Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed House Bill 1, allocating $100 million for recovery from the South Fork and Salt fires and ongoing flooding. The funds include $10 million each for the Mescalero Apache Tribe, Energy Department, and Homeland Security, and $70 million in loans for local infrastructure projects. Residents can apply for FEMA assistance online, by phone, or at designated resource centers.

The Village of Ruidoso invites residents to a Town Hall meeting on August 6, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 313 Cree Meadows Drive to gather public input for the FY 2026-2030 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP). Attend to help prioritize and update the Village’s capital projects over the next five years. Your participation is crucial!

A Ruidoso Rising Community Distribution Event will take place on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Gateway Community Church, 415 Sudderth Drive, Ruidoso, NM. This event aims to provide essential supplies to residents in need, offering vital resources to support individuals and families during challenging times. Residents are encouraged to arrive early, as supplies are limited. Together, we rise stronger.

Ruidoso's Parks and Recreation Department has renovated the tennis courts at School House Park, which are now open and free to use. A new playground is also being installed. Funded by a grant, these enhancements have been in progress for months. Windscreens for the courts are on order and will be installed soon. These upgrades aim to improve recreational options for the community.

The Village of Ruidoso has enacted Ordinance 2024-04, amending Chapter 86 of the Municipal Code to update water rates and utility regulations. Effective immediately, this ordinance introduces new rates for residential and commercial water use, addresses payment locations and delinquency procedures, and outlines penalties for unauthorized water use. These changes are based on a comprehensive study to ensure sustainable water management and cover increased utility operation costs. 

The Village of Ruidoso Community Development Department is transitioning all permits to a new online platform to simplify the process for customers. Business License Registration, Garage Sale, and Banner Permits are available online, and all permits will follow soon. Residents are encouraged to set up their portal log-in using the provided instructions to ensure seamless access as the system is fully implemented. Stay tuned for further updates.

Join ENMU-Ruidoso for the Fire Disaster Assistance Fair on July 1, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Receive crucial support from legal aid, insurance guidance, health services, and more. Free food provided!

The Village of Ruidoso will host a virtual Community Meeting today at 5:30 PM, offering residents a chance to engage with local officials and ask questions. Join via Zoom (Meeting ID: 817 9524 7672, Passcode: 161214) or watch the live stream of the Village of Ruidoso YouTube channel. Your participation is important as we address community matters, including the ongoing South Fork and Salt Fire situations.

The FBI is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the South Fork and Salt Fires near Ruidoso, New Mexico. Discovered on June 17, 2024, these fires have caused significant damage. The FBI's Albuquerque Field Office is working with various agencies, urging the public to submit tips via 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.

Lincoln National Forest has issued an updated area closure for the Smokey Bear Ranger District to ensure the safety of firefighters and the public amid the Blue 2 and South Fork wildfires. The closure affects National Forest System lands, roads, and trails. Violations are punishable by fines up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations or imprisonment for up to six months.

The Village of Ruidoso is hosting public meetings on June 17, 2024, at 2:00 PM and June 25, 2024, at 4:00 PM to gather input for the 2026-2030 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP). Meetings will be broadcast via YouTube and in-person at Village Hall, 313 Cree Meadows Drive. Residents can review and suggest updates to the plan, which prioritizes projects over five years. The Village Council will consider the plan on July 9, 2024.

The New Mexico Film Office announced that the feature film “Fight or Flight” wrapped filming in Ruidoso today on June 7, 2024. Directed by Shane Dax Taylor and starring Dolph Lundgren, Michael Jai White, Scott Martin, and Charlotte Kirk, the film employed over 100 locals. This project highlights Ruidoso's growing role in the state’s booming film industry, contributing to its over $1 billion economic impact in 2024.

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team, led by Terry Hardy and Edgar Martinez, is assessing the Blue 2 Fire's impact in Ruidoso, NM. The team evaluates post-fire risks like flooding and debris flow, focusing on human safety and natural resources. Specialists from various fields create a Soil Burn Severity map and recommend emergency stabilization measures. More info is available on the Blue 2 Fire Postfire BAER InciWeb page.

Due to the ongoing Blue 2 Fire and predicted high winds and fire danger, the Village of Ruidoso will NOT conduct the regularly scheduled siren test first of the month on Saturday, June 1st. Stay informed via our Blue 2 Fire Information Hub and take necessary precautions.

The American Red Cross New Mexico Chapter is relocating its Blue 2 Fire shelter from the Lincoln County Fairgrounds to Capitan High School (519 Smokey Bear Boulevard, Capitan, NM 88316). The shelter will continue aiding those affected by the wildfire. The Lincoln County Fairgrounds will remain an evacuation center run by the CERT Team. Follow the Lincoln County Fire Service on Facebook for evacuation status updates.

Lincoln National Forest is hosting a critical community event this evening, May 25, 2024, at 7:00 PM. The Blue 2 Fire Town Hall will occur at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch, 709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM. The event will address critical issues related to active Blue 2 Fire and community safety.

A public meeting hosted by Lincoln National Forest to discuss the ongoing Blue 2 Fire will take place on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch Community College, 709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM. Engage with representatives, learn about fire management and voice concerns. Residents' participation is encouraged.

The State of New Mexico CID will conduct general building and electrical inspections from May 27 to June 3, 2024. Plumbing and HVAC inspections will proceed as usual. No inspections for service changes, temporary power, and temporary to permanent electrical will occur during this time. Inspections requested after June 3 will be scheduled for June 4 with the Village of Ruidoso Building Official.

In response to the ongoing Blue 2 wildfire, the U.S. Forest Service has issued an area closure order for all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within and around the White Mountain Wilderness, from NFSR 107 and Big Bonito Trail #36, to Aspen Trail #35, Crest Trail #25, Rodamaker Trail #20, and back to NFSR 107. This closure is essential to protect firefighter personnel and the public, as suppression tactics actively manage the wildfire.

The Village of Ruidoso is proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of its employees and departments for the first quarter of 2024. Please join us in congratulating Andrew Sullins and the Street Department for their well-deserved recognition.