NM Cabinet Officials Provide Info on Broadband and Water Testing in Mescalero, Ruidoso
On August 20, 2024, signs along the Rio Ruidoso remained covered in mud from previous flooding at the bridge. This weekend, residents of Mescalero and Ruidoso will have two opportunities to engage with New Mexico cabinet secretaries or their representatives about topics such as workforce assistance, child care, water well testing, broadband access, and Medicare benefits.
The events, called “Cabinet in Your Community,” are hosted by the governor’s office to give New Mexicans a chance to connect directly with state government officials. The first event will take place on Friday, Sept. 20, at the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, while the second event will be held at Ruidoso High School on Saturday, Sept. 21.
The schedule for the Mescalero event at the Inn of the Mountain Gods (287 Carrizo Canyon Rd.) includes a State Services Expo from 3-7 p.m. and a Community Town Hall from 5:30-7:30 p.m. In Ruidoso, the event will be at Ruidoso High School (125 Warrior Dr.) with a State Services Expo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a Community Town Hall from 1-4 p.m.
According to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office, the expo allows residents to meet directly with state officials to discuss any issues they may be experiencing and provide feedback on how the government can better serve the community. Topics will include assistance with job searches, Medicaid enrollment, child care, food and cash assistance, and unemployment benefits.
The town halls will provide another opportunity for residents to address their concerns with cabinet officials.
The Office of Broadband Access & Expansion will also be present at both events. Acting Director Drew Lovelace and his team will be available to discuss challenges related to broadband communication systems. The area experienced damage to infrastructure from the South Fork and Salt fires, which disrupted cell service and internet access during critical times.
Additionally, the nonprofit organization Digitunity will be at both events to accept applications from residents interested in receiving a refurbished desktop computer.
The New Mexico Environment Department will offer free well water testing at both events. Residents from Mescalero and Ruidoso can bring a water sample for testing. The first 100 residents to submit a sample will receive the service free of charge. Test results will be mailed to participants within three weeks.
State officials provided guidelines for well water testing. Residents are asked to bring information about their well, including its dimensions, water depth, latitude, longitude, and the distance from the well to the nearest septic tank or leach field system. Details about the well’s casing material are also required.
To collect a water sample, residents should allow their water to run for at least three minutes before filling a clean, odorless glass or plastic container with at least one quart of water. The sample should be collected before any filtration or softener process and should be delivered promptly to the events in Mescalero or Ruidoso.
