Cloudcroft Reader

Cloudcroft Reader

Home
Subscribe
Classifieds
Social
Classifieds
Pledge
About Us

Journey Off the Beaten Path

Local gallery owners and activists Donna Rand and Berle Van Zandt chat with the Reader about art, community, and mountain life.
READ THE LATEST

Recent posts

View all
Let's Debate
Mayor candidates Tim King and Dusty Wiley meet in a public forum Tuesday, Oct 14th at the Pavilion. From 6:00 — 8:30 pm. Followed by trustee and judge…
 • 
Reader Staff
Record-Breaking Crowd Races at Cloudcroft’s High Altitude Classic
The fun and challenging mountain bike racecourse finished at the newly-named Elevation Park
 • 
Hannah Dean
Your Support of the Reader Can Go Twice As Far
Though September 18th, every contribution we receive from our underwriters gets a $1 for $1 match.
 • 
Chris Hearne
 and 
Hannah Dean
Roadless Rule Removal: Lincoln National Forest Responds to Questions
Approximately 158,000 acres of Lincoln National Forest can be affected by the Roadless Rule removal. Get the official Forest Service word with the…
 • 
Hannah Dean
Trustee Who?
This election year, all four trustee seats are unopposed or appointed.
 • 
Reader Staff
Explainer: Missed 1 of 3 Water Samples, "No Quality Concerns"
On Thursday, September 4th, a notice was sent out by the village regarding a missed June water sampling. Here's what happened
 • 
Hannah Dean
44:07
Meet Your Next Mayor: Video
Watch: The day after candidate filing, Tim King and Gerald Dusty Wiley sat down with the Leadership Cloudcroft cohort for a side-by-side conversation…
 • 
Chris Hearne
, 
Hannah Dean
, and 
Drew Gaines
Cloudcroft’s Ballot: Meet Your Candidates
Who's running?
 • 
Hannah Dean
Results: Cloudcroft Pulse Survey
Village voters weigh in.
 • 
Reader Staff
1
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
Resources
Follow Us
on Facebook
Reader Videos
Collection of our videos on YouTube
Village Code
Ordinances governing Cloudcroft
Cloudcroft Village
Official website
Staff
Chris Hearne
Editor
Hannah Dean
Senior Editor
Drew Gaines
Contributing Editor
Contact
Clerk
Email
Mayor
Email
Library
Email
Public Works
Email
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
Get our free email newsletter

#top

View all
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

View all
Journey Off the Beaten Path
Local gallery owners and activists Donna Rand and Berle Van Zandt chat with the Reader about art, community, and mountain life.
 • 
Hannah Dean
1
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

#people

View all
Journey Off the Beaten Path
Local gallery owners and activists Donna Rand and Berle Van Zandt chat with the Reader about art, community, and mountain life.
 • 
Hannah Dean
1
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

#water

View all
Explainer: Missed 1 of 3 Water Samples, "No Quality Concerns"
On Thursday, September 4th, a notice was sent out by the village regarding a missed June water sampling. Here's what happened
 • 
Hannah Dean
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

#school

View all
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
Trustee Who?
This election year, all four trustee seats are unopposed or appointed.
 • 
Reader Staff
44:07
Meet Your Next Mayor: Video
Watch: The day after candidate filing, Tim King and Gerald Dusty Wiley sat down with the Leadership Cloudcroft cohort for a side-by-side conversation…
 • 
Chris Hearne
, 
Hannah Dean
, and 
Drew Gaines
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
© 2025 Sacramento Mountain News LLC
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture