RUIDOSO INSIDER

September 8, 2026, Village Council Meeting Highlights

• Presentation of a retirement plaque to Elaine Sanchez for her service to the Village of Ruidoso Fire Department from September 2001 through September 2026.

• Approval of the appointment and oath of office for Laura K. Vega as Village Attorney.

• Approval of the acceptance of a donation of a Seek Thermal Fire Pro 300 Thermal Imaging Camera from Pastor Beau Perry of Legacy Church, Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico.

• Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Village of Ruidoso and the County of Lincoln for the provision of regulation services for residential and commercial construction within certain specified areas of Lincoln County.

• Approval of a Contract for Services Agreement between the County of Lincoln and the Village of Ruidoso to provide library services to all citizens within the boundaries of Lincoln County.

• Approval of a proposal from Cutler Repaving, Inc. for 2-inch milling and 2-inch repaving on Country Club Drive and North Eagle Drive, utilizing NM GSD Statewide Price Agreement #30-80500-23-17018, in the amount of $1,006,084.63 including NMGRT.

• Approval of Amendment No. 2 to Task Order RFP #2024-004P-WWE-04 with Water Works Engineers, LLC for redesign of the Two Rivers Raw Water Intake Structure in the amount of $107,610.80 including NMGRT.

Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Village Hall.

WHHM Celebrates 2nd Anniversary

Join Wingfield Heritage House Museum, Friends of WHHM, and the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce on October 22, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 PM for a special 2nd Anniversary Celebration!

This community gathering will feature live music, delicious food, and plenty of fun as WHHM marks two wonderful years of preserving and sharing Ruidoso’s history. The evening will also spotlight the opening of the new Carmon Phillips Exhibit, offering guests a first look at this exciting addition to the museum’s collection.

As always, admission to the Wingfield Heritage House Museum is free. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM at 2813 Sudderth Drive.

Listeners can also catch the museum’s weekly radio segment, Moments in American History, Mondays at 10:00 AM on KRUI (99.1 FM/1490 AM), right after Mondays with the Mayor.

Ruidoso will welcome athletes from around the world for the 2026 XTERRA World Championship, October 8–11, 2026. The championship brings top professional and amateur off-road triathletes to the Village to compete on the mountains, trails, and waters that make Ruidoso one of the premier outdoor recreation destinations in the world.

The main World Championship race takes place on October 10, 2026, and will challenge athletes across three disciplines:

• Swim: 0.93 miles in Grindstone Lake

• Mountain Bike: 16.8 miles through the Grindstone trail system

• Trail Run: 6.2 miles, finishing at Wingfield Park

Athletes will compete on a demanding course that showcases Ruidoso’s natural beauty and rugged terrain. From the open-water swim at Grindstone Lake to the mountain bike and trail running legs, competitors will experience the elevation, trails, and mountain landscape that make this a true XTERRA championship course. 

The event is expected to draw more than 1,500 athletes from over 55 countries to Ruidoso, along with their families, coaches, support teams, and spectators. Throughout the championship weekend, visitors will stay in local hotels, dine at restaurants, shop at local businesses, and experience everything the community has to offer.

Hosting the XTERRA World Championship is a significant opportunity for Ruidoso. The event places this community on an international stage, bringing visitors from across the country and around the world to experience our outdoor recreation offerings.

The championship is also part of Ruidoso’s continued effort to attract major sporting events that create positive economic impact and introduce new visitors to this community. With Grindstone Lake, miles of trails, and the surrounding mountains, Ruidoso offers a setting unlike any other for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Village of Ruidoso is excited to welcome XTERRA athletes, their families, and visitors from around the world. Come out, support the competitors, and help show them why Ruidoso is such a special place to work, live, and play.

Editor’s Note: The last issue of the Ruidoso Insider included errors in the new rate chart. Here is the corrected chart with the changes highlighted.

The Village of Ruidoso accounts for its utilities under enterprise (business activity) funds. This means utility rates are set to ensure sufficient revenue 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 Cycling program, 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 increases in operating costs. Based on this analysis, the Utility Rate Analysis adopted a structured plan 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 upcoming rate increases are as follows:

• Water: 8%

• Sewer: 8%

• 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 are available at Ruidoso-nm.gov/water-rates.

On June 17, 2026, members of the New Mexico Municipal League’s Policy Committee convened in Albuquerque to review and consider legislative priorities for the upcoming 2027 legislative session. The meeting gave members and League staff a forum to present and discuss proposed initiatives addressing critical municipal issues across the state.

Policy Committee members heard presentations on a range of proposals, including those submitted by member municipalities and staff-developed recommendations. After discussion, members voted to adopt the following as priorities for the 2027 session: 

Police Officer Workers’ Compensation
Creating a presumption that certain occupational conditions suffered by New Mexico police officers are work-related, and therefore compensable under workers’ compensation, similar to the protections that already exist for New Mexico firefighters. The specific conditions covered by this presumption have yet to be determined.

Public Safety Retirees Return to Work
Authorizing certain retired public safety employees, including municipal police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and state police officers, to return to public safety instructor and chief of police positions while continuing to receive their PERA pension.

