September 23, 2024: Guests and Topics Discussed:

1. Mayor's Update:

   • The Mayor and Ron reflected on the Cabinet in the Community event at Ruidoso High School and the Motor Mountain Weekend event.

   • He also addressed some residents' ongoing difficulties with insurance claims and finding insurance carriers after the fires and floods.

2. Public Works Director Adam Sanchez:

   • Re-routing Water: Adam discussed finalizing the water reroute in the Black Forest area, which was done as a result of the fires.

   • Guard Rail Extension: He responded to a listener's question about extending a guard rail on Grant and Apache Drive.

3. Fire Department:

   • Lightning-Started Fire: Fire Chief Joe Kasuboski and Interim Assistant Fire Chief Cade Hall shared updates on a lightning-started fire near Buck Mountain that was monitored over the weekend.

   • Retirement Announcement: Fire Chief Kasuboski announced his plans to retire at the end of the year.

4. Parks & Recreation:

   • New Playground: David “TBone” Tetreault, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director discussed opening the new playground at School House Park.

   • Grant Allocation: He explained the grants used for the playground project and why they were allocated to parks rather than to fire and flood recovery efforts like bridges.

5. Police Department:

   • Retirement Announcement: Police Chief Lawrence Chavez announced his retirement at the end of November.

   • Tour of Fire and Flood Damage: He also discussed giving members of the New Mexico Cabinet tours of the village's fire and flood damage.

   • DUI Uptick: Deputy Police Chief Steve Minner reported an increase in DUI cases involving alcohol and marijuana in the area.