Preparing for Fire on the Mountain, Old Apple Barn's Court Case Heats Up, Forest Service Cuts Hit Close to Home, and More
Your Wednesday Review: The Reader keeps you informed
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…
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like The Elk Shed:
The Apple Barn Gets Court-Appointed Receiver
Pressure mounts in the Old Apple Barn civil lawsuit as Jerry Shulman, the one-time buyer and defendant in the case, responds to accusations of breach of contract, waste and fraud with similar accusations against the plaintiffs and founders of the business.
Shulman’s reply was filed in court yesterday, February 25, by his lawyer Russell Warren of RSW Law Firm.
Their response comes a little more than a month after founders and sellers of the Apple Barn, Bill and Beverly Niffenegger, filed their civil complaint against Shulman. The two parties were involved in last year’s bungled sale of the popular roadside emporium in the community of High Rolls Mountain Park.
Shulman’s reply offers a sweeping denial of allegations brought by the Niffenegger family through their attorney David Humphreys. It’s a lengthy document that consists of a numbered response to each of Niffenegger’s claims.
Also listed in the response are counterclaims against Niffenegger for “breach of contract, fraud, negligence per se, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.”The two parties met in court for the first time last week.
Judge Daniel Bryant of the Ruidoso Magistrate Court conducted a virtual hearing where he ordered the appointment of a receiver, a third-party to oversee the property during the litigation. Joanne Smith, a longtime employee of the Apple Barn under both Niffenegger and Shulman, was appointed as the receiver.
The Reader is reviewing all documents in the case and will follow-up with a detailed report on any developments.
Forest Employees Get The Axe as Trump Layoffs Hit Cloudcroft’s Backyard
Fear, uncertainty and censorship at districts across the Lincoln National Forest after DOGE terminations blindside local Forest Service employees
Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has terminated at least 11 Sacramento Ranger District Forest Service employees, representing 30-40% of non-fire staff.
These layoffs primarily targeted wildlife, range, timber, and recreation departments. With Lincoln National Forest now severely understaffed, concerns mount about delayed projects, reduced recreational site maintenance, and potential impacts on Cloudcroft's tourism economy.
Current employees describe communication breakdowns and fear speaking out, while terminated staff dispute claims of "poor performance," which appears to be the blanket rationale given to tens of thousands of fired employees across the country.
Several former staff members said that as recently as Monday, February 17th, they were reassured at staff meetings that “Everything was going to be okay.”
One person says the message changed quickly. “It was we don't really know what's going on, but we don't think that anybody's getting fired right now. And then by the end of that week, I was fired through an e-mail. And they actually said that it was based on my performance, which is, excuse my language, bullshit because I've never had a bad performance review…
The Reader is proud to be sponsored by great businesses like The Lodge:
Catch up on the Village Council with the Reader.
“You start recovery while you’re still burning,” said VFD Chief Erich at the Tuesday, February 18th Council meeting.
His words ring true for the Cloudcroft village council as they make moves to get the bungled village financial systems in order after learning that our ‘23-’24 fiscal year audit had eleven findings and scads of missing information and reports. They’ve got to chip away at recovery— while still on metaphorical fire.
Beyond last year’s dismal audit, finances haven’t been reconciled for years. According to the report from High Water Mark’s Karen Guitierrez, failures to reconcile bank accounts date back to October 2019.
High Water Mark’s report
Key takeaways from Guitierrez’s report, which—surprise!—contained major financial and liability issues…
New Providers, Same Challenges: The Sacramento Mountains' Ongoing Healthcare Gaps and Solutions
Cloudcroft has limited healthcare options. Get to know one new provider and area-wide info with our update:
For residents of rural New Mexico, access to consistent and comprehensive medical care has always been a challenge. Remote locations, limited providers, and a transient medical workforce have made continuity of care difficult.
Nurse Practitioner Julia Eigenmann, a Texas Panhandle transplant who has called Sacramento, New Mexico, home for the past decade, is aiming to grow Cloudcroft’s healthcare possibilities…
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
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
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
Classes
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
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.
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.
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