Cloudcroft Wednesday Review: What's Making News on the Mountain
Catch up with the Reader's weekly rundown.
Why is the Old Apple Barn Currently Closed? Business Deal Turns Sour
The future of the iconic roadside emporium, The Old Apple Barn in High Rolls Mountain Park, is in limbo after its recent sale unraveled in a dispute between the new and former owners.
Bill and Beverly Niffenegger, the previous owners and founders of the Apple Barn, filed a civil complaint on January 21 against its new proprietors, Jerry and Carol Shulman of Texas.
Niffenegger is asking the court for an emergency temporary restraining order and the appointment of a receiver to oversee the property and business while they and the Shulman family litigate their differences.
A Temporary Restraining Order Hearing is set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, February 18, before Judge Daniel A. Bryant in the Ruidoso Magistrate Courthouse. You should be able to remotely view the proceedings by clicking this link: https://meet.google.com/xxb-hyad-gce
Closed (For Now?)
The Old Apple Barn has remained closed for business since the third week of January.
What began as a seemingly turn-key transaction between friends has devolved into a legal battle set to play out in Otero County’s 12th Judicial District Court. The civil complaint against the new buyers alleges “breach of contract, waste, fraud, [and] foreclosure of mortgage…”
To dig deeper…
You can retrieve all the documents filed in court for this case in two different ways—these are public documents.
First, email aladresearch@nmcourts.gov and request the documents for case number D-1215-CV-202500055. You will receive a zip file containing everything filed, typically within 24 hours.
Second, you can access the documents and court docket via reSearchNM. This website provides access to court records for all 33 New Mexico counties.
Search for case D-1215-CV-202500055.
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 health advisory, and more.
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like High Altitude, your favorite little outdoor store on Burro Avenue.
New Business Blooms: Roots Flower Co. Opens in Cloudcroft
Get to know Cloudcroft's new fresh floral boutique owner Shanna Waitt.
“High” Fire Danger Rating for Lincoln National Forest
As of February 10, all of Lincoln National Forest is under a “High” fire danger rating, according to the Forest Service. The increase comes after analysis of moisture levels and extended weather forecasts for the area point to an elevated risk of wildfire.
When the fire danger rating is "high,” fires can start quickly, and small fuels such as grasses and pine needles will ignite readily.
Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like Be in the Mountains Yoga:
Be in the Mountains Yoga, conveniently located in the Village Plaza off James Canyon Highway, offers Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Restorative, and private Thai yoga sessions. Now offering Thai Yoga Massage, Swedish Blend Table Massage, and Yoga Group Classes.
Water We Waiting For: Emergency Council Meeting Turns Town Hall
A severe water shortage has forced the Village to approve emergency measures, including daily water deliveries. Local officials report the Village's water demand now exceeds production, depleting critical reserves.
"We cannot keep up with it," said the Village's Water Operator, Aaron Foster, during an emergency council meeting in January…
Cloudcroft Reader Classifieds
Services
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@sureguardwarranty.com
Crystal Tompkins Photography
Professional photography services include headshots and personal branding, Portraits of Women (POW), Families, Couples, and more.
Schedule today
Jobs
Office Clerk/Administrator for the Village of Cloudcroft
The Village is now accepting applications online.
Apply here
Real Estate
3 bed 2 bath home in High Rolls, just under 2 acres
NEW PRICE REDUCED! Charming 3-bed, 2-bath mountain home in High Rolls with a spacious split floor plan, wood stove, custom kitchen island, refrigerated air, covered porch, stunning views, garage, workshop, greenhouse, pond, and nearby hiking trails! 7 Old Ranger Rd. High Rolls, NM 88325
MLS # 170107 | (575) 607-5520
3 bed 2 bath Mountain Home on 1.541 Acres
Timberon Oasis! Charming home on 1.54 acres in the Timberon Golf Course community. Features spacious decks, screened patio, hot tub, cozy fireplace, split floor plan, office, powered workshop, fenced yard, and stunning natural surroundings. 110 Oakmont Dr. Timberon, NM 88350
MLS # 170348 | (575) 607-5520
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 willing to install power pole for financing ease! Oliver Rd and Dog Canyon, Alamogordo, NM 88310
MLS # 170202 | (575) 607-5520
Retail
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
Food & Drink
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
Get Connected
Where can I find…?
Helping people make connections in the Cloudcroft community is core to our mission. To better connect people in business in the area, the Reader is launching a classified listings section to help them find what they are looking for.
As we launch this new service for the area, we are remaking all classified listings free during our beta phase (through March). However, we reserve the right to refuse any listings for any reason.
We plan to feature categories such as retail, lodging, real estate, property services, jobs, food & drink, classes, and more. If you have any questions, please email us at classifieds@cloudcroftreader.com
Let us help you get connected.
Promote your business
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 businesses like Dusty Boots Motel and Cafe, Instant Karma, Off the Beaten Path, Future Real Estate, Ski Cloudcroft, Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage, High Altitude, Be in the Mountains Yoga, Otero County Electric Cooperative, and the Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative.
With more than 2,200 email subscribers and 4,900+ Facebook followers, the Cloudcroft Reader is the most widely read publication serving the greater Cloudroft community. It does the reporting no one else does.
For example, our most recent article, published on Sunday, has already been viewed by more than 7,000 readers.
Position your business one click away from the people that make Cloudcroft unique.
People Power
Thank you to those members of our community who help make the Cloudcroft Reader possible with their contribution:
I first went to Cloudcroft at the age of eight, almost sixty years ago, and have loved the place ever since. It has changed a lot but still entices me.