Mondays with the Mayor
August 8, 2022: Show topics this week included infrastructure updates on the Paradise Canyon paving project and proposed plans for a disc golf course in the Eagle Creek area. Upcoming events discussed included the August 13-14, 2022, First Annual Sierra Blanca Pow Wow at the Ruidoso Convention Center and Downshift Brewing Company’s Midtown Oktoberfest on September 24, 2022, featuring stein-hoisting contests, German food, live music, and more. Local Musician/Promotor, Jhett Black joined the show to promote a September singer-songwriter night at Sacred Grounds, and Ruidoso Police Chief Chavez was in the studio with back-to-school traffic safety tips and parade safety precautions for the annual Aspen Fest parade and Festival on October 1-2, 2022.
Mondays with the Mayor
August 1, 2022: Show topics this week included Executive Order 2022-04, a temporary abatement to the annual CPI adjustment to utility rates, flooding within the McBride Fire burn scar, the August 2, Special Meeting agenda, and updates regarding the Workforce Housing project. The concert lineup was announced for the 2022 Ride Ruidoso Week, a motorcycle benefit event on September 12 -18, 2022, at Wingfield Park, in addition to expanded parking capacity for the Winter Park and Eagle Creek area. Ruidoso Police Chief Chavez was in the studio to discuss recent police activity and a 3rd Citizens’ Police Academy scheduled for September.
Mondays with the Mayor
July 18, 2022: Show topics this week included infrastructure updates, including status reports on the Wingfield House, upper Sudderth Dr sidewalk project, bridges, and more. Guest Leroy Cockrell joined the show to discuss new OHV trails in the Hale Lake area. Parks and Recreation director Rodney Griego shared information about 2022 Ride Ruidoso Week, a motorcycle benefit event on September 12 -18, 2022, at Wingfield Park, and a new grant application for the White Mountain Recreation Complex Ruidoso Police Chief Chavez was in the studio to discuss recent police activity.
Mondays with the Mayor
June 27, 2022: Show topics this week included Fourth of July weekend activities and events. the June 29 Special Meeting Agenda including the NMSA enhanced 911 requirements, and the Mechem Drive Workforce Housing Project. Infrastructure updates included the Gavilan Canyon Road construction and the 2022 Special Session Senate Bill 1 Appropriations for Ruidoso Midtown improvements. Fire Chief Kasuboski was in the studio to introduce the new Assistant Fire Chief Ross Coleman, the need for additional firefighters, and the return to Level 1 fire restrictions. Ruidoso Police Chief Chavez joined the show to discuss recent police activity, the White Mountain Drive speed study results, and an increase in catalytic convertors and gasoline theft.
Mondays with the Mayor
June 20, 2022: Show topics this week included the successful first annual Party In The Pines events. village monsoon preparations, especially regarding the McBride Fire burn scar area, Sudderth Drive address changes due to NMSA enhanced 911 requirements, and the NMML City Management Association Conference being held this week at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Infrastructure updates included the Gavilan Canyon Road construction and schedule adjustments due to rain. Listener Andre Hernandez called in to discuss the need for food security and steps people can take to be prepared if and when the need arises. Also discussed were the 4th of July Weekend events including a patriotic-themed Drone Light Show and a reminder that fireworks are prohibited.
Mondays with the Mayor
June 13, 2022: Show topics this week included the June 17-19 Party In The Pines and Father’s Day Weekend events. NM Fire Information, the local Outdoor Burn Band and Forest Closure, plus President Biden’s NM visit and pledge for recovery costs. Tim Keithley from the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino joined the show to discuss this past weekend’s Derby and Futurity races and summer events..Congressional candidate, Michelle Garcia Holmes, called in and Ruidoso Police Chief Chavez Police Chief was in to discuss RPD active shooter procedures and the continued need for new officers and dispatchers.
Mondays with the Mayor
June 6, 2022: Show topics this week included the Cienegita Fire on the Mescalero Reservation and the lifting of the READY status for all affected Ruidoso neighborhoods. Also discussed was the June 7 Village Council Workshop Meeting regarding village workforce needs. County Commission Candidate Alice Velasquez telephoned in to discuss her campaign. Ruidoso Police Chief Chavez Police Chief joined the show to discuss the gun violence and the procedures and training that Ruidoso Police have in place for such events. George “The Trout Man” Schlemeyer was in the studio to discuss the success of the June 4 Grindstone Lake Youth Fishing Tournament as well as summer fishing tips and advice.
