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.

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.

Flood-affected businesses in Lincoln and Doña Ana Counties have until October 27, 2025, to file July 25 and August 25 tax returns without penalty. Late filing/payment penalties are waived, though interest still applies. Taxpayers must notify TRD by email or mail with documentation. Details: Bulletin 100.47 and Form RPD-41096 at tax.newmexico.gov.

The SBA has opened a Business Recovery Center at ENMU–Ruidoso to assist those affected by July’s storms, flooding, and landslides. Local businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters can get in-person help applying for low-interest disaster loans. Walk-ins welcome. Visit sba.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955 for details. Deadlines: Sept. 22 (physical), April 22 (economic).

The Village of Ruidoso is open and ready to welcome visitors back. While recent flooding impacted some infrastructure, recovery efforts are well underway. Visitors are encouraged to stay informed, use the Discover Ruidoso app, and check the Monsoon Awareness page for real-time updates. Trails, shops, and restaurants are open—come enjoy the beauty of our mountain town.

State, local, and county agencies are offering free curbside debris removal in flood-affected areas of Lincoln County. Residents should sort debris into six categories and place it curbside following safety guidelines. Safe cleanup is essential for health and safety. Full details and disposal guidance available at dhsem.nm.gov/debris.

A precautionary boil water advisory is in effect for the Upper Canyon area of Ruidoso due to flood-related damage. Residents should boil water for one minute before drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth. No contamination is confirmed, but precautions are advised. Call 575-258-4343 for updates. Other areas of Ruidoso are not affected.

Due to hazardous monsoonal flooding, the Lincoln National Forest has issued a temporary closure for the Cedar Creek area on the Smokey Bear Ranger District, effective July 9–September 30, 2025. The order includes trailheads, recreation sites, and multiple trails. Visit the Forest Service website for full details and a map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln/alerts.

The Village of Ruidoso confirms that three people have tragically lost their lives as a result of the historic flash flooding that swept through the community on July 8, 2025. The victims were swept downstream by the unprecedented floodwaters that struck the area.

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 Lincoln National Forest will begin prescribed fire operations in the Sacramento Ranger District July 5–7, weather permitting. The Jeffers Piles project aims to reduce hazardous vegetation near Perk Canyon and Trail Canyon. Smoke and temporary area closures are expected. Visit fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln for updates.

Fire restrictions in Lincoln National Forest have been lifted and the fire danger lowered to “Moderate” across all districts as of July 3. Officials credit recent rainfall and improved conditions, but remind visitors to follow key fire prevention rules. Fire season is not over—campfires must be attended, fireworks remain banned, and safety remains a shared priority.

Join us July 9 for a South Fork Post-Fire Recovery Public Meeting at ENMU–Ruidoso, 5–7 p.m. with a pre-meeting help session from 4–5 p.m. Learn about post-fire assistance for private landowners, including federal and state recovery programs, cost-sharing, and technical guidance. Attend in person or online via Microsoft Teams.

The Smokey Bear Ranger District Office in Ruidoso remains open weekdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., despite a June 30 shift to appointment-only service at the Alamogordo Supervisors Office. Sacramento and Guadalupe offices also remain open, with adjusted schedules. Full Forest Service contact info at: www.fs.usda.gov/r03/lincoln/offices.

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.

The official website for Elk Meadows, Ruidoso’s new workforce housing development, is now live at ElkMeadowsApartments.com. Learn about unit layouts, supportive services, and project updates as this 72-unit community takes shape to meet the housing needs of local families and essential workers.

One year after the South Fork Fire, the Village of Ruidoso honors a year of courage, compassion, and community recovery. Join the June 17 remembrance event at Wingfield Park and explore ongoing support resources. Full details at ruidoso-nm.gov/south-fork-fire-anniversary.

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.