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.
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!
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.
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.
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 The closure is expected to remain in effect through August 30, 2027, unless rescinded earlier.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
