Hauling H2O Again; Wiley's First Meeting; New Library Hours; Sunspot Closed; Grocery Coming Soon; Recent Ruck, and more
What's happening in the Village? Stay informed with the Reader, the Voice of the Mountain.
Check it Out: Library News
The library is operating on new winter hours: Monday-Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., and is closed on Thursdays. Friday Story Time with Paige continues from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Coffee Time launches Fridays from 1-3 p.m. starting January 23rd, offering free coffee and cocoa in the new lounge area in the Old Red Brick Schoolhouse Foyer, which was recently furnished through donations.
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, Laughing Leaf:
Cloudcroft on Level 3 Water Restrictions (Still)
On January 12th, the Village of Cloudcroft Facebook page sent out reminders that the village is still on Level 3 water restrictions, along with a message to residents and visitors alike:
Sunspot Solar Observatory Closed for Cleanup
Mercury—the liquid, not the planet—was visible at Sunspot. The Observatory is temporarily closed for cleanup. More about the incident, from the Sunspot Facebook page:
“On the morning of January 5th, two New Mexico State University staff members inside the Dunn Solar Telescope (DST) observed liquid Mercury on the platform. Proper safety protocols were implemented immediately to ensure the safety of all on-site personnel. The DST, the surrounding observatory grounds, and visitor center will remain closed until further notice while appropriate remediation measures are implemented. There is no immediate concern for public or environmental safety, and the proper authorities have been notified.”
“The mercury observed inside the Dunn Solar Telescope is used in certain telescope equipment, so it was not a foreign substance, but its presence outside containment is unusual. Safety protocols were immediately implemented, and the facility will remain closed until remediation is complete. Importantly, there is no risk to the public or the environment.”
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, High Altitude:
Reader Reels: Sparks + Rec Cannabis Consumption Lounge Opens in Cloudcroft
Village Grocery “Coming Spring 2026”
Villagers Dylan and Bre Kincaid are opening Cloudy’s Market in Cloudcroft, next door to Osha Trail Depot on Mexican Avenue. The new biz is slated to carry fresh produce, meat, and a deli with plans to open Spring 2026—follow Cloudy’s Facebook Page for updates.
First Bite: Preview a Taste of the New 1899 Menu at the Lodge
Contributing Editor Drew Gaines recently visited Chef Richard Lepree in his kitchen at the Lodge. We look forward to publishing an exclusive video interview with Lepree, the brigade de cuisine, and more soon through the Reader.

The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by Instant Karma:
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:
Noisy Water Winery
Family-owned winery crafting thoughtfully made wines from New Mexico grapes, inspired by mountain living.Be in the Mountains Yoga & Massage
A cozy space for yoga and massage therapy at the Village PlazaOsha Trail Depot
Your destination for unique, hand-crafted treasuresJohn R. Battle, CPA, CVA, MAFF, CMAA
Personal & Business Taxes, Tax Planning & ConsultingThe 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 SoulLaughing 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
The Southern southernmost in New MexicoCloudcroft 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
For all the ways you love to connectBre Hope Media
Professional photo and video services
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