Mondays with the Mayor
May 23, 2022: Show topics this week included the cause of a brief power outage over the weekend, the Memorial Day Weekend season opening of the Ruidoso Downs Race Track, and the Special Council Meeting called to discuss village housing needs. Ruidoso Police Chief Chavez reported on the Motorcycle Rally related accidents and the May 24 - 27, 2022 New Mexico APCO/NENA Training and Vendor Conference in Ruidoso. Curtis Williamson of Schlotzsky’s was in the studio to discuss the impact of workforce challenges to his business.
Mondays with the Mayor
May 9, 2022: Show topics this week included event recaps from the May 5 and 6 Cinco de Mayo Celebration and the May 5 Cabinet In Your Community public meeting. Village Water Rights and Water Conservation Specialist Eric Boyda joined the show to discuss the May 9 McBride and Nogal Canyon Post-fire BAER Cooperators Public Meeting and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) efforts to find unseen water leaks with acoustic leak detection technology. Ruidoso Police Chief Chavez reported on the regional impact of recreational cannabis legalization and village officials provided status updates for road construction projects including the Town and Country area, Grindstone, Gavilan Canyon, and Paradise Canyon.
Mondays with the Mayor
May 2, 2022: Show topics this week included the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak wildfire in San Miguel and Mora Counties and how Village of Ruidoso officials are reaching out with help. Also discussed were the Community Foundation of Lincoln County and Hope Harbour Transition Home fundraiser projects and how to help. Ruidoso Police Chief Chavez reported on the success of April 30 National Prescription Drug Take-Back Program for the safe disposal of unneeded medications and NM Treasurer Democratic Candidate, Laura Montoya telephoned in about her campaign and personal connection to the Las Vegas NM area wildfire.
Mondays with the Mayor
April 25, 2022: Blues musician Jhett Black joined the show this week to discuss his invitation to the International Blues Competition in Memphis and his upcoming performances including his An Evening of Blues and BBQ on May 20 at Enchanted Vine. Heather McCurry of the DEA, phoned in to discuss the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Program scheduled for April 30, 2022, from 10 AM to 2 PM for the safe disposal of unneeded medications. The dropoff site is the Ruidoso Police Department at 1085 Mechem Drive. Congresswoman Yvette Herrell, State Treasurer candidate Harry Montoya, and County Commissioner candidate Mark Fisher each telephoned in to discuss their respective campaigns.
Mondays with the Mayor
April 18, 2022: Topics discussed this week included the McBride Fire emergency with Ruidoso Fire Chief Joe Kasuboski joining the show to address the siren test and PNM power failure. Ruidoso Schools Superintendent Dr. George Bickert phoned in to report that there was no structural damage to the Middle and High schools and only the lingering smell of smoke that will be addressed. Ed Greene from the NM Baptist Disaster Relief group was in the studio to discuss how their services are ready to provide help to fire victims. Twelfth district Division 2 Judge Ellen Jesson also joined the show to discuss her upcoming run for re-election.
Mondays with the Mayor
April 11, 2022: Topics discussed this week included the 3rd Annual Bunny Run/Walk and Easter Egg Hunt at Cedar Creek Recreational Area, the return of the Wingfield Park Growers Market, and Mountain Coaster at Ruidoso Winter Park, plus music summer music events. Tim Roberts shared information about the May 5 and 6, 2022 Cinco De Mayo Celebration at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Ruidoso Fire Chief Cody Thetford joined the show to discuss his time with the Village and his plans for retirement. Adam Sanchez, Public Works Director, provided a status report of various public works repairs and Village officials shared information on the Moon Mountain, Wingfield Park, and White Mountain Master Plans. Ruidoso Police Chief Lawrence Chavis shared department plans for greater community engagement and a new consolidated dispatch center.
