'Tis the Season ... for school winter concerts

Winter Concerts were held Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, respectively, at the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High Schools. The concert at WGHS featured instrumental and vocal performances by 3rd through 8th graders, while drawings and paintings by students were featured in a hallway Art Show. At O-M, the Middle School and High School bands and choirs performed in the Fetter-Brown Auditorium. In both cases, the concerts drew packed houses.

Right: At the O-M concert.

50+ students offload Seneca Santa gifts

Watkins Glen High School students turned out in force on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 11th for an annual event: the offloading of a Hesselson's truck (left) full of Seneca Santa gifts heading for Christmas Eve morning delivery to 191 Schuyler County children in need. Features.

Snow Squall over Seneca

This photo of a squall over Seneca Lake at sunrise on Dec. 12th was sent us by Emily Peckham, who said it was snapped from atop Stewart Road, Catharine.

Rotary Club honors 4 as Students of Month

Four students -- seniors at the Watkins Glen, Odessa-Montour and Bradford high schools -- were honored Dec. 5th by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club at a luncheon at the Montour Moose Lodge. People.

Photo: Honoree Sarah Strobel, an Odessa-Montour senior.

6 inducted into National Honor Society at O-M

Six Odessa-Montour High School students were inducted Dec. 2nd into the ranks of the O-M Chapter of National Honor Society, bringing the chapter's active membership to 15. The ceremony took place in the school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium. Schools.

Photo: Candles played a role in the induction ceremony.

The Odessa File All-Schuyler All-Sports teams

With the autumn sports season over, we present First, Second and Third Team All-Stars from all of the sports at the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High Schools. And we name the Schuyler Fall MVP in what amounts to a break from tradition. Sports.

Crowd turns out for chilly Village Christmas

A large crowd walked along Franklin Steet in Watkins Glen during the annual Village Christmas on Dec. 6, stopping in stores to warm up from the mid-20s temperatures and visiting the estimated 70 vendors set up along the several blocks closed to motor traffic. There was a petting zoo, and face painting, and free balloon creations. Then, at 6:30, the spectators enjoyed a long parade featuring fire trucks from several area departments, each decked with holiday lights; and a dozen floats with varying Christmas-movie themes, followed at the end by Santa and Mrs. Claus on a Visions Credit Union float.

Photo: One of Santa's elves.

A photo contributed by Maggie Field ...

Photographer Maggie Field sent along the photo on the right, with this notation: "A heron from a magical time at Taughannock Falls gorge ... It let me walk beside it for about a quarter mile while it was intent on catching a bite ... I couldn’t believe what a great time it was to get so close to a heron ... I kept my distance ... staying around 20 or 30 yards away ... wow."

Forum: Odessa needs new mayor and at least
three board members, or dissolution looms

Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer, nearing the end of his term as the village's leader, calls for residents to step up and serve on the Village Board -- cautioning that failure to do so might result in dissolution of the village's government. Forum.

Photo: Mayor Gerry Messmer

Info session held on proposed $35.8M project

A Public Referendum on the Watkins Glen School District's proposed $35.8 million Capital Improvement Project will be held from noon-8 p.m. on Dec. 17th. An informational meeting was held Dec. 3rd in the Watkins Glen School Board room. Schools.

Vets provided with annual Thanksgiving meal

The Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency sponsored its second annual Thanksgiving-themed Turkey Dinner for area veterans and their families Monday, Nov. 25 at Art & Nancy's restaurant in Watkins Glen. The turkey-and-trimmings meal was prepared, as it was at last year's event, by eatery owners Jeff and Heidi Fazzary and daughter Gabby, helped by a number of volunteers like Jeff and Linda Confer, Tony Vickio, Michel Ray, Ed Alling and Phil Barnes. The event, which drew a large crowd in its first hour last year, was spaced out this time across several hours with reserved times, reducing the early turnout.

Photo: Two of the food plates prepared for veterans.

Rotary honors Reynolds as Student of Month

Odessa-Montour High School senior Cara Reynolds was honored Nov. 21 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its O-M Student of the Month for November. Reynolds was introduced by teacher Holly Campbell, who said Reynolds -- who has served as stage manager for Campbell in school musicals -- is "quiet, but takes charge of a situation when she needs to." She also said the honoree, who recently won four events in the Section IV, Class C Swimming Championships and is ranked No. 1 in her class academically, "is compassionate, which will serve her well" in the profession she plans to pursue -- that of veterinarian. Reynolds said she plans to attend SUNY Canton, and after that Cornell University for her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

Photo: Cara Reynolds with her Student of the Month award.

Pre-Thanksgiving snow falls, disrupts power

A snowstorm Thursday night and into Friday, Nov. 22 brought the first significant blast of winter weather to Schuyler County, causing brief power outages in some places and longer ones up in the higher elevations. Several inches of heavy snow fell, creating sketchy driving conditions and downing some lines and limbs.

Photo: Snow-caked trees and sagging wires along Buck Hill Road. (Photos provided)

Park playground, new apartments celebrated

DRI-related projects at Watkins Glen's Clute Park (a new playground) and in downtown Watkins (the Harborside Village Apartments) were the subject Nov. 12th of ceremonies featuring New York State Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. Government.

Legislature approves 2025 county budget

The Schuyler County Legislature on Nov. 12th approved the county's 2025 budget during a meeting in the Human Services Complex in Montour Falls. County Administrator Shawn Rosno presented an overview of the spending plan before the vote. The $66,726,085 budget calls for a tax levy of $11,401,899. The six legislators present approved it. Chair Carl Blowers and Legislator David Reed were absent.

Photo: Schuyler County Administrator Shawn Rosno at Tuesday's meeting.

Hendrickson places 78th at NY State XC Meet

Watkins Glen High School's Isaac Hendrickson finished in 78th place among 120 runners Saturday in the Boys Class D New York State Public High School Athletic Association Cross Country Championships in Queensbury. Hendrickson completed the 5K course in 18:36.9. "Isaac had a great cross-country season," said his coach, Kelly Sterner. "He is only a sophomore and is looking forward to putting in the work he needs to keep improving." Present to cheer him on were his Watkins Glen teammates, whose presence Sterner called "wonderful."

Photo: Isaac Hendrickson (Provided)

Watkins Elementary students honor veterans

Military veterans were honored Tuesday, Nov. 12 by Watkins Glen Elementary School students with speeches and songs during a celebration in the high school auditorium. The event, which attracted about 30 area veterans, was the first of its kind in the school, but officials said they hope to make it an annual event. Schools.

Photo: One of two keynote speakers, Army veteran James Coleman, now a police officer.

Storm swimmers win 8th straight section title

The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team dominated the Section IV, Class C meet Nov 9th, winning 10 of 11 races on the way to its 8th straight championship. See Sports.

Schuyler firefighters helping to fight wildfire

Fifteen firefighters from Schuyler County were dispatched Nov. 12th to the Greenwood Lake Fire District in Orange County to help battle a wildfire that had burned more than 5,000 acres in New York and New Jersey. Firefighters from the Montour Falls, Watkins Glen, Tyrone, Burdett, Mecklenburg, Hector and Beaver Dams departments were to work 12-hour shifts to help with fire suppression and to protect homes in danger. "The resources there have been depleted," said Matt Maloney, the Schuyler County Emergency Management Deputy Fire Coordinator. "It's good to be able to lend a hand because the emergency could be here someday, and we could be asking for crews to come here to help us.

Vet's wife: 'PTSD is real, and vets live with it'

The wife of a Vietnam War veteran, Janette Foster of Reading Center, was the featured speaker Nov. 11 at the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Watkins Glen Community Center. She said her husband, Donald, who served in Vietnam in Army helicopters before she met and married him more than 50 years ago, has suffered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and extensive hearing loss because of his Vietnam experience. The PTSD is manifested in various ways, such as through night sweats and startled reaction to loud noises. "PTSD is real," she said, "and vets live with it 24/7. I wish I could make all the demons go away, but I can't." She also lauded the Veterans Service Agency -- which was present to feed the ceremony attendees -- for providing services to veterans, including hearing aids for her husband.

Photo in text: Vietnam vet Donald Foster at the ceremony.

LCP's Oklahoma! ends its run at Watkins Glen High

The Lake Country Players performed the American classic musical Oklahoma! for the fourth and final time Sunday, Nov. 10 in the Watkins Glen High School auditorium. The show opened Friday night, and had two Saturday performances. Features.

State Park's Sentry Bridge will be replaced

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) has announced that the current footbridge known as the Sentry Bridge at the entrance of Watkins Glen State Park will be replaced next year. A new, sustainable span will be built "to last through the next 100 years," said park officials. It will replace the 1908 span that has been compromised by time and weather. Bridge.

Photo in text: A rendering showing what the bridge will look like. (Provided)

Montour Falls get $628K grant for fire dept.

The Village of Montour Falls has been selected to receive a New York State Division of Homeland Security grant of $628,795 for its fire department -- part of a $25 million distribution to more than 80 municipalites, fire districts and fire departments around the state as part of a Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program. It will, says a Homeland Security spokeswoman, be used by Montour Falls to upgrade the fire department's facilities.

Langworthy, Tenney re-elected to Congress

Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy (right) won re-election Nov. 5th from the 23rd Congressional District, easily defeating Democratic challenger Thomas Carle. The district covers Western New York and much of the Southern Tier, including a portion of Schuyler County.

Also representing part of Schuyler: Claudia Tenney, who was also re-elected in the 24th District.

Meanwhile, State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano won re-election, running unopposed.

Beaver Dams crash victim: a Horseheads man

The person fatally injured in a one-vehicle accident Nov. 2nd at the intersection of State Rte. 414 and Rockwell Road in Beaver Dams has been identified as Donald E. Lincoln, 55, of Horseheads. The Schuyler County Sheriff's Office says Lincoln, traveling on Rte. 414, left the road and struck an embankment and several trees. The investigation, it added, "revealed speed and not wearing a seatbelt contributed to this fatal accident."

Schuyler Humane Society gets $1.5 million gift

The Humane Society of Schuyler County is among 82 organizations across Upstate New York receiving $360 million in major awards -- in gifts -- from the Golisano Foundation. The Humane Society award of $1.5 million, given over four years, will allow the organization to expand community outreach programs to improve animal welfare in the area. "We are tremendously grateful," said Chad Hendrickson, chairman of the Humane Society board. "This gift," added Executive Director Georgie Taylor, "will further the sustainability of the organization, which will make a difference for every animal who crosses our door for years to come."

Langworthy visits Chef's as election day nears

U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy paid a visit to our region on Oct. 17, with stops in Corning and Elmira before visiting Classic Chef's outside Montour Falls, where a group of 16 folks -- invited to the event -- interacted with him. The Congressman, who said he wished he could touch base with the people of Schuyler more often, discussed war (in Ukraine and the Middle East), the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar ("a butcher" who "I hope rots in hell"), Project 2025 ("I don't even know what it is ... There is no reality behind it"), the need for "cowboy diplomacy" on the world stage instead of the "weakness" shown by President Biden, and the upcoming election, in which "hopefully people are going to give me another term." Among those present were Schuyler Legislature Chair Carl Blowers and Legislators Phil Barnes and Laurence Jaynes, as well as Montour Falls Mayor Jim Ryan and County Sheriff Kevin Rumsey.

Photo: Congressman Nick Langworthy at Classic Chef's.

Talent Show offers variety of acts at O-M

Three winners were selected by a panel of four judges on Oct. 18 at the "O-M's Got Talent" show in Odessa-Montour High School's Fetter-Brown Auditorium. Selected as winners among 14 acts were Mars Rogers, who sang "From the Start" by Laufey; Jaxson Pound, who took the stage to solve a Rubik's Cube in about a minute; and Alex Campbell, who sang "Whither Must I Wander" by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Other acts included several individual singers, a vocal quartet, a piano solo, and a pogo stick jumper.

Right: Noelle Freund sings "Let It Go" from "Frozen."

Ribbon is cut at Overlook Coffee Company

A ribbon cutting was held Wednesday morning, Oct. 16 to celebrate the arrival of The Overlook Coffee Company at 3825 Main Street in the Village of Burdett. The company, in a building owned and renovated by Adam and Brittany Thorpe, is owned and operated by the husband-wife team of Brandon Evans (Brittany Thorpe's brother) and Christina Gandy. It opened in July and has already become a popular hangout for area residents. The business's mission: "To bring the finest, handcrafted coffees to the community."

Photo in text: Business owners Brandon Evans and wife Christina Gandy, with Gandy holding a Special Congressional Recognition presented by Sharon Murphy from the office of U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy.

2 killed in Dix accident were visitors from India

The two people killed late Sunday morning, Oct. 13, in a two-car accident at the intersection of County Routes 16 and 17 in the Town of Dix have been identified by the Schuyler County Sheriff's Department as a visiting husband and wife from India, Manjula Velikanti, 55, and Prasad Velikanti, 61. They were passengers in an eastbound car operated by their son, Anjani Velikanti, 30, who lives in downstate New York and who they were visiting. Their car was struck by a northbound vehicle and rolled over, with the two victims ejected. The Sheriff's Office said Anjani Velikanti was not injured, and was issued a summons for allegedly failing to yield the right of way. The driver and passenger of the other vehicle were not injured.

2 honored as Rotary Students of the Month

Odessa-Montour High School senior Riley Brooks (right) and Watkins Glen High School senior Julia Spahalski (above) were honored Oct. 17th by the Watkins -Montour Rotary Club as its Students of the Month for October.

Brooks, introduced by O-M Secretary Judy Kastenhuber, was lauded for her volunteerism, and for her leadership and dedication as treasurer "of several clubs" -- as well as of the National Honor Society and the Class of 2025. A golfer and swimmer, she is also a member of Student Council and Drama Club, and has participated in school plays for three years. She plans to attend either Florida State University or SUNY Canton to pursue a career as a Crime Scene Investigator.

Spahalski (pictured at top), introduced by Coach Ralph Diliberto, was lauded for her volunteerism and kind, respectful approach to life. A promising soccer player before knee injuries sidelined her, she holds state powerlifting records through strength training led by Diliberto, and is a member of the Lake Hawks Weightlifting Hall of Fame. Recently named the WGHS Homecoming Queen, she is president of Student Council, helps oversee the school store, and volunteers in the Elementary School. She plans to attend college in Elementary Education with an eye toward a career as an Elementary School teacher.

Photo in text: O-M senior Riley Brooks with her award.

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in the evening sky

This photo was submitted by Mark P. Taylor PhD, who wrote:

"Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS looking west from Fitzpatrick Hill at about 7:15 p.m. on October 15.

"The comet has made its turn around the sun and is heading out of the solar system to its home in the Oort Cloud.

"It will be back in about 80,000 years."

It is expected to be best seen through Oct. 26 after making its closest approach last Saturday.

Photo: Mark P. Taylor

Rotary honors Vickio as Paul Harris Fellow

Tony Vickio, renowned local sign painter, Corvette lover and head of the Spirit of Schuyler -- which provides emergency funding to people in need -- was on hand Thursday at a meeting of the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club to tell the club about a recent trip he took to Monza, Italy to attend the Italian Grand Prix. He was surprised, though, when he was first honored as a Paul Harris Fellow -- a Rotary award honoring people exhibiting service above self. After his talk, Vickio had some news for Rotarians -- the return of a Corvette Festival (introduced in 2023 but not held in 2024) set for May 17-18, 2025. It will include a car show at Clute Park and a downtown festival in Watkins Glen.

Photo: Tony Vickio with Rotary's Bridgette Stewart, who presented him with the Paul Harris honor. He was introduced by Rotarian Don Stocum, who lauded Vickio's Spirit of Schuyler.

Fire District formation meeting is canceled

Odessa Fire Chief Adam Mahnke announced Sunday that the "proposed formation of a Fire District for the Odessa Area has been unsuccessful" -- and that, accordingly, a planned hearing on Oct. 16 regarding formation of the District has been "canceled at this time." Mahnke said that the towns involved -- Catharine and parts of Montour, Cayuta, Hector and Veteran -- "will need to continue to contract for Fire Service protection" from the Odessa Hose and Chemical Company, which "will continue to provide services ... for as long as we are able to do so." The Fire District, which would have been similar in scope to the existing Fire Protection Service, was needed, Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer said at an initial public hearing on Sept 18, because the village's very existence as a municipality depends on it. Creation of the district, he said, would remove the Odessa Fire Department from village control and from its books -- at a time when operating the department has become more than the village can afford.

Gardner honored by Veterans' Services Dept.

Kristine Gardner, former Schuyler County Veterans Service Officer and Director, has been honored by her new employer, the New York State Department of Veterans' Services at the Bath VA Campus, as its Rookie All-Star for her work as a Veterans Benefits Advisor. The department said Gardner has, since assuming her post on July 5 following her controversial April 18 dismissal by Schuyler County, raised repressed claim numbers and "re-established past services such as weekly rounds at the Bath VAMC's Community Living Center" -- showing "high levels of reliability, adaptability and self-initiative." Said Gardner: "I am beyond humbled."

Photo: Kristine Gardner, center, receives award from Dept. of Veterans' Services Deputy Commissioner Joel Evans and Commissioner Viviana DeCohen. (Provided)

WGHS names its Homecoming Queen, King

Watkins Glen High School's Homecoming Weekend kicked off Friday night with a dance at the Seneca Lake Events Center at Clute Park, where Julia Spahalski and Liam Smith were announced as the Queen and King. A Homecoming Parade is set for 4 p.m. today (Saturday) down Decatur Street from Lafayette Park, with the Homecoming Game against Lansing slated for 7 p.m. at the school's Alumni Field.

Photo: Homecoming Queen Julia Spahalski, King Liam Smith.

Annual Falls Harvest Festival draws a crowd

The 17th Annual Falls Harvest Festival was held on a sunny day Saturday, drawing a large crowd to downtown Montour Falls. Vendors lined both sides of Main Street, with an overflow number positioned on side streets. The many vendors, live music, closing fireworks and beautiul weather made for a popular event lauded by those in attendance.

Photo at right: A youngster keeps a close watch on a large snake held by Dan the Snakeman, who bills himself as a snake and reptile educator.

Ribbon-cutting welcomes tea firm to Montour

A ribbon-cutting ceremony heralding the arrival of The Montour Falls Tea Company to 214 W. Main Street in Montour was held Saturday afternoon while the Falls Harvest Festival was in full swing just outside the Tea Company's doors. The business, owned by New Jersey transplant Sarah Moore, "offers a wide variety of loose-leaf teas, hot tea, cold brew teas and cocktail infusions, as well as local artisian crafts and creations," according to a flyer created by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce in preparation for the celebration.

Photo in text: The Montour Falls Tea Company logo as presented on a t-shirt worn by business owner Sarah Moore.

Book signing draws steady crowd in Watkins

A book signing held Oct. 6 at the Seneca Harbor Station restaurant in Watkins Glen drew a steady gathering of fans. They were there to celebrate the publication of a novel titled "Rocco of 1935" -- to buy an author-signed copy or bring their own copies in to be autographed. The author is Jim Potter of Hector, NY and Charlotte, NC, who wrote the book under a nom de plume: Cain Wilkins. The book -- which Potter says he wrote for fun -- is set in the 1930s, and takes place mostly in Watkins Glen.

Potter says the plot, which encompasses boxing, a woman's disappearance, and a local sheriff's efforts to unravel the mystery of that case, is "mostly made up" -- although stemming from stories told him by his late grandfather, James Scaptura, a Golden Gloves boxer in the 1930s who was also a muskrat trapper, a Jefferson Hotel bartender, and a Watkins Salt worker. He died in 1999. Potter, an IBM engineer turned building contractor, published the book through Amazon, where it is available. It may also be found in local stores.

Gas leak prompts evacuation of part of Falls

A gas leak caused by excavation work next to the Catharine Valley Trail in Montour Falls Thursday afternoon led to the temporary evacuation of homes in an adjoining neighborhood. It also caused a shutdown of Rt. 14 from the juncture with Rt. 224 and running north -- with drivers instructed to take an alternate route to Watkins Glen. Emergency personnel announced later in the afternoon that the leak had been stopped, and that the displaced reisidents could return home. Officials said gas service to the village would be temporarily suspended.

Photo: A board overseen by officials stationed at the Montour Falls Fire Department during the leak kept track of where emergency personnel was being utilized.

Ameigh earns Region III Athlete of Week honor

Watkins Glen High School alum Lillian Ameigh (right), a freshman at Corning Community College, has been named the NJCAA Region III Athlete of the Week for her performance in goal for the Red Barons' women's soccer team. Ameigh, a perennial All-Star goalkeeper in high school, had an .875 save percentage in two games. She made 13 saves against Tompkins Cortland (one on a Penalty Kick) in a 2-2 tie, and 15 saves against Genesee CC (including three saves on four PKs) in a 2-0 defeat.

Judge Spaccio resigns amid investigation

Donald R. Spaccio, a Justice of the Montour Falls Village Court and the Montour Town Court, has resigned while under investigation by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct regarding three complaints against him. Government.

Fire District proposal hits snag; 2nd hearing set

Questions abound, and one town opts out, as five town councils and the Odessa Village Board hold a public hearing on the proposed formation of a fire district. Rather than approve the district, councils voted to hold a second public hearing, set for Oct. 16. Govt.

Photo: Atty. Mark C. Butler, who outlined the district proposal.

School Board to discuss filling vacant seat

The Watkins Glen School Board will meet Sept. 30 to discuss the process for filling the vacant seat created by the recent resignation of Jessica Bravo from the board due to personal reasons. "We have accepted her resignation and extend our sincere gratitude for her four years of dedicated service to our district," said Board President Keith Caslin in a message to district residents. "We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will keep you informed of any developments."

Photo in text: Jessica Bravo (File photo)

Along the Catharine Valley Trail ...

Area photographer Marti Dense sent us the offering at right with this notation:

"The scenery along the Catharine Valley Trail between Montour Falls and Watkins Glen never disappoints!

"I spotted this Juvenile Osprey there recently."

Photo by Marti Dense

Grand Prix Festival held in downtown Watkins

The streets of Watkins Glen were full of racers and specialty cars on Friday, Sept. 6th as the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival and the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) teamed up to celebrate road racing history. Features.

