Visit Landis Plant Sale Saturday

ESPERANCE — Are you a houseplant aficionado? Is your house beginning to look like a jungle? Do you have a few places to add something new?

Come to Landis Arboretum at 174 Lape Rd, Esperance on April 27!

NOTE:

Route 20 between Route 7 and Duanesburg Churches Road is closed to traffic as of Monday, April 15, through May 31, to facilitate a culvert replacement, according to NYSDOT.

Detours utilizing Route 395 and Route 7 are posted at the closure, but drivers should anticipate travel delays and plan accordingly.

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Several Car Break-ins in Cobleskill

By Elizabeth Barr

COBLESKILL — The Town of Cobleskill had several automobiles broken in the Village of Cobleskill.  Several residents on Elm Street contacted the Sheriff’s Department about these incidents.  

One of the victims said his car was broken into with some kind of electrical gadget because they didn’t have to break anything on my vehicle to get in. They shut off the lights so they wouldn’t show at night.  They took a fanny pack and broke the lock on the glovebox. They got lots of money and credit cards as well as keys and other personal items. 

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SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tiger Weekly Recap

COBLESKILL — The SUNY Cobleskill baseball team moved to the top of the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Western Division standings by winning six-of-eight league contests during the week. Mid-week the Fighting Tigers swept the visiting Kangaroos of SUNY Canton defeating the Roos on Tuesday 23-2 before sweeping Canton on Wednesday in doubleheader action by scores of 16-8 and 13-2. Over the weekend Cobleskill traveled to Quincy, Massachusetts to take three-of-four conference contests from the Lions of Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) posting a pair of comebacks in a Friday afternoon by scores of 8-7 and 10-9 prior to splitting a doubleheader with the Lions on Saturday dropping the opener 12-2 before taking the nightcap 14-7 to improve to 12-18 overall including an 8-2 record in NAC play. Senior outfielder/first baseman Samuel Gutierrez, Queens, N.Y., Martin Van Buren High School/Queensbury Community College, led the Fighting Tiger offense batting .480 for the week going 12-for-25 at the plate to go with an on-base percentage of .552 including a stolen base, three doubles, four home runs, eight runs scored and 18 runs batted in.

Fighting Tiger sophomore sprinter/jumper Lily Swyers, Peru, N.Y., Peru High School, turned in the women’s outdoor track & field team’s top effort over the weekend at the 2024 Cortland Classic hosted by the Red Dragons of SUNY Cortland in Cortland, N.Y. Swyers placed fourth in the 100-Meter Hurdles in a time of 16.36 seconds, fifth in the Long Jump with a mark of 16’0 ½” and sixth in the Triple Jump with a mark of 33’9 ¾” at the non-scoring event.

Sophomore sprinter/hurdler Charles Foote, Cobleskill, N.Y., Cobleskill-Richmondville High School was the Fighting Tiger men’s outdoor track & field team’s top performer at the 2024 Cortland Classic hosted by the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons over the weekend in Cortland, N.Y. Foote placed third in the 400-Meter Hurdles with a time of 56.58 seconds at the non-scoring qualifying event.

The Fighting Tiger softball team dropped four-of-five decisions during the week dropping a non-league doubleheader on Tuesday to the host Soaring Eagles of Elmira College by scores of 7-6 in eight innings and 11-3 prior to dropping three-of-four conference contests to the visiting Wildcats of the SUNY Polytechnic Institute over the weekend losing on Friday at Fighting Tiger Field by a 7-2 margin then splitting a pair of games on Saturday losing the first game 18-0 then taking the second game by a 3-2 score to move their record to 10-12 overall with a 6-4 record in NAC play. First-year designated player Jenna Smyczynski, East Aurora, N.Y., East Aurora High School, paced the Cobleskill offense batting .429 for the week going 6-for-14 at the plate with a stolen base, a run scored and two runs batted in.

The men’s lacrosse team suffered through a tough weekend losing a pair of conference home games falling on Saturday to the Eagles of Husson University by a 15-8 score then dropping a 27-12 decision to the Mariners of the Maine Maritime Academy to fall to 1-9 overall with a 0-6 record in conference action. Fighting Tiger senior attackman Sean D’Amaro, Northport, N.Y., Northport High School, had nine goals and an assist on the week to reach the 100-career goal mark and with his 104 career goals and 30 assists becomes the program’s all-time leading scorer with 134 career points.

