Village Council Meets Tuesday. Plus, NMDOT in Cloudcroft: District Funding and Projects
Find out what's on the Council's plate for Tuesday. Plus: catch up on NMDOT projects.
The Village Council meets on Tuesday, May 20th at 6:00 p.m., with a full docket.
On the agenda: Presentations including the “current status of Lodger’s Tax,” the ‘bed tax’ that generates funds to promote the Village’s tourism business; an invitation to the original melodrama Dawn of the Cloud-Climber written and directed by Cloudcroft local and volunteer firefighter Azi Alarcón, a potential police hire, discussion and votes for Planning & Zoning recommendations, and a list of upcoming meetings:
Lodger’s Tax Advisory Board Meeting on May 22nd, 10:30 a.m.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting on June 2nd, 6:00 p.m.
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting on June 3rd, 9:00 a.m.
The next Village Council Meeting on June 17th, 6:00 p.m.
Absent from the agenda? The approval of a village budget, which is due to the state by June.
The council budget retreat is typically held each April. Last year, the discussions were open to the public and live-streamed online—a model that the Alamogordo administration is using this year. Cloudcroft’s officials have yet to announce when, where, and how they will proceed with budget talks this year.
You’re Needed, Inquire Within
Tuesday night, the Reader’s Senior Editor and part-owner Hannah Dean will present with Trustee Gail McCoy on the Reader-sponsored Leadership Cloudcroft course. Here’s the gist of what we have to say:
Cloudcroft relies on volunteer leaders, and that starts with learning the ropes. Too often, the same small group fills every role, while great programs like a school Booster Club go unstaffed, and the folks who lead burn out quickly.
Leadership Cloudcroft offers tools, training, networking, and motivation to step up—even if you don’t feel “ready.” This half-day, once-a-month program (June–October) includes expert-led sessions and field trips on water, fire, local government, tourism, and more. We’ll even buy you lunch. Faculty includes Public Works Supervisor JJ Carrizal, Debi Lee from the Southeastern New Mexico Economic Development District, and others who know how our mountain town works — and sometimes doesn’t.
If you have any interest in helping out in the community, learn more and apply here: leadershipcloudcroft.com
See you Tuesday.
The article continues after this brief message. The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by Instant Karma:
NMDOT Meeting
The state Department of Transportation (DOT) chose Cloudcroft for its regular meeting. Representatives from the six districts and area officials, including Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford, were in attendance.
NMDOT District 2 (D2) covers the mountainous areas including Cloudcroft and Ruidoso, Otero, Lincoln, Chavez, Eddy, De Baca, Curry, Roosevelt, and Lea counties. D2 Commissioner Gary Tonjes and fellow commissioners heard presentations throughout the day.
District Engineer Francisco Sanchez presented D2’s operational budget, with a $45 million base budget plus an additional $25 million from a House Bill this year.
The district has 331 employee positions in support staff, maintenance, construction, and engineering support, with 38 current vacancies. D2 has 7,750 lane miles, the most four-lane non-interstate miles in New Mexico.
Updates for Cloudcroft and Nearby Areas
Completed projects near Cloudcroft include Cloudcroft drainage improvements and infrastructure projects in Tularosa and Mescalero.
Sanchez emphasized that maintenance efforts across the district are crucial, including substantial snow removal operations that cleared 68,000 miles last year at a cost of over $1 million.
Fiscal year 2025 maintenance includes $5.5 million in projects for Highway 70—“Hot-in-place recycling,” and “Plant mix wearing course.” Highway 70 connects Tularosa to Ruidoso, then heads through Roswell to Clovis.
Upcoming projects in the 26-27 fiscal year include a Cloudcroft Drainage Project on Highway 82, which is estimated to cost $6.9 million.
Nearby Highway 54 Mill and Fill projects are projected at a combined $30 million.
DOT Flood Recovery Efforts in Ruidoso and Roswell
Severe flooding impacted the Roswell and Ruidoso areas last year.
A vital bridge connecting Artesia and Roswell on a busy corridor for the oil/gas industry was damaged. DOT staff worked quickly to reopen one southbound lane of this critical bridge within one month, Sanchez reported.
Mayor Crawford thanked DOT crews, who have been extensively involved in the Ruidoso community by helping with recovery efforts, clearing roads, repairing bridges, and getting the Ruidoso Downs racetrack back open in the wake of last year's flash flooding.
Sanchez also reported swift repairs to the significant flooding damage to Ski Run Road leading to Ski Apache.
D2’s estimated projects total for fiscal year 26-27 is $291,410,093.50, with Ruidoso projects, including a preservation of the US 70 bridge estimated at $6 million and an ADA project for Ruidoso Downs estimated at $1.5 million.
From snow-plowing to flood recovery to road preservation, DOT’s planned investments underscore the region’s ongoing need for reliable transportation infrastructure.