Sediment removed from Odessa water tower

A large vacuum operated by a diver with Atlantic Underwater Services Inc. of Lake Pleasant was removing six to eight inches of sediment from the bottom of the Odessa Village water tower Sept. 3rd on Texas Hollow Road -- part of the village's ongoing water improvement project. The sediment, which an Atlantic spokesman said was less than the 18 inches that had been estimated, accumulated across a quarter century, and according to DPW Chief Steve Siptrott, has contributed significantly to discolored water reported for years by some village residents. Phase 1 of the water project, which has included the installation of new pipes throughout the village, will segue later this year into the Phase 2 construction of a state-of-the-art treatment plant at the end of Merchant Avenue.

Photo: Black water pours out of a hose connected to a vacuum wielded by a diver in the water tower tank.

Plaque honoring Victor Franzese unveiled

Family members and friends gathered Sept. 5 at the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen for the unveiling of a plaque there honoring the late Victor Franzese, who for decades hosted racing legends at the Glen Motor Inn he owned and operated with his wife Linda. Franzese, who also competed in numerous races and was previously honored with a stone in the Watkins Glen Drivers Walk of Fame, died in 2021. The foundation-funded plaque was secured by brother-in-law Tom Pandick, who praised the honoree in remarks preceding the unveiling.

Photo: Linda Franzese, widow of Vic, was on hand for the ceremony, which had been kept a secret from her. She said she was both surprised and "overwhelmed."

WG girls top ND in OT as Honrath sets record

The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team got two goals from senior Skye Honrath, including the game-winner in double overtime, to defeat Elmira Notre Dame 2-1 Wednesday night on WGHS's Alumni Field. The two goals lifted Honrath's career total to 74, surpassing the previous school record of 73 set by alum and current Lake Hawks Assistant Coach Hannah Morse. Honrath was given a game ball by Coach Scott Morse, Hannah's father, who said he will cover the cost of the ball himself. Watkins Glen, the two-time Section IV, Class C champion playing in Class B this year, is now 2-0 heading into a road game Friday against Spencer-Van Etten/Candor.

Photo: Skye Honrath, left, with the game ball, and previous record holder Hannah Morse.

Board OKs pickle-ball league's use of Center

The Watkins Glen Village Board on Sept. 3 approved a request for use of the Community Center for a pickle-ball league. The league, overseen by Bob Decker, will operate on Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30 p.m. starting Oct. 16 and running through March 6. The eight-team league is expected to see participation by 40 people.

Photo: Trustees Stephen Klemann, left, and Bob Carson.

Chamber presents awards at luncheon

The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce presented four awards to area businesses and individuals at its annual awards luncheon at Veraisons Restaurant on Aug. 29th. People.


Photo: Schuyler Legacy Award winner Kate LaMoreaux.

NASCAR sets August race at WGI in 2025

Watkins Glen International will once again help set up the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs field with an August race weekend near the end of the 2025 regular season. Sports.

Schuyler Habitat to dedicate house in Watkins

The fifth Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity house will be dedicated on Sunday, September 8th at 2 p.m. The house is located at 126 Fifth Street in the village of Watkins Glen. The public is invited to the dedication to tour the structure. People.

Photo: The Habitat house.

Storm tunes up with Blue-White Scrimmage

The Schuyler Storm varsity football team (Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour players) held its annual Blue-White intrasquad scrimmage Saturday on the WGHS Alumni Field in preparation for the regular season kickoff at O-M on Sept. 14 against Newark Valley. Another scrimmage, at WGHS against Elmira's junior varsity, is set for Saturday, Sept. 7 at either 9 or 10 a.m. The biggest challenge facing the Storm, says Coach Trevor Holland, is the young team's lack of experience. It will play in Class C, Division 5 against Waverly, Lansing, Dryden and Whitney Point.

Photo: Starting quarterback Christopher Simiele, a junior, eludes a tackler during the Blue-White Scrimmage.

Fall sports get under way at WGHS and O-M

Practices began in full on Aug. 26 at Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High Schools for the upcoming high school fall sports season -- including cross country at O-M for the first time in years. Sports.

Photo: WGHS standouts Ava Kelly, right, and Natalee Oliver

Ribbon cutting celebrates Ivy Lane Flowers

Scores of well-wishers were on hand Aug. 22 for a ribbon-cutting at Ivy Lane Flowers, 223-1 North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen. The business, opened in May by Abby Lane -- who had worked for three years before that at the Chamber of Commerce office across the street -- provides (in Lane's words) "flowers, gifts, atmosphere and fun." It is part of a combined operation with Jeff Dill, who owns the building and operates a wine bar on the same site.

Dill recruited Lane after hearing of her participation in a Floral Design program at the New York Botanical Gardens in New York City and her interest in opening a floral business. The wine bar/floral business has worked so well, he said, "I can't imagine this being anything else."

Photos:
Top: Building owner and wine-bar owner Jeff Dill.
Bottom: Abby Lane below a rose-dominated floral arrangement she prepared for the celebration.

Storm varsity football team has its 1st practice

The Schuyler Storm varsity football team gathered for its first practice ahead of the upcoming fall season on Aug. 19 -- 24 of its 26 members (two were on vacation) put through the paces by coaches on the Watkins Glen High School Alumni Field. The Storm, a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes, opens it season at O-M at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14 (a change from a previously announced date of Sept. 13) against Newark Valley. The Storm's annual Blue-and-White scrimmage is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 at WGHS (rescheduled from Aug. 24). Vying for quarterback are junior Christopher Simiele and sophomore Hunter Mowry. The team, which lost about a dozen players to graduation, has some inexperience, but only two freshmen. The rest of the freshmen will play on the modified squad, which starts its practices Aug. 26 with 47 players.

Photo: A member of the Storm varsity football team practices on a new piece of equipment: a Jax Tackler -- purchased by the WGHS Sports Boosters.

Diesel, back with owner, needs to take it easy

Diesel, a 2-year-old, part Lab, part Mastiff rescued from a house fire Aug. 11 on 11th Street in Watkins Glen, is back with owner Wendy Criss after a five-day stay in a Cornell University animal hospital. Diesel, overcome by smoke at the scene but revived by firefighters, sustained lung damage, says Criss, who noted that her pet -- who she had obtained from an Ithaca SPCA just four days before the fire -- "needs to take it easy" because he is, as a result of his injuries, susceptible to diseases. The fire, which started in her home's kitchen while Criss was at work at a Lodi State Park campground, left her homeless, though a neighbor was able to rent her an apartment on 11th Street. She said she will either decide to reconstruct the house -- which sustained smoke and water damage throughout -- or sell it as is to a developer. Either way, she's happy to have Diesel back. "He's such a sweetheart," she said.

Photo: Cornell animal hospital workers with Diesel. (Provided)

Crowd attends Community Day

Despite early rain, the first-ever Odessa Community Day -- organized by Watkins Promotions and local officials -- was held on August 17th in the village. It featured food, live music, and about 20 vendors. Features.

Parole denied again for convicted killer Horein

Joshua J. Horein, 40, of Watkins Glen (right) has been denied parole for the 7th time by the New York State Board of Parole -- a written June decision recently released. He won't be eligible again until December 2025. Horein was convicted of Murder in the Second Degree and sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the Aug. 5, 2000 murder of Amber Brockway, 15, in Watkins Glen. Horein was 16 at the time. His release has been opposed by the Brockway family, community members and Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph Fazzary, who said Horein "took the life of a beautiful and vibrant teenage girl for no reason. It was a senseless act."

Livy, teammate arrive home to airport welcome

Olivia Coffey of Burdett, after competing in Paris on the U.S. Women's Eight rowing team for the 2nd straight Olympics, arrived at Elmlira Corning Regional Airport about 11 p.m. Aug. 12 after flying during the day from Paris to Atlanta to Detroit and then home. She was traveling with rowing teammate Molly Bruggeman, formerly of Dayton, Ohio but now moving in with boyfriend Matt Sharkey in Corning. The two women were greeted at the airport by Livy's husband Michael Blomquist and her parents Cal and Maggie Coffey, and by Sharkey and his mother Chris, who lives with husband John in Troupsburg.

Livy said it had been "a long travel day," and that she hadn't expected such a welcoming committee, complete with signs. She said that while her team's fifth-place Olympics finish "was not the result I thought we were gonna get ... it didn't mean there was any less effort." She said she hasn't made up her mind whether to compete in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, while Molly said "if Livy does, I will."

Photos: Olivia Coffey arrives to an airport welcome; and Coffey with teammate Molly Bruggeman, now of Corning.

Watkins Elks Lodge presents $6,000 in checks

The Watkins Glen Elks Lodge 1546 presents checks for $5,000 to the Schuyler Health Foundation, $500 to the Village of Watkins Glen and $500 to Camp Star -- grant funds from the Elks National Foundation. People.

Camp Star kids enjoy a day in Watkins Glen

Sixty-two children attending Camp Star enjoyed a day in Watkins Glen on Aug. 13 -- a day organized by the Watkins-Montour and Horseheads Rotary Clubs. The children, with developmental disabilities that might keep them from enjoying a typical camping experience, rode in firetrucks and took a boat cruise, and were provided a pizza lunch. Features.

Photo: The Camp Star kids got firetruck rides. (Provided)

Glen Board OKs concert; alters meeting time

The Watkins Glen Village Board on Aug. 6 approved:
>A special event application for a performance Sept. 8 by the Southern Tier Brass Quintet in Lafayette Park as a Summer Concert Series add-on. The event, from 3-6 p.m., will include talks about the park's history and its recent upgrades.
>A rate of $3 per person, effective Aug. 12, for use of the Community Center for pickleball -- which has been growing in popularity. The board, which had not been charging for the sport, will take another look at rates in the fall.
>The hiring of one lifeguard, and the transition of another to lead lifeguard, to ensure continuation of swimming at Clute Park through Sept. 2.
>A change in the starting time of Village Board meetings from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m. effective with the meeting on Sept. 3

Tabled: A request for 40 cars to drive two laps of the Old Grand Prix Course on Sept. 20. The board wants further information, including the role expected of village police.

Photo: Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo at Aug. 6 meeting

Fire damages Watkins Glen home; dog saved

A fire that began in the kitchen at the rear of the house at 114 Eleventh Street in Watkins Glen late Sunday morning spread upstairs but was quickly extinguished by firefighters. The homeowner, Wendy Criss, was not present at the time, but her dog -- a mixed Lab named Diesel -- was. He was found inside on the floor near the front door by a firefighter, carried outside and attended by firefighters feeding him oxygen. Veterinarian Martha Hawksworth arrived to treat him, and had Diesel -- gradually recovering from his ordeal -- taken to Lakeside Veterinary Services in Montour Falls for more observation. The homeowner -- who one official said had only recently obtained Diesel from a Tompkins County animal shelter -- arrived before Diesel's departure and was able to comfort him. Meanwhile, fire investigators were on site trying to determine the cause of the blaze.

Top Photo: An air conditioner in a kitchen window was scorched, and the window broken. (Photo by David Waite)

Bottom Photo: Diesel, apparently recovered.

Heavy rain powers Montour's Shequaga Falls

The rain from tropical storm Debby drenched our region Friday, prompting flash flood warnings in several counties and creating flood conditions in some Steuben County communities. In Montour Falls, the most visible result of the rain was likely Shequaga Falls, whose rushing water was something of a tourist attraction, with many drivers parking nearby so they could get out to snap some photos of Mother Nature roaring.

Photo: A view of Shequaga Falls on Friday afternoon, Aug. 9th

Olympics: Women's Eight team finishes 5th

The U.S. Women's Eight rowing team, with Burdett's Olivia Coffey in seat 7, finished fifth in the Aug. 3 finals at the Paris Olympics. Romania won the gold medal in a time of 5:54.39, with Canada second (5:58.34) and Great Britain third (5:59.51). Australia surged at the end to place fourth (6:00.73), with the U.S. behind them in 6:01.73. Italy was sixth.

Coffey, an alternate at the Rio Games, was also a member of the Eights crew that finished fourth at the Tokyo Games.

Her rowing team in Paris included Ithaca College graduate Meghan Musnicki in seat five, along with Molly Bruggeman, Margaret Hedeman, Maddie Wanamaker, Claire Collins, Regina Salmons, stroke Charlotte Buck and coxswain Nina Castagna.

Photo: Olivia Coffey on an Olympics promotional ad.

Hector Family A-Fair completes its 2-day run

The second annual Hector Family A-Fair completed its two-day run Aug. 3rd on the Valois-Logan-Hector Fire Department grounds in Hector. The fair, with carnival inflatables to keep the kids climbing, sliding and bouncing, also featured large tents hosting a Kids Zone, live music and other festival activities. Beyond that, there were food vendors, as well as raffles and a book sale that helped raise funds for the fire department and emergency services.

Photo in text: Among the entertainments: a magic show by Ron Cain, here shown preparing.

Wrestling Camp takes to the Clute Park shore

The Odessa-Montour / Watkins Glen Summer Wrestling Camp, being held this weekend at Watkins Glen High School, moved to Clute Park Friday afternoon for 3-minute bouts involving the camp's 55 participants, mostly 6th through 12th graders. According to camp organizer Dan Batchelder, 41 of the 55 are from the O-M and WG schools, while seven are from Dryden, five from Horseheads, and one each from Whitney Point and Trumansburg. Batchelder said the outdoor competition, on a sunny day with a cooling breeze, was undertaken because it offered the wrestlers fun. The program was moving back to the WGHS gym Saturday for the final two days of the program -- a summary of which is on Sports.

Photo: Amber Swaney and Eli Kastenhuber wrestle in one of the day's many bouts. In the background, officiating, is Troy Monks, a coach at Horseheads High School who was himself a three-time Section IV wrestling champion at O-M and an NCAA Division III champion in 1990 while wrestling at SUNY Cortland.

Ribbon-cutting marks FLX Studio anniversary

A ribbon-cutting ceremony July 19 celebrated the one-year anniversary of the FLX Studio & Maker's Market at 220 West Main Street in Montour Falls. The Studio is an inspired concept turned reality by Amanda Colunio, wife of Watkins Glen High School Principal Kyle Colunio and mother to two children. The business is advertised as a "family owned, creative space designed to inspire and empower artists of all ages. ... (It) features a curated retail space showcasing a carefully selected range of art kits, handmade items, and home decor as well as a studio space for workshops, parties and events." People.

Photo: Amanda Colunio outside the FLX Studio

Ribbon-cutting marks opening of FLX Works

The Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development, the Watkins Glen Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Local Planning Committee, and the FLX Gateway Community Development Corporation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 17th celebrating the completion of FLX Works, a coworking space in downtown Watkins Glen. Ribbon.

Photo: Among the speakers: State Senator Tom O'Mara.

Watkins Board ends yard waste-bag program

The Watkins Glen Village Board -- citing cost and an absence of need -- on July 16 voted to end a program that provided free yard waste bags to village residents. The move saves the village $10,000 a year. Board members -- noting that the bags were often used for other purposes -- said they discussed the move with various residents who seemed unbothered by it. Besides, the board noted, leaf pickup will continue, so the move does not impinge on that service.

Mayor Laurie DeNardo also thanked village personnel who helped Monday in the cleanup from the late afternoon storm that knocked down trees and knocked out village power until 3:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Photo: The remaining stock of yard waste bags sits in the Watkins Glen Village Hall.

Caslin elected WG School Board president

Watkins Glen School Board member Keith Caslin was elected by the board July 15th as its president for the coming year. He garnered four of the seven available votes to outpoll incumbent president Joe Stansfield. Theresa Butler was elected vice president with the same four votes -- from Caslin, Jessica Bravo, Tracey VanSkiver and herself -- to outpoll the incumbent VP, Craig Bianco. In a ceremony before the meeting, Superintendent Kai D'Alleva bid farewell to several retiring staff members, including teacher Robin La Face, Athletic Director Rod Weeden, and Phys Ed teacher and coach Kim Suddaby. He also said farewell to Tim and Michelle Benjamin, who directed WGHS musicals for the past 20 years.

Photo: Keith Caslin at the July 15 meeting, before the storm knocked out the lights.

Storm knocks down trees, knocks out power

A rainstorm driven by high winds knocked out power to thousands of Southern Tier residents late Monday afternoon, July 15, including in Watkins Glen and Montour Falls. Traffic lights in Watkins went dark, along with businesses and homes around the village. Fallen trees blocked traffic on South Decatur Street and Cass Road, and small bits of debris cluttered roadways in both villages, on Rt. 224 going up to Odessa, and on various Schuyler rural roads.

Photo: A falling tree damaged one end of the roof at Kurtz Enterprize in Montour Falls during Monday's storm. The damage was covered by a tarp before nightfall.

We present the 2024 Tribute Award honorees

For the fourth consecutive year, The Odessa File, in conjunction with administrators and coaches at the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high schools, is honoring a group of student-athletes -- 24 of them -- with Tribute Awards based on athletics, academics, leadership, and character. To see who the honorees are, visit Tribute.

The Yard FLX on 414 celebrates its rebirth

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 12 celebrated the recent opening of The Yard FLX -- a go-kart (photo above) and mini golf destination long popular in years past but fallen on recent hard times. With new owner Aimee Barton leading the way, the facility has been reborn with a vision of reviving its legacy as an entertainment destination. Features.

Right: Aimee Barton

Annual Glen fireworks display draws crowd

The annual fireworks presented by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce on July 4th (a sample is shown at left) attracted many onlookers to the launch site, Clute Park, and to surrounding hillside vantage points.

Glen getting $4.6M water infrastructure grant

A $4.6 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant has been announced for the Village of Watkins Glen to improve water infrastructure and increase water capacity for the local business community. According to EDA, this grant will support the rehabilitation of Watkins Glen’s water storage tank and pump station, the replacement of water lines, and other water infrastructure improvements needed to increase capacity. The grant will be matched with $4.6 million in local funds and is expected to create or retain 120 jobs. "The EDA award will provide long overdue improvements to our water infrastructure, secure additional housing and jobs, and improve livability," said Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo. Grant.

Photo: Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo.

Halpin re-elected as School Board president
at organizational meeting; Dechow sworn in

Robert Halpin was unanimously re-elected by his fellow Odessa-Montour School Board members as board president at the group's annual organizational meeting Thursday night. Jennifer Mosher was re-elected without opposition as the board vice president. Before those votes, Halpin was first sworn in to a new three-year term on the board, as were incumbent Dana Sgrecci and newcomer Jason Dechow, all winners in the district's May election.

Photo at right: New O-M School Board member Jason Dechow.

Storm in the distance

Glenda Stermer-Simpson sent this photo that she snapped as a storm approached during July 10th's atmospheric turbulence. "Here is a picture of the storm, from Frost Hill Road, Montour Falls, looking west," she wrote, adding: "Pretty neat to watch it come across the hill."

Teaming to raise funds for women with cancer

The Schuyler Health Foundation and the Gorges Givers group have established a fund to provide emergency finanical aid to women diagnosed with cancer. Fund.

A baptism times three

Three young cousins -- the first grandchildren of Chris and Liz Stamp -- are baptized in an unusual ceremony at St. Mary's of the Lake Church in Watkins Glen. People.

Photo: Chris Stamp holds grandson Logan Wilkens.

Hector Repair Cafe helps recycle used items

The second of two Repair Cafes was held June 1st -- this one at the VLH Fire Department in Hector. As with the first one -- held April 20 at the Montour Falls Fire Department -- it had volunteers on hand to repair items brought in by area folks looking to recycle personal items free of charge rather than toss them in the trash. The Repair Cafes stemmed from the work of Sustainability Committees in both communities. The village and town are each working toward Gold Certification in the Climate Smart Communities movement, and earned points for the cafes. The state-run CSC program provides valuable grants and technical assistance, as does the state Clean Energy Community program in which Montour Falls and Hector are also actively involved.

Photo in text: Volunteer Chuck Wilke works on a lamp at the Hector Repair Cafe.

Ribbon cut for Cycle Boats business on lake

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 30 at Seneca Harbor Park welcomes a new business, Finger Lakes Cycle Boats, a week after it started transporting passengers on Seneca Lake. The company's boat, named the Seneca Siren, offers a combination of motorized travel and old-fashioned pedal power, with up to 10 people manning bike-like pedals to move the craft along on its travels. Business.

58 earn their diplomas at WGHS graduation

Watkins Glen High School bids farewell to the Class of 2024 in a ceremony in the school auditorium. Schools.

Photo: Senior Class President Alyson Gibson

O-M bids farewell
to the Class of 2024

Forty-two students received their diplomas in a ceremony in the school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium. Schools.

Photo: One O-M grad's cap.

Garrison wins the 20th annual Susan Award

Odessa-Montour High School senior Keyonna Garrison has been named winner of the 20th annual Susan B. Haeffner Sportsmanship Award, named in memory of Odessa File Editor and Publisher Charlie Haeffner's wife. The award is presented each year to one recipient who embodies the characteristics of fair play, kindness and courage exhibited by Susan, who passed away due to cancer in 2004. The first recipient was named the following year: O-M's Sally Wilcox. Keyonna has exhibited courage, kindness and determination in recovering from a stroke suffered in her junior year.

Photo: Keyonna Garrison with her Susan Award.

Aviation pioneer honored at Alumni Banquet

The Distinguished Alumni honoree at the annual Watkins Glen High School Alumni Association Banquet June 29th -- held at the Watkins Glen Community Center -- was Grace Pitkin Birge Mayfield, valedictorian in the Class of 1930. Mayfield, who passed away in 1994, was honored in the field of Army Aeronautics. Schuyler County's only female licensed aviator in the late 1930s, Mayfield served during World War II with the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), a group that helped ferry combat aircraft within the U.S. at 126 bases -- and which, years later, won full veteran privileges. She was later a flight instructor and flight controller in Denver, and taught science and aeronautics in the Denver Public School system. On a dare from her class, she took up skydiving at the age of 56. She was inducted into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame in 1983.

Photo: Grace Pitkin Birge Mayfield

Dub G Awards ceremony honors Glen athletes

School year-ending athletic awards -- the Dub G Awards -- were presented June 22 at Watkins Glen High School. The ceremony, in the school auditorium, saw Athletes of the Year announced, as well as Coach of the Year and Rookie of the Year Award winners. For a list of all of the Dub G honorees and some photos, see Sports.

