RUIDOSO INSIDER

August 11, 2026, Village Council Meeting Highlights:

• Oath of Office for Deputy Clerk - Ashley Carothers.

• Approval of Transfer of Ownership of Inter-Local Dispenser Type Liquor Licenses No. DIS-001010 with On Premise Consumption with Patio Service, and License No. DIS-000985 with On Premise Consumption and without Patio Service, for Cattle Baron Restaurants, INC., for operation of said licenses for d/b/a Cattle Baron Steak and Seafood Restaurant at 657 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, NM, and Farley’s Food Fun & Pub at 1200 Mechem Dr., Ruidoso, NM.

• Approval of a Restaurant A (Beer and Wine) Liquor License with On Premises Consumption Only with Patio Service #BLA-0000021197, for Roso’s Ristorante, LLC for operation of said license at 522 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, NM.

• Approval of Adoption of Resolution 2026-162, a Resolution Approving Submission of Completed Design Only Applications for Financial Assistance to the New Mexico Finance Authority Water Trust Board for Fiscal Year 2027.

• Approval of Agreement between the Village of Ruidoso and the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, New Mexico State Library Division for the Reimbursement of Expenditures, Per the 2024 State General Obligation Bond Appropriation in the amount of $45,988.33.

• Police Department Promotions Effective 6/28/26

  • Adrian Garcia – Police Corporal

  • Levi Wrye – Police Corporal

  • Yancy Darby – Police Sergeant

  • Jimmy Hernandez – Police Sergeant

Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Council Chambers, Village Hall

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) can cause blockages and overflows in the sewer collection system. Cooking grease is one of the primary causes of sewer line blockages, leading to overflows from manholes or backups. These overflows are costly to clean up, pose risks of property damage and can result in significant environmental, health and safety hazards.

The Village of Ruidoso’s FOG inspection program for food service establishments includes periodic inspections to ensure compliance with the VOR sewer ordinance and to document routine grease trap maintenance. Residents can help maintain the sewer system by properly disposing of cooking oil and grease.

Here is how you can help:

• Do not dump cooking oil, fat or grease into the kitchen sink or toilet.

• Do not use hot water and soap to wash grease down the drain, as it will cool and harden in your pipes or in the sewer line.

• Do place cooked oil and meat fats in a sealed container and discard small quantities in the garbage.

• Do use paper towels to wipe residual grease or oil off dishes, pots and pans before washing them.

These simple steps can help prevent unnecessary service disruptions to residences and businesses.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set the effective date of the revised Lead and Copper Rule for December 16, 2021. Under the revised rule, public water systems must notify residents by mail about inventory surveys by December 31, 2026.

The purpose of this rule is to reduce and ultimately eliminate lead from all drinking water systems. By doing so, residents are better protected from the negative effects lead has on health.

Updates to the Lead and Copper Rule include:

• Municipalities must have a sampling plan to check water at any elementary school or childcare facility.

• A service line inventory must be in place noting whether lead or galvanized metal comes into contact with the water system. This inventory must include the Village’s water service line to the meter as well as the customer’s side service line.

The Village of Ruidoso is proactively implementing the revised Lead and Copper Rule. The initial inventory for all service lines within Village limits has been compiled for submission to the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). Notices of upcoming surveys will be mailed to residents who have service lines of unknown material.

Once the surveys are complete and the full inventory is established, project design will begin to replace all lead and galvanized pipes in the Village. For more information about the revised Lead and Copper Rule, visit the U.S. EPA Ground Water and Drinking Water website by scanning the QR code.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency. (May 22, 2025)

The Village of Ruidoso accounts for its utilities under enterprise (business activity) funds. This means utility rates are set to ensure that sufficient revenue is generated to cover both operating and capital expenses. Until the adoption of the Utility Rate Analysis in June 2024, utility rates had not been increased since 2014.

Fortunately, the Village has benefited from supplemental funding mechanisms, such as the State Gross Receipts Tax (SGRT) and the General Obligation (GO) Bond funding cycle, which have supported water infrastructure improvements. However, other utilities, such as sewer, solid waste, forestry and wastewater, do not have access to similar external funding sources for major upgrades and improvements.

In anticipation of continued growth in Ruidoso, the Utility Rate Analysis reviewed long-term master plans for infrastructure improvements and projected operating cost increases. Based on this analysis, a structured plan was adopted to gradually increase utility rates each year through Fiscal Year 2032. The annual increases range from 3% to 8%, depending on the specific utility. Additionally, these future projections assume a baseline of 40% grant funding to help offset infrastructure costs.

As part of the scheduled adjustments, utility rates increased in July 2026 (reflected in August billing cycles). The rate increases were as follows:

• Sewer: 8%

• Water: 12%

• Wastewater: 5%

• Solid Waste and Forestry: 30%

The Village appreciates the community’s understanding and support as it works to maintain and improve essential utility services for current and future residents. Utility rates can be found at Ruidoso-nm.gov/water-rates.

