Latest news with #KRQENews13
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Ruidoso Downs handler recounts saving horses' lives during historic flooding
RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – The historic floods that swept through Ruidoso damaged hundreds of homes and businesses, including the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino. The sudden floods quickly endangered hundreds of horses located throughout the Downs, but brave employees stepped up to help. The floods on Tuesday brought in more than 20 feet of water, putting race horses that were in their stalls in danger. How to donate to Ruidoso flood victims KRQE News 13 spoke with handler Pedrio Zubiate, who said dozens of workers risked their lives to rescue the animals. 'There were areas where the water was up to my knees,' said Zubiate. He said he was working in his stalls Tuesday afternoon when workers received a flash flood warning on their phones. He said his boss told him and the other workers to grab their belongings and rush down to help the horses near the track.'You could see the river that crosses down here. Start to rise, and rise, and rise, and rise. Once it overflowed, we could see horses with water up to their knees. That's when we said, get everything out,' said Zubiate. Officials say hundreds of homes damaged in Ruidoso flooding Zubiate said he, along with other workers, didn't hesitate to wade into the water to rescue more than 100 horses. He said that although they were in fear of the rising water and the possibility of a frightened horse hurting them, they couldn't leave the animals to suffer. 'Basically, we wake up with them, we eat with them, sleep with them. The truth is, it's a strong love we have for these animals, and letting them die, it's not an option,' Zubiate said. When asked if it was worth risking their own lives for the animals, Zubiate said it was an easy decision. 'People think, 'they're just animals.' It's not like that. No, for us, they're family.' Ruidoso Downs said the floods destroyed jockeys' quarters, timing mechanisms, and other necessary equipment needed to operate horse racing, leading them to cancel the races at the Ruidoso Downs this season. 'Well, it's hard. To start to move everything again. We were already set up here, getting used to the climate and prepping our horses, and now we have to start over again.' In a press release, Ruidoso Downs said their infield got more than 10 feet of water at the height of the flash flooding, but said no race horses died during the floods. Ruidoso Downs also announced that this year's All American Futurity, Derby, and Oaks will be held at the Albuquerque Downs on Labor Day. They added they're 'confident there will be horse racing again at Ruidoso Downs in 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
McKinley County District Attorney told to give up control of office's finances
MCKINLEY COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – A New Mexico district attorney has lost her fight to keep control of her office's budget. It's been an issue KRQE News 13 first told you about in a KRQE Investigation this week. This move comes after years of concerns and complaints from the community and police about criminals not being held accountable — and the McKinley County DA creating a hostile work environment. Related Coverage: Defunded DA hangs onto control of office for now 'It's on her': Senator defunds DA citing attitude, staff shortage Lawmakers gave Bernadine Martin's budget to the neighboring DA in San Juan County. Jack Fortner took control of it Tuesday when the fiscal year began. But when he showed up at her office, she requested he hold off for two more weeks, citing her pending request to the New Mexico Supreme Court to weigh in on the budget move. The justices' decision on Wednesday means Martin must let Fortner take over. If she doesn't, she could be removed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Record-breaking flooding destroys homes, leaves 3 dead in Ruidoso
RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – Floodwaters reaching more than 20 feet hit the Village of Ruidoso Tuesday, and claimed the lives of three people, including two children. On Wednesday, Mayor Lynn D. Crawford said they're clearing debris while search and rescue teams continue, as more rain is expected. Last year, the Village of Ruidoso faced historic burn scar floods, but on Wednesday, they said these floods have surpassed that. The mayor said at a news conference Wednesday that after a year of rebuilding, they had just gotten back on their feet. 