Lowering Fire Risk with Level 2 Restrictions, a Structure Fire in the Village, and More: What's Making News on the Mountain
Your Wednesday Review: The Reader keeps you informed
The Village Enters Level Two Restrictions:
Cloudcroft Reader Contributing Editor Drew Gaines created an easy-to-read infographic that we at the Reader encourage businesses, lodgers, and concerned citizens to post wherever possible.
Depending on their jurisdiction and mutual aid agreements, local, county, state, and federal law enforcement officers issue citations for breaking fire danger rating ordinances.
According to New Mexico Fire Info and the Bureau of Land Management, violating fire restrictions can result in fines and/or imprisonment…
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like High Altitude:
Federal Review Could Reinstate Some Lincoln National Forest Jobs—But Uncertainty Remains:
The Lincoln National Forest recently saw major layoffs, cutting 30-40% of the Sacramento Ranger District’s non-fire workforce. In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has ordered over 5,000 terminated probationary employees to be temporarily reinstated for at least 45 days while federal investigations occur.
Many affected staff remain uncertain about their future, especially after receiving vague termination notices citing performance issues without specifics. While a federal hiring freeze is in place, one local source says seasonal firefighter and hotshot positions are still being filled.
The Lincoln National Forest (LNF) plays a crucial role in Otero County’s economy, contributing to the $3.2 billion impact of outdoor recreation in New Mexico. However, federal budget cuts could further destabilize this, with planned terminations of leases for multiple National Park and Forest Service buildings and public land facilities. Meanwhile, LNF officials have remained silent on how these layoffs could affect visitor services, fire mitigation, and other essential operations…
Fugitive Arrested in Weed
In September 2019, a man by the name of Walter Lee Coffman renewed his driver's license at the Cloudcroft MVD. This seemingly routine act set off a chain of events that unraveled a decades-long mystery involving allegations of identity theft and attempted murder—and a fugitive's life on the run…
Reader Reels
March 6th: Structure Fire Breaks Out on the Edge of Cloudcroft Village
The Reader is proud to be sponsored by great businesses like PVT:
Roadrunner Food Bank Coming to Mayhill Baptist Church this Friday
Community members who need help with food are invited to a FREE pop-up drive-through food distribution on Friday, March 14 in Mayhill, NM starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Mayhill Baptist Church located at 3510 US-82.
No advanced registration is required.
To get involved, visit www.rrfb.org.
Cloudcroft Reader Classifieds
Do you have an event, service, property, class, or business that needs to be seen in the right places? Submit a listing today—listings are free through March.
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
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
Jobs
Office Clerk/Administrator for the Village of Cloudcroft
The Village is now accepting applications online.
Apply here
Community
Lenten Lunches
Each week will feature a guest speaker and a free soup lunch. Lenten Lunches begin at 12 pm every Wednesday through April 9th. Hosted by Cloudcroft United Methodist Church, 50 Chipmunk Avenue. All are welcome!
575-682-2266 | cloudcroftumc.org
Free Pop-Up Food Distribution: Friday, March 14 at 9 am
Area residents who need help with food are invited to a FREE food distribution on Friday, March 14 at 9 am at the Mayhill Baptist Church located at 3510 US-82. Neither registration nor paperwork is required.
505.349.5340 | www.rrfb.org/find-food
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.
Diabetic Education Classes for the Community
If you are Diabetic or Pre-Diabetic you can take charge of your health and your own diabetic care.
575-682-3022 | mtnseniors.org | cbrn1cu@gmail.com
Beginning Alcohol Ink Classes
Spring/Summer & Fall beginning Alcohol Ink classes in Cloudcroft. 2 hr class $40, all supplies included.
575-640-7906 | cloudcroftgirl52@gmail.com
Cloudcroft Art Society
The first 2025 CAS meeting will be at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 9th ath the Michael Nivison Public Library/Old Red Brick Schoolhouse.
To find out about membership and apply to CAS: ccartsociety@gmail.com
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
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
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).
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 The Lodge, 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, The Elk Shed, Otero County Electric Cooperative, and the Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative.
With 2,480+ email subscribers and 5,600+ Facebook followers, the Cloudcroft Reader is the most widely read publication serving the greater Cloudroft community. It does the reporting no one else does.
Position your business one click away from the people that make Cloudcroft unique.
Support local news. Cloudcroft Reader relies on the support of our community, of readers like you. Will you support us and keep our essential work going strong?
From the Archives:
Cloudcroft Urged to Prepare for a High-Risk Fire Season: Here's What to Know
NMSU Forest and Fire Specialist Dr. Doug Cram delivers strategies for mountain stakeholders, and Fire Chief Erich Wuersching announces fire mitigation grant available to Cloudcroft village residents and property owners…