RUIDOSO INSIDER

The Wingfield Heritage House Museum is looking for volunteers to help form and run a new Friends of the Museum organization. New board members and officers are needed to shape this new support organization that will be raising funds and awareness of the museum.

If you have an interest in our community, history, education, and/or civic engagement, we would love to talk to you! We already have a 501c3 designation for the group.

A focus group of museum stakeholders will take place on Friday, April 25, at 10:00 AM at the Ruidoso Public Library.

If you are interested in joining this group or helping get it started, please come to the meeting or contact the Friends of the Wingfield Heritage House Museum at friendsofthewingfield2024@gmail.com or 575-257-5559.

The First Session of the 57th Legislature ended at noon on Saturday, March 22, 2025. While the session may be over, bill signing remains. The governor has until April 11 to sign, veto, or fail to sign (i.e., pocket veto) bills that she did not act on during the session. House Bill 2, the General Appropriation Act, passed with a recurring general fund budget of $10.7 billion for FY26, representing a 6 percent increase over the current fiscal year budget.

Several natural disaster and recovery bills benefiting local governments passed the Legislature this session. Senate Bill 31 establishes the natural disaster revolving fund to provide zero-interest loans to local governments following a federally declared natural disaster, and HB2 contains a $50 million appropriation to the new fund created by SB31. House Bill 191 creates the post wildfire fund for wildfire preparations and Senate Bill 33 provides grants to local governments for technical assistance and conducting assessments for wildfire preparedness.

The omnibus tax package bill – House Bill 14 – passed both floors after requiring conference committee meetings to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. In the end, a proposed surtax increase on oil and gas production was removed and the number of incorporated tax bills was reduced.

House Bill 298 passed its second chamber unanimously in the Senate. HB298 updates Chapter 3 of the New Mexico Statute, referred to as the Municipal Code, and provides municipalities with clear operational guidance, supports effective local governance, and allows municipal governing bodies to formally cross-commission law enforcement officers from other jurisdictions in case of emergencies or increased need.

Senate Bill 197 passed unanimously on the House floor, completing its sprint to the finish line. SB197 allows recipients of EMS Fund monies to pledge those funds for debt service through the New Mexico Finance Authority’s Public Project Revolving Fund, facilitating the purchase of ambulances or other EMS vehicles or equipment.

The 2025 Legislative Session in Numbers

» 1182 - Bills introduced

» 194 - Bills passed and sent to the Governor for Action

» 148 - Memorials, Joint Memorials, Resolutions, Joint Resolutions or Concurrent Resolutions introduced

» 52 - Memorials, Joint Memorials, Resolutions, Joint Resolutions or Concurrent Resolutions passed by the Legislature

Any time high winds are forecasted, the Village of Ruidoso is in communication with the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), regarding any planned Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). However, due to strong winds that impact the region, unplanned power outages may still occur.

Residents are advised to remain prepared for potential service interruptions, as high winds have the potential to damage power lines and other infrastructure. PNM crews actively monitor the situation and are ready to respond to any outages as quickly and safely as possible.

As PNM implements Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during critical fire days, many residents may rely on generators for backup power. While generators can be a great resource, improper use can be deadly.

Follow these safety tips to protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors:

» Never run a generator inside your home, garage, or enclosed space. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can be fatal. Keep generators at least 20 feet away from windows and doors.

» Position the generator so that fumes are directed away from living areas.

» Use battery-operated or plug-in carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

» Plug appliances directly into the generator using a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord. Do not connect your generator to your home’s electrical panel unless you have a professionally installed transfer switch.

» Turn off the generator and let it cool completely before adding fuel. Spilled fuel on hot surfaces can ignite.

» Overloading a generator can cause fires or damage appliances. Know your generator’s power capacity and only run essential items.

» Keep extra fuel in approved containers away from heat sources and out of reach of children.

» Always make sure vegetation is completely cleared where you choose to set up generators.

During fire weather and high wind events, generators are likely to be needed. Remember that during this time, wildfire starts happen easily and extreme caution should be used. Have a professional make sure that you have a properly installed and functional spark arrestor. If needed, you can take equipment by any of the local fire stations to have it looked over.

If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous, get fresh air immediately and call 911 as it could be carbon monoxide poisoning.

Be prepared, stay safe, and use generators responsibly. For more information, visit https://www.ready.gov/power-outages

The Humane Society of Lincoln County is hosting its Annual Pastel Paws event at the Humane Society Resale Shop on April 12, 2025, from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM. This free community event allows families and pets to have professional photos taken with Funny Bunny. At this event, community members will also be able to meet adoptable dogs, and kids will receive a free pet care activity book.

The Resale Shop funds 60% of the shelter’s annual operating budget. The Humane Society is always looking for opportunities to involve the community in its mission of caring for homeless animals.

