ENMU grad named GM for Ruidoso News

RUIDOSO — An Eastern New Mexico University graduate is the new general manager of the Ruidoso News.

Eugene Heathman of Ruidoso will be tasked with print and integrative digital platform production in addition to marketing and staff management to fortify the return of the Ruidoso News to its local roots. New Mexico-based El Rito Media, LLC, recently purchased the newspaper.

“I am very pleased to be part of a New Mexico-owned publishing group committed to redevelop the Ruidoso News into the leading local resource for news, entertainment and sports,” Heathman said.

Richard Coltharp, who worked at the Alamogordo Daily News from 1995-2007, and is now editor and publisher for both Alamogordo and Ruidoso, said El Rito Media, LLC is dedicated to returning these newspapers to their local roots, providing local news and events to the public they serve. 

“We’re happy to have a longtime resident of the Ruidoso area get to work for us — and for the community — here at the Ruidoso News,” Coltharp said. “Eugene is eager to serve the people of Lincoln County.”

Heathman moved to Ruidoso in 2007. He has been a southern New Mexico Realtor for 24 years.

News of the New Mexico-owned publishing group acquisition of the Ruidoso News from its former corporate ownership caught Heathman’s attention.

“The community has been hungry for relevant, up-to-date local news and events for a very long time,” Heathman said. “Corporate ownership had a disconnect with our community in regard to news and events that matter to our community and those who visit Ruidoso and Lincoln County. I jumped on the opportunity to fill that void.”