Chairman Robert Ciskowski reads Blair Crane's resignation letter into the record.
CHESHIRE, Mass. — The town is losing its highway superintendent after only two years.
Blair Crane informed the Board of Selectmen by letter that he plans to resign effective Aug. 2.
"After extensive consideration I find myself with a heavy heart as I make a decision that I truly believed I would never have to make. I hereby submit my formal notice of resignation," Crane wrote in the resignation letter read by Chairman Robert Ciskowski. "The association, friends, and lessons learned during my employment here will be truly memorable for the rest of my life."
Crane was hired in the summer of 2017 to replace longtime Superintendent Peter LeFebvre. He came to Cheshire from Atlanta after selling his landscaping business. He is originally from New Hampshire.
Town officials had struggled to hire LeFebvre's replacement. So few qualified applicants were available that talks were broached with Lanesborough about the possibility of sharing a Department of Public Works head.
In general, the Selectmen were pleased with Crane's efforts during his tenure. Enough to renew his contract earlier this year.
Crane added in his letter that he plans to continue living in Cheshire and hopes to be an asset in the transitional period.
"I hope that the nearly three weeks notice is sufficient as I move in a different direction going from civil servant to Cheshire resident," he wrote. "I will make myself available to assist the interim superintendent."
Crane did not attend the meeting and the Selectmen did not elaborate or speculate on why Crane decided to leave the position
"Beyond the letter I really don't know anything at this point. Something may develop as we get closer but right now I know as much as everyone here," Ciskowski said.
Town Administrator Edmund St. John IV said they have time to figure out their next steps and can decide either to begin a full search for a permanent superintendent or appoint an interim.
"The board will have to make a decision when they want to post this and whether or not you want to hire an interim," he said. "Right now, the plan is to transition out and make sure someone is in place."
In other business, the Selectmen read another letter alerting residents that Cheshire Reservoir will be treated for weeds July 17.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Cheshire Tag Sale and Bazaar
CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Cheshire Community Association (CCA) announced the return of the Cheshire Community Tag Sale and Bazaar for its second year.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 9 AM to 1 PM, the event offers a day of treasure hunting, local craftsmanship, and treats at the Cheshire Community House located at 191 Church St, Cheshire.
Attendees can explore a variety of offerings, including handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles, and food options. The hot food truck, operated by the Berkshire Lodge of Masons AF & AM, will be stationed in the courtyard, serving up treats throughout the event.
One of the highlights of this year's event is the fundraising raffle, with all proceeds set to benefit the Cheshire Food Pantry. Participants can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes, supporting a worthy cause that serves the local community.
Registration for vendors interested in participating in the bazaar is currently open, with fees ranging from $10 to $30. Cheshire residents looking to showcase their items from home can have their locations advertised on the event map for a fee of $10. The deadline for registration is set for Friday, April 26, 2024.
Registration forms can be obtained from various locations across Cheshire, including A to Z Printing, Cheshire Community House, Cheshire Library, Cheshire Glassworks, Cheshire Senior Center, the Cheshire Community Association Facebook page, and the Cheshire Town website.
For more information about the event, including vendor registration and sponsorship opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to contact Jenny Gadbois at (413) 841-0844 or via email at jlgadbois@icloud.com.
Taylor Garabedian scored a team-high 22 points and grabbed five rebounds, and Abby Scialabba scored 16 points for the ‘Canes, who got 16 points, nine rebounds and four assists from Ashlyn Lesure. click for more
On Saturday afternoon at Lowell’s Tsongas Center, the Hurricanes will take aim at Division 5 State Championships in girls and boys basketball. click for more
Pittsfield High's Matt Dupuis and Lee's Bella Kotek Sunday completed a Berkshire County sweep at the State Bowling Championships at Bowlero.
click for more
Emily Holian’s strike to open the 10th frame of the Wildcats’ second game against Worcester Tech all but assured Lee a team title at Bowlero Chicopee.
click for more
Hoosac struggled to get into rhythm on the offensive end until Joey McGovern got the 3-ball working. McGovern finished the game with 21 points including a triple in the fourth quarter that cemented him in the record books. It took him nearly the whole game but he was able to join the 1,000-point... click for more
Pittsfield High's Eliza Mullen won state title and in the giant slalom and slalom, winning the former discipline by 1.6 seconds and the latter by nearly 2.7 seconds.
click for more