Learn more at https://hslcnm.org/

LCMC to Launch Advanced CT Scanner, Enhancing Patient Care and Imaging Services

Lincoln County Medical Center is upgrading to a more advanced CT scanner, offering faster scans, improved patient comfort, and expanded cardiac, neuro, and lung imaging capabilities. Set to be operational in April, the new system will support accreditation from the American College of Radiology, reinforcing LCMC’s commitment to quality care.

Read the full article by Britne Gillen here >>

Ruidoso High School Shines in Sports, Academics, and Leadership

From state tournament success in wrestling and basketball to national recognition in academics and leadership, Ruidoso High students are making their mark. Highlights include state podium finishes, a trip to Nationals for the Quiz Bowl team, top honors at the NMASC Conference, and student-led advocacy at the State Capitol.

Read More —>

As we begin to step into Spring, things are lining up for a busy, warm season in Midtown. We are continuing to work with Village officials and the XTERRA Ruidoso team to bring this world-class event to Ruidoso in August. This will be the beginning of an exciting multi-year partnership with XTERRA that will include hosting the 30th Anniversary of XTERRA and the World Championships in 2026.

The Ruidoso Midtown Association will host Brewdoso at Wingfield Park on August 9th. This event will feature craft beer and spirits from across New Mexico, along with food trucks and family fun.

Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside hosted the first Ruidoso Midtown Association Mixer since I became the RMA Executive Director on March 11th. We had a great turnout, with both new and old supporters showing up and ready to get RMA fired up for the future. We had special guest speakers, Steve Andrus, speaking about XTERRA and what it means to Ruidoso, and Richard Conner from Ruidoso News, announcing that the paper is back and featuring lots of local content.

As a group, we agreed to quarterly mixers that follow the seasons. In the future, RMA Mixers will include more fun raffles, group activities, special guests, and Ruidoso movie release parties.

Visit us at RuidosoMidtownAssociation.com

Spring is in the air, and we are busy at the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce getting ready for the summer season! Our Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony will be held June 27, 2025, at Inn of the Mountain Gods. We will announce this year’s Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Beautification Award, as well as honor last year’s winners since we were not able to hold the banquet last year due to the fires. We welcome nominations for our awards, and if you know of a deserving business, volunteer, or a business that has a beautification project, please email membership@ruidosonow.com.

I must take a minute to brag about our Ruidoso Valley Greeters. These ladies are a committee of the Chamber and assist with our ribbon cuttings. Every year in November, they host the Christmas Jubilee. Proceeds from the Jubilee are then donated back to many of our local nonprofits. Food 4 Kids Backpack Program, Lincoln County Food Bank, Lincoln County Garden Club, High Mountain Youth Project, Animal Village NM, and Angus Church of the Nazarene are just a few of the organizations that have received donations from the Greeters already this year. Another one of the favorite things the Greeters do is honor an employee of a local business with a Champion of Service Award. The Champion of Service Award is given to an individual who has provided outstanding customer service. If you have received outstanding customer service and would like to nominate an individual for this award, nomination applications are available at the Chamber of Commerce.

In March, the Chamber held several Ribbon Cuttings celebrating chamber members reopening their businesses. We were honored to perform the Ribbon Cutting for Foxworth-Galbraith at their reopening following last year’s flooding. Their newly remodeled facility is beautiful, and they have done a fantastic job. Congratulations to Foxworth-Galbraith and their staff!

We also held ribbon cuttings for Topline Therapy, which has moved to its new location at 2801 Sudderth Dr., Ste. C, and for Los Agaves, which reopened after a brief closure at 26185 US Hwy 70 across from Wal-Mart. Congratulations to Los Agaves and Topline Therapy!

The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in 1941 and is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)6 nonprofit. We are governed by a 12-member volunteer board. Each year, approximately one-third of the board rotates, allowing for continuity and fresh ideas. Our mission is to foster the growth, development, and prosperity of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, and the surrounding area. The Chamber works hard every day to make Ruidoso a better place to live, work, and play. If you want to be part of the organization that supports this community, visit us at ruidosonow.com or call 575-257-7395.

Frizzell Frizzell Jr. Joins ENMU-Ruidoso Board, Bringing Decades of Leadership and Community Commitment

ENMU-Ruidoso has welcomed Frizzell Frizzell Jr., COO of Inn of the Mountain Gods, as its newest Community College Board Member. A seasoned executive with over 24 years in hospitality and gaming, Frizzell brings a deep commitment to education, financial oversight, and strategic growth to support student success and community advancement.

Read More —>

Stay Connected with Ruidoso

Mondays with the Mayor
Tune in to 1490Krui.com or 1490 AM radio every Monday from 8:00 – 10:00 AM to hear the latest from Mayor Lynn Crawford. Feel free to call or text with your questions.

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