RUIDOSO INSIDER

July 14, 2026, Village Council Meeting Highlights: 

Approval of Agreements between the Village of Ruidoso and Sedona Contracting, Inc., Highland Enterprises, Inc., J&H Services, Inc., Mesa Verde Enterprises, Inc., Crosstown Construction & Trucking, LLC, Morrow Enterprises, Inc., Summit Operations, Inc., and Constructors, Inc. for On-Call Roadway and Drainage Work Multi-Awarded through RFP #2026-013P. 

Approval of Agreement between the Village of Ruidoso and King Industries Corporation for Debris Monitoring, Awarded through RFP #2026-008P. 

Approval of Agreements between the Village of Ruidoso and Southwest Contracting & Associates, LLC, DRC Emergency Response, LLC, Highland Enterprises, Inc., Sedona Contracting, Inc., TFR Enterprises, Inc., MP Chavez Enterprises, Inc., and Summit Operations, Inc. for Debris Removal Multi-Awarded through RFP #2026-009P. 

Approval of Agreement between the Village of Ruidoso and Corporate Flight Management, Inc. d/b/a Contour Airlines, for Terminal Office Space at Sierra Blanca Regional Airport. 

Approval of Agreement between the Village of Ruidoso and the Humane Society of Lincoln County for the Safe and Humane Control of Animals and the Protection of the Citizens of the Village of Ruidoso, in the amount of $95,000.00. 

Approval of Adoption of Resolution 2026-150, a Resolution for Participation in Local Government Road Fund Program Administered by New Mexico Department of Transportation for the 2027 Cooperative (COOP) Agreement in the amount of $471,489.00. 

Approval of Adoption of Resolution 2026-151, a Resolution for Participation in the Local Government Road Fund Program Administered by the New Mexico Department of Transportation for the 2027 Municipal Arterial Program (MAP) Funding in the amount of $368,331.00.

Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers at Village Hall

The 2025 Municipal Arterial Project (MAP) was completed in June 2026. This $377,965.00 project was funded by NMDOT MAP Funding Program to complete pavement and drainage improvements for Bonanza Drive, Mooney Court, Mustang Drive, Stearman Road, Waco Drive, Super Cub Drive, Queen Aire Court, Skylane Road, Travel Aire Road, and West White Mountain Drive.

The 2025 CO-OP project was completed in July 2026. This $257,077.00 project was funded by the NM DOT Local Government Road Fund to complete pavement and drainage improvements at Innsbrook Drive, St Moritz, Grenoble, Cortina, Geneva, Vienna Terrace, Riley Cove, and Metz Drive.

The Village of Ruidoso was recently awarded $11,000,000 in grant funding for three projects through the Colonias Infrastructure Fund. These projects involve design and/or construction for water and roadway infrastructure improvements throughout the Village. 

$2,500,000 awarded to the Ponderosa Phase I project in the Ponderosa Heights subdivision for construction of roads and drainage infrastructure on disaster-affected roadways 

$4,000,000 awarded to the Ponderosa Phase II project in the Ponderosa Heights subdivision for design and construction of waterlines 

$4,500,000 awarded to the Waterline System Improvements project for design and construction of waterlines throughout the Village

These projects are currently in the design phase with Souder, Miller, and Associates. The Village of Ruidoso would like to thank the Colonias Infrastructure board members and executive staff, as well as the New Mexico Finance Authority Board of Directors, for awarding the funds to complete these much-needed projects.

The Village of Ruidoso recognized outstanding employees and departments through its Quarterly Employee Recognition and Rewards Program.

Parks & Recreation was named Department of the Quarter, while Andrew Sullens, Isaiah Spitty, Elaine Sanchez, and Ezequiel Alvarez were honored as Employees of the Quarter for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public service.

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The Ruidoso Fire Department is proud to announce the purchase of a new Ferrara HD-77 ladder truck, a significant investment in firefighter safety, operational readiness, and the protection of the community. 

This heavy-duty aerial apparatus will strengthen the department’s ability to respond to structure fires, rescues, commercial building incidents, and other emergencies requiring elevated access and advanced operational capability. 

This purchase represents another key step in the department’s continued commitment to improving service delivery and strengthening its ISO rating. Modern, capable apparatus is a critical part of maintaining an effective fire protection system, and this ladder truck will help ensure that Ruidoso firefighters have the equipment needed to serve residents, businesses, and visitors safely and effectively. 

The Ruidoso Fire Department would like to recognize the support and hard work that made this purchase possible. The department is grateful for the efforts of Village staff, Village administration, the Village Council, and the Mayor for their continued commitment to public safety and for supporting the department’s long-term vision for improving fire protection in Ruidoso. 

