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.

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

Celebrate the grand opening of the Wingfield Heritage House Museum on October 17, 2024! The event starts with a ribbon-cutting at 12 PM, followed by an open house from 2-4 PM, and live music, food, and drinks from 4-6 PM. Explore exhibits on Ruidoso's history in the newly restored 1920s Wingfield House. Free and open to the public—come join the fun and discover Ruidoso's heritage!

The FEMA Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program begins tomorrow in Ruidoso, focusing on removing fire debris from properties affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires. Contractors will start clearing your property if you've signed up and submitted your Right of Entry (ROE) form. The deadline to participate is August 19, 2024. For assistance, visit the Horton Complex at 237 Service Road or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

The SBA has approved over $6 million in disaster loans for New Mexico residents and businesses affected by the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, and flooding. Assistance is available for the Mescalero Apache Tribe and Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba, and San Juan counties. The deadline to apply for property damage is August 19, 2024, and for economic injury is March 20, 2025. Apply at SBA.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed House Bill 1, allocating $100 million for recovery from the South Fork and Salt fires and ongoing flooding. The funds include $10 million each for the Mescalero Apache Tribe, Energy Department, and Homeland Security, and $70 million in loans for local infrastructure projects. Residents can apply for FEMA assistance online, by phone, or at designated resource centers.

The Village of Ruidoso invites residents to a Town Hall meeting on August 6, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 313 Cree Meadows Drive to gather public input for the FY 2026-2030 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP). Attend to help prioritize and update the Village’s capital projects over the next five years. Your participation is crucial!

A Ruidoso Rising Community Distribution Event will take place on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Gateway Community Church, 415 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, NM. This event aims to provide essential supplies to residents in need, offering vital resources to support individuals and families during challenging times. Residents are encouraged to arrive early, as supplies are limited. Together, we rise stronger.

Ruidoso's Parks and Recreation Department has renovated the tennis courts at School House Park, which are now open and free to use. A new playground is also being installed. Funded by a grant, these enhancements have been in progress for months. Windscreens for the courts are on order and will be installed soon. These upgrades aim to improve recreational options for the community.

The Village of Ruidoso has enacted Ordinance 2024-04, amending Chapter 86 of the Municipal Code to update water rates and utility regulations. Effective immediately, this ordinance introduces new rates for residential and commercial water use, addresses payment locations and delinquency procedures, and outlines penalties for unauthorized water use. These changes are based on a comprehensive study to ensure sustainable water management and cover increased utility operation costs. 

The Village of Ruidoso Community Development Department is transitioning all permits to a new online platform to simplify the process for customers. Business License Registration, Garage Sale, and Banner Permits are available online, and all permits will follow soon. Residents are encouraged to set up their portal log-in using the provided instructions to ensure seamless access as the system is fully implemented. Stay tuned for further updates.

Join ENMU-Ruidoso for the Fire Disaster Assistance Fair on July 1, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Receive crucial support from legal aid, insurance guidance, health services, and more. Free food provided!

The Village of Ruidoso will host a virtual Community Meeting today at 5:30 PM, offering residents a chance to engage with local officials and ask questions. Join via Zoom (Meeting ID: 817 9524 7672, Passcode: 161214) or watch the live stream of the Village of Ruidoso YouTube channel. Your participation is important as we address community matters, including the ongoing South Fork and Salt Fire situations.

The FBI is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the South Fork and Salt Fires near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Discovered on June 17, 2024, these fires have caused significant damage. The FBI's Albuquerque Field Office is working with various agencies, urging the public to submit tips via 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.

Lincoln National Forest has issued an updated area closure for the Smokey Bear Ranger District to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public amid the Blue 2 and South Fork wildfires. The closure affects National Forest System lands, roads, and trails. Violations are punishable by fines up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations or imprisonment for up to six months.

The Village of Ruidoso is hosting public meetings on June 17, 2024, at 2:00 PM and June 25, 2024, at 4:00 PM to gather input for the 2026-2030 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP). Meetings will be broadcast via YouTube and in-person at Village Hall, 313 Cree Meadows Drive. Residents can review and suggest updates to the plan, which prioritizes projects over five years. The Village Council will consider the plan on July 9, 2024.

The New Mexico Film Office announced that the feature film “Fight or Flight” wrapped filming in Ruidoso today on June 7, 2024. Directed by Shane Dax Taylor and starring Dolph Lundgren, Michael Jai White, Scott Martin, and Charlotte Kirk, the film employed over 100 locals. This project highlights Ruidoso's growing role in the state’s booming film industry, contributing to its over $1 billion economic impact in 2024.

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team, led by Terry Hardy and Edgar Martinez, is assessing the Blue 2 Fire's impact in Ruidoso, NM. The team evaluates post-fire risks like flooding and debris flow, focusing on human safety and natural resources. Specialists from various fields create a Soil Burn Severity map and recommend emergency stabilization measures. More info is available on the Blue 2 Fire Postfire BAER InciWeb page.

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 June 19, 2024, 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.

Due to the ongoing Blue 2 Fire and predicted high winds and fire danger, the Village of Ruidoso will NOT conduct the regularly scheduled siren test first of the month on Saturday, June 1st. Stay informed via our Blue 2 Fire Information Hub and take necessary precautions.