Mondays with the Mayor
October 5, 2026: Guests and Topics Discussed
Deputy Village Manager Heath Dobrovolny: Discussed new issues affecting FEMA projects and the challenges involved in receiving both federal and state funding for approved projects. He also updated listeners on the Emergency Watershed Buyout Program, noting that only two properties have received and accepted offers so far and that the process continues to move slowly.
Fire Chief Cade Hall & Emergency Manager Eric Queller: Hall provided an update on a structure fire that occurred last week, with preliminary findings indicating that ash from a chimney may have ignited pine needles on the roof. He encouraged homeowners to have chimneys inspected and cleaned and to clear pine needles from roofs and around homes before winter. Queller discussed storms that could potentially affect the area in the coming weeks and noted that the official 2026 monsoon season ended last week, with Ruidoso faring relatively well in terms of flooding. Hall and Queller also addressed the old warning siren that had recently been sounding, reporting that it has been disconnected.
Public Works Director Levi Beaty: Provided updates on several Village projects, including the lift station project on Mechem Drive and the Drooping Juniper project, which was recently approved by the Water Trust Board.
Pastor Dustin McEwen, Community Methodist Church: Previewed the church’s upcoming 80th anniversary celebration.
Steve Andrus & JD Cousins, XTERRA: Previewed activities leading up to this weekend’s XTERRA World Championship races, including Thursday evening’s XTERRA Welcome Party at Wingfield Park, and encouraged residents and visitors to take part in the festivities.
Parks & Recreation Director Matthew Baird: Discussed preparations for XTERRA, including the temporary closure of Grindstone Lake and portions of the trail system during the event. He also promoted the upcoming Keep Ruidoso Beautiful Toss No Mas Cleanup event, focused on cleaning waterways throughout the Village.
Logan Fleharty, R2Doso Comic Con: Previewed R2Doso Con, taking place October 17–18 at the Ruidoso Convention Center, and highlighted featured guests including Star Wars actor Daniel Logan and actress Karyn Whitfield, known for her role as Batgirl.
Wingfield Heritage House Museum Curator Stephanie Long: Discussed the museum’s upcoming Second Anniversary Celebration and its participation in XTERRA Community Activities at Wingfield Park this week.
Economic Development Director Lara Price: Promoted upcoming Housing Focus Group sessions scheduled for October 13 and 14 at the Horton Center. She also reminded listeners that the free Small Business Financial Management Workshop, originally planned for late September, will be held this Wednesday at ENMU-Ruidoso.
Police Chief Steve Minner & Deputy Police Chief Jason Janopolous: Recapped police activity from the past week, including Aspenfest and the parade, and discussed a recent DUI case involving a driver under age 21. They also addressed ongoing concerns about motorcycles traveling at excessive speeds in the area.