The Village of Ruidoso has formed a Short-Term Rental Sub-Committee to evaluate the impact of short-term rentals. A Town Hall Meeting will be held on January 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide input on the ordinance. Your feedback is essential in shaping effective policies for our community's future.

In the January 2025 Ruidoso Insider, we wish you a Happy New Year! Mayor Lynn Crawford shares an uplifting message about our community’s resilience and progress as we rebuild a stronger, more vibrant Ruidoso. This issue covers updates on workforce housing, water system improvements, new leadership at RPD and RFD, staff milestones, and winter events like ice skating at Wingfield Park. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth and optimism!

The workforce housing project at 603 Mechem Drive is progressing, with modular units onsite and utility installation on track for February. The Village is coordinating transport to minimize disruptions, though brief interruptions may occur. Landscaping bids are open, with work starting in February, weather permitting. To join the waitlist, contact Berkshire Hathaway at 575-257-4011. For project info, call Michael Martinez at 575-258-4343 ext. 1006.

Congress has approved $2 billion for the SBA Disaster Loan Program, allowing Ruidoso residents and businesses impacted by disasters like the South Fork and Salt Fires to access low-interest loans. This funding will help over 21,000 applicants nationwide resume recovery efforts. Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits can apply online at sba.gov/disaster or in person at a Disaster or Business Recovery Center.

The Lincoln National Forest raised its fire danger rating to 'moderate' on December 19, 2024, following assessments of moisture levels and weather forecasts. Moderate fire danger means fires can start from most accidental causes, spreading quickly in dry grasslands on windy days. Visitors are urged to fully extinguish campfires, prepare for winter weather, and prioritize fire safety.

The RSVP program of Ruidoso Community Center and partners is hosting a Winter Coat Drive to support neighbors in need. Donate new or gently used winter items for adults and children, including coats, gloves, hats, scarves, and hoodies. Drop-offs are accepted through Jan. 20, 2025, at various locations, including Albertsons, Walgreens, and Horton Gymnasium. For details, call 575-257-4565.

Filmed in and around Ruidoso, Santa’s Cousin (Dec. 2024) is a heartwarming Christmas romantic comedy that follows Santa’s cousin on a mission to save the town’s beloved Christmas Jubilee—finding love and rediscovering the holiday spirit along the way. Starring Jonathan Stoddard, Alexandra Harris, and Eric Roberts, the film beautifully showcases Ruidoso’s cherished holiday traditions.

The Smokey Bear Ranger District of the Lincoln National Forest plans prescribed pile burns in the Little Eagle Project Area through December 2024 and January 2025, targeting 150 acres near Alto and northwest of Ruidoso. Burns aim to manage forest health and reduce fuel buildup. Smoke may be visible from nearby communities. Dates depend on weather conditions, with updates provided to the public.

This holiday season, the Ruidoso Police Department reminds everyone to celebrate safely with a few simple tips: keep your home well-lit, avoid posting gifts on social media, ask a neighbor to watch your home if traveling, and never drink and drive. For assistance, call RPD’s non-emergency number at 575-258-7365. Let’s work together to ensure a joyful, safe, and secure holiday season for all!

Join Ruidoso’s Shop with a Cop event on December 14, 2024, where local police officers bring holiday cheer to children in need by shopping with them and fostering positive connections. Support the program by donating funds, gift cards, or goodie bag items, or by sponsoring meals. Together, we can brighten the holidays and strengthen community bonds. Contact the RPD at 575-258-7365 to get involved!

The Festival of Lights Parade returns on Saturday, December 7, 2024, starting at 5:30 PM. Road closures on Sudderth Drive, from Paradise Canyon Drive to the Main Road Traffic Circle, begin between 4:45 PM and 5:00 PM and will last until the parade concludes. Celebrate safely and enjoy the festivities! Alternate routes are advised to avoid traffic delays. Barricades and detours will be in place to manage traffic. Plan ahead and enjoy the festivities!

Lincoln National Forest will conduct a prescribed burn on the Sacramento Ranger District from Dec. 3-6, 2024, targeting 350 acres in the 16 Springs Project Area. The operation aims to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health. Smoke may affect nearby areas, including Mayhill and Cloudcroft. Plans are weather-dependent.

The December 2024 Ruidoso Insider reflects on a year of resilience, featuring Mayor Lynn Crawford’s update on recovery efforts, new public safety leadership, and holiday cheer. Explore Council actions like road upgrades, emergency sirens, and hosting future world-class events. Celebrate the season with Santa Paws, the Festival of Lights Parade, and updates on sports, water conservation, and flood recovery.

The Village of Ruidoso is proud to announce that two of its dedicated employees, Eric Queller and Ashlie Carabajal, have received statewide recognition and awards for their exemplary contributions to emergency management and public safety and their continued dedication to our community. Their unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership during some of the most challenging times in Ruidoso’s history have set a remarkable standard for service in our community.

The Village of Ruidoso recently sent a required notice about galvanized and unknown water pipes to comply with federal and state regulations. This does not mean the drinking water is unsafe or lead has been detected. Annual testing confirms Ruidoso’s water meets EPA safety standards, with no lead found. For questions, contact the Water Production Department at 575-257-5525 or review the latest Consumer Confidence Report online.

The Lincoln National Forest has finalized an environmental assessment for the South Sacramento Restoration Project, which targets 140,000 acres in the Sacramento Mountains. The initiative aims to improve forest health, reduce wildfire risks, and restore wildlife habitats and watersheds. The assessment is being reviewed by the public, and an objection period will start in mid-December. Implementation will span 10–20 years.

The USDA’s NRCS offers a Voluntary Property Buyout Program for Lincoln County residents affected by recent fires and floods. Eligible homeowners can sell flood-prone properties to reduce future risks, with purchased lands designated as open spaces for flood control. Join the informational meeting on Nov. 20, 2024, at 6 pm at ENMU-Ruidoso or via Zoom to learn more.

Lincoln National Forest has lowered its fire danger rating to "low" across all districts, effective November 12, 2024. This decision follows moisture analysis and long-term weather forecasts. While fuels are less likely to ignite from small embers, intense heat sources can still start fires, especially in dry wood or grasslands. Visitors are reminded to fully extinguish campfires and stay mindful of winter weather conditions for safe travel.

If you’re feeling ambitious and want to cut your own Christmas tree, Lincoln National Forest will begin selling Christmas tree permits on November 14, 2024. The cost is $10 each plus a $2.50 processing fee with a limited number of permits available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a limit of one permit per household. Online Christmas Tree Permits

The State Forestry Division is offering free hazard tree removal and erosion control assistance to landowners affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires. Eligible Lincoln County residents can apply for services, including removal of damaged trees near structures, erosion barriers, and soil stabilization measures. This effort aims to reduce future flood risks and aid watershed recovery in burn-scarred areas. Visit the Division’s website for application details.