UPCOMING HOME CONTESTS:

Baseball vs. Utica University 4/25, SUNY Polytechnic Institute 5/5

Softball vs. MCLA 4/24, Russell Sage College 5/1, SUNY Morrisville 5/3 & 5/4

Lacrosse vs. SUNY Morrisville 4/24

Track & Field to host the NAC Championships on 4/26 & 4/27 at SUNY Oneonta

 

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Summit Revitalization Committee

SUMMIT – The Town of Summit has formed a Revitalization Committee to review local laws and develop plans for improving the economic vitality of the town. The committee is comprised of Town Board members, representatives of community organizations, business leaders, and Summit citizens.

The Revitalization Committee resulted from research done supporting earlier economic development efforts, and documentation of goals by the Summit Town Comprehensive Plan Revision Committee, which also included that recommendation. Surveys of residents conducted over the past years revealed strong support for ongoing revitalization efforts such as green space, pocket parks, flower gardens, and remediation of unsafe buildings. 

At its first meeting, the Revitalization Committee adopted short-term goals of creating a venue for community messaging, reopening the farmers’ market, and researching a Complete Streets Policy. Longer-term goals include recruiting a store or dining establishment on Route 10, public parks, fishing access at lakes, the creation of hiking trails, recreational opportunities as included in the Complete Streets program, procedures for mitigating unsafe structures, and establishment of a Summit Community Center in Summit. 

Community support for the revitalization effort is demonstrated by the large number of volunteers who have stepped up to participate in the effort. Citizens who would like to contribute to the revitalization effort can contact Georgia Shafer at Georgia.shafer3@gmail.com  for more information.

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Summit Neighbors Gaining Steam

By Karen Cuccinello

SUMMIT — The March board minutes and supervisors report were approved at Summit’s monthly town board meeting as residents discussed recent efforts to improve the community.

Highway Superintendent Jim Dibble reported that they are starting to transition trucks from winter to spring and they are brooming some roads.

Dog Control Officer's report was mentioned. Board member Georgia Shafer asked if the two unlicensed dogs mentioned at the March meeting have been licensed; they have not so dog control officer Jillian Smith will be notified.

Code Enforcement Officer Jesse Wilcox has been keeping track of open building permits, lining up fire inspections, updating usage of the Sauvage Distillery tasting room to Peppercorn Inn, issued two building permits and responded to two complaints.

John Foote of the Comprehensive Plan Committee stated that the final draft of the Comprehensive Plan was sent to the town clerk to be reviewed by the board members.

Board member Shafer wondered why the town is paying Supervisor Vroman's mileage to Schoharie County Board meetings. The County does not pay the mileage anymore.

Bills were reviewed and paid.

Meeting open to the public.

John Steitz of the Summit Community Center mentioned that board members should consider supporting their organization by paying the $25 membership fee. It helps to have more members when applying for grants.

Jen Stinson of Summit Neighbors mentioned that they have been asking people if they would consider sponsoring gardens around town. Bobbi Wayman will take care of the garden under the Summit sign by the Jefferson town line and asked if the sign could be repainted. Supervisor Vroman and Superintendent Dibble will make sure it gets painted.

Board member Shafer of the Revitalization Committee read and asked for approval of a press release pertaining to the Revitalization Committee. It was approved for release and to be in the June town newsletter. Shafer then reviewed subcommittee reports from their April meeting. A new Unsafe Building Law draft was proposed. Supervisor Vroman requested that they highlight the differences between the new law and the law from 2012 for the next meeting. The Unified Postings committee is discussing how to display Summit activities in one place such as a website, digital sign, or Facebook. Looking into a farmers market and Complete Streets grant. The next Revitalization Committee meeting is April 29th.

There will be a public hearing on the Unsafe Building Law on June 20th at 7:15 pm, which is the regular meeting date.

Clerk VanValkenburg mentioned they are getting some submissions for the June newsletter.

Discussion about a new microphone to help make Zoom meetings easier to hear. Jen Stinson sent the clerk information about three possibilities costing $75-$150. Board members need to get the information before the next meeting.

