Ruidoso, New Mexico, has been named the Best Small Town Cultural Scene in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This honor highlights Ruidoso’s vibrant arts, music, and community spirit. Officially announced on April 9, 2025, Ruidoso topped the list of cultural destinations, showcasing its unique blend of creativity and community pride. Visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for more details.

The Village of Ruidoso invites residents to participate in public hearings on community recovery grants funded by the $137.1 million CDBG-DR program. These grants support recovery from disasters like the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, and severe flooding. Attend in-person hearings at ENMU Ruidoso to share your input. Visit dhsem.nm.gov/cdbg-dr2025/ for meeting details and ways to provide input. Your voice matters!

New short-term rental rules in Ruidoso aim to boost safety and community well-being. Updates include permit fees ($300), annual inspections (compliance reinspections $50), occupancy limits (2 adults per sleeping unit), and stricter fire safety. Stay informed and compliant!

The feature film Dead Letters, starring Emmy-winner Margo Martindale, has wrapped filming in Ruidoso and Las Cruces Directed by David Drake, the film follows a long-haul truck driver confronting her past as her daughter’s murderer faces parole. The production, employing over 100 local New Mexicans, highlights Ruidoso’s cinematic appeal and the state’s film-friendly incentives.

Spring is here, and Ruidoso is buzzing with updates! From fire safety tips and new community projects to local student achievements and a jam-packed event calendar, the April Insider has it all. Stay informed on Village Council actions, healthcare upgrades, and exciting happenings like the Great American Cleanup. Dive in and celebrate Ruidoso’s vibrant season of renewal!

The Village of Ruidoso Community Development Department has released the final floodplain map, providing essential information for property owners on rebuilding, permitting, and future construction standards. The map shows areas affected by floodplain and floodway regulations. Residents are encouraged to review the map and FAQs to understand potential impacts. For more information, call 575- 258-6999.

The Wingfield Heritage House Museum and Ruidoso Public Library are launching the Time Turner History Book Club in May 2025! Led by museum curator Stephanie Long, the club meets on the second Thursday of each month at 12:30 pm at the Ruidoso Library. Explore historical books, share insights, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Light refreshments provided. Visit the library website for more details!

The Village of Ruidoso is adding 99.1 FM to KRUI 1490 AM – The Mountain, expanding local radio reach and clarity. The FM signal is set to launch by April 1, 2025, boosting access to news, safety updates, and new shows. Listeners can tune in live or replay programs on demand at 1490Krui.com, strengthening regional connection and engagement.

The XTERRA World Championship returns to U.S. soil with a multi-year home in Ruidoso, NM, hosting the elite off-road triathlon in 2026, 2027, and 2028. A preview weekend August 15–17, 2025, will feature races, family fun, and festivities. Ruidoso’s alpine terrain and warm hospitality promise a world-class adventure experience.

The Wingfield Heritage House Museum is forming a new Friends of the Museum group to raise funds and awareness. Volunteers are needed to serve as board members and officers. A focus group meeting will be held Friday, April 25 at 10 AM at the Ruidoso Public Library. Interested? Email friendsofthewingfield2024@gmail.com or call 575-257-5559 to get involved.

Starting March 17, the Ruidoso Forestry Department will launch two major fire prevention efforts. A 30-acre thinning project on Grindstone Lake’s south end and a 71-acre fuel break along Moon Mountain’s west side are designed to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health. These initiatives will use only mechanical treatments to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health, with no prescribed burns planned.

Due to dry conditions, Lincoln National Forest has implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective March 10, 2025. Campfires and charcoal grills are limited to developed campsites or picnic areas with agency-built fire rings. Dispersed campfires are prohibited, and smoking is restricted to enclosed vehicles or buildings. Chainsaw use remains permitted.

The Village of Ruidoso will move to Level II fire restrictions on March 10, 2025, to reduce wildfire risk during severe drought. Certain outdoor activities and equipment use will be limited or prohibited to protect public safety. Residents and visitors should familiarize themselves with the full guidelines and exercise caution until conditions improve.

The Wingfield Heritage House Museum presents “Postcards of Ruidoso: Selections from the Collection of John Davys McCoy,” on display from March 1 to August 23, 2025. Featuring postcards from the 1920s to 1980s, the exhibit showcases Ruidoso’s past, including historic hotels, horse racing, and early skiing. This collection offers a nostalgic glimpse into the village’s history and growth over the decades.

On February 23, 2025, the Ruidoso Police Department responded to a bomb threat at Parts Unknown, a Midtown store. Officers evacuated the area and temporarily closed Sudderth Dr. between Country Club Dr. and Center St. After a thorough investigation, no credible threat was found, and the area reopened at 5:49 PM. With FBI assistance, detectives traced the call to Europe. This was the second bomb threat at the store, the first occurring in September 2023.

In the March 2025 Ruidoso Insider, Ruidoso gears up for spring with key initiatives, including a Rio Ruidoso de-silting project to prevent flooding and free debris removal services for fire-affected residents. With Spring Break visitors expected to boost the local economy, the Village also urges homeowners to prepare for wildfire season. Let’s work together to keep Ruidoso vibrant, safe, and welcoming!

The Village of Ruidoso is hosting a Job Fair on March 26, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Ruidoso Convention Center (111 Sierra Blanca Drive). Explore career opportunities in public service with competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and room for professional growth. On-the-spot interviews, on-site screenings, and temporary summer positions available. Don’t miss this chance to explore new career opportunities!

The Village of Ruidoso honored its top team members for Q4 2024. The Finance Department was named Department of the Quarter for outstanding financial management. Individual awards went to Richard Butler (Public Works), Christy Coker (Administration), Amanda Castillo (Community Services), and Simon Haase (Public Safety). Mayor Lynn Crawford praised their dedication and positive impact on the community.

The Village of Ruidoso is proactively responding to PNM’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to mitigate wildfire risks. While the Village does not control shutoff decisions, it is working with local partners to keep residents informed and prepared. Emergency plans include resiliency centers, alert systems, and resources for those with medical needs. Residents are urged to plan ahead and stay informed.

Join the Sierra Club’s A Decade of Forest Fires – Ruidoso Hike on March 22, 2025, from 10 AM – 12 PM. This moderate, 3.5-mile hike through Cedar Creek Trails explores fire-scarred landscapes and forest recovery, with scenic views of Sierra Blanca and Ski Apache. Limited to 10 participants; RSVP by March 20. No dogs; ages 14+ with a guardian. Register: www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar.