The Village of Ruidoso proudly recognizes its Employees and Department of the Quarter. Honorees include Justin Mize (Fire), Samantha Mars (Public Works), and Johanna Quintana (Human Resources) for their exceptional service and dedication. The Community Development Department is also honored for its collaborative efforts in planning and sustainable growth.

The Toss No Mas Community Clean-Up will be held Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Wingfield Park from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Registrations begin at 12:30 p.m. Trash bags, gloves, snacks, and drinks will be provided. To learn more about youth fundraising opportunities, please call the Ruidoso Parks & Recreation Office at (575) 257-5030.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks with Tom Dawson about the Village of Ruidoso, Ruidoso Downs Race Track, and Lincoln County, praising the community’s resilience during recent recovery efforts. She reaffirms the state’s commitment to helping residents and businesses rebuild. Watch her full message here.

The Village of Ruidoso will temporarily close the Upper Canyon area starting August 7, 2025, for emergency water and sewer repairs after flood damage. The area will be inaccessible for up to 14 days, possibly longer. Displaced residents will receive free hotel lodging arranged and paid for by NMDHSEM, with FEMA aid available at the Disaster Resource Center.

The New Mexico Association of REALTORS® is offering relief assistance to Ruidoso residents affected by recent wildfires and flooding. Eligible applicants may receive help with housing-related costs. Apply online at nmrealtor.com. Funds are limited and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

PROJECT: CAMP will be providing a FREE day camp for youth 6-16 years of age affected by the recent floods. The Camp will be held Thursday and Friday, July 24-25 and Monday-Thursday, July 28-31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day at ENMU-Ruidoso, 709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso. They will provide snacks and lunch. They are looking for volunteers as well and campers who have been affected by the floods.

Effective July 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM, the Village of Ruidoso has moved to Level I Fire Restrictions. Commercial fire pits (with fire marshal approval) and all outdoor cooking are allowed. Campfires, fireworks, and non-commercial fire pits remain prohibited. Violations will result in citations. Stay informed at www.ruidoso-nm.gov/emergency-information.

The Village of Ruidoso has launched a Monsoon Season Awareness page to help residents and visitors stay informed during summer storms. The resource includes safety tips, emergency alerts, and the RAIN (Ruidoso All-Hazard Information Network) map, which highlights flood-prone areas, road conditions, and real-time weather updates.

Following the June 10 Council meeting, Ruidoso’s Water Resources Department released its 2023–2025 water monitoring report. It highlights groundwater hydrographs from multiple wells, Eagle Creek flow data, monthly storage levels across major water tanks, and Grindstone Reservoir trends. It also outlines wildfire-related monitoring interruptions and the Village’s adaptive management strategies.

Village servers will be relocated starting at 2:30 PM on Friday, June 13, 2025. During this time, email, phones, and online services will be unavailable. Normal operations will resume Monday, June 16. Emails received after the Friday cutoff will be reviewed and answered on Monday. Thank you for your understanding during this scheduled update.

To manage peak traffic during Memorial Day weekend, the Village of Ruidoso will close roads in the Hollywood area daily, May 23–26. Closures include Sutton Drive at Sudderth and Gavilan Canyon at Meander. Detours will be marked; expect delays during peak hours. Details and maps: ruidoso-nm.gov/emergency-information.

The Village of Ruidoso has proclaimed May 17, 2025, as Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. Residents are urged to clear brush, create evacuation plans, and sign up for alerts at CallMeRuidoso.com. With current Level II and Stage 2 fire restrictions in place, every action counts in making Ruidoso a safer, fire-adapted community.

Landowners impacted by the South Fork or Salt Fires can apply for USDA Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) assistance through Lincoln County. The deadline to submit applications is May 31, 2025. To apply, visit scmrcd.org. EWP helps protect property from post-fire erosion and flood risk.

Ruidoso, New Mexico, has been named the Best Small Town Cultural Scene in the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This honor highlights Ruidoso’s vibrant arts, music, and community spirit. Officially announced on April 9, 2025, Ruidoso topped the list of cultural destinations, showcasing its unique blend of creativity and community pride. Visit DiscoverRuidoso.com for more details.

The feature film Dead Letters, starring Emmy-winner Margo Martindale, has wrapped filming in Ruidoso and Las Cruces Directed by David Drake, the film follows a long-haul truck driver confronting her past as her daughter’s murderer faces parole. The production, employing over 100 local New Mexicans, highlights Ruidoso’s cinematic appeal and the state’s film-friendly incentives.

The Village of Ruidoso honored its top team members for Q4 2024. The Finance Department was named Department of the Quarter for outstanding financial management. Individual awards went to Richard Butler (Public Works), Christy Coker (Administration), Amanda Castillo (Community Services), and Simon Haase (Public Safety). Mayor Lynn Crawford praised their dedication and positive impact on the community.

Ruidoso shines as the ultimate Christmas movie destination in Santa’s Cousin, directed by Ross Marks. This heartwarming holiday film captures the town’s festive spirit, from its wild horses to the beloved Festival of Lights Parade. Though much was filmed in Las Cruces, Ruidoso remains central to the story. With local inspiration and community support, Santa’s Cousin highlights Ruidoso’s charm as a must-visit holiday destination.

The Village of Ruidoso has formed a Short-Term Rental Sub-Committee to evaluate the impact of short-term rentals. A Town Hall Meeting will be held on January 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide input on the ordinance. Your feedback is essential in shaping effective policies for our community's future.

Congress has approved $2 billion for the SBA Disaster Loan Program, allowing Ruidoso residents and businesses impacted by disasters like the South Fork and Salt Fires to access low-interest loans. This funding will help over 21,000 applicants nationwide resume recovery efforts. Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits can apply online at sba.gov/disaster or in person at a Disaster or Business Recovery Center.

The Lincoln National Forest raised its fire danger rating to 'moderate' on December 19, 2024, following assessments of moisture levels and weather forecasts. Moderate fire danger means fires can start from most accidental causes, spreading quickly in dry grasslands on windy days. Visitors are urged to fully extinguish campfires, prepare for winter weather, and prioritize fire safety.