Mayor Lynn Crawford’s Update
As snow graces our mountains and holiday lights shine, we reflect on a year of resilience. The summer’s wildfires and floods tested us, yet we’ve come together to rebuild stronger than ever. Recovery is visible in our neighborhoods and acts of kindness. With new leadership in the police and fire departments, Ruidoso looks ahead to 2025 with gratitude and hope. Happy holidays from Mayor Lynn Crawford!
Village Council Update
At the November 12, 2024, Council Meeting, the Village approved agreements for road resurfacing with Cutler Repaving, Inc., new flood hazard regulations under Ordinance 2024-05, and state library grants of $10,287.08. They advanced designs for the US 70/NM 48 intersection, purchased nine emergency sirens, and approved hosting agreements for Ironman 70.3 and XTERRA World Championships (2026-2028). The next Council Meeting is on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the Village Hall Council Chambers.
Annual Santa Paws Event
Join the Humane Society of Lincoln County for the festive Santa Paws Event on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the shelter, located at 25962 Highway 70.
Bring your family and furry friends for photos with Santa, captured by professional photographer Sara Matula.
Attendees will receive:
A 15% Walgreens discount coupon
Additional in-store discounts for holiday cards.
Donations to support the Humane Society of Lincoln County are greatly appreciated.
Remember: ADOPT, don’t shop!
Understanding Flood Zones: What They Mean for Recovery and Rebuilding
As the Village advances recovery and mitigation efforts, many residents are asking: “Am I in the floodway or the floodplain (Special Flood Hazard Area), and what does that mean for me?”
Key Definitions from FEMA:
Regulatory Floodway
The regulatory floodway includes the channel of a river or watercourse and nearby areas required to safely discharge the base flood without raising water levels significantly. Structures within the floodway cannot be rebuilt if they sustain substantial damage.Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)
The SFHA, shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), identifies areas likely to be flooded during a 1-percent annual chance flood (also called a 100-year flood). These areas are divided into zones:Zone A or Zone V: High-risk areas.
Moderate Risk Zones B or X (shaded): Areas between the 100-year and 500-year flood limits.
Minimal Risk Zones C or X (unshaded): Areas above the 500-year flood elevation.
What This Means for Property Owners:
If your property sustained substantial damage from fires or floods, understanding its zone is critical:
In the Floodway: Rebuilding is not permitted.
In the 100-Year Floodplain: Rebuilding is allowed if Village ordinances and building codes are met.
Substantial Damage refers only to structures (e.g., buildings, fences), not green spaces.
Next Steps:
Determining your property’s flood zone is essential to make informed decisions about recovery and rebuilding. For assistance, contact Village officials or refer to FEMA’s FIRM maps.
Water Conservation in Ruidoso: What You Can Do
The Village of Ruidoso, located in the arid southwest, is committed to preserving its precious water resources. With Phase 5 Water Restrictions in place and the U.S. Drought Monitor classifying the area as experiencing moderate to severe drought, water conservation is crucial to ensure a reliable supply for the future.
Simple Steps to Conserve Water at Home
Install low-flow toilets.
Take shorter showers.
Check for leaks in toilets and faucets.
Turn off water while brushing teeth.
Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
Avoid using running water to thaw food.
Limit use of garbage disposals.
Monitor water bills for unusual spikes in usage.
Track Your Water Use with the EyeOnWater App
The EyeOnWater app makes it easy to monitor water usage and detect leaks. Create an account using your water bill account number and email address to stay informed and proactive.
Planning for the Future
The Village of Ruidoso Water Resource Department is revising its 2016 Water Conservation Plan and updating conservation triggers to address growth and prolonged drought conditions.
Your actions matter. Small changes in daily habits can lead to significant reductions in water usage, helping to protect Ruidoso’s natural resources and secure a sustainable future.
Emergency Assistance Registry to Support Vulnerable Residents
The Village Emergency Assistance Registry (VEAR) is a free registry that provides local emergency planners and emergency responders with information on the needs of their community. Individuals who have disabilities, limited mobility, or are considered medically fragile are asked to sign up for this registry.
“We can best support those who are vulnerable if we know in advance where they are and what resources they may need during an emergency or disaster,” states Eric Queller, Emergency Manager for the Village of Ruidoso.
An online form utilizes the Village’s ArcGIS platform to gather data and plot it on a community map that can be used for planning and emergency response purposes. Registering in the VEAR program DOES NOT guarantee receipt of a specific service during an emergency. This is to better inform the Village of the constantly evolving community needs during disasters.
Who should register?
1. People with disabilities
2. People who are medically fragile
3. People with access and functional needs such as: limited mobility, communication barriers, medical assistance during an emergency event
4. People who require transportation assistance
5. People who require personal care assistance
Register online at www.ruidoso-nm.gov/vear. Dial 575-257-3473 or 2-1-1. Residents can also fill out a hard copy by printing it off the website or stopping by Village Hall, Ruidoso Fire Department Station One, or the Ruidoso Community Center.
