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Administrative Challenges Mount for Cloudcroft Village Government

Police hiring controversy highlights concerns about transparency, budget priorities, and hiring practices
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Cloudcroft’s Ballot: Meet Your Candidates
Who's running?
 • 
Hannah Dean
Results: Cloudcroft Pulse Survey
Village voters weigh in.
 • 
Reader Staff
We Need Your Opinion: Pulse of Cloudcroft Survey
We are interested in what you think are the most importantly issues facing Cloudcroft, and how you rate the job performance of the Council and its…
 • 
Reader Staff
Open Council Seat: Appointed Trustee Hanna Steps Down for Active Orders
Duty calls, Hanna leaves vacant seat in Village Council
 • 
Hannah Dean
A Fed Bear is a Dead Bear: Wildlife Officials Defend Deputies' Decision to Shoot
New Mexico Game and Fish backs Otero County deputies despite animal not being the one approved for killing
 • 
Drew Gaines
4
Reader Questions Lead to Cloudcroft Ballot Corrections
Otero County election proclamation first listed just two trustee seats. Turns out, three are up for grabs.
 • 
Hannah Dean
Breaking News: Bluff Springs and Other Closures
Illegal off-highway vehicle use renders forest areas closed for dispersed camping and off-road motor vehicle use
 • 
Hannah Dean
Lincoln Nat'l Forest Hotshots Fight Dragon Bravo
Local crews deployed to Arizona "megafire"
 • 
Hannah Dean
What's Out There? Sacramento Camp & Conference Center
Take a look at the secluded haven in Sacramento, New Mexico, with the Reader
 • 
Hannah Dean
Cloudcroft Passes Budget on Deadline Despite Financial Uncertainty
The council approved the village FY 2025-26 budget for the state, with reservations, in the nick of time. But questions remain about how to allocate…
 • 
Hannah Dean
 and 
Chris Hearne
Village Budget, Elections Info, School Updates, Ruidoso Floods, High Altitude Classic, and More
Every trail tells a story. Stay informed with the Reader, the Voice of the Mountain
 • 
Reader Staff
6 Takeaways: July Cloudcroft Schools Board of Education Meeting
Cloudcroft Schools' midsummer updates
 • 
Hannah Dean
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Cloudcroft Reader
Cloudcroft Reader
The voice of the mountain. The most widely read publication serving the greater Cloudcroft community. Subscribe for free to receive our reporting.
Top posts
Mad Jack's For Sale: James Jackson Makes it Official, Dishes with The Reader
 • Hannah Dean
1
Business Deal Turns Sour at Old Apple Barn
 • Drew Gaines, Chris Hearne, and Hannah Dean
Cloudcroft Woman Arrested in Wichita County, Texas on Murder Charges
 • Hannah Dean and Drew Gaines
3
Two Sides of a Soured Deal: Defense Responds to Allegations in Apple Barn Lawsuit and Makes Some of Their Own
 • Chris Hearne and Drew Gaines
3
Forest Employees Get The Axe as Trump Layoffs Hit Cloudcroft’s Backyard
 • Hannah Dean and Drew Gaines
4
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Cloudcroft Woman Arrested in Wichita County, Texas on Murder Charges
Deana Thetford was booked into the Wichita County Jail on charges of murder and tampering with evidence
 • 
Hannah Dean
 and 
Drew Gaines
3
Two Sides of a Soured Deal: Defense Responds to Allegations in Apple Barn Lawsuit and Makes Some of Their Own
With new court filings and a judge’s receivership decision, we revisit the Old Apple Barn Lawsuit to hear what the defense has to say
 • 
Chris Hearne
 and 
Drew Gaines
3
Workshopping Cloudcroft's Water Challenges
The Village of Cloudcroft Council meets with CDM Smith engineering firm, Public Works, and concerned citizens to discuss water issues
 • 
Hannah Dean
1
54:17
Cloudcroft's Murky Accounting
Village administration discovers it's been living in a financial fog
 • 
Hannah Dean
 and 
Chris Hearne
1
Cloudcroft's Fire Chief Shares Village Emergency Alert Plan
As the South Fork and Salt Fires burn to our North, and thousands of people remain evacuated, Fire and EMS Chief Wuersching reminds Cloudcroft Village…
 • 
Hannah Dean
 and 
Chris Hearne
Ruidoso Fire Believed 'Intentional'
Cloudcroft Mayor says Cloudcroft stands by to help Ruidoso however possible and is working to prepare the Village if ever such an event occurs here.
 • 
Hannah Dean
 and 
Chris Hearne
5
Catching Up with Coach Sheri Wimsatt
Cloudcroft School’s retiring Athletic Director talks with the Cloudcroft Reader about her career, life, and upcoming plans
 • 
Hannah Dean
4
The Night Shift: Why Did Three of Four Officers Resign This Week?
New Work Schedule Splits Council, Police.
 • 
Hannah Dean
 and 
Chris Hearne
16

