Cloudcroft Reader Updates: The Fires, The Forecast, The School
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 member--and more.
An estimated 8,000 people have been evacuated from Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs. The South Fork and Salt Fires have burned through a combined 23,406 acres by 5:30 AM on Wednesday morning.
THE FIRES
Over 1,400 structures, including some businesses, have been affected or lost. No fatalities or injuries have been officially reported at the time of writing.
Yesterday, Cloudcroft’s Mayor Craig Turner that it was his understanding that it is believed the fire was “intentional.” Read his full statement and our early coverage on the fires for more information.
Missing persons are being identified through the Reunite Ruidoso and Ruidoso Fire Support Facebook pages.
Shelters are increasing in number. The New Mexico Military Institute announced their Godfrey Athletics Center is ready for evacuees with mattresses, blankets, shower rooms, and food.
Donations of toiletries, clothing, and shelf-stable food and drink are being requested. Several businesses, like Penasco Valley Telecommunications (PVT) located in Artesia and Mayhill, are collecting supplies to deliver.
The Cloudcroft locations of Noisy Water Winery and Old Barrel Tea Company are accepting donations, as well—their sister businesses are located in Ruidoso.
Due to reliance on well-water, and power outages forced by the fires, many residents of the Mescalero Apache Reservation are unable to access the tribe’s usual water source. Water and gatorade are welcome for drop off at the Mescalero Community Center Gymnasium.
World Central Kitchen is responding to the fires, providing food for those affected by the blaze.
Stand by and subscribe to Cloudcroft Reader for more updates like this.
THE FORECAST
Weather conditions have a severe impact on fire behavior. What do the next few days hold?
Rain.
There are flash-flood and other warnings for “debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible over the Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon, McBride, Blue 2 and nearby burned areas,” according to Weather.com.
Wednesday’s winds are projected to be up to 20 mph, coming from the Southeast. (This may be less than ideal news, regarding the trajectory of the Salt Fire.)
Precipitation is listed at 24%, with high temps of 84 degrees. Beginning Friday and through the weekend forecast, scattered thunderstorms might be on their way.
Cloudcroft’s Second Annual Beerfest is still on— a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Community Foundation of Lincoln County, according to the Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber Director Kendra King let us know that many Ruidoso-based vendors, including the sound production company, evacuated to Cloudcroft earlier in the week and are planning on attending.
No breweries have cancelled, but there are reports that some have been affected by the fire.
King says, “We have been working behind the scenes on what would be the best move to support our community and neighbors.”
THE SCHOOL
Tuesday night, the Cloudcroft Board of Education welcomed their newest member: Cassandra Saffle.
A former music instructor, Saffle founded the Cloudcroft Schools Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), where she served as President for two years. She has three children, one in each school level: Elementary, Middle, and High School.
Saffle’s special appointment is upon former Board member Kody Adams’ departure. Adams’ spouse Nolene Adams was recently promoted to Elementary/Middle School Principal upon Robyn Cook’s retirement.
Saffle’s position will last until next November, 2025, when two board positions will open.
Addressing the Board of Education and the audience, Saffle said:
“One of the reasons I’m interested in school board is increasing opportunities in areas of technology, athletics, and the music and art departments. These are areas that directly impact our kids and that I’m extremely passionate about.”
She continued, “I agree with our board’s statement that it’s our responsibility of making sure we’re preparing our students for the world that they’re going to be going in to. And we need to equip them with the tools and resources they need to be successful.”
Board member Dan Hughes said “Cassandra’s dedication to the PTO within our school has been just outstanding. She has the best interests of our school. And when she ran, it was such a close race.”
Saffle ran for school board in last year’s election, securing 20% of the vote but conceding a seat to current board member Jeffrey Eigenmann by only 2 votes.
A new board member was not the only change: the board voted to adopt a new cell-phone policy in hopes of creating a “personal electronics-free zone” with YONDR pouches.
State standards maintain that school board meetings will now all be live-streamed and allow for public comments and interactions—in person and online.
The board approved numerous donations from community members and businesses—many designated for extracurriculars or the Summer Youth Program.
The First Annual Pickleball in the Clouds Tournament is scheduled for July 27th and 28th at the new Cloudcroft Pickleball Courts in Zenith Park. The event is open for registration, and all proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Basketball Program at Cloudcroft Municipal Schools.
High School Principal Jocelyn Gillespie is filling in as interim Superintendent, upon Tana Daugherty’s retirement.
Daugherty said to the board, “I just wanted to say goodbye and thank you from the bottom of my heart. All the support, all the fun, all the hard work, all the time. All the times you listened to me and supported me. It’s just been the honor of my lifetime to work here and finish my career here.”
Thanks for reading, and stay safe out there.