Friends, family celebrate Emerson's doctorate

Schuyler County Historian Gary Emerson of Odessa was the focal point of a party June 22 at the Bucket Bar & Grill in Odessa, held to celebrate his doctorate in American History. Dr. Emerson achieved that educational goal recently after working toward it for nine years at Binghamton University following his retirement as a teacher in the Newfield school district. Emerson, an author, said he plans to continue writing history books as well as seeking a part-time position teaching at one of the colleges or universities in our region.

Photo: Gary Emerson at the Bucket Bar & Grill party.

Rotary distributes annual community grants

The Watkins-Montour Rotary Club distributed its annual community grants June 20 to recipients at a club luncheon at the Montour Falls Moose Lodge along Route 14. While the club budgeted $3,000 in grants, it ended up distributing $5,550 as area organizations made requests for financial support totaling more than $20,000. Among the recipients were Habitat for Humanity, the Glen Gators, Friends of the Watkins Library, the Lake Country Players, the Schuyler County Historical Society, Catholic Charities, Gorges Givers, Schuyler Soccer, the Village of Watkins Glen, Friends of the Mecklenburg Park, the Hector Foundation, the Reading Community Church, the Odessa-Catharine United Methodist Church, the Humane Society of Schuyler County, and My Place-A Play and Learning Center.

Photo in text: Stacey Parrish, representing the Village of Watkins Glen, speaks upon accepting a Rotary grant for use in the village's Summer Recreation Program.

B.C. Cate kids get close look at agriculture

It was Farm Day at B.C. Cate Elementary School in Montour Falls on June 21, with various aspects of agriculture on display for the students at booths set up in front of the school. Where last year the school held a Truck Day, this event offered interactive looks at beekeeping, wine-making, fruit tree planting, dairying, and other aspects of agriculture, with displays by the Forest Service, Cooperative Extension, Simmons Vineyards, Keuka Springs Winery, Sunset View Creamery, and Bee Fellas Honey, along with hayrides by the Village of Montour Falls and farm songs by Kim Laursen. Another, not yet detemined, theme is expected at the end of the next school year, with truck and agriculture themes to be repeated in future years.

Photo in text: Art teacher Michelle Walsh brought her Highland Cow to the Farm Day for kids to see close-up.

Cardboard Boat Regatta draws a festive crowd

The 31st annual regatta, part of the Watkins Glen Waterfront Festival at Seneca Harbor Park on Saturday, June 15, attracted thousands of people who cheered Cardboard Boat captains and crews as the contestants paddled their way along a harbor marina course. For photos, see Features.

Awards bestowed at year-end WGHS assembly

Academic, fine arts and athletic honors are presented to Watkins Glen High School students at an assembly held in the school auditorium. Awards.

New historic marker unveiled at Jerlando's

Schuyler County historian Gary Emerson on June 13 unveiled an historic marker honoring the Freer Opera House, known today as the Jerlando’s Ristorante building in Watkins Glen. The marker is attached to the building on the Fourth Street wall. Features.

Schuyler Scholars honored at dinner

The top academic seniors in the Watkins Glen, Odessa-Montour and Bradford high schools were honored Wednesday night, June 12th at the 17th annual Schuyler Scholars dinner, held at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Schools.

Photo: Each honoree received a plaque.

Coffey to compete at Olympics in 8-oared shell

Schuyler County Olympian Olivia Coffey (right) will be rowing in the Women's 8-oared shell in the Paris Olympic Games this summer. US Rowing on Tuesday announced its full 12-crew roster -- 42 athletes, including 17 returning Olympians (one of those 17 being Coffey, who competed in the Tokyo Games and was an alternate before that, in Rio). Coffey, who earned a Paris Olympic spot more than two months ago but was unsure where she would be slotted, works (when she isn't training for the Olympics) for a firm in New York City, but resides in Burdett. Rowing in Paris will take place from July 27th to August 4th.

Gillis is The Odessa File's O-M Athlete of Year

Odessa-Montour High School senior Brad Gillis has been named The Odessa File's O-M Athlete of the Year -- an award sponsored by the E.C. Cooper Inc. Insurance Agency of Watkins Glen. Gillis had an outstanding year in football, basketball and baseball. He will attend Alfred University, where he plans to continue his football career. He joins Watkins Glen High School sophomore Rachel Vickio -- also a three-sport athlete -- as this website's Athletes of the Year.

Photo: Brad Gilllis with his O-M Athlete of the Year Award, sponsored as in past years by the E.C. Cooper Inc. Insurance Agency of Watkins Glen.

O-M bestows its year-end sports awards

Odessa-Montour High School presented its 2023-24 sports awards June 11th at the 57th annual Sports Awards Night held in the school cafeteria and auditorium. Sports.

Photo: O-M juniors Gavin Lohmeyer and Riley Brooks, recipients of Section IV Character Counts awards.

Honrath, Young ink celebratory college forms

Watkins Glen High School seniors Sasha Honrath and Kyren Young inked celebratory signing forms June 12 with the colleges they will be attending. Honrath, a standout soccer player on two sectional championship teams at WGHS, will attend Elmira College, where she plans to continue her soccer career. Young, who holds several WGHS track sprint records, plans to continue in track at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. The signings took place in the WGHS library.

Photo: Cakes were part of the celebration for both Sasha Honrath and Kyren Young.

LCP's Matilda Jr. ends its 4-day run at WGHS

Scores of child actors, singers and dancers populated the stage for Matilda The Musical Jr., a production of the Lake Country Players that ended a four-day run June 16 in the Watkins Glen High School auditorium. Based on the beloved book “Matilda” by Roald Dahl and adapted from the award-winning full-length musical, the play tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand, and change her own destiny.

Photo in text: Dancing played a key role in the play.

Foundation receives $20,000 Ice Bar donation

The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel on June 10 presented a $20,000 check to the Schuyler Health Foundation with proceeds generated by the hotel's annual 3-day Ice Bar event held in late January. Hart Hotels CEO and President David Hart, in remarks preceding the check presentation, said the Watkins Glen Ice Bar -- know as the Fire & Ice Celebration -- has resulted in donations of $240,000 since its inception in 2012. For years the annual donations went to the Red Cross, but more recently to the Health Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that aims to provide funds to Schuyler Hospital and the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility.

Photo: Hart Hotels President and CEO David Hart at ceremony

Odessa File Spring MVP, All-Stars unveiled

With the spring high school sports season concluded, The Odessa File presents its choice for the MVP among all of the sports, as well as a listing of the Schuyler All-Sports All-Stars. See Sports.

--Vickio is Odessa File's WGHS Athlete of Year. Sports.

Annual 3-day Fire Dept. Festival ends its run

MONTOUR FALLS -- A final day June 8th of rides, food, music, bingo, a chicken barbecue and a beer tent -- along with a parade featuring 10 bands -- brought the annual Montour Falls Fire Department Festival to a close. The festival, on the carnival grounds along Route 224, opened Thursday night, June 6, continued Friday night and ran from noon to its closing Saturday night. The parade down Montour's Main Street at 5 p.m. Saturday featured floats, antique vehicles, fire trucks, horses, tractors and those 10 bands, including the popular Hitmen from Rochester.

Festival Chair Keith Pierce said the festival was the fire department's "only fund-raiser of the year." Live music was provided at the Parmenter Sound Stage each night and Saturday afternoon. The first musical group up Thursday night was Goin' South Entertainment. On Friday night, it was Clark Jackson; on Saturday afternoon, the Dean Goble Band; and Saturday night, Random Tangent.

Photos in text:

Top: A young girl sends a red dart (top left) toward balloons at one of the festival's games of chance.
Bottom: Festival visitors Leah Antes, left, and Sarah Strobel.

Ceremony marks Stonecat Cafe's 25 years

A ribbon was cut June 7 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Stonecat Cafe in Hector -- at a ceremony highlighted by speeches and the presentation of a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the office of U.S. Representative Nick Langworthy. People.

Photo: Cutting the ribbon.

Marquez inks celebratory SUNY Geneseo form

Watkins Glen High School senior Thalia Marquez, a member of the school swim team since 7th grade, signed a form on June 6th celebrating her upcoming attendance at SUNY Geneseo, where she plans to continue her swimming while pursuing a career as a Physician's Assistant. On hand were friends, family, swim coach Jason Westervelt, Athletic Director Rod Weeden and Superintendent Kai D'Alleva, who praised Marquez as "one of the most decorated swimmers in the history of our district." The event was concluded with a cake cut into squares by Marquez and distributed to the attendees.

Photo: Thalia Marquez at the signing ceremony.

Interns help village with sustainability efforts

Montour Falls Mayor Jim Ryan says that Montour Falls is fortunate to have two interns working this summer on the village's ongoing sustainability campaign. People.

Photo: Interns Helena Donnelly (left) and Emma Malnoske.

3 on 3 tourney raises funds for United Way

Twenty teams competing in five different brackets -- including males, females, young children and players who graduated from high school years ago -- raised money June 8th for the Schuyler County United Way through a 3-on 3 basketball tourney in the Watkins Glen High School Field House. Each player paid a registration fee of $20, which together with business sponsorships provided funds for United Way.

Photo: Hannah Morse looks for a shot.

Lou's trombone
goes to Normandy

A story from Steve Rondinaro about his father Lou's wartime and musical experiences, and about a D-Day anniversary opportunity. Trombone.

Photo: The late Louis Rondinaro and his trombone.

Kramer to succeed Weeden as AD at WGHS

Erich Kramer (right), who has been serving as Assistant Principal, will become the next Athletic Director at Watkins Glen High School, succeeding Rod Weeden, who is retiring in August. Kramer's title will be Director of Athletics, Physical Education, Health and Data, a job he will assume on July 1 -- taking full control in August. The position of Assistant Principal was eliminated in the recently approved school budget.

Ribbon cutting celebrates Museum's 50 years

A ribbon-cutting celebration June 3rd marked the 50th anniversary of the Schuyler County Historical Society's Brick Tavern Museum at 108 N. Catharine Street in Montour Falls. Speakers included Alyssa Denger of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce; Sara Lattin, Chief of Staff in the office of State Senator Tom O'Mara; Montour Falls Mayor Jim Ryan, and the Society's Executive Director of Museums, Heather O'Grady-Evans -- who received a State Legislature proclamation from Lattin in tribute to the half-century milestone. Said O'Grady-Evans, after praising those who started the museum and those who have kept it thriving: "We're just getting started."

Photo in text: Lattin (right) presents a State Legislature proclamation to O'Grady-Evans.

Grizzly Bike Rally features riding safety, fun

The B.C. Cate Elementary School in Montour Falls held a Grizzly Bike Rally for its students Wednesday evening, May 29 -- the first of what organizers hope will be an annual event. Scores of students --accompanied by parents -- learned about bike safety while participating in bicycle games and following an obstacle course in the school parking lot. A Schuyler County Sheriff's Department representative was on hand to help at the event, which also featured helmet fitting, bike decorating, hot dogs, and information tables run by Public Health, Cooperative Extension, the Montour Falls Library and other organizations. Also on hand: the school district mascot, Grizzly the Bear.

Photo in text: Bike races were part of the rally's events.

Memorial Day services held in Schuyler

Threatening rain held off long enough May 27 for Memorial Day services to be held at Shequaga Falls in Montour Falls and at the Schuyler County Veterans Memorial Park outside Odessa. People.

Photo: Sheriff and Marine Corps veteran Kevin Rumsey at Montour Falls ceremony.

Watkins, O-M school budgets pass easily

The voters in the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour School Districts approved 2024-25 budgets by wide margins on May 21, Watkins passing its $30,189,050 spending plan 195-43, and O-M passing its $21,258,665 spending plan 146-30.

Voters in the O-M Disrict also approved a library tax for the Dutton S. Peterson and Montour Falls Memorial Libraries, 125-49, as well as bus purchase and capital reserve fund propositions. Watkins voters okayed a proposition to lease diesel buses, 202-36.

In School Board voting, O-M elected incumbents Robert Halpin and Dana Sgrecci and newcomer Jason Dechow to 3-year terms. There were no challengers. Watkins Glen Board incumbents Joe Stansfield (156 votes) and Barbara Schimizzi (134) were re-elected to 3-year terms, defeating challengers Scott Yaw (82) and Jonathan Van Ness (58).

O-M holds its prom
at the Ginny Lee Cafe

The Odessa-Montour High School Prom was held on a warm, sunny evening May 18 at the Ginny Lee Cafe along Rte. 414 north of Valois. See photos on the Schools Page.

Photo: O-M's Jackie Mace at the Prom.

State announces winning NY Forward projects

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the projects that will be included in the $4.5 million NY Forward funding awarded to the Village of Montour Falls in 2023. The projects were among those proposed by a Local Project Committee co-chaired by Montour Falls Mayor Jim Ryan (pictured at right) and SCOPED Executive Director Judy McKinney Cherry. Government.

Rotary honors 3 as its Students of the Month

The Watkins-Montour Rotary Club honored seniors May 16 from the Watkins Glen, Odessa-Montour and Bradford high schools as its Students of the Month for May.
Watkins Glen: Johnny VanScoyk is captain of the cross country, indoor track and outdoor track teams, as well as 7th in his class academically. He plans to attend SUNY Cortland in Media Production, and continue his competitive running there.
Odessa-Montour: Kylie Austin was introduced by school counselor Dan Batchelder, who said she is "bright, with high goals," and that the award was "well deserved." Kylie, a High Honor student in the top 10% of her class, is on the Student Council and a member of Interact Club. She plans to attend Elmira College in the field of Psychology.
Bradford: Kailey Yeoman is a three-sport captain (soccer, basketball and softball), Student Council vice president, Class Salutatorian, and a member of National Honor Society. She plans to attend Alfred University in Education, and pursue a master's in School Counseling.

Photo in text: O-M honoree Kylie Austin with guidance counselor Dan Batchelder.

Watkins Glen, Pert Library budgets pass easily

The Watkins Glen Public Library and EB Pert Memorial Library budget vote had a record turnout of 216 voters on Tuesday, May 14th. With 213 YES votes and 3 NO votes, the budgets passed. Amanda Postma of Watkins Glen was elected as trustee for the Watkins Glen Public Library.

Veterans' turnout light at Legislature meeting

A light turnout of veterans -- estimated by a spokesperson to be "9 or 10" people -- attended the monthly meeting May 13 of the Schuyler County Legislature. And only one member of the group -- the wife of a Vietnam veteran -- addressed legislators regarding the April 18 dismissal of Kristine "Sparky" Gardner from her post as Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency director. After almost 50 veterans gathered last week in Odessa in support of Gardner, some observers had expected a large turnout Monday, when the Legislature allowed comments for up to 45 minutes. The one speaker said that despite the scant turnout, she had "a message from veterans: We're not going away." Legislator Phil Barnes also touched on the issue, saying he was upset that not all members of the Legislature had been apprised beforehand of Gardner's dismissal.

Photo: Legislature Chairman Carl Blowers, left, and County Administrator Shawn Rosno at Monday's meeting.

WGHS holds its annual prom at Logan Ridge

The Watkins Glen High School Prom was held on a rainy night May 11 at Logan Ridge Estates, the annual party's locale in recent years. But the rain didn't seem to dampen the students' party spirit. See photos on the Schools Page.

Photo: Watkins Glen's Katie Cook at the Prom.

Justice Center of the Southern Tier -- designed to help crime victims -- holds a Grand Opening

The Justice Center of the Southern Tier -- a haven for victims of crimes -- held its Grand Opening May 9th after a successful soft opening that Schuyler County District Attorney Joe Fazzary, who envisioned and was the primary force in the Center's creation, called a success. Features.

Photo: District Attorney Joe Fazzary at the Grand Opening.

Forum at Clute touts benefits of DRI program

New York State Deputy Secretary of State Kisha Santiago visited Watkins Glen on May 9, leading a forum at Clute Park's Seneca Lake Event Center designed to interest community leaders around the Southern Tier in her department's flagship economic development programs -- the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Forward New York programs. Government.

Photo: From left, Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo: New York Deputy Secretary of State Kisha Santiago, and Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development Executive Director Judy McKinney Cherry at the forum.

O-M pool, after prolonged restoration, is open

The refurbished Odessa-Montour 4-lane pool was opened May 9th in a dedication ceremony featuring a ribbon cutting, speeches, snacks, and swims by current and alumni O-M swimmers. The pool area -- bright where it used to be dim, with a new deck, gutters, record boards and elevated scorer's deck -- was renovated over the past couple of years. School board members present indicated the pool -- overseen by teacher Jack McCauley -- will be utilized by classes, for adult swims, and maybe for occasional competition. There was no indication that the current Schuyler Storm boys and girls swim teams -- combined squads of O-M and Watkins Glen athletes who utilize the 8-lane WGHS pool -- would be altered by reverting to separate school teams.

Photo: Storm Swim Coach Jason Westervelt cuts the ribbon.

Three Watkins Glen High School students -- juniors Naja Radoja and Abi White and sophomore Wendy Coleman -- were honored May7th for placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd in an art contest held among students in the 6th Judicial District. Their art will be displayed in court houses around the 10-county district. Art.

Take advantage of our Ad Rates ...

The Odessa File operates primarily on the strength of advertising, although a few readers send contributions to help the cause.

Ad space is always available, in different page locations, but currently key page sponsorships are also available: atop the Schools Page (at $150/month), the Forum Page (at $75/month). and the PSA Page (at $50/month).

For a look at our Ad Rate chart, click here. For more information, contact The Odessa File by email (chaef@aol.com) or by phone at 607-742-2772.

Donations gratefully accepted ...

Since The Odessa File operates primarily on the strength of advertising, its economic well-being can become a bit tenuous, especially when advertisers opt not to continue on these pages.

Accordingly, any reader contributions are very welcome. Anyone wishing to send a donation can do so by mailing it to: The Odessa File, P.O. Box 365, Odessa, NY 14869.

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

Zak Brown, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Racing, will receive the 10th annual International Motor Racing Research Center Cameron R. Argetsinger Award at a gala on Sept. 12 at the Corning Museum of Glass. The IMRRC said the award is in recognition of Brown's contributions advancing and improving the sport of motor racing. Established in 2014, the CRA Award -- named in honor of the man who, in 1948, conceived, organized and drove in the first post-war road race in America through Watkins Glen -- had been presented at gala events at the CMOG through 2019, honoring such legends of the sport as Chip Ganassi, Roger Penske, Mario Andretti, Richard Petty, the France Family and Bobby Rahal. When the pandemic hit, the event moved first to Watkins Glen International, then to the Harbor Hotel in Watkins Glen, recognizing Lyn St. James, Mike Helton and Richard Childress through 2023. The gala is open to the public. All proceeds benefit the IMRRC, a 501(c)(3) organization.

Photo in text: Zak Brown (Photo provided)

Storm's Holmes earns S-G Athlete of Week

Schuyler Storm baseball standout Alex Holmes (shown pitching, left) has been named the Elmira Star-Gazette Athlete of the Week for the period April 21-27 for hitting .692 across four games: 9 for 13 with 9 stolen bases, 10 runs scored and 4 RBIs as the team went 3-1. He received 52.7% of 22,421 online votes cast among a field of five nominees.

Schuyler addresses the Veterans situation

The County of Schuyler has issued a statement to "address the following points and correct misinformation appearing online and elsewhere about our Veterans Service Agency and its employees." For the statement, see Forum.

Repair Cafe offers alternative to 'trashing it'

The first of two Repair Cafes in Schuyler County was held April 20 at the Montour Falls Fire Department, and from the number of people bringing in items requiring repair, the event struck a positive chord and met a definite need.

A second such event is planned for June in Hector. Features.

Pep Rally celebrates reading achievements

The Watkins Glen Elementary School students had another pep rally April 19th in the high school Field House -- their second in two months -- to celebrate the reading goals they have met in an ongoing school program.

In the past four weeks, students in pre-K through 6th grade have read 143,276 minutes, which is 2,388 hours. And the program -- which was kicked off with a pep rally in the Field House on March 18 and has involved prizes for kids who excel at their goals -- will continue into May. The latest pep rally featured storybook creatures (costumes occupied by teachers) as well as games. The Field House was crowded (see photo) and the noise level of excited kids off the charts.

Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency Director Kristine Gardner (right) was dismissed from her job April 18 in a meeting with County Administrator Shawn Rosno. Gardner said that at the 10:15 a.m. session, Rosno told her she had failed to perform her duties. Gardner said she was given the choice of signing off on a letter in which County Legislature Chair Carl Blowers alleged job shortcomings under the provisional terms of her employment (in which case she would be fired), or she could resign. "And I chose the resignation," she said.

Efforts by The Odessa File to contact Rosno by phone failed; and there was no response to a message left requesting a return call. Nor did he and County Legislature Chair Carl Blowers respond with any explanation for the dismissal when confronted that evening at a meeting of the Schuyler County Council of Governments. (See photo above). One outspoken Marine veteran present at that meeting, Dan Heichel of Odessa (right), spoke forcefully in favor of Gardner, saying she was "a 1,000% asset to the county."

Gardner, a veteran who has worked at the VSA for five years and been its director for almost a year, said Thursday afternoon that her phone had been "blowing up" with calls from other veterans who had heard of her fate. She said she might apply for a job on the Bath VA campus -- a veterans benefits advisor position through the New York State Department of Veterans Services.

The Watkins-Montour Rotary Club on April 18 honored Odessa-Montour High School senior Anabelle Crippen and Watkins Glen High School senior Brandon Chiacchiarini as its Students of the Month for April.

Chiacchiarini, co-salutatorian in the WGHS class of 2024, was introduced by teacher Lisa Jurusik, who said the honoree is "an awesome kid" who is "a self-starter and self-motivator." She called him "intelligent and kind, with a sense of humor." Chiacchiarini thanked Jurusik "and all the other teachers who have pushed me to be the best I can." He said he is undecided on which college to attend, but plans to enter the field of Accounting.

Crippen was introduced by O-M Director of Student Services Veronica Lewis, who said Crippen excels as an audio-media student through BOCES. She said the honoree "has overcome many obstacles in her young life and shows determination and perseverance that will carry her through many successes." Crippen, a member of the school's bowling team, is leaning toward attending Corning Community College, with an eye toward study in the field of animation.

Photo in text: Brandon Chiacchiarini

A column by Assemblyman Phil Palmesano

Assemblyman Palmesano reminds us that April is "National Donate Life Month," and urges everyone to consider donating their organs at the time of death -- an act that can impact many lives. Column.

