Wednesday Review: FireWise Community, CHS Schedule Change, Fiber Cable, Hotel Cloudcroft, and More
The Reader keeps you informed
Becoming 'FireWise': New Tech, Volunteer Efforts, Grants, and Community Initiatives
The Village of Cloudcroft hosted a FireWise Community meeting at the Lodge Pavilion last night, Tuesday, April 29th, where Mayor Tim King, Trustees McCoy and Foster, Cloudcroft and Timberon VFD Chiefs Erich Wuersching and Tony McWilliams, Insurance agent Ashley Dalton, Capitan District Forester Nick Smokovich, Keep Cloudcroft Clean President Alex George, and NM Senator Jim Townsend addressed the crowd.
Firewise is a national and community-wide program focused on wildfire preparedness and actionable steps.
Why does it matter for Cloudcroft?
It helps mitigate fire risk. It helps all property owners with insurance companies. And, it helps the village deal with unsightly lots.
Becoming FireWise: A Community Goal
Achieving Firewise status requires communities to demonstrate ongoing investment—time, money, education, and demonstrable action—in mitigation efforts. This commitment, once officially authorized by the National Fire Protection Association, serves as “leverage for applying for various grants,” according to Chief Wuersching…
Parents Voice Concern Over Schedule Change; Students Take State; Budget Approved: School Board Meeting and Beyond
Administrators cite safety and staffing concerns for 8th-hour athletics elective while celebrating academic success. Catch up with our school news breakdown
On Tuesday, April 22nd, the Cloudcroft Schools Board of Education met with a full docket and held a nearly three-hour meeting that began with recognizing staff excellence, swiftly followed by public speakers who had 5 minutes each to ask the school to reconsider its removal of 8th-hour athletics in the high school schedule.
Regular School-Hour Athletics Elective Removed, But Sports Programs Remain
Beginning next school year, Cloudcroft Schools will no longer offer last-period high school athletics during the regular school day. In recent years, 8th-hour high school athletics were the only athletics course offered during regular school hours.
However, P.E. and Weightlifting courses will still be offered during the 8th-hour time slot next year.
According to Superintendent Gillespie, school administrators made the change in consultation with counselors and athletic staff due to staffing limitations, safety issues, and scheduling conflicts. She confirmed that the Board of Education did not vote on the change.
At the April board meeting, parents and volunteer coaches expressed concerns that the shift could limit student-athletes' access to sports and diminish athletic programs…
Local Telecom Expands Fiber in Rural Sacramento Mountains
PVT brings high-speed internet to underserved sections of southeast New Mexico.
[Sponsored content]
Fiber optic cables, the light-harnessing strands of glass that power much of our digital world, are finally being strung in rural southeast New Mexico.
Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative (PVT) has embarked on a costly and cumbersome mission to connect hundreds of miles of fiber in the unforgiving terrain of the Sacramento Mountains…
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great companies like the Stove and Spa Store:
Hotel Cloudcroft on Burro ‘Closer to Opening’
Hotel Cloudcroft on Burro Avenue, owned by Lance and Robin Geist of Tularosa, is taking steps toward “opening soon.”
The new hotel, located along the northern Burro boardwalk next door to the Western Bar and Cafe, will have 18 rooms, including two family suites and two suites with upstairs balconies…
Two Sides of a Soured Deal: Defense Responds to Allegations in Apple Barn Lawsuit and Makes Some of Their Own
We revisit the Old Apple Barn Lawsuit with new court filings and a judge’s receivership decision to hear what the defense says…
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage:
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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
We're back for Season 13! SPCP season: July 5 - Stars & Stripes Cellos; July 26 Tiger Alley; Garden Strolls thru summer
World Class music and Garden magic. 7/5, 3 p.m. -HS Commons; 7/26 7 p.m. Shady Pines' "Bertha" Stage. More details on our FB page at Shady Pines Chamber Players
361-557-1960 | Facebook & YouTube at Shady Pines Chamber Players. | P.O. Box 1115, Cloudcroft, NM 88317; 200 Fox in Cloudcroft
Facebook & YouTube | shadypinestwigs@gmail.com
Classes
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 students, donate to “Heights of Peru” at the First National Bank in Cloudcroft. The group is fundraising at Zip’s Carwash in Alamogordo throughout April.
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
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
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:
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 2,740+ email subscribers and 9,400+ Facebook followers. We do the reporting that no one else does.
Reach the people engaged with Cloudcroft — locals, seasonals, and visitors. Position your business just one click away.
‘Why We Sponsor the Cloudcroft Reader’
Meet Robin Faux, Co-Owner of Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage and a business sponsor of the Cloudcroft Reader.
[Sponsorship Testimonial]
“The Cloudcroft Reader fills a need that we've long had in our community: staying up to date on what’s happening in the village.”
"Jim and I appreciate the style in which the stories are told. We like the use of long quotes, allowing your subject and source to speak for themselves.”
“I’m thinking of the article about the village resignations—-quotes from the village employees and trustees gave me a stronger sense of each party’s intentions. I better understood where each person was coming from.”
“The Hotshots interview made me feel like I was sitting at the table enjoying a beer with them, savoring their stories. I had a whole new appreciation for the grueling realities of the job.”
“You provide a window into the community free from speculation and assumption.”
Sponsoring the Reader is also good for business:
“As a business sponsor, Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage, we want our logo and contact information near those stories that matter. It reminds people that we're here. We began our sponsorship in late November when things usually slow down, and I immediately saw the results. I'm still seeing the same client load I saw in the summer.”
“When people read the Cloudcroft Reader and see our logo, they start thinking, ‘I need to book an appointment.’”
“The Reader works for Cloudcroft, and it works for our business.”
If you want the Cloudcroft Reader to continue chronicling the Cloudcroft community, we need your support. Pledges from individuals like you fuel our efforts. Please join us today.