Cannabis Lounge Request, Village Resignations, Lodger's Tax Questions, Fresh Food in Cloudcroft, and More
The Reader keeps you informed
Cannabis Lounge and Med Spa Application for 1315 Burro Avenue
A proposal for a cannabis consumption lounge and dispensary—and med spa—at 1315 Burro Avenue, next door to Cloudcroft Brewing Company, was presented to the Village of Cloudcroft Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission on Tuesday, May 6th.
Applicant and business owner Charles Barnes presented to P&Z, proposing that he and his spouse, Nurse Practitioner Jessica Barnes, would offer “medical cards, medical advice, spa areas and fitness equipment” through the cannabis dispensary and consumption lounge alongside Barnes’ nurse practitioner office.
According to Barnes, the couple owns a successful dispensary and consumption lounge “down the hill,” Stogie’s Hideout along Highway 54.
P&Z member Jessica Beach said that the village’s cannabis ordinance requires a $1,000 check to be submitted to the village clerk along with the application. Beach stated that the property was zoned properly, reading that “distribution of cannabis requires a C2 or C4 zone,” while “consumption requires a C8 or C10 zone.”
When asked about outdoor consumption near residential properties, it was clarified that the ordinance does not specify a distance from residential property but requires a distance of over 100 feet from a school. You can check out the entire ordinance here.
Going forward, the Barnes’ will need a business license from the village, to complete and submit all paperwork, confirm the zoning, comply with all Cloudcroft code provisions and land use requirements, and garner the approval of the Village Trustees.
On Repeat: More Village Turnovers
The Village of Cloudcroft continues to see staff retention issues. Recently, three village employees gave their two weeks’ notice.
Last week, Water Operator Aaron Foster resigned. Foster declined to comment on his departure, but confirmed that his final day with Public Works will be May 9th.
The Reader confirmed on Tuesday, May 6th, that MVD Clerk Jessica Kovac and Utility Clerk Casey Bowman will leave their posts at the village office on May 16th.
The MVD will be temporarily closed starting in mid-May. Sources close to the decision-making process say the MVD service may be discontinued after review by the council.
The next village council meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 20th, at 6:00 p.m.
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great companies like Ski Cloudcroft:
Cloudcroft’s Tourism Marketing: How’s it Going?
Tourism is the lifeblood of the Cloudcroft economy.
Visitors fill our lodges, restaurants, and retail stores. How many of our local businesses could survive without tourist dollars?
To promote tourism, the village does one key thing: allocate lodgers’ tax funds — a bed tax assessed on overnight stays — to market Cloudcroft to prospective visitors.
So…how is that going?
The Reader is working on a story that addresses that question. Look for it in the coming weeks.
We can tell you two things now:
First, the financial reporting and collection systems of the bed tax over the last year have fallen short. Last year’s village office staff turnover led to a failure to track the tax properly and record payments in a consistent manner. Reports due to the state government have not been made for many quarters. While the administration of former mayor Craig Turner was shining the spotlight on the previous administration's record-keeping failures, his team dropped the ball on tracking last year’s numbers from the Lodgers’ tax.
Newly appointed Mayor Tim King (who was selected by the Council after Turner abruptly resigned in December of 2024) has had his hands full pulling together the correct numbers from the Lodger’s Tax.
Second, how that money is spent—not only where it goes, but what the Village gets for its investment—is currently a black box. Last year, the village promised the lion’s share of funds, $117,000, to the Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber sponsors tourist draws like Mayfair, the Beerfest, and Art and Wine in the Pines. Still, reporting has been spotty. How was the $117,000 spent? And, what did the village receive as a return on its investment?
Our reporting will focus on the financial reporting and accountability process. We are also asking questions about the effectiveness of the money spent. What systems are working, and what needs to be improved? Are all the short-term rental properties paying the tax? Why has the Lodger’s Tax Advisory Committee not held a meeting since June 2024? Are local business owners satisfied with the tourism marketing efforts?
We’ve talked to many principals, including the mayor, and we are waiting for several others to agree to on-the-record interviews to offer their perspective.
We look forward to sharing the results of our reporting soon.
Finding Fresh Groceries and Pantry Staples in Cloudcroft: Navigating the Food Desert on Sky Island
Finding fresh food in Cloudcroft can be a challenge—and an invitation to keep it local.
We asked. Readers answered.
