Prescribed fire operations are planned for Oct. 21, 2025, on the Smokey Bear Ranger District of Lincoln National Forest, pending approvals and weather. Crews will burn two acres of hand piles to reduce hazardous fuels and protect against future wildfires. Smoke may affect Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, and Alto. Visit fire.airnow.gov for air quality info. Closures and delays possible.

Phase 1 Hazard Tree Mitigation is underway in the Blue 2 and South Fork burn areas of the Smokey Bear Ranger District. This vital post-fire recovery project improves public safety by removing standing dead trees near roads, recreation sites, and property boundaries. All work is confined to Forest Service lands within the Lincoln National Forest.

PNM crews will conduct utility work in Ruidoso from Oct. 20–24, 2025, affecting areas near the Hollywood Substation and Gavilan Canyon Road. Expect shoulder work, lane reductions, and temporary road closures between Meander, Sutton, Warrior, and Prospect. Traffic control measures, including signs, barricades, and flaggers, will be in place to assist motorists.

Residents of Lincoln and Doña Ana counties affected by the June–July 2025 flooding have until October 15, 2025, to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance. Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 800-621-3362 for help with housing, repairs, and disaster recovery needs.

As part of post-fire recovery efforts, DHSEM’s Economic Recovery Team shares details on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant. Fifty $10,000 awards will support small business digital upgrades and operations. Apply by December 10, 2025, at digitalready.verizonwireless.com/grants.

The Village of Ruidoso is updating its Lead and Copper Service Line Inventory to meet EPA requirements and ensure safe drinking water. Some residents will receive letters requesting information to update Village records. No lead has been detected. This proactive step helps identify and replace older pipes if needed.

Celebrate the Wingfield House Heritage Museum anniversary on Thu, Oct 16! Stop by the 2–4 PM Open House with giveaways, activities, and curator-led tours. Then enjoy Business After Hours, 5–7 PM, with light hors d’oeuvres from the Jockey Club, drinks from Downshift Brewing, and live music by the Doso Dirtbags.

Traffic control for the 2025 Aspenfest Parade begins on Saturday, October 4. Detours start at 8:30 a.m. at Mechem and Cree Meadows. All roads along Sudderth Drive will close at 9:30 a.m. for the 10:00 a.m. parade, with detours posted to Hull Road, Paradise Canyon, and Country Club Drive. Plan ahead for delays and enjoy the celebration safely.

In the October 2025 issue of the Village of Ruidoso Insider, Mayor Lynn Crawford reflects on the magic of fall and invites all to AspenFest, while highlighting community resilience after monsoon season. Inside, find Council updates, Ruidoso’s new “Gig-Ready” status, the Wingfield Heritage House Museum’s first anniversary, and fall events across the Village.

Independent retailers impacted by federally declared disasters may be eligible for up to $10,000 through the Economic Recovery Grant from Heart on Main Street. Funds can cover rent, payroll, utilities, and other recovery expenses. Apply online at heartonmainstreet.org or get assistance at the Disaster Recovery Center in the ENMU-Ruidoso Annex.

The Village of Ruidoso will launch a new short-term rental software platform in September, enhancing customer service, compliance, and transparency. The system features AI tracking, a public portal with STR contact info, automated reminders, and a 24-hour complaint hotline. Learn more on the Village’s STR webpage.

In the September 2025 issue of the Village of Ruidoso Insider, read Mayor Crawford’s message on XTERRA Ruidoso’s global success, plus updates on water and sewer repairs, wildfire siren upgrades, and council actions. Find school achievement highlights, employee recognition, job openings, and a full fall events calendar, including the Kite Festival, Oktoberfest, and AspenFest.

As Labor Day approaches, the Lincoln National Forest reminds visitors that ranger district offices and visitor centers will be closed Monday, September 1, 2025. Travelers are urged to help prevent human-caused wildfires—nine out of ten are human-caused—by following fire safety tips on campfires, vehicles, smoking, and firearms.

Ruidoso’s emergency sirens are used only during official wildfire evacuation orders and are tested twice monthly at 5 PM on the 1st and 15th. Flood alerts and other hazards are shared through CallMeRuidoso.com, the RAIN map, NOAA Weather Radio, and local media. Learn what the sirens mean, when they sound, and how to stay informed.

The Village of Ruidoso proudly recognizes its Employees and Department of the Quarter. Honorees include Justin Mize (Fire), Samantha Mars (Public Works), and Johanna Quintana (Human Resources) for their exceptional service and dedication. The Community Development Department is also honored for its collaborative efforts in planning and sustainable growth.

Lincoln National Forest has closed the Bluff Springs Recreational Area on the Sacramento Ranger District through December 31, 2025, for maintenance and bridge restoration. The closure includes the parking lot, vault toilets, and Trail 112 bridge. Alternate day-use access remains available via the Willie White Trail (T113).

Full-service flood debris removal is now available at no cost to private property owners in Lincoln County through DHSEM’s PPDR program for damage from the June 23 floods/landslides. Sign up at the DRC (ENMU-Ruidoso Annex, 709 Mechem Dr., starting Tue, Aug 19) or download and email the form to DHSEM-DCM@dhsem.nm.gov. More info: DHSEM website or 505-670-4662 (option 4).

The Toss No Mas Community Clean-Up will be held Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Wingfield Park from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Registrations begin at 12:30 p.m. Trash bags, gloves, snacks, and drinks will be provided. To learn more about youth fundraising opportunities, please call the Ruidoso Parks & Recreation Office at (575) 257-5030.

The Village of Ruidoso now has a FEMA-Funded Project Progress page to keep residents updated on recovery and infrastructure improvements. See a step-by-step infographic outlining the FEMA process and a live spreadsheet tracking each project’s status. Visit: https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/fema-funded-project-progress.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks with Tom Dawson about the Village of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs Race Track, and Lincoln County, praising the community’s resilience during recent recovery efforts. She reaffirms the state’s commitment to helping residents and businesses rebuild. Watch her full message here.