RUIDOSO INSIDER
VOL 49: September 2025
Mayor Lynn Crawford’s Update
In his September 2025 message, Mayor Lynn Crawford reflects on a month of both extraordinary triumphs and ongoing challenges for the Village of Ruidoso. He celebrates the success of the recent XTERRA/Ruidoso Gold competition, which drew athletes and spectators from around the world, boosted local businesses, and showcased the Village as a premier destination for adventure sports. This milestone, he notes, sets the stage for an even greater honor: hosting the XTERRA World Championships in 2026, which will bring international recognition and lasting economic benefits to Ruidoso.
Mayor Crawford also provides an update on the emergency water and sewer infrastructure repairs in the Upper Canyon. He acknowledges the inconveniences to residents while underscoring the urgent need to prevent environmental harm and protect Ruidoso’s mountain ecosystem. He commends Village crews and contractors for their tireless, professional work and thanks residents for their patience during this critical project.
Above all, the mayor emphasizes that it is the people—resilient, generous, and united—that make Ruidoso truly special. He encourages everyone to stay connected by tuning in to KRUI 99.1 FM/1490 AM for "Mondays with the Mayor," live from 8 to 10 AM each week. Call or text your questions to 575-937-3071.
Village Council Approves Key Projects to Support Ruidoso’s Future
August 12, 2025, Village Council Meeting Highlights:
» Approval of Agreement with Able City, LLC for Comprehensive Master Planning and Economic Analysis Services Awarded through RFP #2025-12P
» Approval of Task Order #2024-004P-11 with Souder, Miller & Associates, for Preliminary Design, Final Design, Bid Services, Construction Phase, and Construction Observation Services for waterline replacement on Perk Canyon Drive and North Loop Road
» Approval of Resolution 2025-28, a Resolution Authorizing the Village of Ruidoso to Apply for a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Grant Agreement for an Airport Master Plan Update Project
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM, Council Chambers, Village Hall
The Village of Ruidoso is preparing to welcome municipal leaders from across New Mexico as it hosts the annual New Mexico Municipal League conference from September 17-19, 2025. This gathering is expected to attract approximately 500 attendees, including mayors, city councilors, municipal staff, and other local government representatives from communities throughout the state. The conference represents a major opportunity for Ruidoso to showcase its hospitality and scenic mountain setting while serving as a hub for important municipal discourse and collaboration.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Ruidoso’s pine-covered mountains and crisp high-altitude air, the event will feature an extensive program of educational workshops, specialized subsection meetings, and valuable networking opportunities. Municipal leaders will have the chance to discuss pressing local government issues, share best practices, and forge partnerships that will benefit their communities long after the conference concludes. For Ruidoso, hosting this influential gathering not only brings significant economic impact to the Village but also positions the community as a premier destination for professional conferences and events in New Mexico.
The Village of Ruidoso is expanding its Outdoor Warning System by installing nine new sirens to improve public safety during wildfire emergencies. This expansion will extend coverage throughout the community, ensuring that residents and visitors can receive alerts when immediate action is necessary.
The system uses a single, consistent warning tone for all alarms related to wildfire incidents. Three of the new sirens will also feature voice broadcast capabilities, enabling emergency officials to deliver live or pre-recorded instructions during an emergency. These voice-enabled units will be located at Wingfield Park, White Mountain Sports Complex, and Eagle Creek Sports Complex – all public gathering spots where clear communication is especially crucial.
Once operational, the new sirens will work in conjunction with other public alert systems, such as IPAWS notifications, social media updates, and local media broadcasts, to ensure that emergency information is delivered quickly and accurately.
This expansion reflects the Village’s ongoing efforts to enhance wildfire preparedness, following recent fire seasons that underscored the importance of rapid, community-wide alerts. By combining outdoor sirens with modern communication tools, Ruidoso is enhancing its ability to deliver early warnings and clear instructions, helping to protect lives and property when wildfire danger increases.
The installation is currently in progress, and the system is expected to be fully operational by October 2025. Residents and visitors should recognize the single siren tone as an urgent wildfire alert and follow official instructions immediately when it sounds.
Eddie Ryan
In a historic moment for the Village of Ruidoso and off-road triathlon worldwide, Eddie Ryan, Director of Tourism, will travel to Molveno, Italy, in September 2025 to take part in the ceremonial “passing of the torch” at the XTERRA World Championship.
This gesture will officially mark the transition of the championship’s host site from Italy to Ruidoso, New Mexico, beginning in 2026. XTERRA is the global leader in off-road endurance sports, and its World Championship represents the pinnacle of competition in the sport of off-road triathlon. The event has previously been hosted in iconic locations such as Maui and the Italian Alps. With Ruidoso selected as the new home for the World Championship in 2026, 2027, and 2028, and a potential for a permanent presence, this moment signifies a powerful new chapter for both XTERRA and New Mexico.
