Reed gets read on Medicare

Congressman Tom Reed met in Montour Falls Thursday with Schuyler Hospital President Andy Manzer (pictured at right) and Dr. Stephen Spaulding to discuss their take on the need for change in the Sustained Growth Rate (SGR) formula for reimbursement to doctors who provide Medicare Services. There is currently a two-month extension of current rates (a "Doc Fix") before a decrease of up to 29 percent is set for enactment. Reed, Manzer and Spaulding discussed a range of issues, including potentially serious effects caused by that decrease, and a possible rise in the age of qualification for Medicare and Social Security benefits. Reed, who was heading to a meeting with health-care providers in Pittsford later in the day, said there shouldn't be finger-pointing in the debate over correcting our health-care and related economic woes: "The reality is," he said, "we as a nation have to realize that whoever caused them isn't important. We need to fix them."

SchuyLines has arrived!

SchuyLines.com, The Odessa File's sister publication designed to celebrate all things good about Schuyler County, is now online. For a look at the features-oriented website, just click here.

Thompson is Rotary's Student of the Month

Odessa-Montour High School senior Joseph Thompson (left) was honored by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club Thursday as its O-M Student of the Month for January. Thompson was introduced by teacher Chris Wood, who described the honoree as "the smartest student I've had the privilege of teaching" -- and as such No. 1 academically in his class. Thompson, a three-sport athlete, is a member of National Honor Society, SADD, Student Council and Boys State, and is a Boy Scout leader. He plans to attend Columbia University and study electrical or mechanical engineering.

Inergy rep provides update on LPG plan

Inergy manager Barry Moon (left) told Watkins-Montour Rotarians Thursday that his firm is responding to concerns about its planned storage of liquid propane gas in underground caverns near Watkins Glen by looking for an alternate site for the project's brine pond, possibly splitting the pond into two smaller ones; has contracted for a Quantitative Risk Analysis as requested by project opponents; and has consulted with state officials on safety issues raised by opponents related to increased truck use of the overpass at Rts. 14 and 14A -- with the officials saying they see no problem.

WGHS preps for musical 'Mame'

Watkins Glen High School students are rehearsing for the March 23-25 presentation of their spring musical, "Mame." Schools.

This week's deals at Famous Brands

We are now carrying the weekly ad showcasing the latest deals available at Jim Guild's Famous Brands store on Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen. For a look, click here.

SchuyLines has arrived!

SchuyLines.com, The Odessa File's sister publication designed to celebrate all things good about Schuyler County, is now online. For a look at the features-oriented website, just click here.

Seneca Lake Wine and Food is set for June

An inaugural event, Seneca Lake Wine and Food, is scheduled for June 2nd and 3rd, 2012 at Clute Park in Watkins Glen. Business.

Wixson is Athlete of Week

Watkins Glen High School graduate and SUNY Geneseo freshman Haleigh Wixson (left) has been named an Athlete of the Week at her school for performances in two varsity swim meets. She won the 100 Free (55.69) and 200 Breaststroke (2:41.57) as her squad defeated Monroe Community College, and won the 100 Back (1:02.00) and was second in the 200 IM and 50 Free as it split a tri-meet, topping Westminster, Pa., and losing to Carnegie Mellon.

Fire guts garage

Fire in a garage at 1498 Lawrence Johnson Road south of Montour Falls gutted the metal-walled building early Wednesday morning. Firefighters from Montour Falls, Beaver Dams, Watkins Glen and Millport were called to the scene at about 3 a.m., with Odessa on standby at the Montour station. Cause of the blaze was not immediately determined. Some lawn equipment in the building was destroyed, and a small trailer nearby was damaged. A house on the property -- separated from the garage area by a dirt driveway -- was not affected.

Hammondsport still might be 'coolest'

With one week to go in Budget Travel magazine’s online competition to decide the “Coolest Small Town in America 2012,” Hammondsport is the only town in New York still in the running for the title. State Senator Tom O'Mara is urging area residents to vote online for it. Business.