'We were there and now again we're not. So we're backed up and that creates quite a dichotomy because we are here today talking about the catastrophe that we just experienced, the biggest catastrophe of all is the three lives that we lost,' said Mayor Crawford. The Village of Ruidoso said a flash flood emergency was declared at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, warning the public to get to high ground. The floods hit a record high of over 20 feet, beating last year's record-setting of 15 feet. The areas hit the hardest include the Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, Cedar Creek, and Paradise Canyon. The Village of Ruidoso said they had approximately 65 swift water rescues with people getting stuck in homes, cars, and trees. About 18 to 20 people were displaced and are staying at the Village Community Center. The mayor confirmed that a 4-year-old girl, a 7-year-old boy, and a 40 to 50-year-old man were swept downstream and killed. Officials have not released the names of the victims. KRQE News 13 has learned that a Fort Bliss soldier and his family were in Ruidoso and caught in the record flooding. The soldier and his spouse sustained serious injuries and are receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Texas. The couple's children were declared dead. The New Mexico National Guard currently has approximately 70 members in Ruidoso and has a Black Hawk helicopter on standby to help with search and rescue missions. The Village of Ruidoso said they have an outdoor warning system that they did not activate because it's reserved for full town evacuations, saying the flooding only affected specific areas. According to officials, 30 – 50 homes have been destroyed, and the number could rise as crews work to assess the damage. All shelters are open for anyone who needs to utilize them. A missing persons hotline was set up at (575) 637 – 0398. Residents can monitor updates from the Village of Ruidoso via social posts, which can be accessed through the village website by clicking here. Officials also say the second leg of the Triple Crown quarter horse racing, which was supposed to start this weekend, will not be happening. Ruidoso Downs Race Track crews had begun restoring the track earlier this year, putting in culverts and a retention basin to help with flooding. Video from Tuesday shows flood water taking over the track, overpowering those flood mitigation efforts. The Ruidoso Downs released the following statement: We want to start this morning by saying thank you to all those that have reached out and checked in on our property, team members and animals. Due to the severity of the flood waters, we are currently assessing all damage to best determine next steps. Safety is our top priority and what we will focus on today as we work towards a plan. We will continue to post on social media and our website as details come available. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected and serve as a reminder that we are stronger together. #ruidosostrong Ruidoso Downs Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
3 dead after historic flooding in Ruidoso
Editor's Note: The Village of Ruidoso confirmed late Tuesday night that three people died in the flooding. This story has been updated with that information. This is a developing story; KRQE News 13 will provide updates as it becomes available. RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – Devastation has hit Ruidoso again. Tuesday night, three people died, dozens had to be rescued, and homes were destroyed after violent flash flooding. Late Tuesday night, the Village of Ruidoso confirmed that a four-year-old girl, seven-year-old boy, and a 40 to 50-year old man were swept downstream and killed. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared a state of emergency, requesting federal response teams for the area. She added the state has already sent support and some federal resources are already on their way. 'Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost their loved ones in this terrible tragedy,' said Mayor Lynn Crawford in a news release. 'The entire Village of Ruidoso extends our deepest sympathy and compassion to these grieving families during this unimaginably difficult time. We are united in our sorrow and our commitment to supporting one another as we face this devastating loss together.' Story continues below News: Ruidoso residents begin long road to recovery following historic flooding Entertainment: Paul McCartney to perform in Albuquerque for the first time News: Record-breaking flooding destroys homes, leaves 3 dead in Ruidoso Community: Proposed project would add bicycling-centric upgrades along Buena Vista in ABQ Historic flooding caused the Rio Ruidoso to rise to 20 feet, five feet higher than the previous record. Flooding caused an entire home to be swept away. 'We started the morning with a flash flood watch from the National Weather Service, so we knew there was something probably on the horizon,' said Village of Ruidoso Public Information Officer Kerry Gladden. Only hours later, that watch became an emergency. 'On the north end of town, we were starting to see some significant flooding,' said Gladden. Flash flooding tore through parts of Ruidoso Tuesday afternoon, impacting areas around Upper Canyon, Brady Canyon, and the Rio Ruidoso. 'I don't think it was a shock because we were prepared, but you know you certainly don't want to see it happen on this scale,' said Gladden. Last summer, the South Fork Fire devastated the village, and then burn scar flooding caused even more damage. Yet, many are saying what happened Tuesday is the worst they've seen so far, and village officials agree. 