#business

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What's Going on in Cloudcroft? Find out with Our Summer Field Guide
Mark your calendars with new biz, fresh food, arts & culture, events, and beyond
 • 
Hannah Dean
Weekly Round-Up: Lodger's Tax Room for Improvement, Joy of Weaving, and More
Stories making headlines in Cloudcroft this week. Stay informed with the Reader
 • 
Reader Staff
1
From the Hearth: The Corn Family's Journey to The Stove and Spa Store
Owners Al and Beverlyn Corn, along with their family, remember their history and look to the future of their business.
 • 
Reader Studio
2
Mountain Business Round Up: Who's Coming, Going, and Growing
Local favorites for sale, new coffee shop opening, bear sightings, and U-Pick season begins June 11. The Reader has the skinny
 • 
Hannah Dean
Cannabis Lounge Request, Village Resignations, Lodger's Tax Questions, Fresh Food in Cloudcroft, and More
The Reader keeps you informed
 • 
Reader Staff
1
Hotel Cloudcroft on Burro ‘Closer to Opening’: Water Pressure Test Truck-In Scheduled at ‘No Cost to Village’
The newly remodeled hotel plans to open soon after passing tests and inspections, date TBA.
 • 
Hannah Dean
Local Telecom Expands Fiber in Rural Sacramento Mountains
PVT brings high-speed internet to underserved sections of southeast New Mexico
 • 
Drew Gaines
Two Sides of a Soured Deal: Defense Responds to Allegations in Apple Barn Lawsuit and Makes Some of Their Own
With new court filings and a judge’s receivership decision, we revisit the Old Apple Barn Lawsuit to hear what the defense has to say
 • 
Chris Hearne
 and 
Drew Gaines
3

#lodging

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What's Out There? Sacramento Camp & Conference Center
Take a look at the secluded haven in Sacramento, New Mexico, with the Reader
 • 
Hannah Dean
Village News: Lodger’s Tax and P+Z Meetings, Interim Budget
The Lodger's Tax funding ask, P+Z open seat, and the Village gets the interim budget in on time.
 • 
Hannah Dean
Hotel Cloudcroft on Burro ‘Closer to Opening’: Water Pressure Test Truck-In Scheduled at ‘No Cost to Village’
The newly remodeled hotel plans to open soon after passing tests and inspections, date TBA.
 • 
Hannah Dean
Cloudcroft Village Trustee Gail McCoy Shares Her Journey
Trustee, fitness instructor, B&B owner, and great-grandma Gail McCoy sits down with Cloudcroft Reader Senior Editor Hannah Dean to share her life story…
 • 
Hannah Dean
1
Cloudcroft Reader’s Lodging Guide: Part Two
Meet the owners, take a video tour, and plan your stay on the mountain with part two of our user-friendly guide.
 • 
Drew Gaines
Rebecca's Final Chapter
Ghost of Rebecca will no longer haunt fine dining at The Lodge as Cloudcroft resort rebrands its showcase restaurant, introduces new menu
 • 
Drew Gaines
The Lodge at Cloudcroft: A Century-Old Icon's Renaissance
Owner Joe Duncan shares the journey of restoring a mountain gem.
 • 
Chris Hearne
1
Alta Vista Motel Slated for New Owner, New Look, New Name
Big Daddy’s Diner owners plan to remake chalet-style motel
 • 
Hannah Dean

