Beware of scams during flood recovery. The FCC warns of fake contractors, phishing calls, and fraud targeting disaster survivors. Learn how to protect yourself: After the Storms: Watch Out for Scams. Stay informed and share with neighbors. More resources at ruidoso-nm.gov/recovery.

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 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.

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.

Major Disaster Declaration Issued for Lincoln County. Federal funding is now available to support flood recovery in Lincoln County following a Major Disaster Declaration. Assistance for individuals, businesses, and public cleanup is available at disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362. A local Disaster Recovery Center is open daily at ENMU-Ruidoso Annex, 709 Mechem Dr.

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.

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.

One year after the South Fork and Salt fires, summer 2025 brings signs of renewal and forward momentum. This issue includes council updates, monsoon safety tips, park and utility improvements, student and museum honors, job openings, and upcoming events—all reflecting the energy and resilience of our community.

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.