Mondays with the Mayor
August 10, 2026: Guests and Topics Discussed
Eric Queller, Emergency Manager – Provided a national wildfire update, noting that more than 100 wildfires exceeding 1,000 acres are currently burning across the United States, with approximately 85% of the nation’s firefighting resources committed. He discussed how these demands continue to impact wildfire response nationwide.
Fire Chief Cade Hall – Reported that the Ruidoso Fire Department currently has two firefighters and fire apparatus deployed to Utah to assist with ongoing wildfire suppression efforts as part of mutual aid operations.
Levi Beaty, Public Works Director – Shared progress on the 603 Mechem Project, announcing that curb work has been completed and paving is expected to begin soon, weather permitting. He also addressed roof leaks affecting two homes within the project area, noting that those issues are currently being resolved.
Josh Long, Assistant Public Works Director – Updated listeners on Village paving projects, explaining that Cutler Paving has completed work in the White Mountain Meadows subdivision and has moved to Cree Meadows Drive, where work is expected to finish within about two weeks. He also reported that Village crews are nearing completion of paving projects on Larch and Wilshire, with both expected to wrap up this week.
Heath Dobrovolny, Deputy Village Manager – Answered a listener question about the Emergency Watershed Protection Buyout Program, explaining that the county has made its first formal property offer and that additional offers are anticipated to be issued during the week.
Eddie Ryan, Manager of Events & Strategic Partnerships, and Steve Andrus, XTERRA – Discussed preparations for the XTERRA World Championship coming to Ruidoso in October. Steve Andrus shared that the production team is scheduled to arrive on September 24 to begin event planning and setup, and noted that team members are utilizing the new Contour Airlines service into Sierra Blanca Regional Airport.
Matthew Baird, Parks & Recreation Director – Recapped recent community events, highlighting continued strong attendance at the Midtown Market, where one homemade sourdough bread vendor sold out within the first hour. He also reported that more than 40 dogs participated in this year’s Pooch Party, marking the final public pool event of the season.
Stephanie Long, Wingfield Heritage House Curator – Previewed next week’s Mountain Maker Family Day at Wingfield Heritage House Museum, featuring hands-on activities and creative projects for families. She also shared the history of Ruidoso’s Old Mill, explaining its dual role as both a sawmill and gristmill and noting that one of its earliest major projects supplied lumber used to repair Fort Stanton after Civil War-era fire damage.
Police Chief Steve Minner and Deputy Chief Jason Janopolous – Reminded residents that schools are reopening and encouraged motorists to exercise extra caution in school zones and around school buses. They also provided an update on the automated speed enforcement cameras on Paradise Canyon and Junction Road, reporting that more than 500 citations have been issued since the cameras became operational just over two weeks ago, including one violation involving a vehicle traveling 76 mph on Junction Road.