Promote your business. We’d like to thank our sponsor, Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage:
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:
Tularosa Communications
Keeping 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 nightInstant 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
You’re going to love Ski CloudcroftCloudcroft Therapeutic Massage
Maximizing Movement, Quality of Life Improvement.High Altitude
Your favorite little outdoor outfitter on Burro Avenue.The Elk Shed
Purveyors of Southwest Mountain Goods & FineryPeñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative
For all the ways you love to connect
The Cloudcroft Reader is the most widely read publication serving the greater Cloudcroft community, with 2,790+ email subscribers and 10,600+ Facebook followers. We report the stories no one else does.
Reach the people engaged with Cloudcroft — locals, seasonals, and visitors. Position your business just one click away.
Readers make the Reader. Support from individuals is the fuel that powers the local reporting you don’t get anywhere else. Please join the team today.
We thank our generous Cloudcroft Stars. We couldn’t do this without you.
Food & Drink
Kefir grains and farm-fresh eggs
Kefir grains are used to make a homemade fermented milk drink called kefir. It is amazing in smoothies and you can cook with it or drink it plain or flavored. These little guys need to be fed whole milk daily. $5 per tablespoon. They grow quickly! I also have farm-fresh eggs. $5/doz. Can deliver to Cloudcroft!
801-678-4838
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
Lodging
Simply Enjoy
Escape to the mountains and unwind in our cozy, spacious cabin—complete with a plush king bed and warm touches. Located in the village. The perfect place to relax and recharge.
575-420-0575 | Find Online | Simply Mountain Cabins, LLC
Simply Relax
Enjoy modern comforts, no stairs, a king bed, and sleeper sofa. Located in the village, just minutes from all Cloudcroft has to offer. Your perfect mountain getaway awaits!
Find Online | Simply Mountain Cabins, LLC
Events
Dawn of the Cloud-Climber
Cloudcroft Light Opera Company: A melodrama written by Azariah Alarcon. Follow the story of how an outlaw arrives in the newfound Cloudcroft, where he falls for the community and changes his ways, becoming the legend of the Sacramento Mountains. Performances are May 23rd, 24th, 25th, 30th & 31st at 7:30 p.m. at the Zenith Park Pavilion.
thecloudclimber1899@gmail.com | cloudcroftlightopera.org | 1100 James Canyon Hwy, Cloudcroft, NM
Shady Pines Chamber Players Summer 2025 FREE events
FAIRY GARDEN STROLLS 2 to 5 pm daily: May 23-26; June 20-22; July 6-7, 18-20; Aug 3-8, 15-17; Aug 29-Sept 1; STARS & STRIPES CELLOS July 5, 3 pm; TIGER ALLEY, July 26, 7 pm
Garden Strolls & Tiger Alley: 200 Fox in Cloudcroft; Stars & Stripes Cellos: CCHS Commons
Facebook & YouTube | shadypinestwigs@gmail.com
361-557-1960 Suzannah Cox
Classes
Mobile paint party business and paint kits for adults and children
Kat Mitchell, a retired K-12 School Counselor. She started Brushes N Bling in October 2024, a mobile paint party business where she channels her true passion for creating art with children and adults.
915-330-3267 | www.facebook.com/brushesnbling
DO MORE ART, HAVE MORE FUN!
Come join us Wednesdays 6:30-8p and weekends 11a-5p for some creative arts and crafts available to all ages and skill levels. Prices start at $5! What will you create?
5207044326 | Instagram: shangriloft_llc | savannland@gmail.com
Taichi, Qigong, Self-Defense and Meditation
Learn authentic Yang style Taichi from Sifu Ray Abeyta, who has 45+ years of experience. Regain balance and health. Say hello at the free class on Tuesdays at 10 am at the High Rolls Senior Center.
Http:// www.sacramentochi.com | 915-355-8758 | etha@sacramentochi.com
Western Horseback Riding Lessons
Intro to western riding and horsemanship lessons for ages five and up. Located in Tularosa, close to Horseman’s Park. Please get in touch with us for more information.
801-678-4838 | robyn.vanvalkenburg@gmail.com
Cloudcroft Fitness
A small fitness studio offering group fitness classes, including barbell, circuit training, spin classes, and more!
https://cloudcroftcycling.punchpass.com/
Jobs
Visitor Center Engagement Specialist, NMSU/Sunspot Solar Observatory
We seek a dynamic individual with strong communication skills to greet visitors, provide professional customer service, handle payments, manage inventory, maintain cleanliness, share information clearly, prioritize tasks efficiently, and collaborate effectively to ensure smooth operations in a fast-paced environment.
