MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
July 2026
July is shaping up to be one of the most exciting months our community has seen in years, and I want to make sure every resident and visitor has a chance to be part of it. From a world-class athletic event to a brand-new way to fly into our mountain home, Ruidoso is on the move. At the same time, the summer monsoon season is here, and I want to make sure everyone knows how to stay safe when storms roll in.
On July 11 and 12, Ruidoso takes center stage as the host of IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso, and I could not be more proud of what our community has accomplished to make this event a reality. I am thrilled to share that this race is completely sold-out. meaning hundreds of athletes and their families, friends, and supporters will be filling our streets, restaurants, and hotels all weekend long. That is a tremendous vote of confidence in Ruidoso as a premier event destination, and it speaks volumes about the resilience and spirit of this community.
Whether you are a triathlon fan or just looking for something spectacular to do this weekend, I encourage everyone to get out and cheer on these incredible athletes. Watching competitors push their limits through our beautiful mountain landscape is something you will not soon forget. And when you are done cheering, head over to the IRONMAN Athlete’s Village at White Mountain Sports Complex. The Village is open to the public and is a fantastic, family-friendly scene with food, vendors, and the electrifying energy of race weekend.
We have been working hard to make Ruidoso more accessible, and I am delighted to announce that Contour Airlines is now operating scheduled service between Sierra Blanca Regional Airport and Denver International Airport. This is a game-changer for our community. For years, one of the biggest hurdles for visitors coming to Ruidoso has been the drive. Now, travelers from Denver and beyond can simply book a flight and be in our mountains in no time at all. For our residents, that same connection means easier travel to one of the nation’s major hub airports. This new air service is great for tourism, great for business, and great for the quality of life right here at home. I am grateful to Contour Airlines and the VOR team for making this happen, and I encourage everyone to spread the word.
With all the excitement of July, I also want to take a moment to talk about something serious: we are officially in monsoon season, and it is critical that everyone in Ruidoso, whether you are a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, understands how quickly conditions can change in our mountain environment.
When it starts to rain, please be mindful of your surroundings. Move to high ground and stay there. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or streams. Even a small amount of fast-moving water can be deadly. Flash flooding can develop with very little warning, especially in areas still affected by burn scars from previous wildfires.
I also want to remind everyone about an important upgrade to our Outdoor Warning System (OWS). In the past, our OWS sirens were used exclusively for fire evacuation alerts. That has changed. The system has been expanded and will now be activated for fires, evacuations, and flood events. If you hear the OWS, take it seriously, seek information immediately through official Village channels, and follow all instructions from emergency personnel. This expanded capability is an important step forward in keeping our community safe, and I am proud we have it in place heading into this monsoon season.
July is a month to celebrate everything that makes Ruidoso special. Enjoy the All-American Tailgate Party and Drone Show, and enjoy our beautiful mountain summer. Don’t forget to tune in to Mondays with the Mayorevery Monday from 8:00-10:00 AM on KRUI 99.1 FM/1490 AM.
And please, look out for one another. That is what makes us the community we are.