Water, Key Hires on VoC's First 2026 Agenda; Support Group Survey Results; Bark Beetle Challenges Forest Management, and More
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Water, Key Hires, Plus, on VoC January 9th Meeting Agenda
Friday, January 9th: The Village council meets for the first time under new Mayor Dusty Wiley. Here’s what’s on the docket:
An update on the village’s water supply by Public Works Supervisor J.J. Carrizal. On January 4th, Mayor Wiley announced through the VoC Facebook page:
“As of January 1, 2026, the Village of Cloudcroft began hauling supplemental water from Alamogordo due to increased holiday demand and limited natural moisture on the mountain.”“This water hauling is fully funded through a grant and does not involve Village operating funds or impact the Village budget. Because no Village funds were expended and no policy changes were made, prior Council approval was not required.”
Discussion and possible action to hire Jini Turri as Village Clerk and Treasurer at $75,000 per year. Turri was Cloudcroft’s village clerk from 2010 to 2019 and has served as Ruidoso’s Village Clerk since 2022.
Discussion and possible action to hire Roger Schoolcraft as Village Police Chief at $85,000 per year. Schoolcraft currently serves as a Mountain Deputy with the Otero County Sheriff’s Office and previously served as Cloudcroft’s Police Chief from July 1st through December 31st, 2024.
Also on the docket, adopting agreements to reauthorize grants and funding for the Wastewater Treatment Plant system improvements, fan press, and generator.
In former Mayor Tim King’s December announcements on Facebook, he said, “We also received some great news concerning the Grants we had in ‘lock up’ due to the Village’s last 2 audits from FY23 (7/2022-6/2023) and FY24 (7/2023-6/2024). A total of about 3.2 million dollars from Capital Outlays from 2023-25 are now available to be used by the Village.”
Here’s the full January 9th agenda:
The council meets Friday, January 9th at 6:00 p.m. in the village chambers. See you there.
Survey Results: Support Group Services
The Reader recently posted this Community Health Survey on Facebook: Are there AA, NA, or Al-Anon support groups and meetings in Cloudcroft and the Sacramento Mountains?
22 folks responded. 10% said “no,” 22% said “yes,” 46% said “I don’t know,” and several folks left resources in the comments and our DMs.
For those seeking related services, here is one online list of area meetings: https://www.aa-meetings.com/directory/new-mexico/high-rolls-mountain-park
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, Future Real Estate:
Bark Beetle Population Surge Challenges Forest Management
Bark beetles — native insects measuring approximately one-third inch or smaller that typically attack weakened trees — have reached elevated population levels in Lincoln and Otero counties due to fire-damaged timber and persistent drought conditions.
First Bite: Preview a Taste of the New 1899 Menu at the Lodge
Contributing Editor Drew Gaines recently visited Chef Richard Lepree in his kitchen at the Lodge. We look forward to publishing an exclusive video interview with Lepree, the brigade de cuisine, and more soon through the Reader.
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, John R. Battle, CPA, CVA, MAFF, CMAA:
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, Off the Beaten Path:
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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 treasuresCloudcroft Sandwich Shop
In the heart of downtown Cloudcroft, New MexicoJohn R. Battle, CPA, CVA, MAFF, CMAA
Personal & Business Taxes, Tax Planning & ConsultingThe 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 SoulNew 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
The Southern southernmost in New MexicoCloudcroft 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 Goods & FineryThe PAC
Pickleball Addicts of Cloudcroft—Pickleball in the CloudsPeñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative
For all the ways you love to connectBre Hope Media
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