Seven Springs Fire, Village Hires, Lodger's Tax App, Weekend Events, and More
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Seven Springs Fire Updates
The Seven Springs Fire is burning on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Watch Duty reports the fire is currently approximately 350 acres, as of Wednesday morning.
An evacuation order has been issued for reservation residents living in Nogal Canyon. The fire is located near the town of Bent, and numerous ground, air, and command resources are responding to the scene.
According to the onX Hunt app, the fire is 8.4 miles Northwest of Cloudcroft village, as the crow flies.
The Lincoln County Fire Service reports that the fire does not threaten communities or structures in Lincoln County at the moment. The fire broke out as residents of nearby Ruidoso marked the one-year anniversary of the devastating South Fork Fire and Salt Fire that caused severe damage and two fatalities last year.
The Reader will continue to follow developments on this story. Follow the Watch Duty app for timely updates, and Otero Genasys for emergency alerts.
Library to Reopen, Utility and Finance Roles Filled in Council Hiring Push
After months of operating with thin-to-no staff across multiple departments, the Village of Cloudcroft is beginning to rebuild, with the council approving a slate of new hires and promotions this week.
Azi Alarcón was approved as a part-time maintenance worker. Public Works Supervisor JJ Carrizal said Alarcón has worked seasonally in the summers the past few years and is a great employee.
Ashley White was hired as the new Utility Clerk. Mayor Tim King noted that water bills for the current month had not yet been sent out.
Kris Parks and Sean O'Connor, public works employees, were approved for raises.
Sandra Barr was approved as the new library director. The Michael Nivison Public Library, which has been closed since November 2024, will reopen “soon,” according to Mayor King.
Sylvia Hall was hired as the new Financial Clerk, with a start date of July 1st.
The Reader will continue to report on these updates.
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage:
Lodgers Tax Funding Application
The council approved the updated Lodgers Tax Advisory Board application process, which was drafted by Advisory Board member Bri Jonnes. The deadline for submissions is June 30th. The new application process is designed to be more thorough and transparent, ensuring applicants deliver plans and reports on how they plan to or have used granted funds.
View it, here:
Recently, we wrote about the Lodger's Tax tensions in Cloudcroft that arose over years of mismanagement.
With over $200,000 in available tourism funds, questions grew over whether the Village should continue automatically channeling tourism dollars “like they’ve always done” without competitive bidding.
ICYMI and ICIP
Look for our fuller report of what happened at last night’s Village meeting in the coming week.
Catch up with our report on the village’s priorties for state funding:
Local Gatherings this Weekend
Saturday, June 28 - Cloudcroft Fire Department Barn Dance
The Cloudcroft Fire Department will host a family-friendly barn dance featuring live country music from Alamogordo-based band Dealer's Choice. The alcohol-free event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and promises an evening of two-stepping fun for all ages.
Friday, June 20 - Kirtan Gathering
A Kirtan gathering will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at Instant Karma located at 302 Burro Avenue in Cloudcroft. Folks are invited to enjoy an evening of music and community.
Saturday, June 22 - Cloudcroft Beerfest 2025
Cloudcroft's 2025 Beerfest is set for noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at Zenith Park. The annual event will feature craft beer tastings, food vendors, and live music from Cloudcroft favorites and Ruidoso-based Doso Dirtbags and Lubbock-based Spivey in the cool mountain air.
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, Down Under Ground Water Surveyors:
Rollin' and Tumblin' at the WeedSac Bike-Packing Tour
Flatulence and laughs ring out at camp during the night. The high-protein and carb diets produce loud nocturnal emissions from an exhausted group of cyclists, with little to muffle the noise except thin tent walls.
It’s night two of the annual WeedSac bike-packing ride. Some sixty cyclists spent the day trudging up Carr Gap Canyon Road from Mayhill to a little valley near 16 Springs where they will snooze for the night. Women and men, from teenagers to baby boomers, climbed over 3,000 feet during the day and carried their gear with them…
Planned Power Outage on Tuesday, June 24th
Otero County Electric Cooperative (OCEC) crews will be taking an outage to replace a structure on the transmission line that feeds the Cloudcroft Substation on June 24, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Is My Water Safe?
Check out the official notice from the Village of Cloudcroft and the Cloudcroft Water System 2024 Consumer Confidence Report on the Reader.
Reader Reels: The Newly-Redesigned Byron Ligon Disc Golf Course
From Stage to Studio: Inside The Little Gallery with Trey McCurley
Actor and artist Trey McCurley has opened The Little Gallery, a vibrant new art space tucked between Aspen & Ivy and The Fat Rabbit on Burro Avenue.
Thank you to our sponsor, Future Real Estate:
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 MexicoTularosa Communications
Internet that keeps you connected.The 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 ResortsDusty Boots Motel and Cafe
Have a beautiful, restful nightNew Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association
We Convert Abandoned Railroad Lines Into Recreational TrailsLaughing 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
Pizza and Summer Tubing start July Fourth!Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage
Maximizing Movement, Quality of Life ImprovementHigh Altitude
Your favorite little outdoor outfitter on Burro AvenueBlushing Yucca Esthetics
Luxury facials, full body waxing, and brow servicesThe Elk Shed
Purveyors of Southwest Mountain Goods & FineryDown Under Groundwater Surveyors
We find water for youPeñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative
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