Local Government Stabilization Fund
Creating a fund to help mitigate negative financial impacts and preserve budget stability for local governments across New Mexico.

Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Funding
Requesting an appropriation to the Water Project Fund to close the gap between vetted project applications and available funding statewide.

Training Standards
Updating New Mexico’s in-service training requirements for certified law enforcement officers to ensure training remains current, practical, and responsive to the needs of officers, agencies, and communities.

Municipal Code
Modernizing the state’s Municipal Code (Chapter 3 of state statute) to reflect municipalities' current needs and challenges.

Motor Vehicle Excise Tax
Redirecting Motor Vehicle Excise Tax revenue to road funds to invest in statewide road infrastructure.

Firework Regulation
Amending statute to give municipalities more flexibility to limit or restrict the sale and use of certain fireworks.

Airport Funding
Requesting funding to support local airports, which provide critical services, especially in rural areas, including law enforcement and firefighting support, medical services, and support for tourism and economic development.

These priorities will help guide NMML’s legislative agenda heading into the 2027 session. 

This month, Ruidoso will welcome outdoor industry leaders, policymakers, community leaders, and professionals from across New Mexico for the 2026 Outdoor Economics Conference, October 14–16 at the Ruidoso Convention Center. The event marks the ninth annual statewide conference focused on New Mexico’s growing outdoor economy.

The conference brings together people working in outdoor recreation, economic development, tourism, land management, and conservation to discuss opportunities and challenges facing communities throughout New Mexico.

The three-day event will include panel discussions, seminars, networking opportunities, and an outdoor expo. Attendees will also have the chance to experience Ruidoso through optional outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and stargazing. 

Outdoor Recreation and Economic Development

For Ruidoso, hosting the Outdoor Economics Conference is a natural fit. This community has long been known for its mountains, trails, lakes, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The conference offers a chance to bring statewide leaders to Ruidoso and showcase the role outdoor recreation can play in strengthening local economies.

The outdoor recreation industry continues to create opportunities for communities across New Mexico through tourism, small businesses, jobs, and investment. Bringing these conversations to Ruidoso allows local leaders and businesses to connect with others from across the state and share ideas about how outdoor recreation can support long-term economic growth.

The conference also gives attendees a chance to experience Ruidoso beyond the Convention Center. They will be able to explore the community, support local restaurants and businesses, and see firsthand why Ruidoso is an important destination for outdoor recreation in New Mexico.

Hosting events like this is part of Ruidoso’s effort to attract conferences and gatherings that bring visitors to the community, support local businesses, and create opportunities for future partnerships. 

Mark your calendars and make plans to visit the Ruidoso Public Library on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 1:30 PM for a special author talk with recognized authority Dr. Harold Finkelstein. He will be discussing his new publication, Releasing the Spirit: The Art of Zuñi Fetish Carvings, and guiding attendees through the enduring legacy of this beautiful Native American art form, tracing its roots from the early eras of Chaco Canyon to the present day.

With over four decades of hands-on experience as a direct buyer, itinerant trader, and supplier to galleries and museums across 35 states, Dr. Finkelstein brings unparalleled expertise to this fascinating subject.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from a leading expert and author of the 1994 best-selling monograph, Zuñi Fetish Carvings. Come step into the world of Zuñi fetish carving with a fascinating exploration into its history, culture, and art! 

The end of summer has been eventful here in Ruidoso. On August 22, 2026, Wingfield Park hosted the Sierra Blanca Pack Burro Race, with almost 100 teams competing. It was great to see the park filled with burros, mules, runners, and spectators. I hope this becomes an annual Ruidoso event!

Labor Day Weekend brought another fantastic crowd to Midtown, with many businesses reporting outstanding sales. Then Low Class Cruise Weekend, September 11–13, 2026, was another hit, with Midtown and all of Ruidoso providing the perfect backdrop for some incredible cars.

Events like these are a great reminder of just how important a vibrant Midtown is to Ruidoso. When Ruidoso brings people into the district, that activity translates directly into customers for our local businesses and helps strengthen our community as a whole. 

There’s plenty more ahead. Upcoming events include the AspenFest Parade and Festival (October 3, 2026); the 2026 XTERRA World Championship (October 8–11, 2026); and Midtown Halloween (October 28, 2026).

And now for my shout-out to new businesses that have joined the Midtown family: Sausage King and White Mountain Popcorn, both in Bigfoot Plaza, and Still Wild, in Boxcar Alley.

Check us out on Instagram @midtown_ruidoso and online at RuidosoMidtownAssociation.com. 

For nearly two decades, Lincoln County DWI Prevention has worked with schools, law enforcement agencies, and community partners to help young people make safer, healthier decisions. Through classroom instruction, interactive events, and public outreach, the organization equips students and families with practical information about underage alcohol use, impaired driving, and personal responsibility.

A cornerstone of this work is Protecting You/Protecting Me, an evidence-based program Lincoln County DWI Prevention has delivered for more than 19 years. The six-week course serves fourth-grade students in Ruidoso, Carrizozo, and Hondo, with Capitan participating in select years. Led in local schools by Assistant Mandy Mader, the program teaches students about brain development and the risks of alcohol use before age 25. 

