RUIDOSO INSIDER
VOL 53: January 2026
Mayor Lynn Crawford’s Update
In his January 2026 message, Mayor Lynn Crawford welcomes the new year by celebrating the energy and warmth that filled Ruidoso throughout the holiday season and by thanking residents and visitors for supporting local businesses and community life.
Looking ahead, the Mayor emphasizes the importance of the January 12-16 Public Charratte community meetings to update the Comprehensive Master Plan, inviting residents to help shape Ruidoso’s vision for the next 15–20 years. He also reflects on the retirement of several longtime Village employees whose decades of service helped build the community we know today, while reaffirming the Village’s ongoing commitment to recovery, mitigation, and resilience.
Residents are encouraged to stay engaged, participate in planning efforts, and tune in to Mondays with the Mayor on KRUI 1490 AM/99.1 FM each Monday from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
Resolutions, Appointments, and Honors
December 9, 2025, Village Council Meeting Highlights:
» Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-01, a Resolution Establishing an Annual Schedule of Governing Body and Boards/Commission Meetings and Determining Reasonable Notice for Public Meetings of the Village of Ruidoso.
» Presentation of Retirement Plaque to David “Tbone” Tetreault, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director, for his Service to the Village of Ruidoso from September 1995 through December 2025.
» Presentation of Retirement Plaque to Jerome McTeigue, Solid Waste Operator/Driver, for his Service to the Village of Ruidoso from October 1998 through December 2025.
» Presentation of Retirement Plaque to Kathy Richardson, Forestry Office Manager, for her Service to the Village of Ruidoso from August 2004 through December 2025.
» Presentation of Retirement Plaque to Randy Koehn, Water Production Manager, for his Service to the Village of Ruidoso from August 2013 through December 2025.
» Appointment of Ericka Ramos to the Natural and Cultural History Committee.
» Appointment of Dhruv Bhakta to the Workforce Housing Advisory Board.
» Approval of the Village of Ruidoso Snow and Ice Removal Plan.
Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Council Chambers at Village Hall.
The Village of Ruidoso 2026 Municipal Officers Election will take place on March 3, 2026.
At the election, voters will elect:
» A Mayor to serve a four (4) year term
» Three (3) Councilors to serve a four (4) year term
If you are interested in running for any of the above elected positions, Candidate Information Packets are available in the Village of Ruidoso Clerk’s Office located at 313 Cree Meadows, Ruidoso, NM. You can request a packet by calling Jini Turri, Village Clerk, at 575-258-4343 ext. 1007 or Yvonne Vigil, Deputy Clerk, at 575-258-4343, ext. 1003.
There will be one question on the Ballot:
Shall the Village of Ruidoso issue up to $3,000,000 of General Obligation Bonds to be repaid from property taxes for the purpose of enlarging, improving, and/or extending the production and distribution components of the Village’s water system?
Important dates to remember:
» Tuesday, January 6, 2026: Candidate Filing Day. Please note, to file a Declaration of Candidacy, you must have registered by December 3, 2025.
» Tuesday, January 13, 2026: Write-in Candidate Filing Day.
» Tuesday, February 3, 2026: Early Voting begins at the Clerk’s Office located at 313 Cree Meadows, Ruidoso, NM, between 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, regular business hours. This is also the first day for Absentee Ballots. Please note: Early Voting will not be held on February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
» Saturday, February 28, 2026: Last day of Early Voting at the Clerk’s Office from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
» Tuesday, March 3, 2026: ELECTION DAY! Voting will be held at the Ruidoso Convention Center located at 111 Sierra Blanca Dr., Ruidoso, NM, from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
For questions regarding the Municipal Officer Election, contact:
Jini S. Turri, Village Clerk
313 Cree Meadows
Ruidoso, NM 88345
(575) 258-4343, ext. 1007
Last year, the Ruidoso Police Department partnered with agencies across Lincoln County to support the annual Shop with a Cop program, a community initiative that brings holiday cheer to local children. Officers from the Ruidoso Police Department, New Mexico State Police, Carrizozo Police Department, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office each paired with a child for a memorable day of activities and gift-giving.
On December 13, 2025, the tradition returned, starting with breakfast at the Chapel at Ruidoso Downs Race Track. The group then went to Walmart, where officers accompanied their assigned children on a holiday shopping trip, helping them select Christmas gifts for themselves and their families. Afterward, the group stopped by Boots & Jeans to collect a new jacket for each child.
To add to the fun, the officers and children then went to Sabor to delight in ice cream and a trip to the bowling alley, creating an informal setting to forge meaningful connections between law enforcement and local youth.
The continued participation of local law enforcement agencies underscores their commitment to building strong, positive relationships within the community and ensuring that every child can experience the joy of the holiday season.
Clean and Lien is a tool available to the Village to alleviate code violations at properties in Ruidoso. Most properties in Ruidoso are well-maintained, and when issues arise, owners typically respond quickly to make necessary repairs. However, when an owner is unable or unwilling to bring a property into compliance, Clean and Lien provides a remedy.
When a property is identified as not being in reasonable repair or having a nuisance, the Village sends a letter to the property owner setting out the violations, required corrections, a reasonable time to make corrections—no less than 10 days—and a statement that if problems are not satisfactorily addressed, the Village will make necessary repairs and assess costs to the property owner. The owner also has the right to request a hearing by the Village Council.
If the owner does not abate the issues, the Village will correct the violations and provide a statement of costs to the property owner, who may then make payment to the Village. If payment is not received, the Village will file a lien against the property for the abatement costs. The property owner then has four years to make restitution; if the debt remains unsatisfied, the Village will pursue other means to receive payment.
Clean and Lien provides a method for the Village to bring properties into compliance where a property owner may be unwilling or unable to do so. The process requires notice and an opportunity for the owner to make any needed corrections and to request a hearing before the Council. By filing a lien on the property, the Village and taxpayers are provided with a means of repayment for abatement costs. Clean and Lien is a balanced approach the Village may pursue in rare cases when a property owner is not responsive to typical enforcement processes, protecting both the owner’s rights and public safety and finances.
November and December shaped up to be wonderful months in Midtown Ruidoso. Between the celebrations and the excitement still ahead, the season has brought a renewed energy to our Village.
The Christmas Jubilee welcomed visitors from across the region for three days of festive shopping and holiday cheer. With special guests like The Yeti, Smokey Bear, and the Clauses, the Jubilee brought wonder to children and adults alike.
Black Friday Weekend was one for the record books in Midtown and the Village as a whole. Our streets were packed with holiday shoppers from morning to night. Bags in hand, families filled our shops and eateries, and many Midtown businesses stayed open late to meet the demand. Just days later, Ruidoso was treated to its first snowfall of the season, a perfect kickoff to winter. Bring it on!
The lighting of the Christmas tree at the annual Christmas in the Park celebration gathered an incredible number of locals and visitors at Wingfield Park. Friends, families, coworkers, visitors, and even pets came together to celebrate everything that makes our community special.
Soon after, the Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade illuminated Midtown with creativity and spirit. Local businesses, organizations, and high schools from across the region took part, reminding us of the unmatched charm of small-town life.
We would like to welcome two new businesses to our Ruidoso Midtown:
» Capcorner Ruidoso - 2500 Unit 6 Sudderth Dr. Nestled on the top floor of Four Seasons Mall. Capcorner Ruidoso offers caps, clothing, and fashion accessories.
» Molcajetes - 2703 Sudderth Dr. Stop by and pick from many options of traditional Mexican favorites.
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. Winter is still coming!
One of the favorite things we do here at the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce is to organize and present the Festival of Lights Parade. This year’s parade was on December 6, and it was a fantastic one!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the parade. The creativity and energy that went into all the entries were amazing, and it was extremely hard to pick the winners.
» First Place: Lincoln County, NM
» Second Place: The US Forest Service
» Third Place: Zia Natural Gas
We were honored by our two parade marshals, Adam Sanchez, who recently retired from the Village of Ruidoso and worked tirelessly as the Public Works Director, and Tbone Tetreault, also recently retired, who has done so much for our Village Parks as the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation. Thank you to both Adam and Tbone for your commitment to the Village! I would also like to thank the Ruidoso Police Department and the Ruidoso Fire Department for their assistance with the parade. They do a great job, and their assistance is invaluable.
Opening day for the 2026 Legislative Session will be January 20. This is a 30-day session, so it will be fast and furious, with most of the time spent on budget issues. We will hold our Lincoln County Day Legislative Reception in Santa Fe on February 4 at the Drury Plaza Hotel. This reception gives our chamber members and residents of Lincoln County the chance to come to Santa Fe and join us in representing the voice of our community. We invite all our state legislators and cabinet department secretaries to the reception. This is your opportunity to speak one-on-one with those in Santa Fe who make the decisions for our state.
Please consider attending this reception. Lincoln County and the Village of Ruidoso need to attend as a united front and make our voices heard. This is one of the most important benefits we offer our members and residents. Tickets are just $50 per person and include hors d’oeuvres and drinks. If you would like to attend, please contact us at the Chamber at 575-257-7395. If you cannot attend this reception but have issues or questions you would like us to bring to Santa Fe, please reach out to me at the Chamber.
It is a pleasure to serve as the Executive Director/CEO for the Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce. We are looking forward to a great 2026 and to continuing to make Ruidoso a better place to live, work, and play.
Happy New Year!
A Season to Celebrate: Ruidoso High School Fall Athletics
Ruidoso High School student-athletes capped off an exceptional Fall sports season marked by district championships, state tournament appearances, and individual honors across volleyball, football, cross-country, and soccer.
From dominant team performances to standout athletes and dedicated coaching, the Warriors showcased sportsmanship, resilience, and community pride in every competition.
Read the full recap celebrating the teams, coaches, and moments that made this a season worth celebrating—and look ahead to the exciting winter sports schedule.
ENMU-Ruidoso is now accepting registrations for the Spring 2026 semester, with in-person, online, and advisor-assisted options available. Students can choose from a wide range of associate degrees and career-focused certificate programs designed to meet regional workforce and academic goals.
With scholarships available and classes beginning January 12, now is the time to explore programs, secure financial support, and take the next step toward your educational and professional future.
Village of Ruidoso Honors Retiring Employees for Years of Dedicated Service
The Village of Ruidoso proudly recognizes four longtime employees whose retirements mark the close of decades of dedicated public service. Representing Forestry, Solid Waste, Water Production, and Parks & Recreation, their collective contributions strengthened Village operations, supported community resilience, and helped shape Ruidoso as it is today. Join us in celebrating their leadership, professionalism, and lasting legacy of service.
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
Have questions or feedback? Contact us.