Supervisor Vroman asked the board if they would approve giving Bookkeeper Charley Spickerman $200 to attend a finance school; approved.

The Williamson Law program looks like it will be very beneficial, town board members heard.

Next board meeting May 16th at 7 pm.

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Spring into Summer to Highlight Cherry Valley Memorial Day Weekend

CHERRY VALLEY - Spring into Summer on Memorial Day weekend in Cherry Valley with yard sales and other events.

Organizers are hoping to get as many sales in the village as possible.

The Cherry Valley Community Yard Sales will be held on Memorial Day Weekend Friday, May 24 – Sunday, May 26. The event is organized by W-H-S American Legion & Auxiliary.

To order to get your sale in the event, sign up by Friday, May17 to be included on the map. There is a $5 donation to Legion/Auxiliary.

Mail, call, or text your SALE details (address/days/hours) to:

American Legion Auxiliary, PO Box 234, Cherry Valley, NY  13320 

Brenda 607-264-3129, a cell number. 

Maps will be available at: Area businesses throughout the community and www.cherryvalley.com and look for signs.

If you don’t want to have your own sale, but have a few things to get rid of/donate? The Legion & Auxiliary will take them for their 44 Main Street Cherry Valley sale (Sorry—no clothes or books).

Contact them for drop off details: Dave 607-435-1658.

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“Sharon Things - Local Happenings for Sharon Springs”

The Great Book Giveaway was a success at the Sharon Springs Free Library this past Saturday

By Alexis Pencar

Hey Neighbors!

Even with the warmer temperatures this past week, don’t plant your gardens yet! Night time lows likely won’t stabilize for a few more weeks but we are getting closer! The spring flowers around town have been welcome and budding leaves have been sighted as well!

Look out for a startling high of 80 degrees possible on Monday followed by rain and cloudy conditions through next week. 

Parsons Vegetable Farm has all your gardening and spring needs! They have mulch and lots of different plants and flowers available. Don’t want to seed start this year? Get your seedlings from them! Located on Route 20 across from the Walmart DC. 

Happy Birthday to April Terwilliger, Jimmy Kearney, Tylan Klinger, Billy Barbic, Billy Simpson, and Katherine Venette! Wish them a BIG Happy Birthday if you see them around town!

The Sharon Springs Rescue Squad is a cornerstone of the community! With many active members, they are always looking for new volunteers for Drivers, First Responders, Social Members, and EMT’s. SSRS will fund any training that is needed. SSRS meets the first Monday of the month at 7 PM and would be happy to answer any questions on how to support your community.  

The American Legion Post 1269 of Sharon Springs is looking for new members! If you are interested in becoming an American Legion member, volunteering, or even donating to the many wonderful causes the Legion supports, please contact Commander Paul Todd at (518) 649-0024 for more information.

Sharon Springs Free Library News: 

The Great Book Giveaway was a huge success this past Saturday. We would like to thank the library staff, board members, volunteers, and community members who donated and came to the event. This not only was a great way to go home with lots of books but was also a joyful opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers and the community. Thank you again for supporting your local library!

Book Discussion is reading Circling the Sun by Paula McLain. Follow a remarkable young woman named Beryl Markham, whose adventurous spirit and determination defy convention in colonial Kenya. Anyone who would like to join can check out a copy of this book in either regular print, large print, or as an audiobook. Discussion on this book will take place here at the library on Friday, May 17th, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome! 

Have you heard about the mobile app Libby? A virtual library at your fingertips! By downloading the Libby app on a mobile device, you will be able to enjoy FREE e-books, audiobooks, and magazines from your local library, as well as have access to the other libraries we are connected to. All you need is your library card to sign in! Then you will have access to the digital collection, can borrow titles, and read or listen to them directly within the app. Don't have a mobile device? That's okay! You can access Libby on your computer as well by going to libbyapp.com. If you need assistance getting connected to the app, please contact the library to see if Meghan is available to help.

Storytime is every Thursday with our lovely Youth Librarian, JoAnn, at 10 AM. Come and enjoy the fun! 

The Library is back to regular hours as of April 1st. They are open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays from 3:00 - 8:00 PM, Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00 - 6:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00 -1:00 PM, and Sundays - Closed. 

For more Library information please contact (518) 284-3126.

