The January 2026 Insider features Mayor Crawford’s New Year message, community planning priorities, and a look ahead to Ruidoso’s future. Highlights include upcoming Comprehensive Master Plan meetings, municipal election information, recognition of retiring Village employees, public safety and recovery updates, school athletics achievements, ENMU–Ruidoso spring registration details, and a full calendar of winter events and community activities.

Beginning in January, crews will resume hazard tree mitigation on USDA Forest Service lands impacted by the South Fork Fire. Work on the Smokey Bear Ranger District will focus on Oak Grove Campground and along Buck Mountain Road to improve public safety, restore access, and support long-term recovery efforts in the Lincoln National Forest.

The Village of Ruidoso invites final public comments on proposed improvement concepts for Sudderth Drive, from traffic through the intersection with Mechem Drive. Community input will inform the selection of a preferred concept. Review the concepts and submit feedback by Friday, December 26, 2025 at usrp-ruidoso.com.

December 19, 2025: The Village of Ruidoso recognizes four longtime employees entering retirement, honoring decades of service across Forestry, Solid Waste, Water Production, and Parks & Recreation. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the organization and the community they proudly served.

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.