An election is planned November 15 to elect a new Sheriff and Mayor, Now’s the time to come spend time in town, get to know folks, kiss babies, shake hands, and make what will likely be empty promises about how to get rid of our gang problem. Come be seen, be part of town, and maybe get yourself a pretty new office in our Courthouse or the stone Jailhouse!

October 30, 1870
Judge Morrison and Judge Berry today issued a ruling allowing the personal cutting and collection of fuelwood in the Lincoln Forest. This is for personal collection, not forest management nor lumbering for new buildings. Bundle up tight folks, we were almost down to freezing temperatures last night.

Dateline Sunday, October 13, 1870
Cloudcroft string reporter

Chaos struck as the Blackhawk Gang rode into the high mountains of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, the present seat of our Federal court system, again this weekend.

This time their goal was to take the Chief Judge to make her rescind all active warrants and criminal charges against Miss Stormy Talin and her associates. Judge Morrigan Berry, MD held fast and refused to be bullied into breaking the law, but the cost was a fair amount of innocent bystander’s bloodshed before Stormy Talin and her associates escaped.

The bounty on Miss Stormy Talin and her known associates is rumored to have gone up, but by how much we don’t know yet. Stay posted for any updates to this ongoing story.

Governor Berry recently gave up the office of Governor of the Territory for wearing the robe of a federal judge. When asked why the change, she responded, “While the President still wishes I watch over Lincoln County, as a founding member of the community of Cloudcroft, I was given an opportunity to be of greater service to the country, not only in New Mexico but to all states and territories within my jurisdiction”. When asked if the change of leadership in the court system would bring about changes in how things are done, she responded, “I am still evaluating our present court system’s policies but I have to say, our founding fathers gave us a strong blueprint to operate by and I hope to follow that as close to the letter and spirit of its guidance as I can. I couldn’t give you too short of an answer to how the Courts will interact with the Marshal services – their job is so intricate and integral to the service of the Federal Government. They will continue to serve the people, and be available to assist in various law enforcement departments upon request while serving the courts in the same manner they always have”.

Judge Berry is the widowed mother of nine living children. Seven of them are still living at home. “They are the reason I get up and do what I do every day”, she explains. “I want them to have a life they couldn’t have otherwise. six of those at home are adopted, and I feel every child needs a loving and safe home

So, she says that even though she is widowed, she is not presently seeking romance, as she has been seen around town with Leroy Horten, the railroad magnate of the Montana Railroad and Horten Industries. She went on in the interview,  “…given the size of my home, I’d certainly be open to expanding the family would I ever remarry”.

Judge Berry talked about the makeup of the court system and some of the people working on staff:

“Well as we chat, Jaime Morrison (a founding and prominent Cloudcroft Community Member) from here in Lincoln County will remain as a Federal Judge and Vance McMasters, from North Dakota, was sworn in as a Federal Judge as well.  I am truly delighted that the incomparable Saylor Tyree has been sworn in as a Federal Prosecutor

“As to other support staff, oh goodness, we are hiring in the court house, and we need a Court Clerk who can serve as a County Clerk for Lincoln County as well as a Federal Clerk.  I am hoping we can find a capable person who can help maintain the court schedule as well as help me stay on top of the details of files that are submitted to me.  Education level and experience will truly be judged on a case by case basis, because again, some folks learn more or less than others in a fancy school, and some learn far more without it.”

The locals are friendly, the beer is cheap in the saloon, there are jobs and housing a plenty for those who want to come see for themselves, and maybe take residence in it’s affordable housing. Cost of living is low in Cloudcroft, Lincoln County NM and the community has a little for all folks. Should someone want more information on those jobs in the Court, they can contact Judge Berry in Cloudcroft, Lincoln County in New Mexico.