575-434-7190 | https://sunspot.nmsu.edu/ | 3001 Visitor Center Drive
Finance Manager: Sacramento Mountains Senior Center, Cloudcroft, NM
The Senior Center is seeking a full-time Finance Manager. Bookkeeping and/or Accounting experience preferred. Must be a quick learner of Accounting software and a stickler for details. The job also involves part-time consumer qualification assessment management. Other training requirements involve CPR, driving safety, food handling, periodic nutrition webinars, and quarterly AAA training.
Mtnseniors.org | 575-682-3022
The Lodge at Cloudcroft: Retail Manager and Front Desk Manager
The Lodge at Cloudcroft is looking for fun, creative and energetic people to assist in managing the front desk and the hotel’s retail store.
432-284-0041 | starvannacottrell@gmail.com
Community
Sign your child up for Little League flag football!
Cloudcroft Schools' Little League flag football program offers young athletes a chance to develop football skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a supportive, non-contact environment, promoting physical fitness and community spirit among local students. Download the Heja app! The code is PJ-313315. Our first practice will be on Tuesday, April 15th. The last day to sign up will be April 15th at 5:30 p.m.
575-324-6018
Heights of Peru Cloudcroft Schools Student Trip Fundraiser
Spanish Teacher Deborah O’Connor and community chaperones will take six Cloudcroft students to Peru this summer. If you wish to sponsor, donate to “Heights of Peru” at the First National Bank in Cloudcroft. The group is fundraising at Zip’s Carwash and selling Caliche's coupons for $20 each. Contact Deborah O’Connor, Roberta Haecker, Robyn Kimble, Sarah Dodson, Shelley Hughes, Susan Maynard, or Susan Craine to buy one. Shop their garage sale at the school during Memorial Day weekend with furniture, baby stuff, kitchen stuff, and more.
Zip’s Carwash Fundraiser
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.
Register here
Cloudcroft Art Society
The Cloudcroft Art Society (CAS) regularly hosts exhibitions and art sales through the cooperative gallery space and community room at the Michael Nivison Public Library/Old Red Brick Schoolhouse.
To find out about membership and apply to CAS: ccartsociety@gmail.com
Services
Septic System pumping, installation, inspections and repairs
We install and service septic systems in Cloudcroft, Timberon, Alamogordo and Ruidoso. No system is too big or small. We specialize in hard-to-install systems and have four different kinds of ATS or aerobic systems to find the right system for your property needs.
www.advancedsepticpros.com | 575-682-5874
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.g.waitt@gmail.com
High Country Equine
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
Real Estate
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
AMAZING opportunity! Check out this 0.26-acre property!
This 0.26-acre lot between Deer Springs Rd and Forest View Rd is just 15 minutes from Cloudcroft, NM. Next to Waterfall Lodge, with direct access to 1M+ acres of National Forest adventures.
575-650-5039 | 42 Forest View Drive, Cloudcroft, NM | House of Cristal
Mountain Retreat in Exclusive Cloud Country West Near Cloudcroft
This nearly half-acre homesite in prestigious Cloud Country West offers a serene retreat just minutes from Cloudcroft. Set amid the majestic Sacramento Mountains, it’s bordered by Lincoln National Forest for unmatched beauty and privacy.
575-650-5039 | 123 Canyon Trail, Cloudcroft, NM | House of Cristal
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 & Sales
Terry Burrow, Purchasing Agent Franciscan RV, Hatch
We LOVE Cloudcroft!!! In Hatch, we have small community values. Honest and trustworthy! Tell your friends and family to call Terry if they want to buy or sell their RV or travel trailer! I would love to talk to you and show you options. We need inventory as we sell them fast! Please give me a call. We pick up and deliver! I look forward to hearing from you and helping you! Terry
575-496-1618 or 575-267-1508 | www.franciscanrv.com
The Little Gallery
The Little Gallery is an art gallery focused on creating, curating, and selling handmade, original works of art. Artists interested in displaying their work may contact TREY MCCURLEY @ latrey@gmail.com or on Instagram @treymccurley.
575-491-1855 | 206 Burro Ave Bldg 2
Yale 3 Ton Manual Hoist
Yale 3 Ton Manual Hoist $2500 Very heavy, adjustable to mount on trolley frame 4" to 6" wide rail
(575) 551-8510 | pablo.jasso61@gmail.com
Awning Room for 20 Ft RV Awning
Awning Room for 20 Ft RV Awning. Used last summer. Great for more extended stays in your RV. Like New.
575-491-4395 | jacquetanis@gmail.com
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
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 making all classified listings free during our beta phase. Beginning this summer, each listing will be $25 per month. Listings are always available to be viewed on this landing page and are emailed to our over 2790 email subscribers in our weekly Wednesday reviews.
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.
We’ve created a simple order form where you submit your listing for inclusion. If you have any questions, please email us at classifieds@cloudcroftreader.com
Let us help you get connected.