The Sharon Springs Food Pantry is an excellent local resource for all! They are located in the United Methodist Church on Route 20, across from the school (511 US Route 20, Sharon’s Springs, NY 13459). They are always accepting donations! If you or someone you know is in need of the Pantry, the hours are Thursday 9:00 -10:30 AM and 5:00 - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact (518) 284-2687 or follow them on Facebook.

Worship Services

The Sharon Reformed Church (6858 State Route 10, Sharon Springs, NY 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 234-2387 for more details.

The Sharon Springs United Methodist Church (511 State Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY, 13459) offers weekly service at 10:30 am. Contact at (518) 284-2200 for more details.

The St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church (24 Maple Avenue, Cherry Valley, NY 13320) offers weekly mass at 10:00 am. Reminder: confession is available 30 minutes before every mass. Contact at (607) 264-3779 for more details.

The Zion St. John’s Lutheran Church Seward (114 Mesick Ave, Cobleskill, NY 12043) offers weekly service on Sundays at 9:00 am. Contact at (518) 234-3222 for more details.

Cornerstone Baptist Church (7274 Route 10, Ames, NY 13317). Sunday Service is at 10:00 am. All are welcome. Contact (518) 673 3405 for more details.

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse at 137 Beechwood Rd. M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2 p.m. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.

To share community news, upcoming events, business specials, adjusted hours, birthdays, anniversaries, or even an outstanding resident, please contact me directly at (772) 971-1410 or alexis.pencar@gmail.com. Have a great week! Thanks!

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Sharon Springs Central School Update

By Tori Edwards 

SHARON SPRINGS — As of this week, Sharon Spring Central School has announced its honor roll and merit roll for the third quarter. This is posted on the school's website and Facebook page congratulating students on their hard work and success. 

Over the weekend SSCS students selected from choir and band participated in All County Music Festival at Middleburgh Central School. All participants performed their hearts out! 

Congratulations to Christopher Smith who is recognized as the newest National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) as a Certified Athletic Administrator. Great Job! 

Long-time beloved librarian Mrs. Bivins at SSCS retires after nearly 30 years of service to the school. She will be dearly missed by students and faculty alike! Sharon Springs S.A.D.D hanging basket fundraiser is happening right now tell May 8th and orders will be delivered May 16th. If interested in purchasing contact a member of S.A.D.D or go to http://oliverpainegreenhouses.com/documents/groups/Baskets2023.pdf. 

Keep up the great work students! Let’s Go Spartans! 

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Court News

Margaret VanHoesen, 53, was resentenced on a Violation of Probation in Schoharie Town Court. The  court resentenced Ms. VanHoesen to 8 months in jail. It was alleged Ms. VanHoesen failed to refrain  from the use and possession of alcohol, in violation of her previous conviction of Introducing  Contraband into Prison in the Second Degree. 

Ian Villanueva, 19, was convicted of Sexual Misconduct in the Schoharie Town Court. The court  sentenced him to 60 days, with time served, six (6) years of probation, fine, surcharge, DNA, DNA fee of  $50, and the defendant must register as a Level One (1) sex offender. New York State Trooper Bird was  the arresting officer. 

Curtis Garner, 52, was resentenced for his criminal contempt conviction. The Schoharie County Court  sentenced Mr. Garner to 240 days in the Schoharie County Jail. All prior orders, fines, and surcharges  continued except as modified. It was alleged Mr. Garner failed to maintain an approved residence and  failed to report to probation as directed.  

Virginia Ogno, 74, pled guilty to Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree, a class D felony, and Identity Theft in  the 1st Degree, also a class D felony. It is alleged Ms. Ogno stole the identity and money of an 83-year old individual. It is alleged Ms. Ogno stole over $3,000 ($10,843) by obtaining a credit card in the name  of another individual and using the credit card in two different places of business. Sentencing is set for  May 20th, 2024. Investigator Smith of the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office was the arresting officer. 

Nicholas S. Foland, 33, pled guilty to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the 2nd Degree, a  class D felony. Mr. Foland is alleged to have offered forged bank checks to a local bank. Sentencing has  been set for May 20th, 2024. 

Daniel Turo, 42, pled guilty to AUO 3rd, an unclassified misdemeanor, in the Town of Cobleskill. The  Cobleskill Town Court sentenced him to 5 days in jail, a conditional discharge, fine, and surcharge.  Schoharie County Sheriff’s Deputy Sperbeck was the arresting officer.  