Ruidoso High School Fall Sports Wrap-Up: December 2024
Ruidoso High School wrapped up a successful 2024 fall sports season with standout performances across teams. The boys’ cross country team placed 6th at state and dominated the 3A District 3/4 Championships, led by top runners Jerimy Williams and Simon Vasquez. Girls’ soccer secured their third consecutive undefeated district title, finishing 13-6-1, with Alexx Chavez earning MVP and All-Star honors. Volleyball clinched the undefeated district championship and set the stage for state competition. While football faced a challenging season, players like Trenton Hall, Jaxon Morgan, Joel Ortega, and Mason Zabel earned All-District honors. Boys’ soccer highlighted bright moments with Fernando Segovia and Julio Mendoza receiving All-District recognition. Ruidoso High School’s athletes and coaches have shown determination, teamwork, and skill, making the community proud. Go Warriors!
Ruidoso Prepares for Winter with Updated 2024-2025 Snow and Ice Removal Plan
The Village of Ruidoso has unveiled its comprehensive 2024-2025 Snow and Ice Removal Plan, ensuring roads, sidewalks, and trails stay safe and accessible during winter storms. Crews are equipped and ready to respond, with a tiered system prioritizing major roads, school bus routes, and neighborhoods. Stay informed and safe—check road conditions at NMroads.com and drive cautiously this winter!
Addressing New Mexico's Healthcare Workforce Shortage
A recent report by Think New Mexico highlights a critical healthcare workforce shortage in New Mexico, particularly among registered nurses, EMTs, physical therapists, pharmacists, and primary care physicians, whose numbers declined by 31% between 2017 and 2021.
Lincoln County Medical Center (LCMC) is addressing this challenge by investing in education and training to attract and retain healthcare professionals locally. Initiatives include scholarships for students and employees pursuing healthcare education, stipends for EMTs obtaining paramedic licenses, and partnerships with ENMU-Ruidoso to train and hire graduates.
Since 2023, LCMC has added phlebotomy certification opportunities in collaboration with TriCore Laboratories and successfully recruited several physicians in 2024. LCMC remains committed to expanding its workforce and improving healthcare access to meet the growing needs of the community.
Festival of Lights Parade, Ruidoso, NM
Merry Christmas and Season’s Greetings from the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce!
As the holidays approach, we’re thankful for our incredible Chamber members and the beautiful Village we call home. This year, we’re excited for the Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, December 7, at 5:30 PM. The theme, “Journey of Hope and Resilience,” celebrates journeys like Mary and Joseph’s to Bethlehem or our community’s recovery from floods and fires. Let’s see your creativity shine with inspiring floats!
When shopping for gifts, remember to shop local. Support local businesses by spending part of your holiday budget at local shops or enjoying a meal at a nearby restaurant. You can also give them some digital love by checking in on Facebook, sharing photos, liking and following their pages, and leaving positive reviews on Google, Facebook, or Yelp.
Consider unique gifts like gift certificates for spas, salons, or local entertainment. There are so many ways to support local this season!
If you’d like to help make Ruidoso and Lincoln County a better place to live, work, and play, consider joining the Chamber. We wish you a holiday season filled with love and peace. Sometimes, the greatest gift of all is kindness.
Village of Ruidoso Employees Honored for Dedication and Excellence in Emergency Management and Public Safety
The Village of Ruidoso is thrilled to celebrate two of its own, Eric Queller and Ashlie Carabajal, who have earned statewide recognition for their outstanding contributions to emergency management and public safety. Their unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership during some of the most challenging times in Ruidoso’s history have set a remarkable standard for service to our community.
Happy Holidays and Cheers from the RMA Board
As the holiday season approaches, and the beautiful streets of Midtown Ruidoso begin to bustle with visitors enjoying all our district has to offer, we would like to take a moment to be grateful. We believe we can all take a breath, and be grateful for the resilience of our community, our businesses, and our Village!
Amidst the tragedies Ruidoso endured this year, our community has joined forces and united. Together – we can do remarkable things! With this in mind, if you need anything from us, please reach out to any one of our wonderful board members: Amanda Foster, Ramon Griego, Dakota Montes, Michelle O’Brien, Josh Richardson, Jamey Rupley, Lance Roe, Chris Stettheimer, or Jennie Tanner.
Together as a team, the Ruidoso Midtown Association will continue to strive to bring vibrancy, life, and preservation to the Ruidoso Midtown district. We look forward to 2025 and all it it has in store for our community!
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.
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay up to date with all the latest news and events:
Website: ruidoso-nm.gov
Facebook: Village of Ruidoso
Have questions or feedback? Contact us.