Photo: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano

Schuyler Hires Job Fair held in Watkins Glen

Mother Nature sent a cloud covering our way

The long-awaited solar eclipse fell short of what locals hoped for on April 8, a cloud cover obscuring the phenomenon for all but brief moments above Watkins Glen. Adding to the day, though, was a Schuyler County Historical Society party at the Seneca Lake Events Center featuring a murder mystery presented by members of the Lake Country Players acting troupe. For more on that festive gathering, see Features.

Photo: WENY Meteorologist Joe Veres looks up during one of those brief moments when the sun appeared. He was at Clute Park with fellow Meteorologist Katherine Schwalm to report live from there, one of three regional locales visited by WENY.

Striving to bring a refugee family to Watkins ...

The Watkins Montour Lions Club, Hector Refugee Project, and at-large community members have joined with Lions Club International as part of the Engage to Change Co-Sponsorship Initiative to welcome a refugee family into the Watkins community. People.

Glen School Board OKs budget; vote is May 21

The Watkins Glen School Board on April 2nd gave its stamp of approval to a 2024-25 budget which -- despite adhering to Gov. Kathy Hochul's Executive Budget that called for significant cuts in state aid to education (which is still under debate as Albany wrestles with its own spending plan) -- calls for a tax rate decrease of $1.87 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, down from $10.59 in 2023-34 to $8.72. That decrease was aided, one school official said, by a significant increase in the valuation of property in Schuyler County. The $30,189,050 school plan represents a 2.58% increase in spending, with the tax levy up $298,000, which is below the maximum allowable limit. A public hearing on the budget will be held on May 7, with the public vote scheduled for 12 noon-8 p.m. on May 21.

Photo: Superintendent Kai D'Alleva at April 2 meeting.

WGHS announces its Top 10 in Class of 2024

Watkins Glen High School has unveiled its Top Ten academic students in the Class of 2024 -- led by valedictorian Maisie Robertson and co-salutatorians Malina Butler and Brandon Chiacchiarini. The remainder of the Top Ten, in no particular order: Johnny VanScoyk, Keira Sulkey, Thalia Marquez, Vey Cowan, Sarah Jones, Lukas Bower and Alyson Gibson.

Photo: Maisie Robertson with teacher Kaz Popovich when Maisie was honored in October as Student of the Month by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club.

Odessa board OKs budget at annual meeting

The Odessa Village Board on April 1st conducted its annual organizational meeting, issuing appointments (such as trustee Tom Letteer as deputy mayor again), and approved a 2024-25 village budget with a tax levy of $179,085 -- within the growth cap mandated by the state. Mayor Gerry Messmer also said the village water improvement project's first phase is under way on Merchant Avenue, and will spread to other streets from there, with thousands of feet of new water pipes replacing old. Phase Two will involve construction of a water treament facility that could take 18 months to complete.

Photo: Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer makes a point.

2 students honored for roles in Rotary contest

Watkins Glen High School juniors Salvatore Purpura and Kendra Fish were presented certificates in March by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club for their competitive roles in a recent Rotary International District 7120 Winter Oratorical Contest. The two students' contest presentations were on the subject ot Rotary's 4-Way Test -- which adheres to Truth, Fairness and Good Will in everything, and asks whether what is thought, said or done "will be beneficial to all concerned?" Purpura, who focused in the contest on Social Media and its effect on youth, placed 1st at Sectionals and 5th in the finals. Fish, who focused on the importance of teaching diversity, placed 6th at Sectionals. Club President Nan Woodworth, noting the "grueling" nature of the contest, thanked Purpura and Fish for their "strong presentations," adding: "We're very proud of you."

Principals named at B.C. Cate, Hanlon schools

The Odessa-Montour School Board on March 27th approved new principals at the B.C. Cate and Hanlon Elementary Schools.

Erika Parisian, who has worked in the Romulus Central School District since 2014 in various teaching and administrative capacities, will be the B.C. Cate principal effective June 1, succeeding James Nolan, who will become the O-M district's deputy superintendent before moving up to superintendent on January 1.

Alisha Tolentino will become the next Hanlon Elementary principal on April 29, succeeding Rob Francischelli, who left for a job in the BOCES District. Tolentino has worked as a teacher in the Geneseo and Dansville School Districts, as Assistant Principal/Dean of Students in the Addison District, and as Assistant Principal in the Elmira Heights School District.

Coffey earns a spot in her 3rd Olympic Games

Olivia Coffey (right), who works for a firm in New York City but resides in Burdett, has been selected for the third time as a member of the U.S. Olympic Rowing Team, this time in Paris in late July. Coffey, an alternate at the Rio Games and a member of the eights at the Tokyo Games, earned her spot this time after a Selection Camp in Sarasota, Florida. For a closer look, see Column.

'Alice in Wonderland' ends its run at WGHS

The Watkins Glen High School Class of 2024's production of the musical "Alice in Wonderland" was presented for the third and final time March 24th in the high school auditorium. Features.

Photo: Lilac Cruz, left, as the Queen of Hearts, and Kay Davis as Alice.

O-M standouts sign college celebratory forms

Odessa-Montour High School seniors Brad Gillis and Gina Gavich affixed their names to Celebratory Signing Forms on March 27th affirming their intent to compete in sports in college -- Gillis in football at Alfred University, and Gavich in basketball at Elmira College. Gilllis, who has also lettered in basketball and baseball at O-M, will study exercise science. Gavich, who has also lettered in soccer and golf, will enter EC's pre-med program. The signing ceremony was held before family and friends in the O-M High School cafeteria.

School's Dub G Market distributes ham meals

The Watkins Glen High School's in-school Dub G Market distributed 96 Holiday Ham Meal packages to families in the school community the week of March 18-22. The distribution is supported by the Food Bank of the Southern Tier in cooperation with the WGHS National Honor Society and Junior Honor Society. Packages included choices of fresh potatoes, apples, onions, canned vegetables, dried split peas and lentils, vegetable broth, frozen butternut squash, frozen blueberries, rolled oats, raisins, almonds, soup, boxed mac & cheese, butter, eggs, and more. Said teacher Amy Planty, announcing the effort: "I am so proud of our school for providing this service to our school community."

Rotary Club honors 3 as Students of the Month

Three seniors -- one each from the Watkins Glen, Odessa-Montour and Bradford High Schools -- were honored March 21 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its Students of the Month for March. This is the first time Bradford has been included in the Student of the Month program. The honorees:

WGHS: Alyson Gibson was introduced by teacher Marcy Brubaker, who said the honoree has "a wonderful disposition that makes her a strong role model." Gibson, a veteran of the school's volleyball team, is vice president of the WGHS National Honor Society, Class President and a member of Jazz Band. She said she has "a natural love for school," enjoys learning, and plans to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and major in Physics.

O-M: David Patterson was introduced by teacher Holly Campbell, who praised the honoree as "very insightful," noted his volunteer work with the Montour Falls Library, and pointed to his leadership roles as part of the Odessa-Montour Superintendent's Advisory Board, Student Council, and the school's chapter of the National Honor Society. Patterson, a three-sport athlete (soccer, basketball and track), plans to attend Syracuse University and major in Business Administration.

Bradford: Madison Sutryk was introduced by kindergarten teacher Tracy Parker, who said the honoree volunteers every day to help kindergarteners at lunch, and every other day in their class, "and does an amazing job." She said Sutryk, a three-sport athlete (soccer, basketball and softball), is "respected by her peers and younger students." Sutryk, who said she learned leadership skills in her position as the oldest of three children, plans to attend SUNY Brockport in its nursing program.

Photos in text: From top, Alyson Gibson, David Patterson and Madison Sutryk.

Klemann, Carson win in Glen; Arcangeli wins in Burdett; it's Saunders, Nolan in Montour

Stephen Klemann and incumbent Bob Carson won four-year seats March 19 on the Watkins Glen Village Board. Klemann received 138 votes, Carson 126, and Ian Ault 94 in the race for two available seats.

Burdett: Linda Arcangeli, a longtime trustee who became mayor upon the resignation of Mayor Dale Walter on Dec. 1, defeated Jerakah Heady 68-42 in the race to serve the final year of Walter's term. Janice Arcangeli, Linda's daughter, who was appointed to fill Linda's seat after Linda became mayor, defeated Robert Lovell, 63-47, in the race to serve the final year of Linda's trustee term. And incumbent trustees Martha Evans (68 votes) and Laurence Jaynes (61) were re-elected to two-year terms, defeating Lee Smith (47 votes) and Jennifer Fazzary (40).

Montour Falls: Incumbent Village Trustee James Nolan (97 votes) and newcomer Jody Saunders (80) won two available four-year terms on the Village Board, while incumbent Vincent Chicone fell short with 54 votes. James Ryan, running unopposed, received 104 votes to earn another four-year term as Mayor.

Odessa: Incumbent trustees Pamela Cicconi (14 votes) and Alijia-Jean Bailey (13), running unopposed, were re-elected to two-year terms on the Village Board.

Photo: Newly elected Montour Falls Village Trustee Jody Saunders with Mayor Jim Ryan.

Certificates awarded to WG sports standouts

Madison Tuttle and her track coach, Kelly Sterner, pose at right with a Certificate of Achievement presented to Tuttle at the March 19 Watkins Glen School Board meeting for her school-record-setting accomplishments this year in racewalking. Also honored: the WGHS boys varsity swim team, the IAC and Section IV, Class C champion. For a summary of the Board meeting, see Schools.

Photographer Dense sends a view of the moon

The photo at right was sent to us on Saturday, March 16 with this note:

"This was a moon shot from Thursday that I captured while watching the space station fly over. And as the saying goes, ‘You don't have to be whole in order to shine!’"

--Marti Bianco Dense

WGES pep rally encourages students to read

The entire student population of the Watkins Glen Elementary School -- about 400 children -- gathered in the high school Field House Monday morning, March 18 for a pep rally designed to encourage them to read. Schools.

Photo: WGES Principal Jessica Reger at the pep rally, wearing a fish-related cap in keeping with a month-long school marine-related program and its theme, Hooked on Reading.

Tuttle wins Adidas Indoor Nationals Racewalk

Watkins Glen High School sophomore Madison Tuttle finished first Sunday morning in the One Mile Racewalk at the Adidas Indoor Nationals in Viriginia Beach, Virginia. She posted a time of 8:09.62 to earn the top spot on the awards podium. Sports.

Photo: Madison Tuttle at the Adidas meet.

Pinette is next O-M High School principal

Kelsey Pinette, an instrumental music educator in the Watkins Glen School District since 2017, has been selected as the next principal of the Odessa-Montour Central School District Junior/Senior High School, effective June 1. Schools.

Photo: Kelsey Pinette (Photo provided)

Exhibit celebrates 75 years of Road Racing

The Schuyler County Historical Society in partnership with the International Motor Racing Research Center has established a special exhibit at the Brick Tavern Museum in Montour Falls celebrating 75 Years of Road Racing in Watkins Glen. The exhibit will remain open to the public through October 31. Features.

Right: A 1949 poster from historian Bill Green's collection.

Concert puts spotlight on Watkins students

The annual Artists-in-Residence concert Wednesday, March 13 showcased the musical talent of Watkins Glen 5th through 12th graders. Schools.

Photo: WGHS student Nick Brusso sings "For the Beauty of the Earth."

'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown' concludes

The Odessa-Montour High School production of the Broadway musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" was performed for the third and final time March 17 in O-M's Fetter-Brown Auditorium. Alexander Campbell had the role of Charlie Brown, while Casey Hines portrayed his sister Sally. Sarah Strobel played Lucy Van Pelt, Lucas Barr was Schroeder, Abrianna Carrigan played Linus, and Mars Rogers was Snoopy. Director was Mrs. Holly Campbell. People

Photo: Alexander Campbell as Charlie Brown

Watkins school district holds annual Spud Run

The annual Spud Run at Watkins Glen High School attracted about 180 runners March 13 from pre-K through 12th grade on a day that saw the temperature in the mid-70s. Senior Johnny VanScoyk crossed the finish line first. Sports.

Photo: Johnny VanScoyk nears the finish line.

Grass fire chars acre off State Route 224

Fire apparently sparked by a cook stove charred about an acre of woodland grass on March 14 behind a home at 5962 State Route 224 near Alpine. Firefighters from Odessa and Montour Falls responded to the scene, while the Mecklenburg fire department oversaw a landing zone nearby for a helicopter that carried the male homeowner -- whose name was not immediately available -- to a Syracuse hospital for treatment of leg burns. The fire, in a thinly wooded area, crept close to the man's home, but did not reach it. A fire official said there was nothing unusual about the man's cookout, and that a wayward spark was the evident culprit.

Photo: The cook stove being utilized when the fire started.

A guest column from
Rep. Nick Langworthy

Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY) provides us with a column regarding "The Bipartisan Effort to Protect Americans from the Chinese Communist Party's Influence on TikTok." Column.

Left: Congressman Nick Langworthy

A column by Odessa
Mayor Gerry Messmer

The mayor provides us with another in his series of columns on what is happening in Odessa and the surrounding area. This time he discusses the village's upcoming water project. Column.



Photo: Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer

Racewalker Tuttle 6th at New Balance meet

Watkins Glen High School sophomore Madison Tuttle finished in 6th place Friday, March 8th in the Mile Racewalk at the New Balance Indoor Nationals track meet, setting a personal best time of 8:07.72 and earning status as an All-American. Sports.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen High School sophomore Madison Tuttle.

School Board OKs Weeden Aug. 15 retirement

Longtime Watkins Glen School District administrator Rod Weeden has decided to retire from his multiple posts -- Athletic Director, Communications Director and District Data Coordinator -- on Aug. 15, a move approved March 6th by the School Board. Weeden, whose first post in the district, 20 years ago, was as Elementary School principal, moved to the AD and Data posts 11 years ago. He said he has no current plans, but is not ruling out another job elsewhere, and will likely relocate to be near his daughter in Astoria or near other family and friends in Arizona. He is staying through most of the summer to help the district transition to a successor, not yet named. He said he has "been thinking about this" move for a while, and decided in the past few days. He said if he pursues another AD job, "I think my record will help." During his tenure, Watkins has won state titles in girls basketball and cross country, and multiple sectional titles in girls soccer, girls basketball, girls swimming, and in the past year in baseball and boys swimming. Said one Board member: "We can't thank you enough for all you've done."

Photo: Rod Weeden at the School Board meeting.

Gravel pit comment period extended 45 days

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has extended the comment period on the proposed expansion of the Padua Ridge gravel pit to 5 p.m. on April 13. It had been set to expire on Feb. 28, but numerous speakers at a public hearing -- and State Senator Tom O'Mara and Phil Palmesano -- had urged an extension. Most wanted 90 days, but the DEC granted 45 days. The extension was granted, DEC said, "due to the amount of public interest received. ... Comments will be received through email its-greener-now-comments@dec.ny.gov or mail to: Frances Knickmeyer, NYSDEC Region 8 Headquarters, 6274 East Avon-Lima Rd Avon, NY 14414."

Exceptional Seniors shine in twinbill at O-M

Outstanding senior basketball players from around the Interscholastic Athletic Conference got to show their talents one more time on a high school court March 5th at the girls' and boys' Exceptional Seniors All-Star games in the Odessa-Montour High School gym. Included on the girls' roster were O-M's Gina Gavich and Keyonna Garrison, and Watkins Glen High School's Lillian Ameigh. Included on the boys' roster were O-M's Brad Gillis and WGHS's Ryan Willett and Alex Holmes. The North won the girls' game, while the South prevailed 72-69 in the boys' game.

Photo in text: O-M's Brad Gillis takes aim for the South team.

The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team's season ended March 2nd with a 50-42 loss to Moravia in the championship game of the Section IV, Class C Tournament, held at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Sports.

Photo: Brianna Hatch, who led Watkins in scoring with 13 points

The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce marked its 75 years March 2nd with a Diamond Gala at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. The evening featured live music, dinner, dancing, raffles, a silent auction, and a live auction. Many leaders of business and government were on hand.

Photo: Max Neal, right, former head of the Watkins Chamber, is greeted by current Executive Director Nigar Hale after a speech by Neal.

Repair Cafes planned in Montour Falls, Hector

The Village of Montour Falls and the Town of Hector are partnering to bring two Repair Cafes to Schuyler County -- one in April in Montour Falls, and one in June in Hector. Repair Cafes are locally run, pop-up events that promote the power of repair as an alternative to throwing things out. Repair.

Legislators seek comment period extension

State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano have sent a letter to Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos seeking an extension of at least 90 days in the period the DEC has set for public comment on the proposed expansion of the Padua Ridge gravel pit. Government.

Dozens voice concerns about gravel-pit plan

Two in-person hearings bring out dozens of residents and officials who oppose or want more time to analyze the Padua Ridge gravel pit expansion proposal. Padua.

Photo: One of the hearing speakers, Schuyler County Legislator Michael Lausell.

Road aid restoration sought by officials

A state senator, assemblymen and other area officials hold a Big Flats news conference opposing the cuts to road aid in Gov. Hochul's budget proposal. Government.

Photo: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano at news conference.

Wolfe, Cowan honored as Students of Month

Odessa-Montour High School senior Jenna Wolfe and Watkins Glen High School senior Vey Cowan were honored Feb. 15 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its Students of the Month for February.

Wolfe was introduced by O-M's Judy Kastenhuber, who described the honoree as "a kind and caring" person who loves animals and the outdoors. Wolfe, a member of Student Council, Rotary Interact, and Odessa-Montour's Diversity Club -- and who helped plan last year's prom and was on a recent Student Interview Committee in the search for the next O-M 7-12 principal -- plans to attend Corning Community College and then a larger school, keeping her options open as to a career.

Cowan was introduced by teacher Kelsey Wood but nominated by teacher Melissa Kissell, who said in a prepared statement that the honoree "is a leader and great role model to all her peers. She acts and leads with compassion and kindness." Cowan, the best bowler on her school team, is involved in Art Club, National Honor Society, Student Council, Diversity Club, and the school's recently created food pantry called the Dub G Market. She plans to attend SUNY New Paltz in Fine Arts.

Photo: WGHS senior Vey Cowan at the Rotary luncheon where she was honored.

Fazzary wins key honor from state Association

Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph G. Fazzary has received the prestigious Frank S. Hogan Award -- the highest prosecutorial award in the state -- from the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York. People.

Photo: DA Joseph Fazzary at the winter conference of the District Attorneys Association.

In the sun along the canal ...

The photo at right was provided Feb. 4th by photographer Maggie Field, who snapped it in Watkins Glen and wrote: "Caught them yesterday afternoon in the sun along the canal ... I was about a football field away from them ... I'm thinking hatchlings in the spring."

Photo by Maggie Field

O-M Board OKs cross country, says farewell to Hanlon Elementary Principal Rob Francischelli

The Odessa-Montour School Board on Feb. 8 unanimously approved the formation of boys and girls cross country teams for next fall -- a goal of 7th grader Lexi Strobel, who had permission to run last fall as a one-person modified team for the school. Lexi, who lobbied the board for expansion of the sport, says 27 other students have expressed an interest in participating, with only three of them currently playing other sports. Most of the 27 students would compete on the varsity level.

The Board also: approved the resignation of Rob Francischelli, the Hanlon Elementary School principal for nine years, who is departing to become principal of the GST BOCES Coopers Plains campus. The board thanked him for his service, and approved educator Michael Siebert, a retiree from Campbell, as Hanlon interim principal. Siebert will take charge immediately after the district's February break.

Photo: Outgoing Hanlon Principal Rob Francischelli, left, and incoming Hanlon Interim Principal Michael Siebert.

Watkins Glen School District Superintendent Kai D'Alleva has contacted State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano to enlist their aid in countering the education funding proposals -- the sizable cutbacks in state aid -- in Gov. Kathy Hochul's Executive Budget.
Schools.

Photo: Superintendent Kai D'Alleva

Nolan selected as the next O-M superintendent

The Odessa-Montour School Board on Thursday, Jan. 25th approved B.C. Cate Elementary School Building Principal James P. Nolan as its next School Superintendent. The appointment, taking effect July 1, will initially make Nolan the Deputy Superintendent for a transition period covering the final six months of the calendar year. He will assume the superintendency on Jan. 1, 2025, succeeding Tracy Marchionda, who has been the interim superintendent for more than a year and will continue in that position to that date. Board President Rob Halpin said the selection was made by the board following an "internal evaluation" of the district's needs. Nolan, in his fourth year at B.C. Cate, has a background in law enforcement and as an elementary school teacher, and served for three years as the district's Tech Director. He lives in Montour Falls, where he serves on the Village Board.

Photo: James P. Nolan at the school Thursday evening.

The Italian American Festival Committee issued a statement on Jan. 23 saying it "has decided to postpone the festival until 2025. We have exhausted our efforts to obtain an amusement ride company, but due to scheduling conflicts there were no available dates that worked for with our venue. We are committed to bringing a quality festival to the community and have listened to everyone’s concerns regarding the lack of rides, which has greatly impacted this decision. With that being said, the committee is not sitting back for a year, but will continue our efforts for planning a wonderful festival for 2025 and working towards obtaining rides. We will also continue our fund-raising efforts to help us move into 2025. Anyone interested in joining our small committee, please notify us through our Facebook page."

The annual three-night Fire & Ice celebration hosted by the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel concluded Saturday night, Jan. 27. The Ice Bar, as it is popularly known, featured sculpted dry-ice-formed drinking stations and other sculpted figures -- such as the seat in the photo. The sculptures were protected, between party hours, from the weekend's unseasonably warm weather by blanket coverings to maintain the dry ice's integrity. Inside the hotel, food and wine stations featuring local businesses were in abundance each night. The Fire & Ice event, which required advance tickets, raises awareness and money for the Schuyler Health Foundation.

Congressman Nick Langworthy mingled with, and spoke to, military veterans Friday morning, Jan. 26 in a meeting sponsored by the Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency at the Holy Cow restaurant in Watkins Glen. Langworthy discussed various issues of the day -- the budget deficit, border crossings, government shutdowns, and the need for term limits -- and told the two-dozen-plus veterans on hand that "if you have issues, we're here to help." He insisted the national Department of Veterans Affairs must be fully funded, and that accordingly, veterans should be provided with necessary services "as close to home as possible." The county VSA sponsors meetings with guest speakers at Holy Cow on the third Friday of each month.

