MALONE -- An interim manager has been named for Titus Mountain.

Vice President Dick Lempke said Franz Fredericks has been named acting manager for the Titus Mountain Ski Area.

The previous manager, Zachary White, resigned last week amid charges that he rigged the Titus power system to steal electricity from National Grid.

"The ownership group is very happy with Franz's decision to assume these new responsibilities," Lempke said in a news release.

"Franz has done an outstanding job as our snow-sports director here at the mountain. In addition, he brings the valuable skills and experience that have made him a successful independent business owner.

"We particularly appreciate his knowledge of the North Country and its culture, people and visitors."

Lempke said Fredericks and his team "will have the full support of the Minnesota-based ownership group. We're excited about Titus Mountain's future. We feel strongly that we have the right people in place to achieve our objectives, both now and going forward."

Lempke said Titus just finished "one of its finest season's ever" and thanked customers, employees, suppliers and supporters "for their part in making that possible."

He said they are committed to "remaining an important member of the North Country family for many years to come. Ever since this facility first opened as Moon Valley in 1960, it has played a special role in making winter a lot more fun."