Making Firefighters; Unmasked: Fugitive Arrested in Cloudcroft; New Rules for Shed Hunting, and More
Follow the story with the Reader, the Voice of the Mountain.
Where Firefighters Are Made: Sacramento Mountains Wildfire Academy
Cloudcroft Fire Department Volunteer Hilary Kitzman and SMWA graduate Dakota Moon give an inside look at the Academy.
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, Laughing Leaf:
Village Fire Restrictions
As of Friday, March 27, 2026, the Village of Cloudcroft has enacted Level Two Fire Restrictions (Ordinance 5-4-2-B). Under these restrictions, the following activities are prohibited outdoors until further notice:
Open fires, campfires, and charcoal grills (propane grills are permitted)
Smoking within 3 feet of any combustible materials
Two-cycle engines without a USDA-approved spark arrestor
These restrictions are issued by order of the Mayor of the Village of Cloudcroft.
Officer Testa Back on Cloudcroft Patrol
On school days, you’ll see Officer Mike Testa patrolling the high-traffic highway school zones along Highway 82. Testa told the Reader that he’s already given out a few tickets and is glad to be back.
Testa was hired at the March 17 Village Council meeting, doubling the size of the Cloudcroft PD alongside Chief of Police Roger Schoolcraft.
Testa served as the village’s Chief of Police until May 2024, when he resigned alongside Deputy Chief David Sanchez and Officer Calib Bruce. The resignations came amid a dispute with the previous council over a newly proposed schedule.
Schoolcraft, who himself resigned in December 2024 before returning under Mayor Wiley’s administration, made Testa his first and only pick.
The two plan to work a split schedule, providing coverage seven days a week.
Testa told the Reader he and Chief Schoolcraft have worked together a lot in the past and know each other well from “going on many calls together” when Testa policed in the village, and Schoolcraft served as Deputy in the Otero County Sheriff’s Department.
Testa told the Reader he’s “Happy and proud and glad to come back and serve the community, and excited to return under the new administration.” He says his focus is to “keep people safe.”
A Kitchen Reborn: VIDEO
Step inside the kitchen at 1899 at The Lodge, where Executive Chef Richard Lepree has transformed fine dining at the historic hotel and restaurant. This short film follows the British-American chef and his team as they discuss the challenges of rebranding, the motivation to use fresh ingredients, and the future of cuisine at Cloudcroft’s most famous landmark.
Video by Contributing Editor Drew Gaines
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage:
Pickleball Courts Set to Undergo Further Repair
After undergoing extensive fixes last year to remedy “dead spots”, Public Works Supervisor J.J. Carrizal confirmed that the manufacturer will repair the new Zenith Park public pickleball courts in early April.
The resurfacing will take place April 7th-9th, and the courts should be ready for summer play shortly after.
From the archives, Sept. 2025:
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by the Stove and Spa Store:
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 Art Workshops
Enhance your artistry while enjoying the beauty and coolness of the mountains!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 treasuresThe 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 Southernmost ski area in New Mexico.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 Provisions, 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
April issue now available
