 AM to stream or listen live. We encourage questions from the community – you can call, text, or email.

Until next time, take good care and be a good neighbor!

Mayor Lynn Crawford