That educational effort continues in eighth grade through the Maze of Life, an interactive health fair for students across Lincoln County and Mescalero. Working in small groups, students move through booths where they practice life skills, explore healthier choices, and consider the consequences of their decisions. Officers from the Ruidoso Police Department and New Mexico State Police deepen the experience with a realistic field sobriety test simulation and an explanation of the potential consequences of impaired driving.

From elementary classrooms to community-wide events, Lincoln County DWI Prevention continues to pair education with practical experience, helping ensure prevention is not simply a message, but a set of skills local students and families can use to make safer choices. 

Join us for the AspenFest Parade on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Midtown. The theme for this year’s parade is Harvesting Adventure. Immediately following the parade, we will have a festival in Wingfield Park featuring local vendors, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, food trucks, wine and beer, as well as live music by Nova Rush, the Doso Dirtbags, and the Mammoth Cults. This event is a local favorite, and we invite you to come out and celebrate autumn in Ruidoso.

The Ruidoso Midtown Trick or Treat will be Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 3:00–6:00 PM. We will once again be closing Sudderth Drive to through traffic to allow for a safer trick-or-treat for all the little goblins and ghouls. The Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce partners with the Ruidoso Midtown Association and the Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Department for this event, and we are looking forward to trick-or-treating, coffin races, and, of course, the pumpkin roll. 

We would like to congratulate Olé Taco on its 50th anniversary. The business celebrated with a ribbon-cutting on August 28, 2026. Please join us on October 22, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 PM at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum for Business After Hours as we celebrate its 2nd anniversary. Also mark your calendar for the Rotary Enchilada and Bingo Night on October 27, 2026, at the Ruidoso Convention Center, with all proceeds funding the Rotary Club of Ruidoso’s community projects.

Please remember to shop locally and support our local restaurants. 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 our community, please call us at 575-257-7395. 

The past month brought some exciting news for the Ruidoso Municipal Schools. Following an extensive search and interview process, the RMSD Board of Education selected Michelle Ronga as the district’s next Superintendent. Ronga joins RMSD from Las Cruces Public Schools and brings more than 15 years of experience as a teacher, school principal, and district-level leader. Her commitment to supporting students and staff, and to building a collaborative culture focused on student success, will guide her leadership as she joins RMSD. The district looks forward to welcoming her to its schools and to the Ruidoso community.

September was also a month of settling in and building momentum as students and staff found their rhythm in the new school year. Classrooms, athletic fields, and activity spaces were filled with learning, participation, and connection. From the youngest learners at Sierra Vista Primary to students preparing for their futures at Ruidoso High School, there was much to celebrate. Students explored STEM, music, and hands-on learning, while Warrior athletes represented Ruidoso with pride. 

The “Be Here” attendance initiative continued to remind students and the community that every school day matters and that being present is an important first step toward success. RMSD Bilingual Night also brought the community together to celebrate the languages and cultures represented throughout the district. Parent-Teacher Conferences at RMS and RHS provided another opportunity for connection, with conferences for SVP and WME coming in October.

October starts off with a bang as the Warriors celebrate Homecoming with the football game on Friday, October 2, 2026, and a dance on Saturday, October 3, 2026.

RMSD is grateful to the teachers, staff, volunteers, and community partners who continue to support our students and schools each day, and to the entire Ruidoso community for its ongoing support.

It’s great to be a Warrior! 

Lincoln County Medical Center (LCMC) continues to grow and invest in the health of the community we are proud to serve. From new services and facility improvements to achievements in care quality and patient experience, this progress reflects LCMC’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare for Lincoln County and the surrounding region.

One of LCMC’s most exciting projects is the construction of a new on-site helipad, which will support faster, safer air medical transfers directly from the hospital campus. For patients facing serious emergencies such as trauma, stroke, or heart attack, every minute matters. This project is an important investment in emergency readiness and will help patients quickly reach a higher level of care when needed. 

LCMC has also made important strides in expanding local access to care. The new Lincoln County Women’s Clinic provides additional space for women’s healthcare, and the new Sleep Study Lab helps patients receive testing and treatment for sleep-related concerns without traveling far from home. In addition, we now offer child psychiatry services with Dr. Mary Nord-Cook, an important step toward improving behavioral health support for children and families.

Behind each of these improvements is our continued focus on patient experience, quality and safety. Early 2026 reports showed LCMC performing above target on several key patient satisfaction measures, including overall hospital ratings, emergency department recommendations, and clinic provider recommendations. These results reflect the compassionate care our employees, providers, and leaders deliver each day. 

We also continue to work with community partners to support the future of rural healthcare. The 2026–2027 mill levy request is intended to help sustain EMS, rural clinics and needed capital improvements, including backup electrical systems and ambulance equipment. We have also received grant funding to support the specialized staff and clinical resources needed to provide obstetrical care in a rural community.

Together, these accomplishments demonstrate our continued investment in the people, programs, facilities and partnerships that support a healthier Lincoln County. As 2026 continues, we remain grateful for the trust of our patients and neighbors and are committed to serving Lincoln County with compassion, quality, and care close to home.

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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