Photo in text: Congressman Nick Langworthy, right, with Schuyler County Sheriff Kevin Rumsey, who served in the Marine Corps.

Ariana Marmora named Asst. District Attorney

Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph G. Fazzary has announced the appointment of Ariana Marmora to the position of Assistant District Attorney. Marmora was born and raised in Schuyler County, and she still manages her family farm in Hector. She is a graduate of Watkins Glen High School, Cornell University (Summa Cum Laude), and the City University of New York Law School. She comes to the office from the Tompkins County District Attorney’s Office, where she prosecuted a full felony caseload. People.

Photo: Ariana Marmora

A placid winter day at Shequaga Falls ...

Watkins Glen photographer Marti Dense sent us the photo at left, snapped by her in early January at Shequaga Falls in Montour Falls.

"It's so worth a visit ... to listen to a few minutes of calm," wrote Dense of her time there.

--Photo by Marti Dense

St. James' medical mission continues

St. James’ Episcopal Church Senior Warden Kate LaMoreaux presented a $5,000 gift earlier this month (left) to the Friends of Bequia Hospital President Shaverne Ollivierre -- part of ongoing support for the hospital by the St. James' church, located in Watkins Glen. People.

Rotary Club honors 2 Students of the Month

The Watkins-Montour Rotary Club honored Watkins Glen High School senior Drake Croft and Odessa-Montour High School senior Aiden Summers Jan. 18 as its Students of the Month for January. Croft was introduced by teacher Tammy Kellogg, who called him "an exceptional human who embodies the Rotary motto of service above self." Croft, a member of the Odessa Fire Department for four years, said his goal is to become a New York State Trooper. Summers was introduced by his wrestling coach, Dan Batchelder, who described the honoree as "a leader and role model" who has "grown into a fine young man." Summers, who also played on the varsity football team this year, hopes to pursue a career in welding or attend college for mechanical engineering.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour senior Aiden Summers.

Padua Ridge expansion planned; hearings set

A proposal filed with the State Department of Environmental Conservation calls for the expansion of the Padua Ridge sand and gravel mine abutting the Watkins Glen State Park from an existing 14.33 acres to about 75.38 acres.

The 60.95-acre expansion, which the developer, Martin Wojcik, president of It's Greener Now, Inc., says will not cause significant noise or have any impact on the state park, will be the subject of two public hearings: a virtual one at 6 p.m. Feb. 12 on WebEx Events, and an in-person one at 2 p.m. on Feb. 13 at the Seneca Lake Events Center at Clute Park in Watkins Glen.

Comments can be filed through email at its-greener-now-comments@dec.ny.gov through Feb. 24. The project details were unveiled in a DEC bulletin.

Fire damages rooms at Longhouse Lodge

Firefighters were called to the Longhouse Lodge Motel, 3625 Route 14 outside of Watkins Glen on Wednesday evening, Jan. 10th, in response to a fire there. Watkins Glen Fire Chief Jason Hudson told TV news that flames and smoke could be seen as firefighters arrived, and that a portion of the Lodge was damaged before the fire was knocked down. But affected rooms were empty and no one was reported injured. The cause was under investigation.

Schuyler Legislature handles short agenda

The Schuyler County Legislature on Jan. 8th breezed through an abbreviated agenda, more than half of the 16 resolutions dealing with appointments to various boards, commissions and committees. Legislators also heard from Administrator Shawn Rosno that the county is well ahead of 2023 sales tax revenue projections, and listened to a Meads Hill Road resident express frustration with a lack of information regarding a proposed housing development there. He was told that legislators have little information themselves-- that the matter, in the words of one, is "99 percent a town (of Dix) issue."

Photo: Legislators Michael Lausell, left, and Laurence Jaynes talk before the meeting.

VanScoyk honored; 1-year softball merger OKd

Watkins Glen High School senior Johnny VanScoyk was honored Jan. 8th at a meeting of the School Board for qualifying this past fall for the New York State cross- country championship tournament. VanScoyk also runs on the WGHS indoor and outdoor track teams.

The School Board also:

--Approved a request by Odessa-Montour to include O-M softball players on the Watkins Glen team this spring, as they were last year. The agreement is for one season, future action depending on O-M's ability to field a complete varsity squad.

--Preliminarily discussed a move toward creation of a girls' flag football team. Further study, including surveying students, will determine whether the sport is adopted, and if so, whether it is as a club sport or, perhaps, as a Section IV competitor.

Photo: Certificate honoring Johnny VanScoyk.

WGHS's Willett signs with Alfred State College

Watkins Glen High School senior football and basketball standout Ryan Willett (right) signed a celebratory form Jan. 4th committing him to Alfred State College, where he plans to play football in the fall. Willett -- who in the past two seasons gained 1,686 rushing yards and 338 receiving yards, scored 18 rushing touchdowns and intercepted 10 passes for the Schuyler Storm varsity football team-- plans to play the wide receiver position. His father Carl, who played a season of football for Alfred State during his college days, said his link to the school was not a factor in Ryan's decision to go there.

Blowers re-elected as Chair of Legislature

Republican Carl Blowers was elected on Jan. 3rd to his fifth consecutive year as Chairman of the Schuyler County Legislature. The vote, at the Legislature's annual reorganizational meeting, was unanimous. Legislators Gary Gray and Mark Rondinaro, re-elected to four-year terms in November, were also sworn in to office. Govt.

Photo: Carl Blowers

Spahalski, soccer team join lift Hall of Fame

Watkins Glen High School junior Julia Spahalski and the school's girls varsity soccer team have been inducted into the Lake Hawks (formerly Senecas) Weightlifting Hall of Fame. Spahalski set two state powerlifting records in 2019 -- in the deadlift and bench press -- with the World Natural Powerlifting Federation that have not been broken. The soccer team weight-trained three days a week in the summers of 2021, 2022 and 2023 to enhance stamina during the season, and won sectional championships in 2022 and 2023.

Langworthy visits Hop Notch, Montour mayor

Congressman Nick Langworthy, as part of a visit to the Southern Tier on Dec. 28th, stopped by the Hop Notch Brewing Co. on Hayes Road in Montour Falls for a tour of that business conducted by owner Jeff Klossner, and then visited the office of Montour Falls Mayor Jim Ryan, where the two men -- along with other village and county officials -- discussed some of the village's ongoing projects and ways in which Langworthy might help. The Congressman, along with the rest of the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, is on a break from the day-to-day rigors of Washington, D.C.

Photo in text: Hop Notch Brewing Co. owner Jeff Klossner, left, with Congressman Nick Langworthy on the brewery's second-floor balcony.

The Schuyler County Legislature on Dec. 27th concluded its 2023 business with a brief (eight-minute) year-end session. Among 18 resolutions were ones:
-- Authorizing the creation and filling of a part-time investigator post in the Public Defender's Office;
-- Authorizing a salary grade for the post of Deputy County Administrator, a job which County Administrator Shawn Rosno will soon advertise to fill;
-- Authorizing an increase in the hours of Veterans Service Officer Dewayne Butler to full-time. That gives the agency two full-timers: Director Kristine Gardner and Butler.
-- Authorizing the appointment of John H. Terry and Laury E. Ward to three-year terms on the Schuyler County Industrial Development Agency.

Photo in text: Stacy Husted, Clerk of the Legislature.

Mechancial Meltdown, the youth robotics team based in Watkins Glen, has advanced to the Excelsior Regional Championship for the 7th straight year. Features.

Photographer Marti Dense sent the photo above with this message: "Eagles have been active the last couple of weeks at Clute Park at the south end of Seneca Lake! You can't miss them this time of year! Picture taken 12/26/2023."

Watkins Glen High School seniors Thomas Field and Jaymes Forker and Odessa-Montour High School senior Gordan Janack were honored Dec. 21st by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as Students of the Month, Field for November and Forker and Janack for December.

Forker was introduced by teacher Mary DeBolt, who called him a "sincere" individual with "a positive attitude" who is a "good example for his peers" -- including those in his three varsity sports: soccer (where he was a divisional All-Star), wrestling and track. He is planning to study electrical engineering in college.

Field was nominated by WGHS's Ralph Diliberto, whose comments were read in his absence by Field's aunt, Maggie Field, the school's Library Media Specialist. Diliberto, who has for years weight-trained Field (who was a divisional All-Star on the WGHS/O-M football team), called him "selfless" and a "stellar performer." Maggie Field added that her nephew is a "polite, caring and knowledge-seeking person." His goal: to become a physical therapist.

Janack was introduced by O-M teacher Doug Chapman, who said the honoree has an excellent work ethic that was exhibited when he was employed last summer by the school custodial maintenance department. The honoree, Chapman added, is "a super polite, nice kid" who told Rotarians his goal after graduation is to "get a job," possibly as an O-M custodian.

Photo: Jaymes Forker at the Dec. 21 Rotary luncheon.

Mary Crippen, the Odessa-Montour School district's Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education Secretary who is retiring at the end of the month, was honored at the board's Dec. 14th session -- with Friday, Dec. 15 proclaimed as Mary Crippen Day in the district. Superintendent Tracy Marchionda read a board proclamation honoring Crippen, a district employee for 36 years whose last day in the office will be Dec. 21st. Crippen told the board it has been "a pleasure working here."

The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual membership meeting Dec. 12th at Glenora Wine Cellars' Veraisons restaurant, reviewing the past year and looking ahead to the next -- including approving a new budget and a new slate of officers, including 2024 Board Chair Kerry Keller, Glenora's general manager. Chamber Executive Director Nigar Hale and other officials spoke, and videos of interviews with the Chamber's recent Tribute winners were shown.

Photo: Kerry Keller, the new Chamber board chair. She led a toast to cap the meeting.

Voters in the Odessa-Montour school district on Dec. 12th approved, by a 116-22 margin, a capital improvement project with a maximum cost of $22,514,000. The project calls for reconstruction and rehabilitation of existing structures, site improvements, furniture and equipment, with $3.2 million of the cost coming from a reserve fund. The rest will include annual tax levies offset by available state aid.

More than 100 veterans were on hand Dec. 12th for a Veterans Holiday Party at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. The event was organized by the Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency, which strives to provide gatherings for those who have served in the armed forces. Included were free raffles of goods provided by local businesses, dancing, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Photo: Dancing was a feature of the Veterans Holiday Party. (Photo provided)

The Schuyler County Legislature on Dec. 11th, in a 7-0 vote, approved the appointment of interim County Administrator Shawn Rosno as the Administrator for a term extending through 2024 at a salary of $160,929. Rosno, who has held the interim post for four months following the departure of his predecessor, Fonda Chronis, was one of four applicants. The Legislature opted not to interview the other three, a point that Legislator Mark Rondinaro opposed. He nonetheless voted in favor of the appointment. Rosno thanked the legislators, saying "I hope I live up to your expectations." He also reported that Schuyler reached its 2023 Sales Tax target by mid-November, and that any excess afterward "will be reserves."

Photo: Shawn Rosno at the Legislature meeting.

Members of sectional title teams honored

Watkins Glen High School's girls varsity soccer and swim teams were honored Dec. 11 at the district School Board meeting.

The two teams won Section IV, Class C championships, the soccer squad for the 2nd straight year, and the swim team for the 7th straight year.

Story on Schools.

Dawn Burlew named president of WGI

The search for the next president of Watkins Glen International has ended close to home. Long-time Corning Incorporated director and lifelong Southern Tier resident Dawn Burlew has been named the first woman to hold the position, taking office on January 3rd. Business.

Photo: Dawn Burlew (Photo by Sean Lukasik)

Seneca Santa receives annual delivery of gifts

The annual delivery of gifts purchased by Seneca Santa on a wholesale basis from Hesselson's of Elmira Heights occurred in Watkins Glen on Dec. 6 -- with WGHS students helping out. People.

Photo: Offloading the truck.

Watkins Glen holds its 30th Village Christmas

The 30th annual Watkins Glen Village Christmas started at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, just as the day's rain dwindled -- which added to enjoyment of the festival. The event included a tree lighting in Gifford Park, face-painting, fireworks, vendors, a petting zoo and an annual parade. Winners in the parade were:
Best Fire Truck: Montour Falls Fire Department.
Best Christmas Around the World Theme: Maguire Cars.
Most Overall Christmas Spirit: The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler.
Best Tractor: Cub Scouts Pack 65.
Judge's Choice: Three Pond Ranch.

Photo: An inhabitant at Santa's Toy Shop on Franklin Street.

(For story and more photos, see Features.)

Village cops moving toward Ride-Along policy

The Watkins Glen Village Board on Dec. 5th heard from Village Police Sergeant in Charge Ethan Mosher on his department's plan to institute a Ride-Along policy whereby citizens who meet limited criteria could accompany an officer on his or her rounds on a day agreed to in advance. The intent, according to a 10-page memorandum: to provide an opportunity "to observe and experience, first-hand, various functions" of the department. "The term 'ride-along,'" it added, "includes riding as a passenger with an officer on patrol or observing the work day of members engaged in other functions." It includes an "Assumption of Risk," whereby the rider understands "the inherent dangers involved in police work" and understands "I may be exposed to such dangers." The board expressed support of the idea -- which Mosher said follows in the footsteps of many police units across the state -- with Mayor Laurie DeNardo instructing that the plan be sent to the village's insurance agents and lawyer for their opinions.

Photo: Mayor Laurie DeNardo at the meeting.

Moon over Schuyler

Marti Dense sent in this photo from Nov. 27th showing a Beaver Moon overlooking the hills of Schuyler County. The Full Moon in November is called a Beaver Moon, named because this is the time of year when beavers build their winter dams.

Marmor named Assistant County Attorney

Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman has announced his appointment of Montour Falls resident Sophie Marmor as an Assistant County Attorney. Government.

Photo: Assistant County Attorney Sophie Marmor (Photo provided)

Skye Honrath repeats as Schuyler Fall MVP

Watkins Glen soccer standout Skye Honrath, who led her team to its second straight Section IV, Class C championship, has been selected for the second straight autumn as The Odessa File's Schuyler Fall MVP. She tops a list of All-Schuyler, All-Sports All-Stars -- First, Second and Third Teams -- that appears on Sports.

Photo: Skye Honrath

Watkins board tables move on truck financing

The Watkins Glen Village Board on Nov. 21 put on hold any decision on a new aerial ladder truck for the fire department while it gathers more information on possible grants or other options. On the table Tuesday was a potential lease/purchase plan, but Mayor Laurie DeNardo said she'd prefer to "sit down, talk and come up with a plan" before financing the $1.5 million vehicle. Added Trustee Peter Cherock: "We want to do it right." The truck would replace a 24-year-old vehicle now used.

The board also:
--Was told by Village Clerk Fred Warrick that live-streaming of board meetings has been delayed due to "a little snag," but should be operational soon.
--Altered financing of Phase 2 of the Water Systems Improvement Project, opting for a New York State EFC 0% interest loan as opposed to a Rural Development loan that carried an interest rate.

Photo in text: Mayor Laurie DeNardo at the meeting.

Veterans, families enjoy Thanksgiving meal

Almost 60 veterans and their families -- about 120 people in all -- were treated to a Thanksgiving dinner November 20th at Art & Nancy's eatery in Watkins Glen. First-graders at B.C. Cate Elementary School provided letters to the vets honoring them. People.

At right: One of the 48 B.C. Cate letters: "Thank you for your service. You are very brave."

St. Mary's holds its annual bazaar in Watkins

The annual St. Mary's Holiday Bazaar was held Nov. 18 at St. Mary's of the Lake Parish Center in Watkins Glen. The event featured a Christmas Cafe; a Granny's Cupboard with baked goods, candies and pies; two raffles; antique and newer items; a cake booth, and a variety of vendors -- along with a visit by Santa Claus, who met with visiting kids in Santa's Workshop.

'Seussical the Musical' ends its Watkins run

The Lake Country Players' production of "Seussical the Musical" was presented for the third and final time Sunday afternoon, Nov. 19 in the Watkins Glen High School auditorium. The show featured favorite Dr. Seuss characters like The Cat in the Hat (played by Alex Gill) and Horton the Elephant (Brenden Wendling) along with Gertrude and her one-feather tail (Kelsey Gill) and Amazing Mayze (Annabeth Wheaton). The play was directed by Enaw Elonge with musical director Jenn Kraemer and accompanist Brian Cerow.

Photo: Alex Gill as the Cat in the Hat and Anne Roney as JoJo during opening night.

Schuyler Legislature OKs $65,178,957 budget

Following a 20-minute talk by interim County Administrator Shawn Rosno describing the proposed 2024 budget, the Schuyler County Legislature on Nov. 13 unanimously approved it. The $65,178,957 spending plan calls for a tax levy of $10,934,051, down 2.25% from this year. The budget, compiled under Rosno's watch after he was installed to replace the departed Fonda Chronis, was described by Rosno as "solid," while the process in shaping it was termed by one Legislator as "seamless" and by another as "very nicely done."

Photo: Administrator Shawn Rosno at the Legislature session.

Rotary honors Barr as Student of the Month

Odessa-Montour High School senior Hannah Barr was honored Nov. 16 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its Student of the Month for November. Barr was introduced by English teacher Holly Campbell, who described the honoree as "bright, hard-working and incredibly kind" -- qualities "she demonstrates in every aspect of her life, with her peers, in athletics and within her community." Barr, who Campbell said possesses "a quiet brand of leadership," is president of National Honor Society, Student Council and the Senior Class, editor of the school Yearbook, and a member of Rotary Interact and the school's Student Advisory Group. She is planning a career in veterinary medicine.

Photo: Hannah Barr with English teacher Holly Campbell.

Cornell Alumni Affairs selects Lakewood Vineyards Chardonnay

Cornell Alumni Affairs, which created a wine club to highlight the talents of its alumni, has selected Lakewood Vineyards' 2022 Chardonnay for its 2023 collection of Alumni Wine. Business.

Photo: A bottle of Cornell Finger Lakes Chardonnay from Lakewood Vineyards. (Photo provided by Lakewood Vineyards)

Ceremony marks 75 years of Seneca Lodge

The Seneca Lodge's long history in Watkins Glen -- 75 years -- was marked Tuesday with a celebratory ribbon-cutting attended by State Senator Tom O'Mara and representatives of the village, Schuyler County and the office of Congressman Nick Langworthy. Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nigar Hale emceed, calling the Brubaker family-owned and -operated restaurant/bar/lodge "an integral part of the fabric of our region" and "a living testament to Finger Lakes history." O'Mara presented a proclamation from the state honoring the Lodge, while co-owner Brett Brubaker related how the main Lodge building was constructed in 1948. Other speakers included interim County Administrator Shawn Rosno, and Sharon Murphy from Rep. Langworthy's office.

Photo: State Senator Tom O'Mara at the ceremony.

'Reading Reading Project' book shed opens door

The Reading Center Community Church is inviting readers of all ages to visit its new book shed and to “take a book, leave a book.” Features.

Photo: Some of the Reading project's books. (Provided)

Veterans Day observed in Watkins celebration

A turnout of 100 people observed Veterans Day Saturday during a ceremony in the Watkins Glen Community Center. The event, organized by American Legion Post 555, offered a keynote speech by Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer, a retired Army Lt. Colonel, who praised the county Veterans Service Agency directed by Navy veteran Kristine Gardner. Messmer discussed the challenges facing returning service people, and urged everyone to thank a vet whenever the opportunity arises. A meal was provided afterward that was prepared by Erick Thorpe, with baked goods by Helen Specchio. People.

Photo in text: Keynote speaker Gerry Messmer.

Burdett Mayor Dale Walter to step down Dec. 1

Longtime Burdett Mayor Dale Walter (pictured at right) has announced in a letter to village residents that he is resigning his post effective December 1st, 2023.

Walter, elected a village trustee in 1990 and then as mayor in 1997, says his long tenure is coming to an end because "I have come to the point in my life that I need to step aside for personal and family time. I also strongly believe that others (hopeful younger) need to get involved in the local government process. I hope that I will accomplish that with my decision."

In addition to his role in helping run the village government, Walter has served in various capacities (including chief) in the fire department.

"I wish the next leaders continued success and Godspeed," he wrote in his letter.

Lewis wins in Catharine, Boyette in Hector

Incumbent Richard J. Lewis (R) defeated Michael G. Burns (D) 159-144 on Tuesday in the race for Town of Catharine Supervisor. Republican incumbents Ronald W. Hoffman (198) and C. Michael Learn (175) retained their Catharine council seats, turning back Democrats Roxanne Leyes (110) and Sharon Bradford (97).

In the Town of Hector races:

--Democrat Justin Boyette defeated Republican John R. White, 986-686, in the race for Supervisor.
--Democrat Rebecca L. Wright (862) and Republican incumbent Michael J. Bergen (861) won 4-year council seats, outpolling Republican Ben R. Dickens (826) and Democrat Veronica Perina (794).
--Anthony J. Mansfield (D) defeated Bruno Schickel (R), 936-713, in the race for a 2-year council seat.

In the Town of Orange:

--Republican Heather A. Waters defeated incumbent Norma J. Burris in the race for Supervisor.
--Tara K. Garcia (R) defeated incumbent Maryann J. Friebis in the race for a 4-year council term. Joanne A. Randall (R) was unopposed for a 2-year term.

Watkins girls win 2nd straight Section IV title

The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team rode an Ava Kelly goal and a stingy defense to a 1-0 victory Oct. 27th over top-seeded Trumansburg in the Section IV, Class C Championship game at Chenango Valley High School -- the team's second such title in two years. The Lake Hawks advanced to a regional contest at 12 noon Saturday, Nov. 4 against Section III champion Sauquoit Valley at Herkimer County Community College. Sports.

Photo in text: Watkins' Natalee Oliver, left, fights for the ball.

Glen firefighters battle Lakeview Avenue blaze

The Watkins Glen Fire Department was dispatched to 104 Lakeview Ave. in the Village of Watkins Glen on October 25th for a structure fire with smoke and flames showing. Features.

Photo in text: Flames shoot through the roof at the structure on Lakeview Avenue.