'We had one of our water gauges, which we call the Hollywood gauge, and it's down at the end of Ruidoso in between Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs, and it saw a historical high of twenty feet,' said Gladden. Up from 15 feet just last year, Gladden said, swift water rescue crews quickly got to work. 'There was one home that was swept away, I do not know, I don't have any confirmation if there was anyone inside,' said Gladden. Ruidoso Downs Race Track crews had begun restoring the track earlier this year, putting in culverts and a retention basin to help with flooding. Video from Tuesday shows flood water taking over the track, overpowering those flood mitigation efforts that worked just two weeks ago. Gladden said this is the village's new reality for the next few years. She hopes in light of the tragedy in Texas, everyone takes these warnings seriously. Ruidoso officials said that there were 50-60 rescues made Tuesday. Search and rescue operations were still underway Tuesday night. A few people were taken to the hospital. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Ruidoso residents begin long road to recovery following historic flooding
RUIDOSO, N.M. (KRQE) – Dozens of people spent the day cleaning up what's left of their homes and businesses after deadly flooding on Tuesday in Ruidoso. Even with the mess and destruction, people here say they're lucky to be alive and a part of this mountain community. PHOTOS: Historic flash flooding in Ruidoso causes destruction Ruidoso Trading Post Owner Arnold Duke has spent the last 24 hours digging through debris at his business. 'This is going to slow us down a little bit, but it's not going to hold us down,' said Duke. Video showed how much water filled his showroom on Mechem Drive. His showroom was filled with two feet of mud and debris scattered around. Despite the damage, some silver and turquoise was still hanging, muddy but in perfect shape, on the walls. 'That I got a big mess to clean up, but again, I'm blessed to be here and blessed that it wasn't worse. I mean, it is bad, but it could have been worse,' said Duke. Record-breaking flooding destroys homes, leaves 3 dead in Ruidoso Duke told KRQE News 13 that the water rose so high so quickly, it washed away at least a $1 million worth of jewelry product down this river. 'Then I have a customer in Dallas that says, I'll give you $500,000 to help you get back in business,' said Duke. He appreciates the support he's received. 'It's amazing. You don't realize it. You know, you're so busy working all the time and you take for granted your friends, family, and customers.' Historic flooding in Ruidoso leads to emergency declaration About a 10-minute drive away in Paradise Canyon, people said the water rushed down and surrounded their homes in a matter of minutes. 'I opened the door, and the water was woosh. So I slammed the door shut and I go upstairs and that's when I panicked. When I looked out here, the whole road was covered about four feet deep, and it was running like a river,' said Dawn Swearingin, who lives in Ruidoso. Flooding swept away cars, knocked down barriers built for flooding, and damaged homes. 'Water actually picked up the refrigerator. It was floating,' said Swearingin. She got out unharmed and had helping hands on Wednesday. 'That's another business owner, they sent their work crew…there have been two or three people driving making sure people have Gatorade and water and baskets of food,' said Swearingin. It's because of this mountain community that, despite fires and floods, this family will stay in Ruidoso, their home of more than 45 years. 'This is ruidoso strong. We are Ruidoso, Mescalero strong. Texas is strong. We're going to get through this because this doesn't drive us apart,' said Swearingin. There are about 20 people displaced staying at the village community center. For those looking to help, here are the locations to drop donations off and to pick them up: Drop Off Locations: Humane Society Resale Shop, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 25962 US-70, Ruidoso, NM 88345 Angus Nazarene Church, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 103 Bonita Park Rd, Angus, NM 88316 River Crossing Church, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 1950 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 Monetary Donations, Community Foundation, Pick Up Locations: Angus Nazarene Church, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 103 Bonita Park Rd, Angus, NM 88316 1st Christian Church (Starting Friday), Mon-Sat, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 1211 Hull Road, Ruidoso, NM 88345 Gateway Church, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 415 Sudderth Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345 First Baptist of Ruidoso Downs, Monday-Friday, 8:30-4pm, 26367 US-70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