Now available on Kindle: The Maiden of Mackinac

This story -- which spans 700 years and ranges from our region to Northern Michigan -- tells of a quest for the truth behind a legend ... the legend of a Native American maiden reputed to be centuries old. It was written by Charlie Haeffner, and is available now on Kindle at Amazon.com. To see the ad, click here.

Left: Cover art by Jon Haeffner

Visit Jerlando's Ristorante & Pizzeria

Three locations: in Watkins Glen, Horseheads and Montour Falls

Click here or on the photo at left to go to the Jerlando's website. There you will find information about all three locations, plus menus.

Left: The front of the recently renovated Jerlando's at Franklin and 4th Streets, Watkins Glen

A Decade of Stars

After covering Schuyler County high school sports for 10 years, the editor enlists the aid of an ad hoc committee in selecting 33 standout athletes as honorees on a team titled A Decade of Stars. For a look at the selections, click here.

A column by State Senator Tom O'Mara

New York State Senator Tom O'Mara graces our pages with a weekly column from his Albany office. This week the title is "The new Cuomo budget." Column.

Left: State Sen.Tom O'Mara

O-M preparing 'Little Shop of Horrors'

Odessa-Montour High School will present "Little Shop of Horrors" on March 15, 16 and 17 in the school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium. Rehearsals are under way, and the Art Club -- under the direction of Mrs. Karen Gunning -- and senior Peyton Westlake are busy constructing the man-eating plant played by Joe Markley. The monster plant is cultivated in the Skid Row florist shop operated by Mr. Mushnik, played by Aaron Fisher. Seymour Krelborn, Mushnik's hapless employee who feeds the plant, is played by Tyler Walrath and Jon Chapman. The role of Audrey is played by Morgan Stermer and Amanda Williams, and her sadistic dentist boyfriend is played by Manley Gavich and Tyler Goossen. Tomeesha Haller, Jenelle Bleiler and Dana Roberts parody the Supremes as the girl doo-wop group Ronette, Chiffon and Crystal. All of pictured, except Goossen. (Photo provided)

Lakewood, Watts honored by SWCD

The Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) gives its annual Conservation Farmer of the Year Award to Lakewood Farms, and its Service Award to Mark Watts of the Chemung County SWCD. Features.

The tajahenus and the turtle

The editor provides the start of a sequel to his novel The Maiden of Mackinac -- and swears it's true. Trust him. Sponsors.

Chamber holds a Gala

The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce's annual celebration drew a large crowd Friday night, Jan. 13 to the Harbor Hotel. Four awards were presented. Features.

Left: Chamber President Rebekah LaMoreaux

Meeting with the public

State Senator Tom O'Mara, right above, and Assemblyman Chris Friend (left) met with consitutuents Friday, Jan. 20 in the Schuyler County Human Services Complex to answer questions pertaining to issues of the day. The informal session was one of a series being held by the two lawmakers across their districts. Anyone who has questions but couldn't make the meeting can phone O'Mara's district office at 607-776-9671 or Friend's district office at 607-562-3602. If emailing, constituents can contact the senator at omara@nysenate.gov, and the assemblyman at friendc@assembly.state.ny.us.

SCOPED rep outlines Main Street programs

Brian Williams of SCOPED (Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development) outlined ongoing Main Street revitalization projects in the county Jan. 19 during the weekly luncheon of the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club. Williams discussed the Gateway Project in Montour Falls that will enhance the intersection of Main Street and Route 14; long-term plans for improvements along the Seneca Lake waterfront; and proposed Burdett and Odessa downtown action plans.

WG schools face gap; single bus run OK'd

The Watkins Glen School Board Jan. 17 backed a single bus run in the next school year after learning of a starting $1.6 million gap in the local budget following Governor Andrew Cuomo's executive budget unveiling. Schools.