Prepare your Ruidoso home for winter with our step-by-step checklist: heating, fireplace, insulation, plumbing freeze protection, exterior prep, and safety tips. Download the printable list and find local winter resources, alerts, and service updates. Stay safe and ready when temps drop.

The Ruidoso Police Department is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Cops for Kids event on Saturday, December 13, 2025. This heartwarming program connects local police officers with children in need, spreading holiday cheer and fostering positive relationships within our community. Support the program by donating funds, gift cards, or goodie bag items, or by sponsoring meals. Together, we can brighten the holidays and strengthen community bonds. Contact the RPD at 575-258-7365 to get involved!

The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Ruidoso Public Library, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. SBA staff are available to assist homeowners, renters, and business owners affected by the June–August floods. The physical loan grace period ends Dec. 14, 2025; EIDL applications close Apr. 22, 2026.

If you’re feeling ambitious and want to cut your own Christmas tree, Lincoln National Forest will begin selling Christmas tree permits on November 13, 2025. The cost is $10 each plus a $2.50 processing fee with a limited number of permits available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a limit of one permit per household. Online Christmas Tree Permits

In the November 2025 issue of the Village of Ruidoso Insider, Mayor Lynn Crawford shares a Thanksgiving message celebrating community spirit, gratitude, and resilience. Inside, find Council updates, employee and department recognitions, winter safety tips, and highlights from the Chamber’s Christmas Jubilee, Elk Meadows housing progress, and upcoming holiday events across the Village.

Filming has wrapped in Ruidoso for Hope Ranch, a new TV movie from Alison Sweeney. The production brought jobs, vendor spending, and statewide visibility as the community recovers from recent flooding. Featuring local crews and New Mexico’s rural film incentive, the project highlights Ruidoso’s beauty and resilience as a welcoming film destination.

The Ruidoso Police Department will close Highway 48 (Sudderth Drive) from Grindstone Canyon to Country Club Drive on Oct. 29, 3:15–6:30 PM, for the Midtown Halloween Event. Enjoy candy, costume contests, coffin races, and more in a safe, family-friendly celebration hosted by Ruidoso Parks & Recreation and local partners.

Phase 1 of hazard tree mitigation in the Blue 2 and South Fork burn areas of Lincoln National Forest is complete. Crews felled dangerous dead trees near roads, trails, and public sites to ensure safety and protect infrastructure. Trees remain onsite until Phase 2, which will handle removal and disposal. Planning for Phase 2 is underway.

The Ruidoso Fire Department advises fireplace safety this winter to avoid chimney fires, carbon monoxide risks, and burns. Key steps: schedule annual chimney cleanings, burn seasoned wood only, install smoke and CO detectors, and keep flammable items three feet away. Teach children fire safety and call 911 in emergencies. Follow these tips to enjoy a safe, cozy season.

Construction is progressing on Elk Meadows Apartments, a 72-unit workforce housing community north of Mechem Drive. Funded through state and federal programs, the project will provide 126 bedrooms and a community center for local workers and families. Construction began in May 2025, with move-ins expected in early 2027.

October 21, 2025: The Village of Ruidoso proudly recognizes its Employees and Department of the Quarter for exceptional service and dedication. Honorees include Gina Corliss (Administration), Dontrell Sims (Community Services), Willie Herrera (Public Works), Officer Jimmy Hernandez (Public Safety), and the Ruidoso Public Library for its innovative community programming and inclusive spirit.

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.