RUIDOSO INSIDER
VOL 45: May 2025
Mayor Lynn Crawford’s Update
In his May 2025 message, Mayor Lynn Crawford celebrates Ruidoso’s resilience and recovery as the community looks ahead to a vibrant summer season.
The Ruidoso Downs Race Track reopens Memorial Day Weekend, and global spotlight events from IRONMAN and XTERRA will bring lasting recognition and economic growth.
With visible recovery progress and enhanced floodplain resources, Mayor Crawford encourages residents to stay informed, support local events, and take pride in the strength and spirit that define Ruidoso’s future.
Additionally, Mayor Crawford reminds everyone to stay informed by tuning in to KRUI 99.1 FM/1490 AM for "Mondays with the Mayor," live from 8 to 10 AM each week. It’s a great way to stay connected and ask questions.
Council Advances Infrastructure, Tech, and Community Recognition
Key actions from the April 8, 2025, Council meeting include:
Approved emergency repair work for Starlite Road
Task Order RFP-2024-003P-BH-05 with Bohannan Huston, Inc. for construction phase services totaling $144,082.
Approved agreement with Deckard Technologies Inc.
Contract for short-term rental software and services in the amount of $126,564.75 to improve management and oversight.
Adopted Resolution 2025-09
Approval of the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) for the Ruidoso Community Center for Fiscal Year 2025–2026.
Adopted the updated 100-Year Floodplain Map
Supporting ongoing recovery and preparedness efforts in flood-prone areas.
Issued a proclamation honoring the life of resident Emma Montes Richardson
A tribute to her lasting impact on the Ruidoso community.
Recognized Employees and Department of the Quarter:
Administration: Larissa Aparicio (Utility Billing Clerk)
Public Safety: Seth Carruth (Detective Sergeant)
Community Services: Marisa Olvera (Youth Services Librarian)
Public Works: Jaime Newsome (Water/Sewer Inspector)
Department: Solid Waste
Next Village Council Meeting: Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 1:00 PM – Village Hall Council Chambers.
As summer approaches and families and visitors begin to spend more time outdoors, please be courteous and cautious on the roads. Please adhere to these speed limits and look for posted signs to keep communities safe so everyone can enjoy the warmer weather.
Things to know:
» The default speed limit set by New Mexico law for residential and business districts is 30 MPH
» Some areas may show different limits based on traffic studies
» School zones slow to 15 MPH when children are arriving or leaving
» Always adjust speed to drive safely and avoid accidents
» Construction zones and certain safety areas may have special speed limits and double fines
This summer, Ruidoso comes alive with a spirit of recovery, unity, and adventure. From the rugged trails to soulful tunes and powerful storytelling, come experience a season that honors where Ruidoso has been and celebrates where it’s going.
Under A Mountain Sky - Summer Concert Series
When: Fridays | Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Where*: Wingfield Park, Ruidoso, NM
Ease into the evening with free live performances by premier Americana and country artists. Nestled in the heart of the village, Wingfield Park offers a relaxed space where families can gather, kids can play, and everyone can enjoy the music under the pavilion.
This summer!
FREE event sponsored by the Village of Ruidoso.
*The June 6, July 18, and August 8 concerts will be held at the Country Club Lot.
XTERRA Ruidoso – Full Distance Triathlon
Date: August 15-17, 2025
Location: Grindstone Lake
Step into the wild with the classic XTERRA full-distance triathlon! This high-altitude challenge features athletes competing for World Championship slots, battling elite competitors, and seeking personal victory. XTERRA is more than a race - it’s an experience of endurance and heart in the mountains.
Docuseries: After the Ashes – The Story of Ruidoso’s Resilience
Status: In production
Release: TBA
Following the devastating fires and floods of 2024, this powerful docuseries tells the story of a community that refused to break. From the first sparks to the ongoing rebuilding efforts, After the Ashes captures the raw emotion, courage, and resilience of Ruidoso residents. These are stories of hope, strength, and rising from the ashes.
Enriched Communities, a New Mexico developer, officially started working on Elk Meadows, a 72-unit apartment project located just north of the PNM facility on Mechem Drive. The project is designed for local workers and families, and is comprised of two buildings and a community building for supportive programs provided by Region IX
Education Cooperative and ENMU-Ruidoso. These programs will include early learning and youth development workshops, health screenings, and other services for residents.
The project features modern, energy-efficient homes, consisting of 27 one-bedroom units, 36 two-bedroom units, and 9 three-bedroom units, all offering great views of the golf course. After three years in the making, the project was awarded tax credits from state and federal funds to make it a reality.
The developer anticipates completion in the Fall of 2026.
The Village of Ruidoso is creating an essential flood awareness map to help residents and visitors navigate safely during this monsoon season. This map will highlight areas within the Village that remain accessible during heavy rains and potential flooding.
Key features of the map include identifying streets with low-water crossings and critical locations where drivers and pedestrians are advised to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Additionally, the map will pinpoint designated “dry areas” throughout the Village. These safe spots provide locations where residents and visitors can shelter and wait for the water at low crossings to recede.
