Roadless Rule Removal, Village Admin Changes, Meet Your Next Mayor, Homecoming Car Bash, Pickleball News, and More

Every trail tells a story. Stay informed with the Reader, the Voice of the Mountain

Bighorn Sheep catch some sun in the Lincoln National Forest

Roadless Rule: Public Comment Open

This summer, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is rescinding the Roadless Rule.

The 2001 rule prohibited road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvests on nearly 60 million acres of national forests and grasslands.

On August 27th, Rollins opened the public comment period for the proposed rule change until September 19, 2025.

Find more info and leave a comment at the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/29/2025-16581/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation-national-forest-system-lands

The USDA website states that “the public is invited to comment on the potential effects of the proposal to guide the development of the environmental impact statement.”

The Reader has reached out the the Lincoln National Forest (LNF) Service and will report answers to how this will affect LNF and any developments in this story.

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VoC Special Meeting: What Happened

Here are three big moments from the Village Council special meeting last night, Tuesday, September 2nd:

• Former Trustee Tabitha Foster, who resigned her elected position as trustee last week, was unanimously approved as Village Clerk for $31.25 per hour.

• Chief of Police Rolando Hernandez’s salary of $80,000 per year was approved by the council, with Trustee McCoy and Hamilton voting “yay,” Trustee Maynard voting “nay.”

• Trustee Maynard asked village-contracted Attorney Zach Cook if the council's vote on maintenance employee raises from the budget meeting was legally binding. Cook said, “Yes.”

See for yourself on the Village Facebook Livestream.

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Check out the Reader’s 2025 Elections videos on YouTube:

• Danny Hardwick for Village Trustee

• Gail McCoy for Village Trustee

• Keith Hamilton for Village Trustee

• Mark Tatum for Judge

Stay tuned—we’ll post more videos as the election race progresses.

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Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, High Altitude:

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Pickleball Court Resurface Project Underway

New pad, new paint on three of the Cloudcroft pickleball courts

Half of Cloudcroft’s courts have been resurfaced. Upon approval—fingers crossed for no dead spots—the village will continue with resurfacing repairs.

Check out the three new, dark blue courts—they are play-ready.

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Cloudcroft’s Ballot: Meet Your Candidates

The filing deadline (and write-in deadline) came and went at the Otero County Clerk’s Office. Here’s who’s running for the Village seats.

Mayor:
Incumbent Timothy King and last year’s election runner-up, Gerald Dusty Wiley

Trustee:
Incumbent Gail McCoy, appointee Keith Hamilton, and newcomer Danny Hardwick

School Board:
Current Board President Lance Wright, plus Bruce Odom and Michele Anthony.

Judge:
Incumbent Mark Tatum

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Locals swung the sledgehammer at last year’s homecoming Car Bash fundraiser—happening again tonight, Wednesday, September 3rd.

Heavy Hitters: Annual Car Bash is Back

Head to the ice rink tonight, Wednesday, September 3rd, 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.

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“All-American” Hotshot Heads to Citrus Bowl

Hotshot the Mascot, aka Alyssa Singer, will wow stadium crowds this December.

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.

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Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, Blushing Yucca Esthetics:

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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.

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Breaking News: Bluff Springs and Other Closures

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Administrative Challenges Mount for Cloudcroft Village Government

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A Fed Bear is a Dead Bear: Wildlife Officials Defend Deputies' Decision to Shoot

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What's Out There? Sacramento Camp & Conference Center

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The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great companies like Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage:

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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 Mexico

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  We offer a variety of services to ensure your hearth and spa dreams are met!

• The Lodge at Cloudcroft
  Landmark Choice Among New Mexico Resorts

• Sacramento Camp & Conference Center
  Come to the Mountain — Let God Refresh Your Soul

• New Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association
  We Convert Abandoned Railroad Lines Into Recreational Trails

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  Discover a world of wellness at Laughing Leaf

• Instant Karma
  Adventure Within: Transformative Yoga, Ayurvedic Wisdom, Nourishing Organics, Fair Trade Boutique

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  Pizza and Summer Tubing start July Fourth!

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  Your favorite little outdoor outfitter on Burro Avenue

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• The Elk Shed
  Purveyors of Southwest Mountain Goods & Finery

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  For all the ways you love to connect

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