Daniel Turo, 42, pled guilty to Petit Larceny, a class A misdemeanor, in the Town of Cobleskill. The  Cobleskill Town Court sentenced him for a Conditional Discharge, fine, surcharge, DNA fee, and  restitution in the amount of $285.71. New York State Trooper Palumbo was the arresting officer. 

Brendon Brizzee, 33, pled guilty to two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the  2nd Degree, a class A II Felonies. It is alleged that on two separate occasions, Mr. Brizzee had  methamphetamines of greater than two (2) ounces in his possession on April 7th, 2023 and  methamphetamines of greater than 10 grams on July 6th, 2023. District Attorney Susan Mallery would  like to thank the New York State Troopers Saddlemire and Kristel and Investigator Moffett for the work  on these cases. Sentencing was adjourned to May 20th, 2024. 

Halie Davids, 28, pled guilty to one (1) count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd Degree, a class A II Felony. It is alleged that Ms. Davids had over two (2) ounces of methamphetamines  in her possession. The District Attorney would like to thank the New York State Troopers Saddlemire and  Kristel and Investigator Moffett for the work on these cases. Sentencing was adjourned to May 20th,  2024. 

*** CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS AND INDICTMENTS ARE ACCUSATIONS. A  DEFENDANT IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

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Parade, Ceremony to Highlight Memorial Day in Cherry Valley

CHERRY VALLEY- The annual Memorial Day parade in Cherry Valley will highlight the "Spring into Summer" event in the village.

On Monday, May 27 the parade steps off at 10am from the intersection of Main and Church Streets continuing onto Alden Street and into the Cherry Valley cemetery for a memorial service.

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Team Valarie Contributes to Marathon for a Better Life

Marathon for a Better Life lawn mower raffle $25 - contact any member or call 518-291-9238

By Elizabeth Barr

COBLESKILL — Team Valarie was at Ace Hardware supporting the Marathon for a Better Life by selling chicken and taking donations for their raffle.  Floyd Manchester and several of his friends are here for Valarie Manchester who passed from cancer a year and a half ago. Floyd Manchester, Valarie’s husband, told me   Valarie was employed by Schoharie County for 31 years as a public health nurse and she helped everyone she could. Team Valarie was formed in honor of Valarie Manchester because It is the kind of thing she would do. Team Valarie’s efforts are making a big difference in Schoharie County. Floyd wants everyone to know that the Marathon for a Better Life is a great organization and what they do is amazing and that’s why Team Valarie is here to support them.

Other members of Marathon for a Better Life are raffling off a zero-turn lawnmower for $25 per ticket.  Just go to the Facebook page or call the number below if you are interested in a ticket. Every year on the second week in June the Marathon for a Better Life main event.  This year’s event will take place at SUNY Cobleskill track infield on June 8 from 10 am to dusk. There are several fundraisers you can participate in, on April 28 at 8 a, Buck Hill Farm Breakfast is sponsoring an event. On May 4th there will be another chicken BBQ at Ace Hardware. 

Marathon for a Better Life is now a not-for-profit corporation, a 501©3 and every donation is tax-deductible. The Marathon cannot pay all the bills incurred by cancer patients, but it can help alleviate the pressure of some of the unpaid bills, whether it is medical or otherwise.  The money is sent to the cancer patient directly.  Three requirements for assistance is you need to be a Schoharie County Resident, currently fighting cancer, and have a need.

Donations may be sent to the following address: Marathon for a Better Life, PO Box 268, Warnerville NY 12187. To contact Marathon for a Better Life, call 518-291-9238 or email marathon@marathonforabetterlife.org.  

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Huge Turnout for KNK Egg Hunt

Toddler area for the Egg Hunt sponsored by KNK this past Saturday.

Ken & Nina Kennedy of KNK Landscaping pictured with fellow organizers and volunteers of this successful 3rd annual event.

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — The 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by KNK Landscaping LLC was held at Sharon Springs Central School this past Saturday, April 20th at noon! This event was a great success with a large turnout and beautiful weather!

Ten thousand eggs were hidden by volunteers all over the SSCS grounds and there were special prize tickets among the eggs. Dozens of children went home with big prizes like bikes, huge Easter baskets, and more!