#people

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Cloudcroft’s Police Force Expands with New Officer and Chief of Police
Cloudcroft’s police force doubled in size on Tuesday evening, July 1, following the Village Council’s approval of two new hires during a special…
 • 
Hannah Dean
From Stage to Studio: Inside The Little Gallery with Trey McCurley
Get to know multifaceted talent actor, artist, and new business owner McCurley
 • 
Hannah Dean
1
Weekly Round-Up: Lodger's Tax Room for Improvement, Joy of Weaving, and More
Stories making headlines in Cloudcroft this week. Stay informed with the Reader
 • 
Reader Staff
1
3:06
Joy of Weaving: Joan and the High Valley Weavers
A critically acclaimed fiber artist nourishes her flock in Cloudcroft's Old Red Brick Schoolhouse basement.
 • 
Drew Gaines
Cloudcroft Village Trustee Gail McCoy Shares Her Journey
Trustee, fitness instructor, B&B owner, and great-grandma Gail McCoy sits down with Cloudcroft Reader Senior Editor Hannah Dean to share her life story…
 • 
Hannah Dean
1
New Business Blooms: Roots Flower Co. Opens in Cloudcroft
Get to know Cloudcroft's fresh floral boutique owner Shanna Waitt with the Reader
 • 
Hannah Dean
Mad Jack's For Sale: James Jackson Makes it Official, Dishes with The Reader
The barbeque heavyweight puts his spectacularly successful Mountaintop Barbecue joint on the market. Jackson opens up to the Reader about his decision…
 • 
Hannah Dean
1
Cloudcroft Beauty: The Art of Hair and Mountain Life with Anna Glidden
Cloudcroft's fashion-world hair stylist, confidence-building entrepreneur, and Jill-of-all-trades talks about her global past and local present
 • 
Hannah Dean
1

#water

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Is My Water Safe?
Cloudcroft Water System 2024 Consumer Confidence Report
 • 
Reader Studio
Mountain Business Round Up: Who's Coming, Going, and Growing
Local favorites for sale, new coffee shop opening, bear sightings, and U-Pick season begins June 11. The Reader has the skinny
 • 
Hannah Dean
Hotel Cloudcroft on Burro ‘Closer to Opening’: Water Pressure Test Truck-In Scheduled at ‘No Cost to Village’
The newly remodeled hotel plans to open soon after passing tests and inspections, date TBA.
 • 
Hannah Dean
Workshopping Cloudcroft's Water Challenges
The Village of Cloudcroft Council meets with CDM Smith engineering firm, Public Works, and concerned citizens to discuss water issues
 • 
Hannah Dean
1
Key Hires, Lingering Water Questions and More at Cloudcroft's March Council Meeting
New hires, contracts, grant reports, and approvals from Thursday night's council meeting. Plus: what arguments to expect at the upcoming water workshop…
 • 
Hannah Dean
1
Water We Waiting For: Emergency Council Meeting Turns Town Hall
The council approves trucking in water for today's problems and discusses tomorrow's plans with Public Works and an animated crowd.
 • 
Hannah Dean
Every Drop Now Counts in Cloudcroft
Water demand exceeds production as village calls for Level 3 restrictions
 • 
Hannah Dean
A High Stakes Balancing Act at Bluff Springs
The oasis where recreation, ranching, water rights, and a sensitive “living-rock” habitat collide
 • 
Drew Gaines
1

#fire

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Lincoln Nat'l Forest Hotshots Fight Dragon Bravo
Local crews deployed to Arizona "megafire"
 • 
Hannah Dean
Cloudcroft Police Back in Force With Two New Hires, Village Updates, CHS Student Takes TSA National Stage, and Our Summer Field Guide
Every trail tells a story. Stay informed with the Reader
 • 
Reader Staff
Seven Springs Fire Seven Days Later
The Reader visits the Incident Command Post as crews make progress on the lightning-caused blaze
 • 
Drew Gaines
1
One Year Later: Ruidoso Still Recovering from Fires, Floods
Village sees signs of rebound after devastation of 2024
1
Seven Springs Fire Updates
A fire started Tuesday afternoon, near Nogal Canyon. Here's what we know.
 • 
Hannah Dean
Becoming 'FireWise': New Tech, Volunteer Efforts, Grants, and Community Initiatives
Did you miss last night's community FireWise gathering? Catch up with these main takeaways.
 • 
Hannah Dean
Lick Fire near Timberon, New Mexico: Saturday Morning Update
Check-in with Suppression Fire Management Officer Joe Kimble
 • 
Hannah Dean
The Gail Fire: Your Friday Morning Update
The Gail Fire broke out Tuesday afternoon near Mayhill, New Mexico. Here's the latest update.
 • 
Hannah Dean
1

