Hiring unlicensed contractors can be risky. New Mexico urges residents to verify licenses of handymen, roofers, electricians, and more. Report unlicensed work to the Construction Industries or Manufactured Housing Divisions. Visit RLD.NM.GOV/REBUILDING-NEW-MEXICO or call 505-222-9800 to ensure safe rebuilding in Ruidoso.

The 2024 General Election is quickly approaching! Make sure you're prepared by registering to vote before the October 8 deadline. Early voting begins on October 19, and absentee ballot requests must be submitted by October 22. Don’t miss your opportunity to shape the future on Election Day, November 5. Read more for crucial information on polling locations, early voting sites, and deadlines.

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!

FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program allows an exception to the 30-day waiting period for coverage if post-wildfire flooding originates on federal land. Property owners can get immediate coverage if they purchase a policy before or within 60 days of fire containment. The exception is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Free legal assistance is available to residents of southern New Mexico impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding from June 17 to Aug. 20, 2024. Funded by FEMA and provided by the ABA's Young Lawyers Division, Disaster Legal Services (DLS) helps with issues like insurance claims, home repair fraud, and FEMA appeals. DLS services are confidential and free for those in eligible counties.

The SBA has approved $12.3 million in disaster loans, mainly for homeowners and renters. Following FEMA's closure of the incident period for DR 4795-NM on Aug. 20, 2024, those affected from June 17 to Aug. 20 can apply for loans by the Oct. 19 deadline. SBA reps are available for assistance, and webinars offer additional info. Applying ensures loan availability if insurance or aid falls short.

Join the Village of Ruidoso and FEMA for a Federal Contract Registration Workshop and 1:1 assistance sessions for short-term rental owners and local contractors impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires. Learn how to register on sam.gov for federal contracts, including FEMA’s Direct Lease program. Sessions will be held at ENMU-Ruidoso on September 10-12, 2024.

Homeowners affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding may be eligible for financial assistance from FEMA and the SBA to repair or rebuild stronger homes. FEMA provides funds for mitigation measures like vent screens, non-combustible gutters, and elevating utilities. The SBA offers low-interest loans for home improvements to prevent future damage. Contact FEMA or SBA for more details.

Ruidoso Mayor Lynn D. Crawford has issued Executive Order 2024-01 to support recovery efforts after the South Fork and Salt Fires and subsequent floods. The order waives all permitting and installation fees for rebuilding destroyed properties, helping to alleviate financial strain on affected property owners and encouraging the community’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The Village of Ruidoso has introduced a Disaster Recovery Dashboard to aid those affected by the South Fork and Salt fires and floods. This online platform offers real-time updates on recovery efforts, including infrastructure restoration, rebuilding guidelines, and available resources. It serves as a centralized hub for essential information to support community recovery.

As summer ends, Mayor Crawford reflects on the community's resilience through recent wildfires and floods. The Village of Ruidoso is focused on bridge and road repairs, debris removal, and ongoing recovery efforts. The State has allocated $100 million for fire and flood recovery while enhanced insurance protections support affected residents. The Village continues to rally together with upcoming events, new medical providers, and various community programs emphasizing cooperation and rebuilding.

The Village of Ruidoso has been selected to host the 2025 New Mexico Municipal League Annual Conference at the Ruidoso Convention Center for September 9-12, 2025. Announced during the 67th NMML Conference in Clovis, this event will feature workshops, networking, and community support projects. The 2024 conference highlighted Clovis’s community spirit, featuring keynotes and hands-on volunteer work.

Lincoln National Forest has lowered the fire danger rating to 'low' on all districts due to improved conditions, lifting most fire restrictions. Some closures remain on the Smokey Bear Ranger District after the South Fork Fire. With Labor Day approaching, practice fire safety and be aware of flash floods near burn scars. Offices will close on September 2 for Labor Day.

Join us for a Recovery Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, August 28, at 7:00 P.M. at Ruidoso Middle School, 124 Warrior Dr, Ruidoso, NM. This event, featuring representatives from the Village of Ruidoso, FEMA, SBA, and the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security, will provide information on assistance available for those affected by the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, or flooding. A virtual option via Zoom is available. Details available via QR code.

Join the "Cabinet In Your Community" event in Ruidoso on September 21, 2024, at ENMU Ruidoso. This event offers a State Services Expo from 11 AM to 4 PM, providing enrollment assistance for Medicaid, childcare, and more. A Community Town Hall from 1 PM to 4 PM will feature discussions with Cabinet Secretaries on local issues. Don't miss this chance to engage with state officials and access essential resources.

Residents affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding in New Mexico can receive FEMA assistance for damaged private wells and septic systems. FEMA has extended workshops on home repairs through Aug. 24 at Village Ace Hardware in Ruidoso. Over $5.6 million in assistance and $8.72 million in SBA loans have been approved. The deadline to apply for FEMA aid is now Oct. 19, 2024.

FEMA has extended the deadline to apply for disaster assistance related to the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding to October 19. Workshops in Ruidoso providing home repair tips have been extended through August 24. To date, FEMA has approved over $5.59 million in assistance, and the SBA has approved more than $8.65 million in disaster loans. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov for more details.

FEMA extended the deadline to apply for disaster assistance to October 19, 2024, for residents affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding in New Mexico. Eligible counties include Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba, San Juan, and the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Applications can be made online, via the FEMA app, by phone, or at Disaster Recovery Centers. SBA loan applications are also due by October 19.

The SBA New Mexico District Office is hosting a series of free disaster recovery webinars in English and Spanish to support those affected by the South Fork Fire, Salt Fire, and flooding. These sessions will provide essential information and resources from the SBA, FEMA, and other agencies. Deadlines for disaster assistance applications are approaching, with key dates including August 19 and September 9, 2024.

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.