In our fresh food publication, we asked if we missed any local gems. Readers submitted these two for your consideration:
Connie’s Corner Deli in Timberon
Connie’s carries a variety of pantry goods as well as specials like her Memorial Weekend “BBQ Fixin’s Bundle,” which includes homemade buns, beans, pickles, and more.The Elk Shed in Cloudcroft
Over a quarter of The Elk Shed’s inventory consists of food goods, including gourmet offerings like tinned fish, salami, pasta kits, Thai kits, cake mixes, Santa Fe-sourced oils and vinegars, and more.
Volunteer with the Village: Firewise and Property Clean Ups
Throughout the month of May, eight dumpsters are placed in key locations throughout the village to aid in community clean-ups. Folks are encouraged to beautify their properties, including removing furniture and household items, slash, and other fuels.
Each Saturday this month, volunteers will meet at the Cloudcroft Volunteer Fire Department at 9:00 a.m. to embark on clean-ups for folks who have signed up their properties as part of a village program.
Last week, the village received the official notice that Cloudcroft is a FireWise Community. Volunteer hours count towards our continued FireWise designation.
Visit the village website dashboard for a complete list of dumpster locations, to ask for help, and to sign up as a volunteer.
Cloudcroft Reader recently reached a new milestone. We now have more than 10,000 followers on Facebook.
While celebrating our followers, we want to encourage and advance our future leaders.
Leadership Cloudcroft is a new initiative designed to address an old problem in Cloudcroft: developing volunteer leaders who are prepared to take charge.
Leadership Cloudcroft aims to help cultivate the next generation of community champions to address our mountain village's unique challenges by identifying and preparing community leaders who are prepared to take charge in volunteer, civic, business, and community roles.
Where can I get connected?
Position your job posting, community event, or services only one click away from our over 2,760+ email subscribers and 10,000+ Facebook followers. Our readers are local, seasonal, and regular visitors to the mountain—let us help you get in touch.
View our listings for Food & Drink, Lodging, Events, Classes, Jobs, Community, Services, Real Estate, Construction, and Retail & Sales.
During our beta phase, listings are free. Submit one today.
Food & Drink
Kefir grains and farm-fresh eggs
Kefir grains are used to make a homemade fermented milk drink called kefir. It is amazing in smoothies and you can cook with it or drink it plain or flavored. These little guys need to be fed whole milk daily. $5 per tablespoon. They grow quickly! I also have farm-fresh eggs. $5/doz. Can deliver to Cloudcroft!
801-678-4838
Black Bear Coffee Shop
We keep everyone in mind when it comes to our menu. We have gluten-, dairy-, and sugar-free options. Our baristas know their stuff and do their best to make your day and drink a piece of mountaintop perfection. Located on the NW corner of Burro Ave.
(987) 654-1239 | @blackbearcoffeenm on Instagram
Lodging
Simply Enjoy
Escape to the mountains and unwind in our cozy, spacious cabin—complete with a plush king bed and warm touches. Located in the village. The perfect place to relax and recharge.
575-420-0575 | Find Online | Simply Mountain Cabins, LLC
Simply Relax
Enjoy modern comforts, no stairs, a king bed, and sleeper sofa. Located in the village, just minutes from all Cloudcroft has to offer. Your perfect mountain getaway awaits!
Find Online | Simply Mountain Cabins, LLC
Events
Dawn of the Cloud-Climber
Cloudcroft Light Opera Company: A melodrama written by Azariah Alarcon. Follow the story of how an outlaw arrives in the newfound Cloudcroft, where he falls for the community and changes his ways, becoming the legend of the Sacramento Mountains. Performances are May 23rd, 24th, 25th, 30th & 31st at 7:30 p.m. at the Zenith Park Pavilion.
thecloudclimber1899@gmail.com | cloudcroftlightopera.org | 1100 James Canyon Hwy, Cloudcroft, NM
We're back for Season 13! SPCP season: July 5 - Stars & Stripes Cellos; July 26 Tiger Alley; Garden Strolls thru summer
World Class music and Garden magic. 7/5, 3 p.m. -HS Commons; 7/26 7 p.m. Shady Pines' "Bertha" Stage. More details on our FB page at Shady Pines Chamber Players
361-557-1960 | Facebook & YouTube at Shady Pines Chamber Players. | P.O. Box 1115, Cloudcroft, NM 88317; 200 Fox in Cloudcroft
Facebook & YouTube | shadypinestwigs@gmail.com
Classes
Taichi, Qigong, Self-Defense and Meditation
Learn authentic Yang style Taichi from Sifu Ray Abeyta, who has 45+ years of experience. Regain balance and health. Say hello at the free class on Tuesdays at 10 am at the High Rolls Senior Center.
