What to Know: Cloudcroft Police Force Down to One, Gail McCoy’s Journey, a New Village Web Address, and Round-up of March's Village Council Meeting
Wednesday Review: The Reader keeps you informed
Breaking News: Cloudcroft Police Force Down to One (Again)
Mayor Tim King confirmed to the Cloudcroft Reader on Sunday, April 6th, that the Village of Cloudcroft recently let go of recently hired Police Officer Mike Mackewich. The Mayor declined further comment under the advicement of Village attorney Zack Cook because it was “a personnel issue.” Officer Mackewich also did not comment on his dismissal at the Village, also citing it as a personnel matter.
Interim Police Chief Chris Swanson remains the sole officer on the Cloudcroft force. According to King, Swanson has notified the Otero County Sheriff’s Department and State Police, and “we have additional patrols.”
The Reader will continue to cover any developments in this story.
Cloudcroft Village Launches New Official Website Address
[ANALYSIS]
The official website address for the Village of Cloudcroft is now www.cloudcroftvillage.com.
The reason for the new address is simple: the village administration no longer controls the www.villageofcloudcroftnm.net domain…
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like The Lodge:
Cloudcroft Village Trustee Gail McCoy Shares Her Journey
Trustee, fitness instructor, B&B owner, and great-grandma Gail McCoy sits down with Cloudcroft Reader Senior Editor Hannah Dean to share her life story and future goals.
Cloudcroft Village Trustee Gail McCoy sits across from me in the basement of the local public library, still glowing with energy after leading a movement and mobility class at Cloudcroft Fitness.
A buff great-grandma in a workout tank top, McCoy dons southwestern silver and turquoise jewelry and her signature red lip. She beams as she tells her life story and hopes for Cloudcroft's future.
Health and community are at the core of her life—a passion that drives her as a fitness instructor, bed and breakfast owner, and public servant.
Early Life, Building Resilience
Born in Washington D.C., McCoy moved a lot—typical for a military family. “I left as a small child. I went to Panama. My mother is Panamanian, and my dad was overseas. I didn’t speak any English—only Spanish,” she recalls.
Moving often due to her father’s career in the Air Force, a young McCoy adapted. “I was just that type of child that I made friends very quickly, but then I had to leave them. It was always an adventure,” she says.
But life wasn’t always easy. “I was bullied as a young child. So, I had to be able to stand up for myself. That was tough,” McCoy admits, referring to being bullied as a Spanish speaker while her family lived in the American South.
"I got married, and in my first marriage, I had three kiddos... but I was a single mama for a while. So that was a tough life.”
“And then I met Scott and we got married. We've been married for 44 years. And he had four kiddos. So, we raised seven kids. That was fun on the weekends. We were all together; we made trips together... that’s our family. And then grandkids, we have 10 now. Wow! 10 grandkids and one great-grand,” McCoy grins.
After a fortuitous visit to the mountain, the McCoys moved to Cloudcroft, where they now own and operate The Crofting Inn Bed and Breakfast.
“We had two grandsons with us. It was raining outside—as it does on July 4th. And my husband said, ‘Let’s go look at this place.’ I wasn’t in the mood. But we went. I walked through and there was my exercise room. And I said, ‘We’ll take it…
Key Hires, Lingering Water Questions and More at Cloudcroft’s March Council Meeting
New hires, contracts, grant reports, and approvals from the Thursday, March 28th council meeting. Plus: what arguments to expect at the upcoming water workshop—date still TBD.
XTERRA World Championship Off-Road Triathlon Treks into Ruidoso, New Mexico
In partnership with Ruidoso, New Mexico, XTERRA announced on Tuesday, March 25th, that the village will host the brand’s 2026, ‘27, and ‘28 World Championship off-road triathlon for elite outdoor athletes.
XTERRA racers compete worldwide at sites like Australia, China, Europe, South Africa, Hawaii—and now Ruidoso’s Grindstone Lake and Wingfield Park.
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like Instant Karma:
Cloudcroft Reader Classifieds
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Check out the Reader Classifieds here.
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Jobs
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
Friends of Camp Mary White
Camp Mary White is seeking a Camp Health Supervisor (Camp Nurse). Dates: June 14 - July 8. Preferred qualifications: (RN, LVN, LPN, Dr., EMT) and experience working with children, competent with handling medical emergencies, and can quickly learn to use record-keeping software.
Information and application: 214-240-7965 | Linktr.ee/campmarywhite
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.
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/
Lenten Lunches
Each week will feature a guest speaker and a free soup lunch. Lenten Lunches begin at 12pm every Wednesday through April 9th. Hosted by Cloudcroft United Methodist Church, 50 Chipmunk Avenue. All are welcome!
575-682-2266 | cloudcroftumc.org
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.
Diabetic Education Classes for the Community
If you are Diabetic or Pre-Diabetic you can take charge of your health and your own diabetic care.
575-682-3022 | mtnseniors.org | cbrn1cu@gmail.com
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@sureguardwarranty.com
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
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
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
Food & Drink
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
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 remaking all classified listings free during our beta phase. Beginning this summer, each listing will be $25 per month. Listings are always available to view on the Cloudcroft Reader landing page and are emailed to our over 2660 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.
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 businesses like The Lodge, Dusty Boots Motel and Cafe, Instant Karma, Off the Beaten Path, Future Real Estate, Ski Cloudcroft, Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage, High Altitude, The Elk Shed, Otero County Electric Cooperative, and the Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative.
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From the Archives:
The ‘Wild’ Horses of Cloudcroft: Who Cares for Them?
Free-ranging horse herds roam the area, and they probably will for some time.