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.

The U.S. Forest Service has announced a temporary closure in the Smokey Bear Ranger District, Lincoln National Forest, from Oct. 1 to Oct. 15, 2024, to ensure public safety during restoration efforts following the South Fork Fire. The closure allows for aerial seeding and mulching to restore fire-damaged lands. Entry into the area, roads, and trails is prohibited. Violators may face fines or imprisonment.

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 AspenFest Parade is set for Saturday, October 5th, starting at 10:00 AM, with road closures beginning at 9:30 AM. Sudderth Drive will be closed from Paradise Canyon Drive to the Traffic Circle on Main Road. Alternate routes are advised to avoid traffic delays. Barricades and detours will be in place to manage traffic. Plan ahead and enjoy the festivities!

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.

Lincoln National Forest is planning a prescribed fire schedule for the fall season from October – December 2024. These plans are part of the long-term land management and wildfire mitigation strategy for the forest.

Bright Harbor, specialists in disaster recovery, will be in Ruidoso this week, offering free services to assist community members impacted by recent disasters. Representatives from the organization will be available at Albertsons on Thursday, September 26, and Friday, September 27, 2024, from 11 am to 6 pm.

Lincoln National Forest will host a free public tree planting event at the Trestle Recreation Area on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A mandatory training brief for volunteers will take place from 9-10 a.m.

The New Mexico State Board of Licensure outlines guidelines for restoring fire-damaged foundations, including structural assessments, material testing, and code compliance. In fire zones, soil suitability tests may be required for new foundations. For flood zones, rebuilding must comply with floodplain regulations, ensuring safety and stability.

Over $22 million in federal assistance has been approved for recovery efforts following the South Fork and Salt Fires and flooding in New Mexico. FEMA, the SBA, and NFIP are helping homeowners, renters, and businesses with grants, loans, and insurance settlements. The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance is October 19, 2024. Visit disasterassistance.gov for more information.

Hiring unlicensed contractors can be risky. New Mexico urges residents to verify licenses of handymen, roofers, electricians, and more. Report unlicensed work to the Construction Industries or Manufactured Housing Divisions. Visit RLD.NM.GOV/REBUILDING-NEW-MEXICO or call 505-222-9800 to ensure safe rebuilding in Ruidoso.

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.

Join the Village of Ruidoso and FEMA for a Federal Contract Registration Workshop and 1:1 assistance sessions for short-term rental owners and local contractors impacted by the South Fork and Salt Fires. Learn how to register on sam.gov for federal contracts, including FEMA’s Direct Lease program. Sessions will be held at ENMU-Ruidoso on September 10-12, 2024.

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.