Mondays with the Mayor
September 21, 2026: Guests and Topics Discussed
Mayor Lynn Crawford, Deputy Village Manager Heath Dobrovolny & Public Works Director Levi Beaty: Beaty provided updates on several ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Grindstone Canyon Road water line project, the Two Rivers Park water diversion project, and the Highway 70 manhole replacement project. He also discussed the effect of rising fuel costs on the department’s operating budget. Beaty and Dobrovolny addressed water usage and water loss throughout the Village and explained that the Village is exploring grant funding for advanced leak-detection technology using artificial intelligence and satellite imagery to help identify problem areas within the water system.
Emergency Manager Eric Queller: Discussed last week’s flooding, explaining that it was not caused by burn scar runoff. Instead, heavy rainfall concentrated in the Turkey Canyon area of Ruidoso Downs contributed to the flooding experienced in the area.
Fire Chief Cade Hall: Announced that the Fire Department will begin fire hydrant testing this week to monitor hydrant flow rates throughout the Village. He also noted that the U.S. Forest Service will begin prescribed burn operations in the area, starting with burn piles near the Lookout Tower.
Ruidoso High School Lady Warriors Volleyball Coach Rory: Discussed the upcoming Lady Warriors volleyball season and the challenge of rebuilding the team after nine seniors graduated from last year’s squad.
Economic Development Director Lara Price: Highlighted several economic development workshops scheduled for September and October, including the Financial Foundation for Small Business Success workshop, being held Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon at ENMU-Ruidoso.
Manager of Events & Strategic Partnerships Eddie Ryan: Discussed ongoing conversations with action sports athlete Brian Deegan regarding a potential location in the area for a motorsports facility of more than 200 acres that could accommodate motocross, side-by-side, and rally car racing.
Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Mark Coker: Recapped the successful Run Ruidoso event held over the weekend and provided updates on improvements underway at the Eagle Creek Sports Complex.
Wingfield Heritage House Curator Stephanie Long: Highlighted the Time Turners Book Club’s October selection, Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky, and reminded listeners that the Museum Friends Group will hold its monthly meeting Friday at 10 a.m. in the Ruidoso Public Library conference room.
Police Chief Steve Minner & Deputy Police Chief Jason Janopolous: Provided updates on the Village’s Automated Speed Enforcement camera locations, noting that the newest camera on Hull Road is expected to become active by the end of the week. They also addressed a listener question about a recent law enforcement operation at the LA Nails Plaza, stating that additional information is expected to be released later this week.