Field, Marquez are Homecoming King, Queen

Thomas Field and Thalia Marquez were announced as the Watkins Glen High School Homecoming King and Queen Oct. 21 at a Homecoming Dance in the school's Field House. The rest of the King's Court consisted of Ryan Willett, Brandon Chiacchiarini and Alex Holmes. Other Queen candidates were Kay Davis, Sasha Honrath and Alannah Klemann

Photo: Thomas Field and Thalia Marquez pose at the WGHS Homecoming Dance. (Photo provided)

Spirit of Schuyler holds its annual Gathering

The Spirit of Schuyler non-profit organization held its annual major fund-raiser, The Gathering, Saturday night, Oct. 21 at the Hidden Valley Lodge. Dinner was provided by Corning Catering. The event helps raise money for emergency funding provided by the Spirit of Schuyler (SOS) to Schuyler County residents in need. SOS is spearheaded by the Tony Vickio family, who started the effort years ago as a party in the garage at their home. Raffles play a big part in The Gathering, with items donated by various area businesses and individuals.

Photo: Live music was provided by Mike Lucey.

Sunset over Seneca Lake: Oct. 22, 2023

The photograph on the right was snapped by Liz Fraboni of Hector on Oct. 22, another in a long line of contributions by Liz to this website.

Her photos were first published here back in 2006. In a five-year span, we published 50 groupings of her pictures, and many individual shots since. Over the years we've presented nearly 1,000 Liz Fraboni photos.

(Photo by Liz Fraboni)

Odessa-Montour show offers variety of talents

"O-M's Got Talent" -- an event showcasing a variety of talents by students in the Odessa-Montour school district -- drew loud applause Oct. 20th from appreciative spectators in the school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium. The acts offered instrumentals, vocals, dance, and card tricks, along with a performance by the Senior High Chorus while the judges -- administrators in the district -- decided on the winners. Entertainers (and their graduating class year) included Lily Bliss ('34), Khloe Dean ('28), Noelle Freud ('33), Molly Mahaney and Saskia Dechow (both '30), David Patterson ('24), Mars Rogers ('25) and Alex Campbell ('26), Heidi Anderson and Leah Stigers (both '31), Grace Riker ('29) and Emma Harrison, Brooke McCray ('33), and Jaxson Pound ('31).

Photo: 2nd grader Lily Bliss performed a ju-jitsu and mixed martial arts routine.

Rotary honors Robertson as Student of Month

Watkins Glen High School senior Maisie Robertson was honored Oct. 19th by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its first WGHS Student of the Month for the 2023-24 school year. Robertson was introduced by teacher Kaz Popovich, who described the honoree as "amazing," "top notch" and "even keeled" -- a student whose favorite subjects are History and English and who hopes to attend Cornell University and become a lawyer "and eventually a judge." She is president of Student Council, National Honor Society and Varsity Club as well as an officer in several other school clubs, and is a member of the two-time IAC champion and defending Section IV, Class C champion girls varsity soccer team. Says Popovich of Maisie's attitude: "Give her something to do, and she runs with it."

Photo: Honoree Maisie Robertson, right, with teacher Kaz Popovich at Rotary meeting.

Watkins Glen is looking for a new treasurer

The Village of Watkins Glen is looking for a new treasurer following the resignation of Angela Ventra -- a move announced by Mayor Laurie DeNardo at the Oct. 18 meeting of the Village Board. The village "will post soon," advertising for applicants, said DeNardo. Another post unfilled -- but for which action is expected soon -- is the Director of Parks and Community Development following the recent departure of Parks Director Craig Bond. The board also approved removal of a decaying cottonwood tree at the edge of the Clute Park lakeside parking lot, which will clear the way for expansion of the lot, described by DeNardo as "so tight." Also approved: a Special Event Application for the annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning -- a walk/run along village streets.

Photo in text: From left: Watkins Glen Village Clerk Fred Warrick and trustees Bob Carson and Nan Woodworth.

Glen Library's Edwards wins Advocate Award

Watkins Glen Public Library Trustee Stacey Edwards has been awarded the Southern Tier Library System's 2023 Outstanding Library Advocate Award. Says library director Kelly Povero, "This award recognizes a person who has made extraordinary contributions to the development, improvement, or expansion of library service to the residents of their community. The award also encourages and awards the tradition of citizenship and excellence. Stacey -- a trustee for eight years -- led the multi-year roof replacement initiative and is actively working to address additional facility needs to preserve the physical integrity of the library for future generations."

Photo in text: Watkins Glen Library Director Kelly Povero, left, and honoree Stacey Edwards. (Photo provided)

Sunset View Creamery on the raw milk recall

The owners of Sunset View Creamery explain what prompted a recall on its raw milk that was sold from September 12th-14th, and what is being done to reinstate that popular product. Also noted: "Our cheese is still safe to eat." Forum.

School Board thanked for its service to district

Each member of the Odessa-Montour School Board -- in advance of the upcoming New York State School Board Recognition Week -- received a gift bag containing soap, a water bottle and a shirt at their Oct. 12 meeting. The gifts came from Superintendent Tracy Marchionda (right), who praised the board for its dedicated volunteer service. The board also heard a favorable audit report, discussed upcoming capital project work and ongoing shared services, and reaffirmed the merger of certain sports with the Watkins Glen School District while preliminarily discussing a Watkins call for a 50-50 split in the shared-sports cost -- up from the current 40-60 OM-WG payment plan.

Photo: O-M Superintendent Tracy Marchionda

United Way holds its annual spaghetti dinner

The Schuyler County United Way sold more than 300 meals Monday evening at its annual spaghetti dinner at the Montour Moose Lodge. Some attendees utilized the lodge dining room (left above), while many used a drive-through option. Students like Cara Reynolds (right in photo at right) served those dining inside. The meals, sold at $12 each, provide funds toward the United Way's goal to help finance 21 member agencies.

Klemann qualifies for States in the 100 Yard Backstroke

Schuyler Storm swim standout Alannah Klemann -- a Watkins Glen High School senior -- meets the New York State tournament qualifying time in the 100 Back at the large Shenendehowa Invitational. Sports.

Left: Alannah Klemann (File photo)

Falls Harvest Festival draws a large crowd

The annual event in downtown Montour Falls started slowly while it was raining, but festival lovers turned out in force when the weather cleared. Features.

Left: Amazing Pete's Balloons was a popular festival spot.

WGI's NASCAR race now part of Sept. playoff

Watkins Glen International's big NASCAR weekend is moving from August to September in 2024, when it will host a race in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Sports.

Watkins Board OKs streaming of its meetings

The Watkins Glen Village Board Tuesday night approved live streaming of board meetings, to take effect in the near future. Two cameras will be used, one at the rear of the meeting room and one at the side, facing the audience. Trustee Peter Cherock voted no. In other action, the board:
--Rejected a fire department request for the purchase of a $161,000 Firehawk 20 emergency boat to replace a 2002 boat now used. Mayor Laurie DeNardo told firefighters the board would continue to seek funding, although she said the service should perhaps be shared by the county.
--Put off, until further information is provided, board consideration of the proposed purchase of a $1.5 million fire department ladder truck.
--Approved, subject to Civil Service approval, the position of Director of Parks, Planning and Community Development -- an expansion of the old Parks Director post, minus its maintenance component, which now resides with Buildings and Grounds.

Photo: Watkins Glen Village Trustees Peter Cherock and Margaret Schimizzi at Oct. 3 meeting.

Elks Lodge 1546 donates $550 to Head Start

The Watkins Glen Elks Lodge 1546 donated $550 to the Schuyler Head Start program Friday -- money raised through a chicken BBQ on Sept. 14. The money, said Head Start officials, will be applied to the organization's transportation costs -- a significant part of their expenses. Head Start is a federal program for pre-school children from 6 weeks to five years old.

Photo: Elks Lodge 1546 Exalted Ruler Lou DeBolt, left, and Stewart Field, chairman of the Elks BBQ fund-raising committee, present the check to Head Start 3- and 4-year-olds.

Ribbon cutting marks Odessa rail trail opening

A ribbon-cutting celebration near the south end of a recently cleared 2.5-mile trail where trains used to run was held Sept. 23 in Odessa. The trail, part of the Lehigh Valley railroad service from the early 1890s to the late 1970s, was cleared free of charge of long neglected overgrowth and turned into a serviceable trail for hikers, bikers, horseback riders and snowmobilers by Bruno Schickel, owner of a construction firm who is devoted to trail development. He would like to see the trail -- which starts in Odessa on Brooklyn Terrace and stretches to Hayes Road -- eventually reach all the way to the northern edge of the Town of Hector. Saturday's event was emceed by Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer, who had the original vision for the trail and led an effort to purchase and clear it without using any taxpayer funds.

Photo: Sign on the trail lists the purchase and development donors: Schickel Construction Co., Finger Lakes Land Trust, Schuyler Glass Company, Chemung Canal Trust Co., and Ralph & Debra Daugherty. This 2.5-mile stretch was named in honor of Schickel, who spearheaded its clearing.

Annual Grand Prix Festival draws a crowd

The annual and always popular Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival drew a large crowd of motor-vehicle enthusiasts on Sept. 8, with spectators lining both sides of downtown Franklin Street to watch passing parades of vintage and modern cars. The focus -- the honored car -- was the Corvette, first produced 70 years ago. For a story and more photos, see Features.

Cayuga Health returns to mandatory masking

The Cayuga Health System has announced a return to required masking in response to current COVID community and transmission levels in the counties the health system serves, including Schuyler. The masking is scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7. Masking.

Ribbon cutting celebrates Lulu-B arrival in WG

The Lulu-B Women's Clothing Outlet held a Grand Opening, ribbon-cutting celebration Sept. 6 at the store, located in the former Watkins Sporting Goods building at 123 E. Fourth St., Watkins Glen. The Outlet, specializing in "colorful and comfortable" women's clothing, is owned by Jim Guild, who also owns the Famous Brands store on Franklin Street in Watkins. The Outlet had a soft opening starting with NASCAR weekend. Open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, it offers what Guild called "a really good, quality brand of clothing" at 75% off the retail price.

Speakers at the ceremony included Nigar Hale, Executive Director of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce; Watkins Glen Village Trustee Margaret Schimizzi; Schuyler County Legislator Mark Rondinaro; Sharon Murphy of Congressman Nick Langworthy's office, and Jim Guild, described by Hale as "visionary."

Photo in text: A certificate presented to the Lulu-B store by the office of Congressman Nick Langworthy.

For another photo from the ribbon-cutting, see Business.

Eslinger appointed Election Commissioner

The Schuyler County Legislature, in special session Wednesday morning, appointed Brian Eslinger as the new Democratic Commissioner of the county Board of Elections. He will complete the unexpired term of Carolyn Elkins, which ends on Dec. 31, 2024. Elkins -- who had served in the post since 2017 -- and her deputy, Kathryn Elkins, submitted their resignations in August, effective Sept. 6. Eslinger, whose salary will be $22,950, will start without a deputy. Finding one, a county official said, "will be up to Brian." Eslinger, co-owner of the Blackberry Inn Bed & Breakfast and the Blackberry Inn Kitchen in Watkins Glen, has in recent years been serving as a member of the Watkins Glen Planning Board.

Photo: Election Commissioner Brian Eslinger.

Lodge, Hop Notch, HSSC, Haeffner win awards

The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce unveiled the winners Aug. 23rd of its Schuyler Tributes -- awards in four categories: Endurance in Business (won by Seneca Lodge), Resiliency in Business (won by the Humane Society of Schuyler County), Best New Business (won by the Hop Notch Brewing Company) and Schuyler Samaritan (won by Charlie Haeffner of The Odessa File). The awards were presented during a luncheon at the Seneca Lake Events Center at Clute Park in Watkins Glen. A total of 3,600 ballots were cast in online voting, with one source saying the Samaritan category drew the most interest.

Photo in text: Odessa File Editor-Publisher Charlie Haeffner won the Chamber's Schuyler Samaritan Award. There were five nominees for the award, created to honor a person who was "a vocal champion in our region," appreciates its beauty and natural resources, and "advocates for inclusion, diversity and equity in Schuyler County." (Photo by Laurie DeNardo)

O-M has its 1st cross country runner in years

Seventh grader Lexi Strobel is running cross country for Odessa-Montour Junior/Senior High School, the first XC runner at O-M in about two decades. Tuesday, she was second among 24 girls competing in an IAC modified race at Trumansburg. To find out how she became a "team of one" for O-M, see Sports.

Photo: Lexi Strobel (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

On the lakefront,
early in the morning ...

Area photographer Liz Fraboni's camera has captured hundreds of images published on these pages over the years, and she has added another wiith this shot along the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, snapped Saturday morning, Sept. 16, 2023.

Left: Photo by Liz Fraboni

Hector Harvest 5K held; raises funds for Lions

More than 100 people participated Sunday in the third annual Hector Harvest 5K, which helps raise funds for the service-oriented Hector Area Lions Club. For story and photos, see Features.

Bond leaving Glen parks post for theater job

Craig Bond has resigned his position as the Watkins Glen Superintendent of Parks and Recreation to take a position with the Clemens Center in Elmira. As Superintendent, Bond -- a Schuyler County native who moved back here from Colorado two years ago, and who has an extensive background in theater production -- has been in charge of Clute Park as it has grown with the addition of the Seneca Lake Events Center and a winter ice rink. He has also overseen the campers who congregate across the street from the park, as well as events at both Clute and Lafayette Parks. Mayor Laurie DeNardo said the resignation, efffective on Sept. 13, will be accepted by the Village Board at its next meeting, and that the village will soon advertise for a successor. "Change happens," she said. "We'll figure it out."

Photo: Craig Bond at Sept. 15 Schuyler Storm football game.

Legislature appoints new Public Defender

Schuyler County Legislators Monday night approved the appointment of Josette Colon, Chief Assistant Public Defender in Chemung County, as the next Schuyler County Public Defender at an annual salary of $118,000. Officials said Colon, who already had a deputy and a confidential secretary lined up last week, takes office on Sept. 18. She succeeds Nancy Farrell, who served as Public Defender from October 2022 until the end of May.

The board also heard from Interim County Administrator Shawn Rosno that sales tax revenue remains strong, and that 2024 budget projections are more positive than initially thought.

Photo: Josette Colon at Monday's Legislature session.

Dundee approves Wood as its superintendent

The Dundee School Board, in an emergency session on Sept. 1, approved Chris Wood (pictured at right) as its superintendent of schools, effective Sept. 28. Wood served as superintendent in the Odessa-Montour school distirct for seven years before resigning last December, and then was named principal in the Bradford school district, where he has served since. He will succeed Christopher Barnard, who left Dundee upon accepting the superintendency of the Manchester-Shortsville school district.

A view of a Super Blue Moon on August 31st

The photo at right comes from Marti Dense. She wrote, upon emailing it on Thursday, Aug. 31, that this view of a Super Blue Moon -- the last until January of 2037 -- was "taken this morning between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes." A Blue Moon isn't blue, but is the term applied to two full moons appearing in the same month, while "supermoon" (according to an online article) "refers to a full moon that occurs when the moon is closer to Earth in its orbit, resulting in a slightly larger and brighter appearance."

Ribbon cut, celebrating renovated Hotel Laurel

The former Glen Motor Inn, purchased last year by Brooklyn real estate investor (and Penn Yan area summer-home owner) Jonathan Twombley and renovated and renamed The Hotel Laurel at Seneca, was the scene Aug. 30 of a celebratory ribbon-cutting. Twombley, who partnered with Victoria Falls Enterprises President Shiv Parbhoo in redeveloping the property (Victoria Falls is in charge of its operation), said the purchase price was "about $2 million" and the renovations another $1.8 million. The iconic inn was purchased from the Franzese family; one member of the family, Nancy, is providing continuity by serving as the hotel manager. The renovation, now all but completed, took eight months. The Franzese family opened the inn in 1948, making it at the time the only motel in Schuyler County.

Rail trail cleared from Odessa to Hayes Road

A trail on a 2.5-mile stretch of forest land that housed a Lehigh Valley rail line for decades from the late 1800s through the 1970s has been cleared from Odessa to Hayes Road through the efforts of Bruno Schickel. It will be used for hiking, biking, horseback riding and snowmobiling. A grand opening celebration is expected this fall. Features.

Photo: Sign at the Odessa end of the new, 2.5-mile trail.

Parental behavior at games prompts new rules

Watkins Glen Athletic Director Rod Weeden (pictured at right) is alerting area residents that an uptick in bad parental behavior at high school sporting events in New York has prompted a new state policy, with consequences. Sports.

Ribbon-cutting marks completion of project

SCOPED and the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce hold a ribbon-cutting marking the completion of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) project at the Graft Wine+Cider Bar in downtown Watkins Glen. Business.

Photo: Chef and owner Orlando Rodriguez cuts the ribbon.

Childress receives annual Argetsinger Award

NASCAR race car driver and team owner Richard Childress was honored Aug. 18th at a dinner at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel with the annual Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports presented by the International Motor Racing Research Center. Childress, who drove in 285 races in NASCAR's premier series before turning to team ownership, recorded several season championships with Dale Earnhardt driving his #3 car. The late Cameron Argetsinger conceived of and organized the first road racing in Watkins Glen -- in what would become the Watkins Glen Grand Prix. Previous winners of the award have included Chip Ganassi, Richard Petty, Roger Penske, Mario Andretti, The France Family, Bobby Rahal, Lyn St. James and Mike Helton. The emcee for Friday night's event, as in past years, was Dr. Jerry Punch, who concluded the ceremony by interviewing Childress on stage about the latter's storied career.

Photo: Honoree Richard Childress at the podium.

Squires gather as Spena sells, signs new book

Jud Spena's revised version of his book "Echoes in the Valley" -- a 50-year history of drum and bugle corps activity in Watkins Glen and Schuyler County -- was the subject of a gathering Aug. 19th where Spena was selling and signing his book. The event was held on Durland Place in Watkins Glen, at the home of Margaret Scimizzi, who was a member of the Watkins-based Squires Drum & Bugle Corps brass section for a half-dozen years in the group's 1970s heyday. The event also served as a reunion for Squires members, several of whom were on hand, talking about the book and catching up with one another. People.

Photo in text: Sign fastened to host Margaret Schimizzi's front porch railing.

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William Byron wins Cup Series race at WGI

William Byron led for 66 of the 90 laps Aug. 20th to win the Go Bowling at The Glen NASCAR race, his Cup Series leading 5th victory of the year. It also marked the 5th straight NASCAR Cup Series win for Hendrick Motorsports cars at Watkins Glen International. Second place went to Denny Hamlin, with Christopher Bell third, AJ Allmendinger fourth, and Ty Gibbs fifth. Kyle Larson, the defending back-to-back winner at The Glen, finished far back, in 26th place.

Officials get update on July 9 US Salt flooding, subsequent cleanup and hopes for the future

Officials including New York Congressman Nick Langworthy, State Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, County Legislator Jim Howell, County Administrator Shawn Rosno and County Emergency Services Director Kirk Smith were provided with a tour of the US Salt plant in Watkins Glen on Aug. 15 -- serving as an update on progress since the facility was flooded by heavy rains and overflowing creeks on July 9th. The update also served as a brainstorming session on future measures that might prevent a flood recurrence. Features.

Photo: Water flows into the plant on July 9th. (Provided)

Legislature names Rosno interim administrator

The Schuyler County Legislature Monday night appointed Shawn Rosno (pictured at right), the county's Director of Community Services, as Interim County Administrator effective Aug. 15 and in effect until the position is filled with a permanent successor to Fonda Chronis, or until "other arrangements have been made." The position became vacant when Chronis was placed on administrative leave on July 10 for reasons not specified. His permanent departure was announced three weeks later. The administrator duties had been shared since then by department heads led by Legislature Chairman Carl Blowers.

SCCUDD Project Coordinator Brower resigns

Ward Brower (pictured at right), longtime Project Coordinator for the Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs (SCCUDD), is resigning effective Aug. 30 and taking a job as an Academic Intervention teacher at Bradford Central School. Brower attributed his job change to the "uncertainty of employment after the Drug-Free Community grant that funds my position is set to end." He was lauded by several officials with whom he worked, including District Attorney Joe Fazzary, who thanked him "for your dedication to our community over the years. We at the DA's Office congratulate you on a job well done and hope that your new career path brings you happiness." SCCUDD's mission is to prevent, reduce and delay the onset of substance use among Schuyler County youths.

Sign donated to Odessa by area woodworker

Members of the Odessa Village Board on Aug. 14th were presented a sign reading "Welcome" above "Odessa Village Office" for placement in front of the Village facility on County Route 15. It was created and donated by Seth Case of Odessa, a full-time Corrections Officer who has started a business, Case Craft Woodworks, on the side. The sign, presented by Case during a block party in downtown Odessa, will replace a less formal-looking yard sign.

Fire trucks carry Camp Star kids in WG parade

Decatur Street in Watkins Glen, the scene on Aug. 14th of an Italian-American Festival parade, saw another parade -- made up of police vehicles and fire trucks -- on Tuesday in connection with Camp Star. That's a week-long camp at Watson Homestead (and sponsored by Rotary Club) whose participants -- kids aged 6-12 with a physical or developmental disability -- spent the day in Watkins Glen, mainly at Clute Park. Camp kids rode in parade vehicles from fire departments in Watkins Glen, Odessa, Montour Falls, Hector and Beaver Dams. The police cars and fire trucks gathered at Fairgrounds Lane and moved down Decatur, lights flashing and horns blaring, turning onto 4th Street on the way back to Clute Park.

Photo: A Camp Star rider waves from a Montour Falls truck.

Diesel cleanup follows truck rollover on Rt. 13

A crane truck rolled over trying to avoid collision with a van on Aug. 14th on Route 13 about a mile north of Alpine Junction, resulting in a diesel fuel and hydraulic fluid spill. Firefighters from the Odessa and Montour Falls Fire Departments responded for the cleanup, with the roadway closed from the accident site to Alpine Junction for about four hours. Nobody was injured in the accident, and fire officials said there was no fresh-water contamination. The crane truck was towed from the scene.

Chicken BBQ block party celebrates Bucket

The Bucket Bar & Grill in Odessa threw its second annual block party on Aug. 14th to celebrate its 8th anniversary of business at the corner of Main and Church Streets. The first block of Church Street was closed for a Bucket chicken barbecue, seating for the diners who bought out the 175 available dinners, and for various vendors. Music was provided by Robin Burnett and Scott Muir, ice cream by Ben & Jerry's, and caricatures by Jon Haeffner. Vegetables, insulated cups, scented products and other items were also available. Bucket owner Erich Thorpe said the event will be repeated each year on the Bucket's anniversary.