#school

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Village Budget, Elections Info, School Updates, Ruidoso Floods, High Altitude Classic, and More
Every trail tells a story. Stay informed with the Reader, the Voice of the Mountain
 • 
Reader Staff
Parents Voice Concern Over Schedule Change; Students Take State; Budget Approved: School Board Meeting and Beyond
Administrators cite safety and staffing concerns for 8th-hour athletics elective while celebrating academic success. Catch up with our school news…
 • 
Hannah Dean
Cloudcroft Catch-Up: School, Village, and Amenities News
Four-day school weeks stand, Music department hire, Mayor King offers meet-ups, where to dump your brush while the slash pit burns, a recent NMDOH…
 • 
Hannah Dean
2:12:33
No-Vote November: A Chilly Village Council Meeting and Your Cloudcroft Updates
Catch up: Changing Council dynamics; Village MVPs impress water and grant issues; Allsup's sign request denied; School Board meeting updates, and more.
 • 
Hannah Dean
, 
Chris Hearne
, and 
Drew Gaines
Illuminating Cloudcroft: Staying Up-to-Date with the Village
Village Christmas lights, the Fire Department's cool tech, Tee and Tea Times at the Lodge, Cloudcroft School news, and a Letter from the Editor
 • 
Hannah Dean
 and 
Chris Hearne
Check Out: Cloudcroft School & Library News
Highlights from the Board of Education meeting and upcoming school and library events
 • 
Hannah Dean
Cloudcroft Catch-Up: Your One-Stop Digest for Village News From Finances to Festivals
Money, bikes, speeders, school news, pickleball, and more
 • 
Hannah Dean
 and 
Chris Hearne
2
Cloudcroft Reader Updates: The Fires, The Forecast, The School
Ruidoso and Mescalero fires have overtaken 23,000 acres and affected 1,400 structures. Forecasts call for rain. The Cloudcroft School Board has a new…
 • 
Hannah Dean

#villageCouncil

View all
Administrative Challenges Mount for Cloudcroft Village Government
Police hiring controversy highlights concerns about transparency, budget priorities, and hiring practices
 • 
Chris Hearne
 and 
Hannah Dean
4
We Need Your Opinion: Pulse of Cloudcroft Survey
We are interested in what you think are the most importantly issues facing Cloudcroft, and how you rate the job performance of the Council and its…
 • 
Reader Staff
Open Council Seat: Appointed Trustee Hanna Steps Down for Active Orders
Duty calls, Hanna leaves vacant seat in Village Council
 • 
Hannah Dean
Reader Questions Lead to Cloudcroft Ballot Corrections
Otero County election proclamation first listed just two trustee seats. Turns out, three are up for grabs.
 • 
Hannah Dean
Cloudcroft Passes Budget on Deadline Despite Financial Uncertainty
The council approved the village FY 2025-26 budget for the state, with reservations, in the nick of time. But questions remain about how to allocate…
 • 
Hannah Dean
 and 
Chris Hearne
Village Budget, Elections Info, School Updates, Ruidoso Floods, High Altitude Classic, and More
Every trail tells a story. Stay informed with the Reader, the Voice of the Mountain
 • 
Reader Staff
Village Budget Two-Step
The Reader weighs in on last week's VoC Budget workshop. And, what to expect for Tuesday night's Special Council Meeting.
 • 
Hannah Dean
Ruidoso Flood Video Interviews and Cloudcroft Village News
Reporter Jonny Coker checks in with Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford and local citizens amid flooding issues. And, your Cloudcroft Village update in 8 bullet…
 • 
Hannah Dean
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