To view the final floodplain map, scan the QR code or visit this link: https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/news-info/ha43rmm8t234che5sgxzlb4rfk763c
LCMC Auxiliary: Volunteers Powering Care, Community, and Compassion
LCMC Auxiliary
The LCMC Auxiliary plays a vital role in supporting Lincoln County Medical Center through charitable service, volunteerism, and fundraising. From operating the Pink Thrift Store and hospital gift shop to assisting in patient care areas, these dedicated volunteers have contributed over $700,000 in the past eight years, helping fund key hospital projects including the Women’s Healthcare Clinic. Their efforts enhance the hospital experience and reflect a deep commitment to community health and service.
Ruidoso Schools Adopt Governance Manual to Drive Academic Excellence
At its April 8, 2025, meeting, the Ruidoso Municipal Schools Board of Education adopted a comprehensive Governance Manual focused on boosting student achievement. The plan sets a strategic goal of increasing proficiency in literacy and math by 15% by 2026–2027, with progress tracked through state assessments and a year-round monitoring calendar.
Grounded in transparency, accountability, and community input, the manual also outlines expectations for board self-evaluation and engagement. This marks a strong step forward in ensuring that student success remains the district’s top priority.
We are truly blessed to live in and be a part of such a great community. So much is happening in Ruidoso that it is hard to keep track of it all. I sit on the Village of Ruidoso’s Workforce Housing Advisory Board, and we’re happy to say we’re making progress. The Village’s newest workforce housing project at 603 Mechem is nearing completion! These beautiful modular units will provide homes for individuals working in the Village of Ruidoso and their families. We will continue to work with the Village on future housing developments.
We would like to welcome our new members to the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce: Shannon Loves Flowers, Los Agaves, The Tea Room at Swallow Hill, My Wild Blossoms Beauty Bar, ReNu Medical & Spa, and Facetyme with Gina.
Did you know the Chamber has its own radio program? Chamber Chat airs every Friday at 8:00 AM on KRUI The Mountain - 99.1 FM & 1490 AM. If you have a new business or event you'd like to promote, please contact us at 575-257-7395. We would love to chat with you about it on-air!
We are working on our Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony, which is scheduled for June 27 at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. We hope everyone will come out and celebrate another year with the Chamber. We will announce this year’s Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Beautification Award. If you know someone or a business that deserves to be nominated, please submit a letter with your nomination, details of their accomplishments, and your contact information to membership@ruidosonow.com.
The Chamber works hard every day to make Ruidoso a better place to live, work, and play. If you would like to be a part of the organization that supports this community, give us a call at 575-257-7395.
Stay Connected with Ruidoso
The first Ruidoso Midtown Association Mixer of 2025 was a hit! We are tentatively planning June 10, 2025, for the next “Ruidoso Midtown Mind Mixer” with fun team-building group activities. We hope to see you all there. The date and time will be announced on our social media and via email.
The XTERRA Triathlon events have been announced, and the first event will take place August 15-17, 2025. This multi-year partnership with XTERRA will attract visitors from around the world.
The Ruidoso Midtown Association will be hosting its 6th Annual Brewdoso on August 9, 2025, at Wingfield Park, featuring New Mexico’s finest craft beer and wine, food trucks, live music, and loads of family fun for all.
The Ruidoso Midtown Association has received its first grant under the new Executive Director. The funds will be used for Midtown business recovery, grant education, planning events, promoting tourism, and invigorating and improving Midtown Ruidoso. Our first project will be organizing and promoting a FREE Grant Workshop. We will have a guest grant writer who will explain the importance of grants and how and why they can help businesses and our local economy. This presentation will help you become familiar with the grant process.
Regrettably, some of our business locations in Midtown were recently graffitied. Thank you to RMA’s Chris Stettheimer, Ray Griego, and Amanda Foster for volunteering to help cover it up. Also, a thank you to Village Ace Hardware for helping with the supplies. A message to the offender: You're talented in art - channel that into something that will fund your future without damaging the property of others. The Ruidoso Midtown Association is organizing a Midtown Graffiti Task Force. If you notice graffiti in Midtown, please email us, and we will work to have it removed as quickly as possible.
ENMU-Ruidoso Student Honored for Leadership and Service in Phi Theta Kappa
Robin Woodward, an Early Childhood Education student at ENMU-Ruidoso, was recognized as a distinguished member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Serving as both a local and regional officer, Robin led the Beta Pi Sigma chapter and built lasting connections through statewide conferences. She graduates this May with an associate’s degree and plans to pursue her bachelor’s at ENMU-Portales. Her leadership reflects ENMU-Ruidoso’s mission to empower students and enrich the community through education, service, and opportunity.
Mondays with the Mayor
Tune in to 1490Krui.com or 1490 AM radio every Monday from 8:00 – 10:00 AM to hear the latest from Mayor Lynn Crawford. Feel free to call or text with your questions.
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay up to date with all the latest news and events:
Website: ruidoso-nm.gov
Facebook: Village of Ruidoso
Have questions or feedback? Contact us.