Photo: One man came dressed in keeping with the BBQ theme.

Veterans Agency's Cole-Scott honored at hotel

Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency Officer (and former Director) Joan Cole-Scott -- who will retire at the end of the year after 15 years of helping veterans and their families -- was honored Aug. 13th at a brunch at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel attended by 80 veterans and by members of Cole-Scott's family. She was presented a Quilt of Valor prepared by members of the Corning American Legion Post. Such quilts are awarded to service members or veterans as a thank-you for "service and sacrifice in serving our nation."

Photo: From left with the quilt: Joan Cole-Scott, Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency Director Kristine Gardner and agency Officer Dewayne Butler, and Marcia Dunlap, Quilts of Valor Coordinator in the Finger Lakes Region.

Italian-American Festival ends its 3-day run

The annual Watkins Glen Italian-American Festival concluded Aug. 13 with an afternoon of food, fun, music and camaraderie at Clute Park in Watkins Glen.

The festival was highlighted on its second day, Aug. 12th, by a parade on Decatur Street from the high school down to 5th Street, and by fireworks after dark over the south end of Seneca Lake.

Live music was provided Friday night, Aug. 11th by the Rusted Bucks, Saturday afteroon by the Doc Possum band, Saturday night by Right Turn Clyde, and Sunday afternoon by Muirimage. The weather, which featured light rain periodically Saturday, was sunny and breezy for the final day. For first-day photos, see Features. For parade photos, see People.

Photo in text: Large bubbles created with "Big Bubble Powder" -- a blend of non-toxic polymers that mixes with water and dish soap -- were a popular festival attraction.

$100K available for ARPA facade upgrades

That much money is currently available to some Schuyler County building owners for facade improvements to commercial and mixed-use properties under the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) matching-grant program. Government.

Mechanics Club gives $500 to help veterans

The Mechanics Club in Montour Falls has donated $500 to the Veterans for Schuyler group, a non-profit founded in 2022 to help veterans in Schuyler County in need of emergency funding. Features.

Left: Veterans for Schuyler board members hold the check.

2 Cats Cakery adds to Main Street comeback

Two Cats Cakery & Sweet Treats -- offering a variety of baked delights -- has opened at 109 Main Street in Odessa, a sign of a business comeback in the village's downtown. Business.

Left: Sign in front of the 2 Cats Cakery in Odessa.

Eagles resting on a dreary day in Glen

Marti Dense sent us this shot of a pair of juvenile Bald Eagles taking their rest near the Yacht Club along the canal south of Seneca Lake in Watkins Glen. The photo was snapped on an overcast, misty August morning. (Photo by Marti Dense)

Schumer visits Business Park, says bill aims to return manufacturing jobs to Southern Tier

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer visited Schuyler County on Aug. 1st for what he said was the 25th time in 25 years in office -- this time at the Schuyler County Business Park to unveil a bill known as the ONSHORE Act designed to breathe new life into Upstate New York manufacturing and bring back "good-paying jobs from overseas to places like the Southern Tier." The legislation, he said, should be passed this year and ready for applicants in January -- vying for $100 million in grants per year for five years. The act, Schumer said, "will give municipalities federal assistance for workforce development, infrastructure, and site readiness for complexes like the business park" -- which currently houses the Lucky Hare Brewing Company but has 14,000 square feet available for lease. Other similar site-ready facilities in the region, he said, include a business park in Wayland and the former Chemung Foundry in Elmira. "I'm on board to help you," he told dignitaries on hand, including Schuyler County Legislature Chairman Carl Blowers, Legislator Michael Lausell, SCOPED Executive Director Judy McKinney Cherry, and Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nigar Hale.

Photo in text: Senator Chuck Schumer at the podium, with Legislator Michael Lausell in the background.

Lifeguards honored for response at Clute

Five Clute Park lifeguards were presented Certificates of Valor on Aug. 1st from Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo at a meeting of the Village Board. Cameron Holland, Hannah Nolan, Isabella La Face, Giuseppe La Face and Nikhil Manakkal were cited for their action July 23 in responding to what DeNardo called "a swimmer in distress" -- a man who was injured when he dove from a boat into shallow water to the east of where the lifeguards were working. "They knew what to do," she said, noting that the village is "very proud of them. They did a heroic job" along with the village police and fire departments. "Kudos to all of you." DeNardo also recognized the long service of Joe Fazzary on the Village Planning Board, a post he is vacating under recently adopted term limits.

Photo: One of the Certificates of Valor issued by the village.

Can't Count Trio -- all 4 -- perform at LaFayette

The Can't Count Trio -- a quartet of jazz musicians -- were the performers at Tuesday night's edition of the summer LaFayette Park Concert Series in Watkins Glen. The group -- Bob Brown on drums; vocalist Christopher Schiavone on piano and tenor sax; Jerry Leonard on bass, and Kevin Hooey on trumpet and piano -- entertained an appreciative audience on a pleasant, sunny evening at the park. Next up: blues rock by Meg Williams and Travis Bowlin on Tuesday, Aug. 8.

50th anniversary of Summer Jam has passed; some folks have sent along reminiscences

The famous Summer Jam rock concert is 50 years in Schuyler County's rearview, but so impactful that people still talk about it, usually shaking their heads at the sheer enormity of it. On Thursday, July 27, the 50th anniversary of the July 27-29, 1973 Watkins Glen event arrived. A call from this website for reminiscences prompted a few people to send along theirs, as recounted here. Does anyone else have memories to share? Write them down and send them to The Odessa File. Just e-mail us at chaef@aol.com

Photo in text: The Aug. 2, 1973 cover of Ithaca New Times.

Hector Family A-Fair: a sense of community

The Hector Family A-Fair -- advertised as "a reimagined Hector Fair" and launched by a group of young adults intent on re-establishing a sense of community that the pandemic had dealt a blow -- was held Saturday on the old fairgrounds field behind the Valois Logan Hector Fire Department. Though afternoon rain chased away some attendees as well as some service and product tents -- spokeswoman Abby Ganton (whose Family A-Fair organizing group operates separate from the fire department, which used to oversee the old fair) deemed the event a success. She pointed to a large early turnout and clearing skies that would draw fair-lovers back for an evening of games, music and fireworks. The fair featured a book sale, yoga class, hot dog eating contest, inflatable bounce houses, cake booth, axe throwing, kids' relay races, food trucks, dunk tank, and cornhole tournament. A portion of the proceeds, raised through sponsorships, vendor fees, game charges, and raffles, were earmarked for the fire department.

Photo in text: One of the event's inflatable attractions.

Chronis out as Schuyler County Administrator

Schuyler County Administrator Fonda Chronis (left), placed on administrative leave by Schuyler County on July 10 for reasons not specified publicly, will not be returning to the post. A joint statement from the county Legistlature and Chronis specified Chronis's "gratitude" and his "honor" in serving the county. "I am thankful," he was quoted as saying, "for the trust placed in me and the opportunity to serve. Together, we achieved significant milestones such as the new ambulance service, the NY Forward award, the ARPA facade program, and the establishment of stronger fiscal guidelines. ... Sometimes, however, parties move in different directions and view progress differently, and to ensure the team's future success, it is best for the Legislature to seek administrative leadership that more closely aligns with their vision for the future." Added Legislature Chairman Carl Blowers: "We extend our thanks to Fonda for his efforts and we wish him and his family the very best in future endeavors."

Photos in text: Fonda Chronis, left, and Carl Blowers

A 2nd guest column from
Rep. Nick Langworthy

Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY) provides us with a column regarding natural gas hookups and their importance to small business -- his second offering this week. Column 2. To read his earlier one, see Column1.

Left: Congressman Nick Langworthy

Woman dies in car-truck accident on Rte. 414

The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal accident that occurred Thursday afternoon when an SUV and a logging truck collided at the intersection of State Route 414 and Mathews Road in the Town of Hector. The Sheriff's Office said Angela Spang, 38, driving the SUV, failed to yield to the truck operated by Daniel Byler, who was traveling north on 414. Both vehicles traveled about 500 feet, leaving pieces of wreckage along the way, and came to rest on the west side of 414. Spang was pronounced dead at the scene.

Legislature tables move to hire NYC firm; will seek to advertise for Public Defender position

The Schuyler County Legislature, in a special session July 25th, tabled resolutions that would have employed a New York City-based service to replace the county's present Public Defender's Office, and approved a motion to advertise for a Public Defender to (in the words of Legislature Chairman Carl Blowers) "gauge interest from qualified attorneys" -- leaving to a future session any decision on which way to vote. The argument against abolishing the Defender's Office was put forth in a Letter to the Editor the day before by Attorney Jessica Saks, prompting a response from County Attorney Steven Getman (pictured). There was no word on whether the Saks letter prompted the tabling move, with one legislator commenting: "This is an interesting turn of events." To see the letters, visit Forum.

Ribbon-cutting celebrates Lakeside Trolley

The recent opening of Lakeside Trolley was celebrated July 20 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony as part of the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Summer Rendezvous event held at the Seneca Lake Events Center at Clute Park. Business.

Photo: Lakeside Trolley owners Joe Irwin and Katrina Gonsorick cut the celebratory ribbon, with Watkins Glen Trustee Nan Woodworth at left. Behind them is the trolley.

Holly and Kim receive 4 yes votes on AGT

Odessa-Montour High School English teacher Holly Campbell (right) appeared July 18 on America's Got Talent, a popular NBC variety show, singing a duet with Kim Scadlock of Oregon. Kim is the mother of the boy who received the heart of Holly's son, Jake, after Jake died in 2007 at 11 weeks of age. "We had a chance," Holly said of the taped AGT appearance, "to share the story of the very special heart that unites us," presented "through a very special song"-- "For Good" from the musical "Wicked," which was the last song Holly sang to Jake as she said goodbye, and the first song Kim sang to her son Beckham after he had received Jake's heart. The two women didn't know each other back then, but became friends years later. All four AGT judges -- Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel -- voted yes after the emotionally charged performance. For more details, click here.

Printup to oversee Vintage Racing Association

Parella Motorsports Holdings has announced that Michael Printup will join the company as President of the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). In his new role, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of one of the oldest and largest national vintage racing organizations in America. "When I heard that Michael was retiring from Watkins Glen International, I couldn't call him fast enough," said Tony Parella, CEO of Parella Motorsports, which purchased SVRA 10 years ago. Printup spent nearly three decades working for NASCAR, most notably in the role of President of WGI. In addition, he was President of Americrown, and more recently oversaw the Levy food service contract for 12 NASCAR-owned racetracks, and directed the Mobil 1 show car program for Tony Stewart. Printup will begin his new role later this month..

Photo: Michael Printup (Provided)

Benefit for Craig Kelly draws large turnout

The Burdett Fire Hall truck bays were packed with people on hand July 16 for a fundraiser on behalf of former Burdett Fire Chief Craig Kelly (right), who has been battling cancer with chemo and radiation treatments. A spaghetti-and-meatball dinner in the adjoining fire hall raised money, as did extensive raffles and a silent auction of donated items. The lot beside the fire hall was packed with parked cars, as were the sides of Rt. 79 in front of the hall, far in either direction. Kelly, on hand for the event, said he was "overwhelmed" by the show of support. Said attendee Tom Phillips, shaking his head in admiration: "Small-town life. You don't see this kind of thing everywhere."

Logan's Landmark historical sign unveiled

A sign commemorating the placement in 2001 of Logan's Landmark -- a former Methodist church and more recently known as the Logan Community Center -- on the National Register of Historic Places was unveiled in a ceremony outside the building on July 16. .The sign was funded through a grant from the Willliam G. Pomeroy Foundation. Speakers at the ceremony included James Jensen, president of the Logan's Landmark group that is actively restoring the building (focusing currently on the steeple and a choir loft), and Town of Hector Historian Sandra Bradford, who said the sign will encourage pride in the structure, and help attract tourists to the site. Among those present was Town of Hector Supervisor Ben Dickens.

Chronis's name removed from county website

The Schuyler County website has eliminated the name of Fonda Chronis as its County Administrator, listing the job as "Vacant" on one page and "TBA, Vacant" on another. Chronis was placed on administrative leave on July 10, but county officials have not said why or whether the move might lead to his termination. Carl Blowers, chair of the County Legislature, confirmed the leave Monday night, but said "no comment" when asked what prompted it, and -- when pressed on how long the leave might last -- said only that it would continue "for a while." Blowers, who will be assuming Chronis's duties, said that since the matter was a personnel issue, he could comment no further, but did say, when asked, that it is not a situation in which charges have been filed, and that the county was not advertising yet to secure a successor. When asked if the county would have a further statement, Blowers said: "Maybe sometime." Chronis succeeded Tim O'Hearn in the post, gaining appointment by the legislature a year and a half ago. The job carries a salary of $130,000.

Photo in text: Fonda Chronis (File photo)

Stansfield is president of WG School Board

Watkins Glen School Board member Joe Stansfield was elected president of the board July 10th at its annual organizational meeting, while Craig Bianco was elected vice president. The meeting also saw incumbents Theresa Butler and Jessica Saks sworn in for new terms on the board, and Tracey VanSkiver -- who won a seat in May but could not be present Monday--sworn in remotely. Stansfield, the lone nominee for president, succeeds incumbent Barb Schimizzi.

Photo in text: Joe Stansfield as he was sworn in by Watkins Glen School Business Administrator Kyle Percey.

Tburg theater troupe will present Spamalot

The Encore Players Community Theatre will present the lively, award-winning musical "Monty Python's Spamalot" on succeeding weekends -- from July 27-30 and August 3-6 -- in the Arena Theatre at 9706 Congress Street Extension, Trumansburg. Features.

Glen School District wins Schuyler Steps Out

The Watkins Glen School District's 15-member Wacky Walkers team has won the championship of the 17th annual Schuyler Steps Out walking competition. The Odessa-Montour School district finished second, while the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce was third. People.

Launch of the Lakes-Wine Fest weekend ends

The annual Finger Lakes Wine Festival at the Watkins Glen International racetrack concluded Sunday, July 9th after a busy Saturday that followed a Friday night Launch of the Lakes celebration on the WGI grounds. Togas and other ancient Roman garb were worn by many of the Launch party-goers, who were entertained by live music and sampled wines from various area wineries. The Saturday-Sunday Wine Festival featured more than 85 wineries, scores of other vendors, seminars, demos, live music and gourmet tastings.

Photo: Togas were worn by many Launch party-goers.

Langworthy visits Jerlando's in Watkins Glen

Congressman Nick Langworthy dropped by Jerlando's Ristorante & Pizzeria in Watkins Glen July 7th as part of a swing through Chemung and Schuyler counties. His visit to Jerlando's was designed to discuss recent Congressional legislation aimed at preventing a ban on the purchase of future gas stoves -- a move afoot in New York and other states.

"We're trying to offset the nonsense coming out of Albany," said Langworthy, noting that such a ban would negatively impact pizzerias that depend on the intense heat generated by natural gas, a quality that Jerlando's owner Bill Tague said is lacking in electric ovens. Present to meet with the Congressman -- who also discussed the economy, the health of lake waters, proposals to mandate electric vehicles ("We're just not there yet"), and interest rates -- were Schuyler County Legislators Mark Rondinaro and Laurence Jaynes, along with Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nigar Hale.

Photo: Congressman Nick Langworthy examines a gas pizza oven at Jerlando's.

Friends throw 80th birthday party for Ed Clute

The gathering was a surprise for the talented and popular Watkins Glen pianist -- a party at Seneca Lodge featuring food, a cake and music at the piano by Mr. Clute. Features.

Rain recedes in time for dry Watkins fireworks

The heavy rain that fell on Schuyler County on Sunday afternoon, July 2nd, passed through in plenty of time for a dry, almost breezeless fireworks display that night on the southern end of Seneca Lake. With Clute Park loaded with visitors and the Rte. 414 roadway full of parked cars, the fireworks show went off on schedule. For the first time, the fireworks were launched this year from a barge on the lake instead of from Clute Park.

NY Forward subject of session; input sought

About 40 people were on hand Tuesday evening, June 27 at the Montour Falls Fire Hall for a Public Engagement Meeting #1 designed to elicit suggestions for individual projects to be included in the village's $4.5 million NY Forward development plan. Representatives from the consultant Cameron Engineering firm were on hand to discuss the program and receive recommendations from the public. Those who were unable to attend can provide input virtually through July 2nd at https://publicinput.com/l2676, where the project and its goals are presented in detail.

Firefighters knock down front porch flames

Firefighters from Odessa, Montour Falls and Watkins Glen raced to a residence at 112 Brooklyn Terrace in Odessa on June 29 after receiving a report of flames on the building's front porch. The report was called in at 4:39 p.m. by a tenant who escaped the building unharmed, as did two cats who disappeared into the nearby woods. Three other cats were rescued by firefighters and returned to their owner. The fire -- the cause of which was a cigarette butt, according to one official -- scorched the porch and worked through the front door and into the front foyer, but was stopped there. Other damage was from smoke and water. Also present at the scene were Schuyler EMS, fire coordinators and the county Fire Investigation Team. Mecklenburg firefighters were on standby at the Odessa station, and answered an EMS call while there.

Photo: Firefighters gather on the charred front porch.

Hay announces run for NYS Supreme Court

Deirdre L. Hay (right) has announced her campaign for New York State Supreme Court Justice, Sixth Judicial District, which covers 10 New York counties including Schuyler, Chemung and Tompkins. Hay has been a lawyer since 1990 and a member of the NYS Bar for 25 years. She points to her experience in complex, highly emotional and high-stakes cases as evidence of her preparedness for the Supreme Court bench. The State Supreme Court decides civil cases, from election law to construction and zoning cases, to contested divorces, personal injury cases, and medical malpractice. An Adjunct Professor at Cornell Law School teaching business law, a legal scholar, a law book author, and former Managing Editor of the American Bar Association's Antitrust Law Journal, she was also President of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York, has served on statewide boards and organizations, and has received various law-related awards.

Watkins Glen High bids Class of 2023 goodbye

The Watkins Glen High School Commencement on Saturday, June 24, saw 73 seniors graduate. The diplomas were distributed in the High School Auditorium following speeches by Co-Salutatorians Nikhil Manakkal and Jenna Solomon and Valedictorian Katrina Ricca. Schools.

Photo: WGHS Valedictorian Katrina Ricca.

Odessa-Montour hands diplomas to 36 grads

The Odessa-Montour High School Commencement on Friday, June 23, saw 36 seniors graduate. The diplomas (right) were distributed before family and friends in the school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium. Schools.

Watkins School Board adopts "Lake Hawks"

The Watkins Glen School Board on June 21 officially retired the school nickname "Senecas" and adopted a new one: "Lake Hawks." The retirement was forced by a state policy eliminating Indian mascots and imagery from high school team names. Schools.

The Odessa File's Tribute Award honorees

The Odessa File, with input from school administrators and coaches, announces the winners of its third annual Tribute Awards: 20 students -- 10 each at the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high schools. The awards, co-sponsored by WETM-TV, are based on academics, athletics, character and citizenship, spotlighting some of the best and brightest that Schuyler County schools have in their midst in 2023. Awards.

Watkins Glen board gets positive report on Corvette Fest, rejects Italian Fest fee request

The Watkins Glen Village Board hears a positive report on the recent inaugural Corvette Festival in Watkins, rejects a parking fee request from the Italian American Festival, and deals with other issues at a meeting in the Village Hall. Government.

Photo: Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo.

SCOPED plans Craft Beverage Roundtable

The Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development will host a Craft Beverage Roundtable on June 29 at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. The session is for all craft beverage business reps interested in the Craft Beverage Micro-Grant Program. Business.

Childress to receive 2023 Argetsinger Award

Richard Childress, famed NASCAR team owner, will join a select group of recipients of the Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports. Presented annually by the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), this year’s gala and award ceremony will be held on Aug. 18 at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Motorsports broadcast journalist Dr. Jerry Punch will emcee the evening’s festivities. Past award recipients include Chip Ganassi, Roger Penske, Bobby Rahal, Richard Petty, Lyn St. James and Mario Andretti. The award memorializes Cameron Argetsinger, often referred to as the father of American road racing.

Cardboard Boats draw crowd to Seneca shore

The annual Watkins Glen Waterfront Festival and its highlight, the Cardboard Boat Regatta, was held at Seneca Harbor Park and its marina on Saturday, June 17, drawing a large crowd. The festivities included food vendors, free children's activities, and live music. More details on the regatta, which featured some sturdy and some not-so-sturdy cardboard boats, can be found on Features.

Photo: April Ruda holds a paddle she won for being chosen by judges as winner of the Best Sinking category.

Disney's Frozen JR. delights Glen audience

The Lake Country Players' production of Disney's musical "Frozen JR." was a success June 16 in its final of four performances -- in particular delighting children familiar with the hit 2013 film. The mullti-aged cast included 42 actors from five counties, led by co-directors Kim Laursen and Kelsey Gill. LCP utilized digital backgrounds which helped bring the Kingdom of Arendelle to life. The play was presented in the Watkins Glen High School auditorium.

Photo: Elsa (Mabel Kaufman) sings "Let It Go."

Rotary provides $5,000 in Community Grants

The Watkins-Montour Rotary Club, at a luncheon June 15, disbursed checks totaling $5,000 to 10 organizations as part of its Community Grant program. Checks ranging from $150 to $800 were distributed to the Flare Robotics Club, the Watkins Glen Summer Swim Program, the Watkins Glen Public Library, the Glen Gators swim club, the Catholic Charities Backpack Program, The My Place childcare center, Habitat for Humanity, the S.A.F.E (Suicide Awareness for Everyone) Coalition, the Schuyler County Historical Society, and the Village of Watkins Glen Summer Rec Program.

Health Foundation gets $20K Ice Bar donation

A total of $20,000 in proceeds from the annual Ice Bar celebration held at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel have been donated to the Schuyler Health Foundation. A ceremony marking the occasion was held June 14 at the hotel. Features.



Photo: Hart Hotels President and CEO David Hart was on hand for the check ceremony.

Odessa Coffee Depot offers relaxed setting

The Odessa Coffee Depot is a recent addition to the Odessa business scene, a shop run by Evan Stewart in a large building at 205 Main Street in the village. The Depot -- in the past utilized as a hardware store and hobby shop -- now offers brewed coffee, a wide variety of Espresso drinks, baked goods such as cookies and croissants, plus WiFi access. Stewart, who offers his patrons a relaxed atmosphere, hopes the Depot instills a sense of community. People.