The SSCS grounds were split into different areas by age to make sure each child had a chance to fill their baskets! This was a very well-organized event.

After the children picked up every last egg, they “shelled them”, taking the candy and returning the plastic eggs. Following the egg hunt, there were photo ops at the front of the school with the Easter Bunny, who then gave each child a big chocolate bunny and treats!

Mother Nature cooperated for this annual egg hunt with near-perfect weather, especially since the rain did come later in the day. The event couldn’t have been better timed!

A BIG thank you to KNK Landscaping LLC, the organizers, volunteers, and especially Ken & Nina Kennedy! This is another fantastic display of dedication to the community.

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NEW BOOK Explores Mysterious Deaths in Caverns and Dramatic Courtroom Fight for Justice that Followed

HOWES CAVE —“Anybody ever die down there?”

As a college-age tour guide at Howe Caverns during the Seventies, Cobleskill author Dana Cudmore was asked this question often enough. Unknown to most, the answer is “yes.” His new book The Cave Electrician’s Widow: The Tragedy at Howe Caverns & Dramatic Courtroom Fight for Justice chronicles the April, 1930 tragedy and the legal battle that sought to hold those believed accountable.  Part David vs. Goliath; part mystery, part courtroom drama, part travelogue through the fascinating underground realm of the caverns, the book reveals a little-known episode from the famous tourist destination’s remarkable past.

To celebrate publication, Cudmore will share the story’s highlights and sign books on Saturday, May 11 at 1p.m. at the Old Stone Fort Museum, 145 Fort Rd, Schoharie. 

Famous since the mid-1800s, Howe’s Cave had been modernized for visitors in 1927-29 with an elevator entrance, clean paths, and electric lights. It soon became one of upstate New York’s most popular tourist destinations.  Less than a year later, two of the new corporation’s employees died in the cave under baffling circumstances in the early morning hours of April 24, 1930. They collapsed near the postcard-worthy formation, The Bell of Moscow.

At 5 a.m. that same unseasonably cold morning, 7½ tons of dynamite knocked 60,000 tons of limestone from the hillside at the cement quarry just southeast of the cave. Had fumes from the blast found their way through the maze of caverns’ passages and killed the men nearly a mile away? Or had it loosened dangerous gasses lurking in the cave for eons?

This is the untold story of that tragedy: the rescue attempts, the investigation, and finally, the legal recourse sought by the widows of the two men. Much of the story is told in vivid, first-hand accounts taken from court records of one of the cases. Carried back to the more innocent, earnest time of the 1930s, readers accompany Cudmore through the grand eight-columned entrance of the Schenectady County Court House. There, they sit on edge as, one by one, the witnesses—rescuers, cave experts, quarrymen, explosives engineers, doctors, and chemists—step forward. Under the dueling questions asked by the widow’s attorney and his adversary, their testimony trains an ever-shifting light through the lingering haze of mystery surrounding the deaths. What happened underground? Who was responsible? What will the jury decide?  Readers will be kept guessing until the final verdict is read.

Says Cudmore, “I was fortunate to be among the thousands of young men and woman to find a steady summer job as a tour guide at Howe Caverns, supporting in a minimum-wage way, my college education. I gave hundreds of guided tours, pointing out strange-looking rock formations and describing how, in 1842, a local farmer first explored why his cows huddled near the cave’s hidden entrance on hot days.”

That started the author’s lifelong fascination in the cave and its history. Having been a reporter, editor, and author of two other books about Howe Caverns, Cudmore was surprised as anyone to learn two men had died in the cave in 1930, but details were very limited, and the conclusions reached by investigators were vague, incomplete and inconclusive. Steps were taken that it would never happen again.

“While researching my 2021 book, Underground Empires,” Cudmore explains, “a few tidbits of information on the 1930 tragedy revealed themselves. Needless to say, I continued to dig, and this new book is the result.” 

The Cave Electrician’s Widow is available for purchase online from the publisher Purple Mountain Press, www.nysbooks.com, and select local and regional bookstores. 

The Cave Electrician’s Widow: The Tragedy at Howe Caverns & Dramatic Courtroom Fight for Justice. 340 pages, with rare photos, court exhibits, and appendices.

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