The Ruidoso Fire Department has released a new Business Fire Inspection Checklist to help owners prepare for their final inspection before opening. The checklist outlines common fire code requirements for exits, extinguishers, electrical systems, and more. Download the checklist and schedule your inspection at least three weeks in advance.

A new thinning project is underway on Lower Crown Drive in the Camelot area of Ruidoso to improve neighborhood safety and reduce wildfire risk. As part of the WUI Barrier Project, crews will thin 20 acres and begin treatments across 250 contracted acres. Residents may see equipment and posted signage in active areas as this multi-year wildfire mitigation effort progresses.

Prescribed pile burns are planned in the Smokey Bear Ranger District Dec. 2–12, weather permitting, including a 10-acre treatment near the Ruidoso Lookout Tower. Temporary closures and smoke may affect Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs, Alto, and Hondo Valley. Drivers should use caution. Crews will monitor the area until all hot spots are fully secured.

The December 2025 Insider features Mayor Crawford’s holiday message, major TopHat Award wins, and updates on flood mitigation, the new Comprehensive Master Plan, and emergency preparedness. Highlights include school facility upgrades, workforce housing progress, legislative priorities, and a full lineup of festive events across Ruidoso.

The Lincoln National Forest will conduct prescribed pile burns near the Ruidoso Lookout Tower December 2–12, 2025, pending favorable conditions. The 10-acre operation reduces hazardous fuels and wildfire risk. Temporary closures and smoke may affect nearby communities. Drivers should use caution. Updates available on the forest website and social media.

DHSEM is verifying 2024 Private Property Debris Removal applications and will not delay cleanup while insurance is resolved. Action Required: If you have received or may receive insurance coverage for debris removal, email DHSEM-DCM@dhsem.nm.gov. DHSEM will follow up with next steps and is prioritizing your safety and fast debris removal.

The Village of Ruidoso has released its Top 10 capital projects for the 2026 Infrastructure Capital Improvements Plan, including the Top 5 priorities submitted for capital outlay funding in the upcoming legislative session. These projects focus on housing, infrastructure, watershed health, and flood mitigation to support long-term community resilience and growth.

Construction at the 603 Mechem Drive workforce housing project is progressing, with driveway work complete and new site improvements underway. Crews are installing curbs, rock swales, drainage systems, and a detention pool. All utilities are in place, with punch-list work to follow. The project supports Ruidoso’s commitment to expanding affordable workforce housing.

Temporary road closures and detours will be in place on December 6, 2025, for the Festival of Lights Parade. Mechem, Sudderth, Paradise Canyon, and surrounding streets will close in phases beginning at 4:15 PM, with all traffic stopped by 5:15 PM. Drivers should expect delays, follow posted detours, and plan alternate routes for safe travel during the event.

The SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center at the Ruidoso Public Library closed permanently on Nov. 18, 2025. Residents, businesses, and nonprofits can still apply online at sba.gov/disaster. The grace period for physical disaster loan applications ends Dec. 14, 2025. The EIDL deadline is Apr. 22, 2026. For help, call (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

The Village of Ruidoso invites residents to take part in the Comprehensive Plan Update, beginning with a public kickoff meeting on November 18, 2025, at The Horton Center. A Zoom option will also be available for those unable to attend in person.

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!

Christmas tree permits for Lincoln National Forest are available online through Dec. 31 and in person at the Ruidoso and Cloudcroft district offices, Nov. 17–Dec. 24. Permits cost $10 plus a $2.50 online fee. Cutting begins Nov. 17. Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass qualify for a free permit. Check Recreation.gov for maps, designated areas, and current forest alerts. There is a limit of one permit per household.

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.