Eddie Ryan and Downshift Brewing Company Receive 2026 New Mexico Top Hat Awards
Ruidoso’s Eddie Ryan and Downshift Brewing Company received 2026 New Mexico Top HAT Awards recognizing leadership, service and community engagement in New Mexico’s hospitality and tourism industry.
Ruidoso's Shop with a Cop Program: Bringing Holiday Joy to Local Children on December 12, 2026
The Ruidoso Police Department is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Shop with a Cop event on Saturday, December 12, 2026. 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!
Paradise Canyon Traffic Impacts Expected During Right-of-Way Thinning and Tree Removal
Right-of-way thinning and invasive tree removal along Paradise Canyon Drive are scheduled for November 2–24, 2026. Motorists should expect one-lane traffic, pilot car assistance, and delays during portions of the workday.
Village of Ruidoso Insider – Volume 63: November 2026
The November 2026 Ruidoso Insider recaps Ruidoso’s historic XTERRA World Championship, highlights winter safety and snow response preparations, October Village Council actions, watershed planning, forestry and infrastructure projects, and community news from local schools, ENMU-Ruidoso, the Wingfield Heritage House Museum, Midtown, and the Chamber of Commerce, plus a November and December events lineup including the Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee, Turkey Trot, and Festival of Lights Parade.
Lincoln National Forest Issues Temporary Cedar Creek Recreation Area Closure Order
The Lincoln National Forest has temporarily closed much of the Cedar Creek Recreation Area for post-fire recovery, hazardous tree removal, and fuels reduction work. The closure is expected to remain in effect through August 30, 2027, unless rescinded earlier. The Cedar Creek Day Use Area remains open, although short-duration closures may occur during recovery operations.
Ruidoso Automated Speed Enforcement Program: Camera Locations, Citations & FAQs
The Village of Ruidoso Automated Speed Enforcement Program promotes roadway safety and compliance with posted speed limits. As of October 30, 2026, Ruidoso Police report 214 speeding citations issued during the past week. Enforcement is active on Junction Road, Paradise Canyon Drive, and Hull Road. Citations are $100, with no points assessed.
Lincoln National Forest Plans Prescribed Burn Near 16 Springs Beginning October 30
The Lincoln National Forest is planning a 153-acre prescribed pile burn near 16 Springs beginning as early as October 30, 2026. No closures are planned, but smoke may be visible in the surrounding area and experienced in 16 Springs and Mayhill.
Village to Celebrate RWWTP Solar Project with November 5 Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
The Village of Ruidoso will hold a public ribbon cutting on November 5, 2026, celebrating a major solar energy project at the Ruidoso/Ruidoso Downs Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. The $2.7 million project is expected to reduce electricity costs by approximately $185,000 annually.
Lincoln National Forest Plans Prescribed Burns Near Nogal and Alto Beginning October 27
The Lincoln National Forest plans prescribed pile burns near Nogal and Alto beginning as early as October 27. No closures are planned, but smoke may be visible in Alto, Capitan, Nogal, and surrounding areas.
Free Medicare Open Enrollment Counseling Available November 9 at Ruidoso Community Center
Free in-person Medicare Open Enrollment counseling will be available November 9, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Ruidoso Community Center.
Lincoln National Forest Begins Hazard Tree and Fuels Reduction Work Near Ruidoso
The Lincoln National Forest has begun hazard tree mitigation and fuels reduction work in the South Fork and Blue 2 fire scars near Ruidoso. Heavy equipment will be operating in several Forest Service areas, and temporary public closures may occur during peak work periods.
FEMA Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test Scheduled for November 17
FEMA will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at approximately 12:20 PM MDT. Radio and television programming may be temporarily interrupted. No action is required by the public.
Ruidoso Residents Invited to Participate in Southeast New Mexico Regional Housing Plan
Ruidoso residents and community organizations are invited to participate in the Southeast New Mexico Regional Housing Plan, a five-county effort to better understand housing needs and develop practical strategies for communities across Southeast New Mexico.
Lincoln National Forest Announces Temporary Road Closures Following Tropical Storm Damage
The Lincoln National Forest has temporarily closed Forest Roads 329, 329B, 483, and 57 due to damage caused by recent tropical storms. The closure order remains in effect through January 1, 2027, unless rescinded earlier.
Ruidoso Comprehensive Plan Draft Open for Public Review Through November 6
Help shape Ruidoso’s future. Review the draft Ruidoso Comprehensive Plan and share feedback on the priorities and recommendations that matter to you. Public comments are due November 6, 2026. Visit PlanRuidoso.com to review the plan and submit comments.
XTERRA World Championship Road Closures & Traffic Information | October 7–11, 2026
XTERRA World Championship activities will bring temporary road closures, traffic-control points, and detours to Ruidoso October 7–11. Residents and motorists are encouraged to review affected roads, plan alternate routes, and allow extra travel time.
Scam Alert: Fake Planning Commission Fee Invoices Target Ruidoso Applicants
The Village of Ruidoso is warning Planning Commission applicants about fraudulent fee invoices that may use official-looking Village branding and case-specific information. The invoices did not originate from the Village, and Planning Commission fees are currently waived.
Wingfield Heritage House Museum Opens New Carmon Phillips Exhibit
A new exhibit at Wingfield Heritage House Museum brings 1950s Ruidoso into focus through historic photographs by Carmon Phillips. Visitors can get their first look during the museum’s 2nd Anniversary Celebration on October 22.
Is That Message Really From the Village? How to Verify Official Ruidoso Information
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Learn how to recognize messages that falsely claim to be from the Village of Ruidoso and how to verify suspicious communications, payment requests, and other information through official Village sources.
Village of Ruidoso Insider – Volume 62: October 2026
The October 2026 Ruidoso Insider features AspenFest and fall community updates, the XTERRA World Championship, utility rate information, Village Council actions, the Outdoor Economics Conference, community safety programs, local school and healthcare news, and an October and November events lineup including Midtown Halloween and the Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee.