The RSVP program of Ruidoso Community Center and partners is hosting a Winter Coat Drive to support neighbors in need. Donate new or gently used winter items for adults and children, including coats, gloves, hats, scarves, and hoodies. Drop-offs are accepted through Jan. 20, 2025, at various locations, including Albertsons, Walgreens, and Horton Gymnasium. For details, call 575-257-4565.

The Ruidoso Fire Department advises fireplace safety this winter to avoid chimney fires, carbon monoxide risks, and burns. Key steps: schedule annual chimney cleanings, burn seasoned wood only, install smoke and CO detectors, and keep flammable items three feet away. Teach children fire safety and call 911 in emergencies. Follow these tips to enjoy a safe, cozy season.

Residents of Ruidoso and the Mescalero Apache Reservation affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding between June 17 and Aug. 20, 2024, have less than five days to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The deadline is Oct. 19 to apply for FEMA aid or SBA low-interest disaster loans. Don’t wait—apply online, by phone, or visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the Horton Complex in Ruidoso.

With wildland fires posing an increasing threat in our area, being prepared is more important than ever. Join a free Wildland Fire Preparedness session on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the ENMU-Ruidoso Campus. Learn from local fire experts about fire terminology, personal and community preparedness, and collaboration with fire agencies. For more details, contact Bequi Livingston at 505-263-0289.

New Mexico residents impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding have until October 19, 2024, to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Homeowners and renters in affected counties and the Mescalero Apache Reservation can receive grants that don't need to be repaid. Apply online, via the FEMA app, by phone, or in person at the Ruidoso Disaster Recovery Center before the deadline.

From October 9-12, residents affected by the recent fires and floods can receive expert advice at the Village of Ruidoso Community Center. FEMA specialists will provide guidance on repairs, rebuilding, and flood insurance. Don’t miss this opportunity to get valuable support and resources for your recovery efforts.

This month, Ruidoso bustles with fall festivities like AspenFest and the Midtown Halloween Celebration, featuring trick-or-treating, coffin races, and costume contests. The village also continues disaster recovery, community center upgrades, and workforce housing progress. Residents are reminded of school zone safety, and LCEMS has expanded 24-hour ambulance services, improving response times.

The New Mexico Tourism Department committed $125,000 to support tourism recovery in Ruidoso and Lincoln County after wildfires and floods. Combined with local funds, the total $200,000 will boost marketing efforts to encourage local shopping and visitor spending. This initiative aims to restore tourism and help the community recover economically.

The Ruidoso Community Center recently completed major renovations funded by a $372,826 grant from the NM Aging & Long-Term Services Capital Outlay Department. Upgrades include a redesigned commercial kitchen to enhance safety and efficiency, with improved sanitation measures, and renovated restrooms featuring new sinks, tile walls, and added privacy. These improvements ensure a cleaner, more functional space for community use.

The Village of Ruidoso (VOR) Workforce Housing Development at 603 Mechem is progressing with four of the ten homes on-site; the rest are expected by October 2024. Crews are preparing the sites, and utilities will be installed by January 2025. Berkshire Hathaway manages a waitlist for prospective residents. Contact 575-257-4011 for qualifications or 575-258-4343 ext. 1006 for project details.

The 2024 General Election is quickly approaching! Make sure you're prepared by registering to vote before the October 8 deadline. Early voting begins on October 19, and absentee ballot requests must be submitted by October 22. Don’t miss your opportunity to shape the future on Election Day, November 5. Read more for crucial information on polling locations, early voting sites, and deadlines.

Celebrate the grand opening of the Wingfield Heritage House Museum on October 17, 2024! The event starts with a ribbon-cutting at 12 PM, followed by an open house from 2-4 PM, and live music, food, and drinks from 4-6 PM. Explore exhibits on Ruidoso's history in the newly restored 1920s Wingfield House. Free and open to the public—come join the fun and discover Ruidoso's heritage!

FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program allows an exception to the 30-day waiting period for coverage if post-wildfire flooding originates on federal land. Property owners can get immediate coverage if they purchase a policy before or within 60 days of fire containment. The exception is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Free legal assistance is available to residents of southern New Mexico impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding from June 17 to Aug. 20, 2024. Funded by FEMA and provided by the ABA's Young Lawyers Division, Disaster Legal Services (DLS) helps with issues like insurance claims, home repair fraud, and FEMA appeals. DLS services are confidential and free for those in eligible counties.

The SBA has approved $12.3 million in disaster loans, mainly for homeowners and renters. Following FEMA's closure of the incident period for DR 4795-NM on Aug. 20, 2024, those affected from June 17 to Aug. 20 can apply for loans by the Oct. 19 deadline. SBA reps are available for assistance, and webinars offer additional info. Applying ensures loan availability if insurance or aid falls short.

Homeowners affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires or flooding may be eligible for financial assistance from FEMA and the SBA to repair or rebuild stronger homes. FEMA provides funds for mitigation measures like vent screens, non-combustible gutters, and elevating utilities. The SBA offers low-interest loans for home improvements to prevent future damage. Contact FEMA or SBA for more details.

Ruidoso Mayor Lynn D. Crawford has issued Executive Order 2024-01 to support recovery efforts after the South Fork and Salt Fires and subsequent floods. The order waives all permitting and installation fees for rebuilding destroyed properties, helping to alleviate financial strain on affected property owners and encouraging the community’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The Village of Ruidoso has introduced a Disaster Recovery Dashboard to aid those affected by the South Fork and Salt fires and floods. This online platform offers real-time updates on recovery efforts, including infrastructure restoration, rebuilding guidelines, and available resources. It serves as a centralized hub for essential information to support community recovery.

The Village of Ruidoso has been selected to host the 2025 New Mexico Municipal League Annual Conference at the Ruidoso Convention Center for September 9-12, 2025. Announced during the 67th NMML Conference in Clovis, this event will feature workshops, networking, and community support projects. The 2024 conference highlighted Clovis’s community spirit, featuring keynotes and hands-on volunteer work.

Lincoln National Forest has lowered the fire danger rating to 'low' on all districts due to improved conditions, lifting most fire restrictions. Some closures remain on the Smokey Bear Ranger District after the South Fork Fire. With Labor Day approaching, practice fire safety and be aware of flash floods near burn scars. Offices will close on September 2 for Labor Day.