Photo: Evan Stewart in front of the Depot.

Foerster named Assistant County Attorney

Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman has announced his appointment of Dina Foerster as an Assistant County Attorney, effective immediately. Foerster will join Getman in representing Schuyler County in civil litigation, family court prosecutions and social services law. Foerster, a graduate of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, has been serving as an assistant county attorney in Allegany County, and before that worked as Legal Process Manager at Dime Community Bank in Hauppauge, Long Island, as well as working at several downstate New York law firms.

Photo in text: Dina Foerster

Schuyler legislators hold monthly meeting

The Schuyler County Legislature, at its monthly meeting on June 12th, approved several resolutions and heard County Administrator Fonda Chronis caution that "money will be tight this year" as he prepares the next budget. For a closer look at the meeting, see Government.

Photo: Legislators Jim Howell, left, and Gary Gray converse before the start of the meeting.

Montour Falls holds its annual parade

The 65th annual Montour Falls Firemen's Parade was held on Main Street in the village Saturday, June 10, with fire trucks, marching bands, antique vehicles, floats and tractors in the line of march. Features.

Photo: Member of a Fife & Drum Corps from Macedon.

The Odessa File's Athletes of the Year

The Odessa File has named five high school seniors as its Athletes of the Year -- awards sponsored by E.C. Cooper Insurance in Watkins Glen. At Odessa-Montour High School, the honorees are Hannah Nolan (soccer, basketball, track), Tori Brewster (soccer, basketball, track), and Daniel Lewis (football, basketball, baseball). At Watkins Glen, the honorees are Faye Mooney (swimming, tennis) and Jacob Yontz (soccer, basketball). Each will receive a plaque commemorating the achievement.

Schuyler Scholars honored at hotel dinner

Thirteen seniors in the Watkins Glen, Odessa-Montour and Bradford school districts were honored Thursday night at the 16th annual Schuyler Scholars dinner, held at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. The honorees, ranked academically in the top 10% of their class, were presented plaques marking the occasion. To see who they are, click here.

Photo: A Schuyler Scholar plaque.

Odessa File unveils its spring All-Star teams

The Odessa File's Spring Schuyler County All-Sports All-Stars are topped by two Most Valuable Players -- teammates on the Odessa-Montour High School girls track team. Sports.

Chamber celebrates renovated phone booth

The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday celebrated the completed renovation of its Red Phone Booth -- a 1930s structure located for years in front of the Rooster Fish Pub. The phone booth is located in front of the Chamber's Downtown Visitor Center at 214 N. Franklin St. in Watkins Glen. Features.

Photo in text: The renovated booth.

WG senior Stolpinski signs Celebratory Form

Watkins Glen High School senior Sarah Stolpinski, a member of the highly successful Schuyler Storm swim team (a combined WGHS and Odessa-Montour squad) throughout her high school career, signed a celebratory form Friday in the WGHS library affirming her intent to join the Saxon Swim Team at Division III Alfred University, where she has received a $76,000 academic scholarship. Family and friends were on hand for a party that included pizza and an ice cream cake (pictured) prepared by the Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor.

O-M gives its State competitors a send-off

The student population of the Odessa-Montour School District gave a warm outdoor send-off Thursday to O-M seniors Hannah Nolan and Tori Brewster as the two departed for the New York State Track & Field Championships in Middletown, scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Schools.

Photo: Tori, left, and Hannah with their Odessa File Athlete of the Year plaques presented just before their departure to Middletown for the State tournament.

Annual Montour Falls festival comes to end

The annual Fire Department Festival on the carnival grounds in Montour Falls concluded Saturday night -- preceded by a late afternoon Parade of Bands on Main Street in the village. The festival featured live music each day -- The Variables on Thursday, Bad Bear on Friday, and Still Kickin' on Saturday -- as well as a Chicken BBQ Friday and Saturday, bingo, raffles, and a cornhole tournament on Saturday. All proceeds from the festival benefit the Montour Falls Fire Department Equipment Fund.

WGHS senior Young signs Celebratory Form

Watkins Glen High School senior Shea Young inked a Celebratory Signing Form June 5th affirming his intent to play football next fall when he attends St. John Fisher University, a Division III college in Rochester. Young was praised by WGHS Athletic Director Rod Weeden as "a great asset" during his high school career, as well as "a great mentor and great leader." Young, a member of the varsity track & field team as well as a varsity football player, was lauded by track coaches Kelly Sterner and Travis Durfee, the latter saying Young was "dedicated to hard work that leads to success."

Photo: Shea Young with his Celebratory Signing Form.

Watkins' Mooney signs to swim at Skidmore

Watkins Glen High School senior Faye Mooney signed a Celebratory Form June 1st affirming her intent to participate in the Women's Swimming program when she attends Division III Skidmore College in the fall. Mooney, a state-level swimmer who helped the WGHS girls swim team to its 6th straight Section IV, Class C title this year, was praised at the signing by Athletic Director Rod Weeden and her swim coach, Jason Westervelt, for her strong work ethic. Each said she has served as a role model for younger swimmers, and both she "will definitely be missed."

Photo in text: Faye Mooney cuts into an ice cream cake prepared for Thursday's signing celebration by Jackie Honsberger of the Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor. Athletic Director Rod Weeden is at left.

Montour Falls grant program seeks proposals

The next phase of the project triggered by a $4.5 million grant awarded through New York State's NY Forward Program to the Village of Montour Falls is an Open Call for Proposals to the village, according to the Local Planning Committee co-chairs, Montour Falls Mayor James Ryan and Judy McKinney Cherry, Executive Director of the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development.

A virtual informational session regarding the Open Call will be held on Monday, June 19 at 6:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for community members, building owners, and the public to learn more about how to submit a project, which may be included in the final Strategic Investment Plan submitted to the state later this year. All Open Call applications will be due no later than Friday, June 30 at 4:00 p.m. To register for the June 19 virtual meeting, for more information about the NY Forward Grant Award and to download the Project Application, visit: MontourFallsNYF.com.

Photo in text: Montour Falls Mayor James Ryan

Memorial Day observances held in Schuyler

Retired Army Lt. Col. Gerry Messmer, the mayor of Odessa, was the keynote speaker at Memorial Day services Monday in Montour Falls and at the Schuyler County Veterans Memorial Park outside Odessa. For a look at those services and a copy of Messmer's speech, click here.

Photo: Gerry Messmer

Storm rallies for Section IV, Class C title, 6-4

The Schuyler Storm varsity baseball team -- a combined squad of Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High School athletes -- came from behind to defeat Bainbridge-Guilford 6-4 Friday in the Section IV, Class C championship game, played on the Union-Endicott High School baseball field. The sectional title was the first in baseball for WGHS, and the second for O-M, which won in 2007. Next up: A regional game against a Section III foe yet to be determined, played on Saturday, June 3 at a Section IV site and time to be announced. Sports.

Nolan featured in Guthrie Health campaign

Odessa-Montour High School senior Hannah Nolan (pictured at right) appears in a new Guthrie Health media campaign (billboards, flyers, and a TV commercial spot). Her father Jim said "they found her through a social media and internet search, and it led them to discover some of her accomplishments," which include school records in soccer, basketball and track. To see the TV spot, click here.

$2 million awarded for IMRRC property project

The state's Restore New York Communities Initiative has awarded a $2 million grant to the Village of Watkins Glen -- on behalf of the International Motor Racing Research Center -- for the redevelopment of property owned by the IMRRC at the corner of North Franklin and Second Streets in the village, site of the former Clifford Motors (and, later, Rooster Fish brewpub). The vacant buildings on the site were recently demolished to make way for establishment in the future of an IMRRC structure there that will serve, according to Racing Center Executive Director Mark Steigerwald, as "a much needed expansion" of the IMRRC, which is located in limited leased space on South Decatur Street. The new project is still in the planning stages, but reports indicate it could be museum-like, including interactive activities and a display of motor vehicles.

Photo: The former Clifford Motors as it was demolished.

O-M's Sarah Barr wins the 2023 Susan Award

Odessa-Montour High School senior Sarah Barr has been awarded the annual Susan B. Haeffner Sportsmanship Award by The Odessa File. The award, presented annually since 2005, is named in honor of Odessa File Editor Charlie Haeffner's wife, who died in 2004 after a battle with cancer. It honors one Schuyler County student-athlete each year who exhibits traits embraced by Susan: kindness, toughness, and a sense of fair play in competition and in life.

Photo: Sarah Barr with her Susan Award.

Printup plans retirement from WGI on June 26

Michael Printup, the Watkins Glen International track president for 14 years, has announced that he is retiring. His last day: June 26, the day after WGI hosts the Sahlen's Six Hours of the Glen. Printup, 58, has led the NASCAR-owned course since June 2009. He said he and his wife Stephanie had been discussing retirement for several months. "I'm going to relax," said Printup, a resident of Horseheads. "I've got a granddaughter down in D.C. with my son (Brendan) and his wife. I want to start spending some time with them." The Printups' other son, Matthew, graduated last year from Horseheads High School.

Photo: Michael Printup (File photo)

Vondracek's CCC softball team falls in finale

The Corning Community College softball team came within an out Saturday of winning the NJCAA D3 World Series, but yielded six runs in the bottom of the 7th inning to top-seeded North Dakota State College of Science en route to a 13-12 loss. The No. 2 seeded CCC entered the day needing one win over North Dakota, which it had beaten 3-2 earlier in the double-elimination tourney. But North Dakota forced a second game Saturday by winning an opener 11-4, setting the stage for the second-game slugfest -- which saw each team amass 18 hits. This was the third straight year that Corning finished as the runnerup in the Series. Odessa-Montour alum Grace Vondracek, the NJCAA Region III Player of the Year, went 6-for-8 in Saturday's two games and 13-for-18 in the Series.

Photo: Grace Vondracek (CCC photo)

Festival puts Corvettes on display in Watkins

More than 100 Corvettes toured the old Watkins Glen race circuit Sunday, May 21 on the second day of Watkins' inaugural two-day Corvette Festival. Sunny skies graced the event, and a sizable number of spectators were on hand to see the cars and hear related speeches. Features.

Author Cynthia Neale reads from "Catharine"

Author Cynthia Neale, a Schuyler County native who lives in New Hampshire, introduced her latest novel, "Catharine, Queen of the Tumbling Waters," during a reading and book signing Saturday afternoon at Havana Glen Park in Montour Falls. The novel is a story based on the life of Queen Catharine Montour -- an Iroquois leader who figures heavily in the history and legend of this region. Neale explained how she came to write the book, read a passage from it, and then signed copies that were purchased by area residents on hand for the event. Neale has written other historical novels, including "The Irish Dresser," "Hope in New York City," "Norah" and "The Irish Milliner."

Photo: Cynthia Neale signing copies of her latest novel.

Rotary honors Glen's Mooney, O-M's Elliott

Watkins Glen High School senior Faye Mooney and Odessa-Montour High School senior Dominick Elliott were honored May 18 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its Students of the Month.

Mooney was introduced by teacher Liam O'Kane, who praised her "focus, determination and commitment to her academic obligations," calling her "a talented musician, a formidable athlete and a responsible leader." Mooney, president of the school's National Honor Society, Student Council and Varsity Club, is a state-level swimmer and skilled violinist. She plans to attend Skidmore College.

Elliott was introduced by teacher Holly Campbell, who pointed to his participation in school musicals and volleyball, and said he is always "encouraging to others and kind" -- a "true asset to the school." Elliott, in the Fashion Design program at BOCES, "always dresses in a snazzy way," she said. "He's a fashion icon" at O-M who is "never afraid to be himself" and is "a huge inspiration to others." He plans to attend the Tommy Hilfiger School of Business and Fashion at Elmira College.

Photo: Faye Mooney and Dominick Elliott.

School budgets pass at Watkins and Odessa

Voters in the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour school districts passed their proposed 2023-24 budgets on May 16, Watkins by a 176-48 margin, and O-M 228-38. Bus financing propositions easily passed in both districts, and O-M's separate library tax was approved 179-91.

Incumbent Jennifer Mosher (169 votes) and newcomer Kyle VanGalder (142) won three-year seats on the O-M School Board, defeating Jason Dechow and Erica Lohmeyer. Three candidates -- incumbents Jessica Saks and Theresa Butler, along with Tracey VanSkiver -- were elected to three available 3-year terms on the Watkins Glen School Board..

Schuyler extends its state of emergency

Schuyler County Legislature Chairman Carl Blowers has extended for an additional five days the county's state of emergency issued May 11 over the possible relocation of illegal immigrants within the state. Government.

Photo: Schuyler Legislature Chairman Carl Blowers

Watkins Memorial Service honors fallen police

A Police Memorial Service was held May 20 in front of the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office in Watkins Glen -- an event that honored those in the region who have fallen over the years in the line of law enforcement duty.

The event began with a parade of officers led by Schuyler County Sheriff Kevin Rumsey, followed by the National Anthem sung by Mrs. Emily Peckham, and speeches by Schuyler County Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Hourihan -- who spoke of the impact of police "by just existing, by wearing uniforms and being present" -- and Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike, who commented on the bond that binds law enforcement officers together in a shared existence whereby, if one falls who another officer never met, the latter can say, "I knew him well."

Homage was also paid to the late Sheriff Michael Maloney, who passed away in March. Hourihan said Maloney was respected across the state, "inspiring many along the way." He said other officers are "ordinary people who take on extraordinary duty and responsibility in the most difficult job in the world." Monday's service, he said, was an apt time to honor those "who have given their lives in the course of an impossible job. We will continue to remember and honor their courage."

Photos in text: Assistant DA Jeremy Hourihan (top) and Yates County Sheriff Ron Spike.

Watkins Glen holds its prom at Logan Ridge

Watkins Glen High School held its annual prom Saturday night, May 13 at Logan Ridge, with an estimated 150 students on hand for an evening of fun and music. For a look at some photos from the event, see Schools.

Photo: Lois Hosley and Corbin Riddle arrive at Logan Ridge.

Pair of placid scenes from area photographers

The two photos above were sent to The Odessa File by area photographers. John Juhasz submitted the photo of the Seneca Lake shoreline, describing it as "peace and serenity." The springlike one on the right comes from Marti Bianco Dense, who snapped it early in May at Shequaga Falls following a rainfall.

Learn Not to Burn program pays visit to WGES

The Learn Not to Burn program at the Watkins Glen Elementary School reached its annual May climax Tuesday with a visit by Watkins Glen and Hector firefighters with fire engines. Kids from pre-K through 4th grade got a close-up look at the engines, explained to them by visiting firefighters. The program, which started in the 1970s, sees monthly visits by firefighters to area elementary schools, culminating in the visit with trucks. Fourth graders received a Learn Not to Burn drawstring backpack (pictured), while the younger kids received plastic fire helmets. The kids also presented colored drawings of firefighters to the visiting instructors.

Langworthy visits Watkins, talking business

Congressman Nick Langworthy visited the Horseheads Brewing restaurant at Seneca Harbor in Watkins Glen May 8th, meeting there with local government and business leaders in conjunction with National Small Business Week. He toured the Arnot Ogden Medical Center and met with Southern Tier Economic Growth (STEG) officials beforehand. His Watkins visit was keyed to the subject of small businesses, with the Congressman speaking first to the national economic issues, including the debt limit. He also criticized the New York Democrats' plan to force electrification through measures including the future elimination of natural gas in homes, calling it "nonsense" and "not based in reality," and saying the state -- which built the plan into the recently adopted budget -- "will have to walk back everything they just passed because nobody can comply." The visit was arranged by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce.

Photo in text: Congressman Nick Langworthy at Monday's Watkins Glen meeting.

O-M holds its prom at the Ginny Lee Cafe

The Odessa-Montour prom was held Saturday evening at a new locale. The site chosen, for the first time, was the Ginny Lee Cafe along Route 414 north of Valois. The theme of the gathering was Las Vegas, with dice a prominent prop -- although no gambling was permitted. The weather cooperated -- with a bright sun and temperatures in the 60s greeting the students as they arrived, Prom.

Right: Gabe Williams and Katie Adams.

DeSarno named to IMRRC Governing Council

The Governing Council of the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) in Watkins Glen has appointed Phyllisa A. DeSarno (pictured at right) as its most recent member. The IMRRC’s Governing Council guides the organization and is composed of racing aficionados, library professionals and civic and community leaders from across the United States. “Phyllisa’s varied professional experience will benefit us considerably as we continue to celebrate our 25th anniversary, and beyond,” said IMRRC Executive Director Mark Steigerwald. DeSarno, of Watkins Glen, has worked in Community and Economic Development. She was employed by Corning Inc. and Corning Community College before retiring as the City of Ithaca’s Director of Economic Development. She has been a member of various community organizations, and currently sits on the Schuyler Health Foundation Board.

O'Mara, Palmesano rip 'frustrating' budget

State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano addressed the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club Thursday on the State of the State, with an emphasis on the state budget passed this week -- and predicted that the spending plan will add to an already sizable exodus of residents from New York. One Rotarian, describing the talk as "Gloom and Doom," asked if anything positive came out in the budget, prompting O'Mara to look down at the podium in front of him and respond: "I have a list of things here, and none of them are positive." The two legislators criticized the budget's lack of bail reform; its move toward a costly electrification of the state and a potential to overwhelm the grid; its largesse in doubling the Hollywood Film Tax Credit while ignoring a need to adequately support Direct Support Professionals caring for "our most vulnerable citizens," the developmentally disabled; its massive overall increase to $230 billion; its move to help immigrants in New York City, which O'Mara said will impact property taxes upstate, and so on. "It's a frustrating budget," said Palmesano. A document so large "is going to have some good things," but this one is taking New Yorkers "on an unsustainable path." For O'Mara's and Palmesano's responses after the budget was passed, see Government.

Photo in text: State Senator Tom O'Mara Thursday.

Students at WGHS building a race car

Watkins Glen High School students are incorporating the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math to build, market, race and sell a Shelby Cobra race car. Schools.

CCE Schuyler names new Executive Director

Melissa (Mel) Schroeder, who has had over 20 years of experience with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County, has been appointed its Executive Director. Schroeder, said CCE Board President Chad Hendrickson, "has consistently demonstrated her passion and commitment to the mission and programs of the Association." Schroeder said she looks forward "to following the strong mentors that I have had throughout the years." She will continue to serve as Issue Lead for CCE Schuyler, which includes the management and stewardship of 4-H Youth Development, Hidden Valley 4-H Camp, 21st Century Afterschool programs and Parenting Education projects.

Photo: Melissa (Mel) Schroeder (Photo provided)

Lions BBQ raises funds for WG swim program

The Watkins-Montour Lions Club sold 200 dinners Saturday, April 29 at a chicken barbecue hosted by the Montour Moose Lodge that raised funds for the Watkins Glen Summer Swim Program. The dinners included ice cream certificates donated by the Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor, Ben and Jerry's and the Glen Dairy Bar. "With the generosity of the Montour Moose Lodge and local ice cream shops," said a club spokeswoman, "the Lions Club earned a good portion of their $2,000 donation to the swim program." The program, under the leadership of Nikki Chaffee, is open to those as young as six months through adulthood. It runs from June 26 to July 14 mornings at the Watkins Glen Central School pool for a $35 fee. Sign-ups are open and information can be found on the school district website or by emailing nlchaffee@gmail.com.

Photo in text: David LaMoreaux, left, and Tom Phillips keep an eye on the grill. (Photo provided)

Rotary honors Murphy as Student of Month

Watkins Glen High School senior Jason Murphy (right) was honored April 20th by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its WGHS Student of the Month for April. The honoree, who was introduced by teacher Sam Brubaker, is the No. 1 Singles player on the school tennis team, and was also a member of the basketball squad. He said he plans to "enter the trades, most likely the building trades," after graduation. Currently participating in regional and state competitions for SkillsUSA -- an organization that partners with students, teachers and industry leaders to ensure America has a skilled workforce -- he holds supervisory roles in the Construction Program at BOCES, and is helping to build a home as part of his coursework. He is also active in the Glen Baptist Church.

Section IV individual champs honored by BOE

Athletes who won individual Section IV titles this past winter were honored Wednesday evening by the Watkins Glen Board of Education. Receiving Outstanding Athletic Achievement Awards were Madison Tuttle, who took first place in the 1500 Meter Race Walk at the Section IV Division 2 track championships; and swimmers Liam Smith, Ryan Dean, Vinnie Ocasio and Jon Spencer, Section IV champions in the 200 Medley Relay. Smith also won the 200 Free and 500 Free, while Dean won the 200 Individual Medley. All were present except for Spencer at Wednesday's awards presentation.

Montour Falls wins Dept. of Energy award

The Village of Montour Falls has been presented a 2023 Better Project Award from by the U.S. Department of Energy for outstanding accomplishments in implementing energy and waste reduction projects that support the municipality’s sustainability and decarbonization goals. Government.

Photo: Montour Falls Mayor Jim Ryan with the Department of Energy award.

Racing Research Center hosts model car show

The 8th annual Model Car Show -- featuring various model and diecast cars from collectors around the region -- was held Saturday at the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen. Members of the Rochester LEGO User Group were also on hand, with parts bins for visitors to make and race LEGO cars down a scale race track.

Photo: Some of the many model cars on display at the Racing Research Center.

Burdett Village Board honors attorney Miller

After several decades as Burdett Village Attorney, Connie Fern Miller has decided to step down from the position. Mayor Dale Walter says that through the years, Miller has offered advice and opinions on issues ranging from code enforcement to the federal USDA application process. The Village Board of Trustees recently presented Miller with a tribute resolution and wished her well on her retirement.

Bids sought on Harbor Park bath facilities

The Schuyler County Legislature, at its monthly meeting on Monday, April 10, voted to seek bids for the reconstruction and refurbishing of the men's and women's bath facilites at Seneca Harbor Park. Chairman Carl Blowers said the move will give legislators "an idea of the cost." The move came at a meeting full of housekeeping resolutions, including one seeking bids for the replacement and upgrade of the standby generator at the County Office Building, and another setting a public hearing at the May 8 Legislature meeting on a proposal to transfer $837,448 from the Facilites and Grounds Reserve Fund for use in the repair of the Seneca Harbor Park seawall.

Photo: Legislators David Reed, left, and Michael Lausell at the April 10 meeting.