Mondays with the Mayor
April 4, 2022: Topics discussed this week included the April 1 start of NM recreational adult-use cannabis with Arnold Duke from Elevation 6420 in the studio. Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Director Rodney Griego and Lizza Miller joined the show with a status update about the Moon Mountain feasibility study. Shirley Donaldson shared information about the May 2022 beginners’ clogging class at the Ruidoso Community Center. Sue Hutchinson and Chef Brendan Gochenour discussed the Hope Harbor April 30 fundraiser, ‘Afternoon of Hope’ at ENMU. Also joining the show this week were Eddie Gutierrez and Jamey Rupley of Downshift Brewing Company at the Hidden Tap and Police Chief Lawrence Chavis to discuss the Citizens’ Police Academy and the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 30, a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs.
Mondays with the Mayor
March 28, 2022: Topics discussed this week included the April 24, 2022 Great American Cleanup and the PNM Aerial Inspection for wildfire mitigation. Also discussed was the fatal motorcycle accident on U.S. Hwy. 380. Republican Congressional Candidate Michelle Garcia-Holmes was in the studio to discuss her campaign and experience. Police Chief Lawrence Chavis joined the show to discuss a recent report of gunshots and motorcycle safety.
Mondays with the Mayor
March 21, 2022: Topics discussed this week included the Paradise Canyon Lateral Replacement, the Warrior Dr. Culvert Replacement, and the scheduled Capital Projects update at 7:00 am on Thursday morning. Also discussed was State Transportation Commission (STC) Meeting in Roswell. Robin Gelton and Mark Omero with Lincoln County Adult Literacy were in the studio to discuss the need for volunteers and to get the word out to people who may need Adult Literacy assistance. Ramon Griego, General Manager of Quarters Nightclub and Grill and The Ranchers Steak and Seafood Restaurant, and Chon Caswell, GM of Casa Blanca and Texas Club restaurants, joined the show to discuss Ruidoso staffing and affordable housing issues.
Mondays with the Mayor
March 14, 2022: Village Councilor John Cornelius joined the show this week to discuss his history with the village from the early 70s through his past 8 years as a council member including workforce housing and his son's involvement in securing the village's online security and his role with FEMA in Washington for getting the funds from the 2008 flood. Also discussed was the successful first annual Ruidoso Outdoor Expo. Cannabis Advocate Josh McCurdy also joined the show to discuss the upcoming April 1st retail sale of recreational cannabis in New Mexico and the associated regulations and challenges.
Mondays with the Mayor
March 7, 2022: Topics discussed this week included the past weekend's Blue & Gold Ruidoso Warriors fundraiser, the March 12, 13, 2022, Ruidoso Outdoor Expo at the Ruidoso Convention Center, and the agenda for Tuesday’s Council Meeting including the approval of the sewer line extension for the new Region IX location on Mechem Drive plus an agreement for services with EcoServants. Also discussed were Village employees and promotions, and resurfacing grant applications for Brady Canyon and the Upper Canyon traffic circle. Police Chief Lawrence Chavez introduced the department’s newest officer, Ryan Munoz, and the Mayor swore him in. Chief Chavez also discussed last week's police activities including a disturbance at the hospital and the arrest of two suspects in a string of home robberies and the community's assistance in their capture.
Mondays with the Mayor
February 28, 2022: Topics discussed this week included the past weekend's Republican Party of New Mexico Pre-Primary State Convention at the Ruidoso Convention Center, the 2022 Municipal Officer Elections, and the March 1 Village Council Workshop Meeting. Police Chief Chavez was in to give updates on the police activities this past week including an apparent suicide at Grindstone Lake.
Mondays with the Mayor
February 21, 2022: Gary L Jackson, Darren Hooker, Stephen Carter and Tim Coughlin joined the show this week for a 2022 Municipal Officer Election Candidate Forum hosted by Hospital Chief Executive Todd Oberheu of Lincoln County Medical Center. Municipal Judge Candidate Frank Potter who is running unopposed was also interviewed by telephone. Forum participants introduced themselves and provided brief candidate statements and answered questions about village issues including workforce housing, water issues, police, and the search for police recruits. Later in the show, infrastructure updates were also provided for the Paradise Canyon Lateral Replacement, Midtown Light Pole Replacement, and Center Street Renovation projects.