Http:// www.sacramentochi.com | 915-355-8758 | etha@sacramentochi.com
Western Horseback Riding Lessons
Intro to western riding and horsemanship lessons for ages five and up. Located in Tularosa, close to Horseman’s Park. Please get in touch with us for more information.
801-678-4838 | robyn.vanvalkenburg@gmail.com
Cloudcroft Fitness
A small fitness studio offering group fitness classes, including barbell, circuit training, spin classes, and more!
https://cloudcroftcycling.punchpass.com/
Jobs
Visitor Center Engagement Specialist, NMSU/Sunspot Solar Observatory
We seek a dynamic individual with strong communication skills to greet visitors, provide professional customer service, handle payments, manage inventory, maintain cleanliness, share information clearly, prioritize tasks efficiently, and collaborate effectively to ensure smooth operations in a fast-paced environment.
575-434-7190 |
https://sunspot.nmsu.edu/
| 3001 Visitor Center Drive
Finance Manager: Sacramento Mountains Senior Center, Cloudcroft, NM
The Senior Center is seeking a full-time Finance Manager. Bookkeeping and/or Accounting experience preferred. Must be a quick learner of Accounting software and a stickler for details. The job also involves part-time consumer qualification assessment management. Other training requirements involve CPR, driving safety, food handling, periodic nutrition webinars, and quarterly AAA training.
Mtnseniors.org | 575-682-3022
The Lodge at Cloudcroft: Retail Manager and Front Desk Manager
The Lodge at Cloudcroft is looking for fun, creative and energetic people to assist in managing the front desk and the hotel’s retail store.
432-284-0041 | starvannacottrell@gmail.com
Community
Sign your child up for Little League flag football!
Cloudcroft Schools' Little League flag football program offers young athletes a chance to develop football skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a supportive, non-contact environment, promoting physical fitness and community spirit among local students. Download the Heja app! The code is PJ-313315. Our first practice will be on Tuesday, April 15th. The last day to sign up will be April 15th at 5:30 p.m.
575-324-6018
Heights of Peru Cloudcroft Schools Student Trip Fundraiser
Spanish Teacher Deborah O’Connor and community chaperones will take six Cloudcroft students to Peru this summer. If you wish to sponsor students, donate to “Heights of Peru” at the First National Bank in Cloudcroft. The group is fundraising at Zip’s Carwash in Alamogordo throughout April.
Zip’s Carwash Fundraiser
Trails & Rails Race
Saturday, June 7th: Come and run in the Beautiful Sacramento Mountains of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, on the historic 1800s railroad beds and the old 1930s highway—at just under 9,000 feet. The races start and finish at the Trestle Recreation Area at the intersection of Highways 82 and 130, where the depot is located. Register before March 31st for these special rates (plus taxes and fees): 8-mile $45; 3-mile $35; and the Kid’s 1-mile Dash $15.
Register here
Cloudcroft Art Society
The Cloudcroft Art Society (CAS) regularly hosts exhibitions and art sales through the cooperative gallery space and community room at the Michael Nivison Public Library/Old Red Brick Schoolhouse.
To find out about membership and apply to CAS: ccartsociety@gmail.com
Services
Septic System pumping, installation, inspections and repairs
We install and service septic systems in Cloudcroft, Timberon, Alamogordo and Ruidoso. No system is too big or small. We specialize in hard-to-install systems and have four different kinds of ATS or aerobic systems to find the right system for your property needs.
www.advancedsepticpros.com | 575-682-5874
Extended Protection for Vehicles UTVS ATVs Motorcycles RVs & Homes
Protection plans from a nationwide insurer and customized by a local Cloudcroft resident.
480-252-8119 | james.g.waitt@gmail.com
High Country Equine
A quaint family-owned and operated mountain ranch offering short-term boarding for pack mules and horses—ideal for hunters. Foundation Quarter Horse breeding, sales, and stallion services.
979-676-3996 | hcecloudcroft@gmail.com
Crystal Tompkins Photography
Professional photography services include headshots and personal branding, Portraits of Women (POW), Families, Couples, and more.
Schedule today
Real Estate
52.106 Acres in Dog Canyon, Alamogordo *No Cov or Restrictions
52 Acres of Possibilities! This unrestricted land off Highway 54 near Dog Canyon offers stunning 360° mountain views and endless potential for development, agriculture, or recreation. Seller is willing to install a power pole for financing ease! Oliver Rd and Dog Canyon, Alamogordo, NM 88310
MLS # 170202 | (575) 607-5520
AMAZING opportunity! Check out this 0.26-acre property!
This 0.26-acre lot between Deer Springs Rd and Forest View Rd is just 15 minutes from Cloudcroft, NM. Next to Waterfall Lodge, with direct access to 1M+ acres of National Forest adventures.