This new ladder truck is more than a piece of equipment. It is an investment in the safety, resilience, and future of the community. 

The Wingfield Heritage House Museum has a new exhibit for the summer! “Lines Across the Land: Maps of Ruidoso and New Mexico” explores Ruidoso’s story through historic maps of Ruidoso, the Southwest region, and beyond. Covering over 400 years, the exhibit is divided into four sections: Boundaries, Land, Transportation, and Ruidoso. Both Lincoln County and New Mexico have seen boundary changes over time, with population and political changes impacting the area. Visitors get the chance to see places, events, and changes over time, as well as how the view of the land is shaped by the mapmaker.

The Wingfield Heritage House Museum continues to offer a free family fun day every month. The theme for August is “Inventions.” Inventions have shaped history by changing the way people live, work, travel, and communicate. Over time, new ideas and technologies have helped solve problems, improve daily life, and create new opportunities for individuals and communities. Stop by anytime between 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2026 to check out fun crafts, games, and activities that celebrate the spirit of invention!

Make sure to tune into WHHM’s weekly radio show called Moments in American History, airing after Mondays with the Mayor, around 10:00 AM every Monday on KRUI (99.1 FM/1490 AM).

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

Thank you to all the people who came out to celebrate New Mexico craft breweries, wineries, and distillers at the 2026 Brewdoso! It was a fantastic turnout. We couldn’t have done it without our business sponsors and volunteers. And the music – wow! The day kicked off with Chris Baker, amped up with Driveway Dive, rocked with The Tejas Brothers, and grooved into the night with Fungi Mungle. I’d also like to thank Logan and James from Scorpion Tattoo. Partnering with Tattoo Expo made for the perfect weekend. We’ll see you all again next year!

I’d like to give a HUGE shout-out to the volunteers and all the Midtown businesses who partnered with IRONMAN Ruidoso. Midtown hosted the Tri & Buy event to show off what Ruidoso has to offer to athletes and spectators. I felt blessed to see how the community came together to support this race. It truly takes a village to make these events special for everyone. With your help, we can make next year’s IRONMAN even better!

Mark your calendar for the 2026 XTERRA World Championship which will be coming to town October 9-11, 2026, and our annual Midtown Halloween event on October 28, 2026. 

As always, check us out on Instagram @midtown_ruidoso and online at ruidosomidtownassociation.com. For year-round safety, be sure to sign up for weather alerts and Village of Ruidoso notifications at callmeruidoso.com. These updates are helpful for all seasons.

As students return to classrooms, safety is once again at the forefront for families, schools, and local officials. The beginning of the school year brings heavier traffic around campuses, busy crosswalks, and more children walking or biking to class, making it especially important for the entire community to stay alert. 

Law enforcement and school leaders are reminding drivers to slow down in posted school zones and avoid distractions while behind the wheel. Parents are also encouraged to talk with their children about safe walking and biking habits, such as using crosswalks, looking both ways before crossing, and wearing helmets. As an added precaution this year, Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras will be up and running, enforcing the school zone speed limit during school hours and the regular speed limit during non-school hours. 

To help keep students safe, officials are offering the following reminders: 

School Zone Driving: Always reduce speed in school zones, watch for children crossing unexpectedly, and never pass a stopped school bus with its lights flashing. 

Pedestrian Safety: Encourage children to use sidewalks where available, cross only at designated crosswalks, and make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street. 

Bus Safety: Remind students to stand back from the curb while waiting for the bus, board one at a time, and remain seated during the ride. 

Drop-Off and Pick-Up: Follow school traffic flow patterns, avoid double parking, and be patient. Safety takes priority over convenience. 

Distraction-Free Driving: Put phones and other devices away while driving, especially near schools. 

Parental Guidance: Review drop-off and pick-up procedures, ensure children know emergency contacts, and pack backpacks appropriately to avoid strain. 

Schools across the area have worked out traffic flow plans for drop-off and pick-up, aiming to keep congestion low and safety high. 

Ruidoso School District’s Educators Rising students recently returned from the National Educators Rising Conference in Portland, Oregon, after representing the district with outstanding projects, professionalism, and school pride. Six students qualified for the national competition following their success at the state level, showcasing their skills in various education-focused events. Among them, Giavanna Chavez and Leia Girven earned an impressive second-place national finish for their interactive sensory-based bulletin board, which highlighted creativity, inclusivity, and practical classroom application. 

The conference also served as a meaningful milestone for graduating seniors preparing to pursue careers in education. Ava Herrera Anchondo plans to attend ENMU-Portales to study special education, Olyvia Mendoza will continue her education at ENMU-Ruidoso in Early Childhood Education, and Olivia Chavez will attend the University of New Mexico to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. Their dedication reflects the district’s commitment to developing future educators who will positively impact classrooms and communities. 