Families are invited to spend a Saturday morning exploring the connection between art and the natural world at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum. On October 10, 2026, “Watercolors & Winged Wonders” brings together hands-on creativity and the beauty of the outdoors for a FREE community event from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Special guest Greg Haussler, a butterfly collector and watercolor artist, will join the day with framed butterfly specimens along with his own watercolor paintings of butterflies and birds. He plans to be there until 2:00 PM, giving visitors plenty of time to chat with him and see his work up close.

Kids and families can also dive into a lineup of nature-inspired art activities, including a sun print activity, symmetry watercolor butterflies, and pressed flower art. Each station offers a different way to connect creativity with the natural world, perfect for young artists and curious minds.

Admission to the Wingfield Heritage House Museum is always free. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is located at 2813 Sudderth Drive.

Make sure to tune into our weekly radio show called Moments in American History, airing after Mondays with the Mayor, at 10:00 AM every Monday on KRUI (FM 99.1/AM 1490).
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Even though August was a quiet month for us, Midtown had several bustling weekends with sidewalks full of visitors. We’re hoping for more of the same throughout September. With new fall items arriving in stores, trivia and open mic nights, and live bands at several locations throughout Midtown, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy.

The Midtown Market continues every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM through October 3rd. On September 18-19, 2026, we’re excited for the 2nd Annual Ruidoso RunFest Festival. Downshift Brewing will hold its Ruidoso Oktoberfest on September 26, 2026, and the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce will bring the AspenFest Parade and Festival to town on October 3, 2026.

Mark your calendars for two more big events we’re looking forward to this fall: the 2026 XTERRA World Championship comes to Ruidoso October 8-11, followed by our annual Midtown Halloween event on October 28, 2026.

Follow along with us online at RuidosoMidtownAssociation.com and on Instagram at @midtown_ruidoso. For year-round safety, we encourage everyone to sign up for weather alerts and Village of Ruidoso notifications at CallMeRuidoso.com. These updates are helpful in every season.

Proposed Manufactured Home Zoning Change

It was recently brought to the Village’s attention that its zoning ordinance regulating the placement of “manufactured” housing may exclude some federally certified HUD-standard dwellings. The State of New Mexico does not clearly distinguish between a single-section manufactured home and a single-wide mobile home. The Village had adopted language based on the state definition, which led to this potential exclusion.

The existing language states:

Multi-section manufactured home means a manufactured home or modular home that is a single-family dwelling with a heated area of at least 36 by 24 feet, at least 864 square feet, and constructed in a factory to the standards of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, and the Housing and Urban Development Zone Code 2 of the Uniform Building Code, as amended to the date of the unit’s construction, and installed on a permanent foundation consistent with the Manufactured Housing and Zoning Act (N.M.S.A. 1978, Sec 3-21A-2.A). A single-section manufactured home does not meet this definition.

The new proposed language states:

Manufactured Home. A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight body feet or more in width or 40 body feet or more in length, or, when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein; except that such term shall include any structure which meets all the requirements of this paragraph except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer has received certification from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and complies with the standards of the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act; and except that such term shall not include any self-propelled recreational vehicle (42 USC 5402). For purposes of this chapter, a HUD-certified manufactured home includes both single-section and multi-section manufactured homes and shall be regulated as provided in the applicable zoning district and development standards of this chapter.

Mobile Home. A movable or portable housing structure as defined in the New Mexico Manufactured Housing and Zoning Act, NMSA 1978, Section 3-21A-2(B), as amended.

Permanent Foundation. A permanent foundation that complies with the Manufactured Housing Act and applicable rules adopted pursuant thereto by the Manufactured Housing Division, as amended.

What this means for residents:

This change would not allow a traditional single-wide mobile home to be placed in an area designated for standard residential zoning. Those structures will remain in mobile-home-designated zoned areas. This proposed change would instead distinguish a traditional single-wide mobile home from a single-section manufactured home, so that the latter is no longer excluded from traditional residential zoned sections.

SECTION 2. Table 54.53.1, Allowable Uses, is hereby amended by deleting the use classification “Single-section manufactured home,” replacing the use classification “Multi-section manufactured home” with “Manufactured home,” and retaining the existing allowable-use designations applicable to multi-section manufactured homes as the allowable-use designations for manufactured homes:

Ruidoso School District proudly kicked off another exciting school year as students returned to all four schools on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, for the start of the 2026–2027 school year. Our 3-and-4-year-old programs followed on August 17, 2026, welcoming some of our youngest learners into classrooms for a year of discovery and growth. The opening weeks were filled with excitement as students and staff settled into their routines, reconnected with friends and colleagues and began another year of learning, laughter and fun throughout the district.

We’re especially grateful for the continued partnership and generosity of the Ruidoso Rotary, which organized another successful Pack the Bus School Supply Drive during the weekend before school began. Their commitment, along with the generosity of community members who contributed supplies, provided valuable resources for students and classrooms across the district.

As our academic year gets underway, we extend our appreciation for the patience and understanding of families, staff and community members while needed road work continues in the Warrior and Hull areas. We encourage families to allow additional travel time and remain cautious around school zones, buses, pedestrians and construction areas.

