Your Wednesday Review: What's Making News on the Mountain
The Reader keeps you informed
Breaking News: The Apple Barn Gets Court-Appointed Receiver
Parties involved in the contested sale of the Old Apple Barn, the popular tourist attraction in High Rolls Moutain Park, attended their first court hearing yesterday, February 18th.
Plaintiff and former owner Bill Niffenegger, buyer and defendant Jerry Shulman, and their respective attorneys were part of a virtual hearing that revolved around a temporary restraining order and the possible appointment by the court of a receiver—a third party to oversee the Apple Barn property while they litigate a civil complaint.
Judge Daniel Bryant of the Ruidoso Magistrate Court ordered Joanne Smith, a longtime Apple Barn employee who worked under both owners, to be the receiver. Neither party objected to her appointment.
The Cloudcroft Reader attended the hearing virtually. Look forward to a fuller report on the proceedings, which the Reader plans to publish this coming weekend.
Missed last night’s village council meeting? Catch up with the Reader.
“You start recovery while you’re still burning,” said VFD Chief Erich at the Tuesday, February 18th Council meeting.
His words ring true for the Cloudcroft village council as they make moves to get the bungled village financial systems in order after learning that our ‘23-’24 fiscal year audit had eleven findings and scads of missing information and reports. They’ve got to chip away at recovery— while still on metaphorical fire.
Beyond last year’s dismal audit, finances haven’t been reconciled for years. According to the report from High Water Mark’s Karen Guitierrez, failures to reconcile bank accounts date back to October 2019.
High Water Mark’s report
Key takeaways from Guitierrez’s report, which—surprise!—contained major financial and liability issues…
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great businesses like Instant Karma:
New Providers, Same Challenges: The Sacramento Mountains' Ongoing Healthcare Gaps and Solutions
Cloudcroft has limited healthcare options. Get to know one new provider and area-wide info with our update:
For residents of rural New Mexico, access to consistent and comprehensive medical care has always been a challenge. Remote locations, limited providers, and a transient medical workforce have made continuity of care difficult.
Nurse Practitioner Julia Eigenmann, a Texas Panhandle transplant who has called Sacramento, New Mexico, home for the past decade, is aiming to grow Cloudcroft’s healthcare possibilities…
Why is the Old Apple Barn Currently Closed? Business Deal Turns Sour
The future of the iconic roadside emporium, The Old Apple Barn in High Rolls Mountain Park, is in limbo after its recent sale unraveled in a dispute between the new and former owners.
Bill and Beverly Niffenegger, the previous owners and founders of the Apple Barn, filed a civil complaint on January 21 against its new proprietors, Jerry and Carol Shulman of Texas…
Cloudcroft Reader Classifieds
Services
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
Jobs
Office Clerk/Administrator for the Village of Cloudcroft
The Village is now accepting applications online.
Apply here
Real Estate
3 bed 2 bath home in High Rolls, just under 2 acres
NEW PRICE REDUCED! Charming 3-bed, 2-bath mountain home in High Rolls with a spacious split floor plan, wood stove, custom kitchen island, refrigerated air, covered porch, stunning views, garage, workshop, greenhouse, pond, and nearby hiking trails! 7 Old Ranger Rd. High Rolls, NM 88325
MLS # 170107 | (575) 607-5520
3 bed 2 bath Mountain Home on 1.541 Acres
Timberon Oasis! Charming home on 1.54 acres in the Timberon Golf Course community. Features spacious decks, screened patio, hot tub, cozy fireplace, split floor plan, office, powered workshop, fenced yard, and stunning natural surroundings. 110 Oakmont Dr. Timberon, NM 88350
MLS # 170348 | (575) 607-5520
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
Retail
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 freeduring our beta phase (through March). However, 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
The Reader is proud to be sponsored by great businesses like Dusty Boots Motel and Cafe:
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, Be in the Mountains Yoga, Otero County Electric Cooperative, and the Peñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative.
With more than 2,300 email subscribers and 5,000+ Facebook followers, the Cloudcroft Reader is the most widely read publication serving the greater Cloudroft community. It does the reporting no one else does.
Position your business one click away from the people that make Cloudcroft unique.
‘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.”
Support local news. Cloudcroft Reader relies on the support of our community, of readers like you. Will you support us and keep our essential work going strong?