In addition to celebrating student achievements, Ruidoso School District is preparing for the upcoming 2026–2027 school year with several important updates. The district is pleased to welcome new administrators who will contribute to school leadership and support district initiatives. RaNay Johnston has been named Principal of Sierra Vista Primary, and Victoria Bomer has been named Principal of Ruidoso High School. Together, they will be part of the district’s ongoing efforts to support students and staff. 

To help families prepare for the new school year, school supply lists have been finalized and shared with local retailers, making it easier for parents and guardians to access needed materials. The district remains committed to supporting students, families, and staff as they look ahead to another successful year of learning and growth. 

We’ve had a great summer so far at the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce. Our 55th Annual Ruidoso Art Festival was July 24–26, and we had over 75 amazing artists from all over the Southwest participate. We welcomed many visitors who came to Ruidoso to attend the festival and peruse the fantastic art. 

In June, we celebrated our Annual Banquet and Awards with a prom-themed event at Inn of the Mountain Gods. We had a fabulous time honoring our award winners. Our Beautification Award went to Richard and Janis Loverin (Loverin Real Estate and Janis Loverin Gallery) for their new art gallery and real estate office at 741 Mechem Drive. They did an amazing job on the remodel of the building. The Volunteer of the Year award went to Jeanne Dempster, who is involved with many organizations in Ruidoso and Lincoln County, including Santa’s Helpers, Hope Harbor New Mexico, and the Lincoln County Disaster Relief and Community Resource Center. Thank you, Jeanne Dempster, for all you do in our community! And finally, congratulations to our Business of the Year, Scorpion Tattoo! James Flores and Logan Fleharty, along with their entire crew and Julian Flores, have worked tirelessly bringing new events to Ruidoso, including the Ruidoso Tattoo Expo, R2Doso ComicCon, and the High Rollers Tattoo Expo. Their commitment to making Ruidoso a better place to live, work, and play is outstanding. Thank you! Please congratulate our winners if you see them around town. 

The Chamber is the organization that supports our community, and membership in the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce is an investment in the future of our community. If you are interested in joining the Chamber and working with us to support this community, please give us a call at 575-257-7395.

On July 23, we broke ground on a project I’ve been looking forward to for a long time: a new Workforce Training Center for ENMU-Ruidoso. 

The center will be attached to our existing building at 709 Mec hem Drive and will bring roughly 14,000 square feet of new training space across two stories. Inside, you’ll find workshops, a dedicated welding lab, classrooms, office space, and an expanded parking lot to support it all. Our goal is simple: give students hands-on space to train for real careers in HVAC, welding, electrical work, and related fields. 

This project matters because our community needs it. According to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, Lincoln County’s labor force participation rate sits at 52%, well below the statewide rate of 58%. That gap represents opportunity, and this center is one way we intend to help close it. 

It also comes at a moment of real growth for our college. Over the past five years, ENMU-Ruidoso has seen enrollment climb 59%, and this center will expand our local training capacity to match that momentum. 

This building continues work we started in 2022, when the college purchased the Sierra Mall with funding provided through the legislature. Funding for the Workforce Training Center itself comes from a combination of state and local sources, a reflection of the shared investment our community and state have made in this vision. 

Demolition on the site wrapped up in June, and construction is set to begin in late July. We’re working with Parkhill as our architect and the Jaynes Corporation as general contractor, and we’re targeting completion for fall 2027. 

I’m proud of what this center represents for Ruidoso and Lincoln County, and I look forward to seeing our students put it to work. 

Summer in New Mexico is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but our state’s high elevation, dry climate and intense sunshine can increase the risk of heat-related illness. Even on days that don’t feel excessively hot, it’s easy to become dehydrated more quickly than you may realize.

Heat-related illnesses occur when the body can no longer cool itself effectively. Early warning signs include dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, excessive sweating, fatigue or feeling lightheaded. If you experience these symptoms, move to a cool place, drink water and rest. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve, seek medical care.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Signs include confusion, loss of consciousness, hot, dry skin or a body temperature above 103°F. If you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.

The best way to stay safe is to stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day - even before you feel thirsty - and carry a reusable water bottle when you’re outside. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, apply sunscreen and take breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned space. Whenever possible, plan outdoor activities during the cooler morning or evening hours.

Older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions and those who work or exercise outdoors are at greater risk for heat-related illness. During periods of extreme heat, check on family members, friends and neighbors who may need extra support.

Finally, never leave children, older adults or pets unattended in a parked vehicle. Temperatures inside a car can become dangerously high within minutes. With a little planning and a few simple precautions, you can stay safe and enjoy a healthy New Mexico summer.

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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