“This is more than just an event, it’s an opportunity to show the world what Ruidoso is capable of,” said Ryan. “The athletes, the fans, and the global spotlight coming to our village will have a lasting impact on our local economy, tourism, and reputation as a world-class destination for outdoor adventure.”
The Village of Ruidoso is already working with XTERRA organizers, community leaders, and local businesses to prepare for the influx of international athletes, media, and spectators.
“The hard work starts now,” said Ryan. “But it’s also an incredible honor for our community to carry this torch forward.
Village of Ruidoso Recognizes Employees and Department of the Quarter
The Village of Ruidoso proudly recognizes its Employees and Department of the Quarter. Honorees include Justin Mize (Fire), Samantha Mars (Public Works), and Johanna Quintana (Human Resources) for their exceptional service and dedication. The Community Development Department is also honored for its collaborative efforts in planning and sustainable growth.
Give Your Child the Healthiest Start in Life
Regular well-child checkups do more than just track height and weight—they build trust, catch concerns early, and provide families with an opportunity to discuss real-life questions with a provider who knows their child. From a baby’s first visit through the teen years, these appointments are a small step that can make a big difference.
Ruidoso Schools on the Rise
From record gains in reading, math, and Spanish literacy at Sierra Vista Primary to higher advanced scores at White Mountain Elementary and Ruidoso Middle School, our students are achieving more than ever. At RHS, graduation rates outpace the state average, and the Class of 2025 is already earning college degrees and professional certifications.
This summer has been trying for Ruidoso residents and businesses, but we have worked hard to ensure the world knows we are OPEN. Recently, most media coverage made it seem like Ruidoso had been wiped off the map. Thank you to KOAT in Albuquerque, KCBD in Lubbock, KVIA and KLAQ in El Paso, as well as all the other regional media outlets, for providing favorable coverage that showcases a vibrant Ruidoso. The Village of Ruidoso, Midtown, and Mechem businesses are open for business, and together, we are stronger than ever.
Brewdoso was a big success! Breweries, vendors, and visitors came from all over to experience craft beer, wine, and spirits while the smell of food and the sound of music filled the air.
Looking forward, Ruidoso Midtown Association will host its next quarterly Midtown Mixer in the Fall; the date will be announced soon. All are encouraged to come out and network, and have a bite to eat and drink with Midtown business owners and staff. Rumor has it, a scavenger hunt is in the works for the next mixer.
Preparations have also begun for Midtown Halloween on October 29, 2025. This year’s event is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet! Safe trick-or-treating, coffin races, costume contests, music, and famous pumpkin roll are just a few of the events scheduled.
Just a reminder: we are still in the monsoon season, so please bring your umbrella to stay dry while you hop from shop to shop. Sign up for weather alerts and Village notifications by visiting CallMeRuidoso.com.
Once again, Ruidoso has experienced a challenging summer, but our spirit is not broken; we are a resilient community. The Chamber continues to move forward, and we have relocated to our new location at 451 Sudderth Drive (inside First National Bank). We are very grateful to Richie Hood, Market President of First National Bank, for allowing us to use an office in their building.
In July, we held the 54th Annual Ruidoso Art Festival. This festival brings in artists and visitors from all over the country. One attendee came from as far as Florida to attend the art show. Congratulations to artist Wayne Kerr, who was awarded Best in Show for his amazing oil paintings. Every year, the artists donate a piece of art for our Silent Auction. Proceeds from the Silent Auction are donated to purchase art supplies for the art programs in the Ruidoso Municipal Schools. The teachers at each of our four schools do an amazing job introducing our students to the arts and creating future artists who may participate in the Ruidoso Art Festival in the years to come.
We celebrated our Annual Banquet and Awards in June with a Roaring 20s theme at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. Our Business of the Year was Mountain Air Cabins, which persevered after the fires and flooding last year and continues to give back to the community. Our Volunteer of the Year award was bestowed on Julie Cintron. Julie volunteers in many different organizations in Ruidoso, including the Hospital Auxiliary, Community Center, Peace Village Kids Camp, and the Lincoln County Community Health Council.
And finally, the Beautification award went to the Wingfield Heritage House Museum. The Wingfield house was built in the 1920s by Ike and Lula Wingfield. The historic home was once a family residence before becoming a hub for local businesses. Today, the house has been restored to its original design and now houses the Wingfield Heritage House Museum. Congratulations to our award winners!
Our businesses need your support now more than ever. The Chamber has been working to let our visitors know that the heart of Ruidoso remains strong and beautiful, and that our businesses need them. Tourism is the primary economic driver for Ruidoso, and our local businesses can’t survive without our visitors and you. Make sure to shop local and dine at our restaurants whenever possible. If you can, be generous when tipping your server.
If you are interested in joining the Chamber and collaborating with us to support our community, please call us at 575-257-7395 or visit us at 451 Sudderth Drive.
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.
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Website: ruidoso-nm.gov
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