The 2026–2027 school schedule is provided for reference, and we encourage families to stay connected throughout the year by visiting the updated Ruidoso Schools website, using the district mobile app and following our Facebook postings for the latest announcements and information.

The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce recently held the 55th Annual Ruidoso Art Festival. This fine art show brings in amazing artists from all over the Southwest. This year’s Best in Show Award went to Roy Cavarretta, a gourd artist from Hallettsville, Texas. His winning piece was a bushel gourd featuring carving and inlaid embellishments, with an antler attached using woven pine needles. The Best Booth award went to Eric Von Siebert of Rockport, Texas. Eric works with high-grade aluminum, using diamond abrasives and layered transparent dyes and films to create luminous, dimensional surfaces that shift with light and perspective. The visually striking colors and textures of his booth, paired with the welcoming atmosphere he and his wife create, earned him the award.

With fall on its way, we’re gearing up to celebrate AspenFest on October 3, 2026. This year’s parade theme is “Harvesting Adventure.” The parade kicks off at 10:00 AM at the corner of Mechem and Sudderth Drives and continues through Midtown. Immediately following, we’ll host the festival at Wingfield Park, featuring live music, vendors, children’s activities, food trucks, and beer and wine.

This past month, we celebrated the opening of two new businesses with ribbon cuttings. Saguaro Dental Hygiene LLC, located at 200 Sudderth Drive, is Ruidoso’s first dental clinic owned and operated by local dental hygienists. We also cut the ribbon for Lincoln County Medical Center’s new Women’s Care Clinic, located just across the parking lot from the hospital at 213 Sudderth Drive. The clinic’s OB/GYN providers are focused on women’s reproductive health and are dedicated to giving their patients the care they need.

The Chamber is here to support our community, and membership in the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce is an investment in Ruidoso’s future. We work hard every day to make Ruidoso a better place to live, work, and play. If you’d like to join us, give us a call at 575-257-7395.

ENMU-Ruidoso is celebrating a first for the college: Brayden Rocha has become its inaugural NJCAA All-Academic Honors recipient.

The NJCAA recently released its 2025-2026 All-Academic Teams, honoring student-athletes nationwide who earned a GPA of 3.60 or higher. Rocha was named to the All-Academic Second Team for his 3.80-3.99 GPA.

A member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and a Ruidoso High School graduate, Rocha is the son of Alice Tahnito, herself an ENMU-Ruidoso graduate. He’s pursuing an Associate degree in Business with a minor in Culinary Arts and will return this fall as a sophomore on the Cross Country Team.

“In August, the NJCAA announced this year’s recipients, and I am proud to share that Brayden was selected to the NJCAA All-Academic Second Team,” said Athletic Coordinator Randa Clabaugh, who nominated Rocha. “Being able to celebrate the academic achievements of our student-athletes is a reminder of what collegiate athletics is all about.”

Cross Country Head Coach Micah Bray praised Rocha’s character as much as his achievement. “Brayden is a very humble and hard-working young man, a combination that is sure to translate to success in many areas of his life,” Bray said.

For the 2026 Cross Country schedule, visit Ruidoso.ENMU.edu.

Helping Patients Manage Lymphedema Close to Home

Swelling in an arm or leg might seem like something that will eventually go away. But when swelling sticks around, doesn’t improve with elevation or compression socks, or begins affecting everyday activities, it may be a sign of lymphedema.

At Lincoln County Medical Center (LCMC), specialized therapy is available to help patients manage lymphedema and stay active and independent without having to travel far from home for care.

Lymphedema happens when fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, causing persistent swelling. It affects millions of Americans and is especially common among people who have undergone surgery or radiation as part of cancer treatment. It can also develop in people with circulation problems, limited mobility, obesity or a previous injury.

Because lymphedema can gradually worsen, recognizing the signs and seeking help early is important. Along with swelling that doesn’t go away, signs can include changes in the skin, varicose or spider veins, or clear or yellow fluid leaking through small openings in the skin.

The earlier patients get the tools to manage their lymphedema, the better their chances of avoiding complications and continuing to do the things that matter most to them.

LCMC’s lymphedema therapy program is designed to give patients those tools. Treatment is personalized and can include specialized massage to help move fluid, compression therapy, skin care, and at-home exercises. Therapists also teach patients and caregivers how to manage the condition long term and help connect them with compression garments or other equipment when needed.

Having this care available locally can make a big difference. Without lymphedema services at LCMC, some patients would need to travel an hour or more for regular appointments, a particular challenge for those with transportation difficulties, limited mobility or other health concerns.

Access to lymphedema care has also improved in recent years as Medicare expanded coverage for certain compression supplies, and greater awareness is helping more people recognize the condition and get connected with treatment.

For patients, the goal is simple: learn how to manage lymphedema so it has less of an impact on everyday life. With specialized care available at LCMC, patients in Lincoln County can get that support closer to the people, places and routines that matter most.

Stay Connected with Ruidoso

Mondays with the Mayor
Tune in to 1490Krui.com at FM 99.1 and AM 1490 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

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