Cloudcroft's Ballot, Car Bash, School News, Village Survey and Reporting, Upcoming Melodrama, and More
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Cloudcroft’s Ballot: Meet Your Candidates
The filing deadline came and went at the Otero County Clerk’s Office yesterday, August 26th. Here’s who’s running for the Village seats.
Mayor:
Incumbent Tim King and last year’s election runner-up, Dusty Wiley
Trustee:
Incumbent Gail McCoy, appointee Keith Hamilton, and newcomer Danny Hardwick
School Board:
Current Board President Lance Wright, plus Bruce Odom and Rebecca Michele Anthony.
Judge:
Incumbent Mark Tatum
Leadership Cloudcroft meets tomorrow to hear from the candidates. The Reader will introduce to the community those on the ballot through video, interviews, and more in the coming weeks.
Heavy Hitters: Annual Car Bash is Back
Head to the ice rink next week for the homecoming bonfire and car bash fundraiser. Vent some steam and take a swing—proceeds will help send Hotshot the Bears’ Mascot to the Citrus Bowl.
The public is welcome to attend.
School Board August Meeting
The Reader attended last week’s school board meeting, loaded with policy discussions involving A.I. usage, bonds, and more.
New staff were welcomed: Special Education Aides Laryssa Alvarez and Shayla Sterbenz; Custodian Melissa Najera; Middle School Computers Teacher Serena Myers; and, High School Science Teacher Marymar Newell.
The board is reviewing school policies for A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) use. It seemed likely the policy would allow for A.I. in the classroom, under each teacher’s discretion. Principal Nolene Adams announced the introduction of A.I. tech Amira Learning, which bought iStation, the school’s regularly used software. Notably, Amira will assist with dyslexia diagnosis—although the school still plans to conduct teacher-led screenings.
The board approved paying off bonds with excess cash. The motion was made, seconded, and carried with all members voting in favor.
The district has $968,000 in excess cash available to pay off:
$200,000 outstanding on 2014 bonds
$350,000 outstanding on 2015 bonds
To watch the board meetings yourself, check out the school’s livestream.
The Cloudcroft Schools’ Bear Facts meeting will be on September 2nd from 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the High School Commons.
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, Future Real Estate:
Results: Cloudcroft Pulse Survey
In the first of a series of Cloudcroft Pulse opinion surveys, this questionnaire was sent to Reader subscribers, asking them to rate the current council’s job performance and rank village priorities.
Melodrama Season Finale Starts This Weekend
Grab a seat, grab your popcorn—it’s the end of the Cloudcroft Light Opera Company Melodrama season in Cloudcroft. Heaven Help the Po’Taters has a full cast and comedic slant.
Catch shows for free at the Zenith Park Pavilion this weekend and September 12th and 13th.
“All-American” Hotshot Heads to Citrus Bowl
Cloudcroft’s own Alyssa Singer clawed her way to mascot fame—she’s set to join 50 elite mascots for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl halftime show in Orlando, Florida on December 31, 2025.
As Hotshot the Bear Mascot, Singer was chosen through a competitive tryout at cheerleader camp, earning Mascot All-American honors as one of the top 10% in the country. For the Florida-based halftime show, Alyssa will rehearse for a week before wowing 60,000 fans.
So, when you spot Hotshot tossing out pawsome high-fives around Cloudcroft, make sure to cheer—she’ll be representing our hometown spirit on a national stage.
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, The Lodge:
Forest Closures: Do’s and Don’ts
The Reader recently reported on Bluff Springs and other forest closures.
What’s allowed in the mapped closure areas?
Do (From the Lincoln National Forest Facebook Page):
Forest Service roads remain open for motorized travel within the mapped closure area.
Trails remain open for hiking, horseback riding, and other non-motorized use (see Motor Vehicle Use Map for designations).
Trails designated for motorized use including dirt bikes and OHV’s less than 50 inches in width remain open.
Developed campgrounds are open for overnight stays.
Don’t:
Camp (no dispersed camping allowed)
Drive or park any motor vehicles in the closure area—includes off-highway vehicles (OHVs)
Build, maintain, or use any campfires, even in stone rings
Pro Tip:
Check for signs at the entrance and visit the official Forest Service site for the latest updates and maps.
High Altitude Classic: Sept. 7th
Cloudcroft’s popular annual mountain bike race is back!
Reader Questions Lead to Cloudcroft Ballot Corrections
Otero County election proclamation first listed just two trustee seats. Turns out, three are up for grabs.
Check out Reader videos on YouTube for short reports, mini docs, and more.
From the Archives:
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.
Thank you to our sponsor, Laughing Leaf:
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 companies like:
Cloudcroft Sandwich Shop
In the heart of downtown Cloudcroft, New MexicoThe 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 ResortsSacramento Camp & Conference Center
Come to the Mountain — Let God Refresh Your SoulNew Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association
We Convert Abandoned Railroad Lines Into Recreational TrailsLaughing Leaf Dispensary
Discover a world of wellness at Laughing LeafInstant 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
Pizza and Summer Tubing start July Fourth!Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage
Maximizing Movement, Quality of Life ImprovementHigh Altitude
Your favorite little outdoor outfitter on Burro AvenueBlushing Yucca Esthetics
✨ Book your glow-up today✨The Elk Shed
Purveyors of Southwest Mountain Goods & FineryThe PAC
Pickleball Addicts of Cloudcroft—Pickleball in the CloudsPeñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative
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