575-650-5039 | 42 Forest View Drive, Cloudcroft, NM | House of Cristal
Mountain Retreat in Exclusive Cloud Country West Near Cloudcroft
This nearly half-acre homesite in prestigious Cloud Country West offers a serene retreat just minutes from Cloudcroft. Set amid the majestic Sacramento Mountains, it’s bordered by Lincoln National Forest for unmatched beauty and privacy.
575-650-5039 | 123 Canyon Trail, Cloudcroft, NM | House of Cristal
Construction
Mountain Park Construction LLC
We can get it done right and on budget. General Building license in New Mexico.
(575) 491-0379 | PO Box 61, High Rolls Mt Pk, NM 88325
YHWH Electric service
Generators---Remodels--- New Construction---Commercial --- Residential
(575) 682-1316 | cloudcooper65@gmail.com
Retail & Sales
The Little Gallery
The Little Gallery is an art gallery focused on creating, curating, and selling handmade, original works of art. Artists interested in displaying their work may contact TREY MCCURLEY @ latrey@gmail.com or on Instagram @treymccurley.
575-491-1855 | 206 Burro Ave Bldg 2
Yale 3 Ton Manual Hoist
Yale 3 Ton Manual Hoist $2500 Very heavy, adjustable to mount on trolley frame 4" to 6" wide rail
(575) 551-8510 | pablo.jasso61@gmail.com
Awning Room for 20 Ft RV Awning
Awning Room for 20 Ft RV Awning. Used last summer. Great for more extended stays in your RV. Like New.
575-491-4395 | jacquetanis@gmail.com
Sacramento Mountain Law Enforcement Stories
Books about Cloudcroft and New Mexico history from a cop’s standpoint by retired Otero County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Billy Anders. Available on Amazon and other sources. Complimentary copies in the Cloudcroft public library.
Visit www.billyandersauthor.com
Drew Gaines Fine Art
Local artist (and The Reader’s Contributing Editor) offers original oil paintings and fine art prints. Many of his works depict the beauty of the surrounding area.
(214) 934-3822 | drewgaines@sbcglobal.net
Aspen & Ivy Boutique
Boutique store and gift shop on Burro Avenue next to the Fat Rabbit and Pine Stump Mall. Shop for bespoke and organic goods, local art, and more.
Text: (512) 788-1349 | saranicole333@gmail.com
Instant Karma
Adventure Within through transformative yoga, Ayurvedic wisdom, nourishing organics, a Fair Trade boutique, and an afternoon Chai Bar. Ask about joining the Veggie Club.
(575) 682-2651 | alex@getinstantkarma.com
Off the Beaten Path
Eclectic art and gifts, just north of Burro on Glorietta Avenue. Handmade local and regional art with a focus on sustainable and recycled materials. Check out their 1Cat Trap, Neuter, and Release Program.
(575) 682-7284 | stuff@offthebeatenpathstuff.com
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like PVT:
Learn about sponsorship opportunities for your business in support of the Reader. Contact us for more information at sponsorship-info@cloudcroftreader.com
Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great companies like:
The Stove and Spa Store
We offer a variety of services to ensure your hearth and spa dreams are met!The Lodge at Cloudcroft
Landmark Choice Among New Mexico ResortsDusty Boots Motel and Cafe
Have a beautiful, restful nightInstant Karma
Adventure Within: Transformative Yoga, Ayurvedic Wisdom, Nourishing Organics, Fair Trade BoutiqueOff the Beaten Path
Eclectic gifts & original artworkFuture Real Estate
Raise your expectations.Ski Cloudcroft
You’re going to love Ski CloudcroftCloudcroft Therapeutic Massage
Maximizing Movement, Quality of Life Improvement.High Altitude
Your favorite little outdoor outfitter on Burro Avenue.The Elk Shed
Purveyors of Southwest Mountain Goods & FineryPeñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative
For all the ways you love to connect
The Cloudcroft Reader is the most widely read publication serving the greater Cloudcroft community, with 2,760+ email subscribers and 10,000+ Facebook followers. We report the stories no one else does.
Reach the people engaged with Cloudcroft — locals, seasonals, and visitors. Position your business just one click away.
If you want the Cloudcroft Reader to continue chronicling the Cloudcroft community, we need your support. Pledges from individuals like you fuel our efforts. Please join us today.
What is the world is going on with the Cloudcroft Governing Body? More resignations recently than any other time tells me they need to start over, at this rate there soon won't be any Cloudcroft Employees.