High School fall sports practices get underway

Wtih the fall sports season just around the corner, various high school athletes took to the playing fields Monday for the first day of practice. A look at the football and soccer programs at the Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen high schools. Sports.

Photo: Watkins Glen's Isaac McIlroy at the opening day of practice.

A column by State Senator Tom O'Mara

Left: State Sen. Tom O'Mara

Spirit of Schuyler sets Motorcyle fundraiser

The emergency funding unit will holds its annual Motorcyle Run on Aug. 24, including a ride around the Watkins Glen International track. Features.

Photo: The day will feature a Sahlen's old-style bike.

Lisa Simpson for President?

The editor visits with an enthusiastic candidate running an unusual campaign. Column

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Anyone caring to advertise may contact the publisher, Charlie Haeffner, at publisher@odessafile.com for information.

Addy Coolican wins talent competition at Fair

Watkins Glen resident Addison "Addy" Coolican, a student in the Watkins Glen School District, won first place among performers 12 years and under at a talent show Saturday at the Steuben County Fair in Bath. She won for her performance of the song "Don't Rain on My Parade." The contest was held on the stage in front of the fairgrounds grandstand. Addy is known locally for her rendition of the National Anthem at occasional home basketball games at WGHS.

Photo: Addy Coolican with her trophy. (Photo provided by her grandfather, Mike Coolican)

A kids' presentation of Disney's Jungle Book ended its two-night run Saturday on the stage of the Watkins Glen High School Auditorium. The play for 6-12 year olds boasted a cast of more than 30 kids, directed by Kim Laursen and Kelsey Johnson as a project of the Lake Country Players and the 21st Century REACH program. People.

Photo: A quartet of thespians on stage in Disney's Jungle Book. The lead of Mowgli was performed by Arloween Loucks-Scuteri, second from right.

We honor...The Essentials of Schuyler County

A dozen women and a dozen men populate this committee-selected group of outstanding Schuyler County residents or natives who have impacted life here or elsewhere. None is in the Schuyler County Hall of Fame, but perhaps will be. Essentials.

And inside

--Mallory Rhodes and her heifer start the season with an impressive ribbon haul. People.

Local concerts fill the absence of Woodstock

Two "stock" musical gatherings -- Watkinstock at Watkins Glen's Lafayette Park and Moosestock at the Montour Moose Lodge -- were held Saturday ... a day that would have fallen in the middle of Woodstock 50, had it been held as originally proposed at Watkins Glen International.

Moosestock was a fund-raiser, with a portion of the $15-per-ticket proceeds to be donated to the Schuyler County Ambulance. Bands included Rukus, Doc Possum and Hot Dogs & Gin.

Watkinstock also raised funds -- through donations to the Sheriff's Camp Iroquois on Keuka Lake, which provides an outdoor summer experience to underprivileged kids from around the state. Performers included The Flunk School, country singer Rylee Lum, Patrick Cole and Seneca Jam.

Town of Montour mulls Chinese lantern fest

The Montour Town Board listens to proposal for a large, possibly long-term festival on Havana Glen Park grounds starting in 2020. Government.

Photo: Festival video scene.

United Way taps two as Campaign Leaders

Rick Evans and Lydia Wickham have been named Campaign Leaders of this year's United Way of Schuyler County campaign to raise $123,000 to help 22 local agencies. Evans is a longtime Boy Scout leader and a winemaker for Castel Grisch Winery. Wickham is Director of Human Resources for Cayuga Addiction Recovery who volunteers for Boy Scout Troop 2674 in Watkins Glen and is a member of the Hector-area Lions Club. Said United Way of Schuyler County Executive Director Peggy Scott: "Deepest thanks go to Lydia and Rick. Our all-volunteer board of directors of United Way works hard every year for an outstanding campaign."

A legal column from Ziff Law's Jim Reed

Attorney James B. Reed of the Ziff Law Firm in Elmira offers this regular column, tackling issues that you might encounter in your daily lives. This time: "Seneca Lake boaters, do you have enough liability insurance?" Column.

Left: Attorney Jim Reed

This week's deals at Famous Brands

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

Acting Schuyler County Judge Gerald A. Keene on Aug. 13 rejected a motion for a reduced sentence filed by Chad C. Mack -- who pleaded guilty in June 2004 to 2nd Degree Murder and 1st Degree Robbery in the August 2002 shooting death of Theresa Ford at her home in the Town of Orange. Mack, sentenced to 25 years to life, was seeking a lesser sentence that would allow him to appear before the Parole Board immediately. District Attorney Joseph Fazzary opposed the motion, and Keene concurred with the DA, saying the original sentence was not harsh or excessive, and was justified.

Italian-American Festival ends its 3-day run

The 39th annual Schuyler County Italian-American Festival concluded Aug. 11 with several events, including a cornhole tournament, a motorcycle show and live music. Features.

Photo: The ferris wheel is always popular.

Brief legislature meeting yields updates

The Schuyler County Legislature's monthly meeting on Aug. 12 was short -- 17 minutes -- and saw approval of just 18 resolutions, none of them major. But there was some information imparted:

--Chairman Dennis Fagan said Sales Tax revenue as of July was up $266,000 from the same point last year. Increases in the sales tax, he noted, "help us control property taxes." As for the rest of the year: "We'll keep our fingers crossed."

--County Administrator Tim O'Hearn said work has begun on the 2020 county budget, and that "it will be within the tax cap" and "we will be lowering the tax rate."

--O'Hearn said the planned 50-megawatt solar project in the Town of Dix -- called the Watkins Glen Solar Energy Center -- is "now moving forward" with the pending appointment by state Legislature leaders of two town residents (of eight nominated) as ad hoc members of a seven-person regulatory Siting Board. The project will "take two years" to complete, he said.

Photo: Legislature Chairman Dennis Fagan at the meeting.

BBQ benefits WGHS girls varsity swim team

The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity swim team held a chicken barbecue Aug. 11 at the Montour Moose Lodge to raise funds for the swim program. Members of the team (left) -- one dressed as a chicken -- waved signs and urged motorists to turn into the lodge, where business was brisk as volunteers put together dinners in the kitchen, the centerpiece of each dinner being tasty chicken barbecued outside.

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

Cherry outlines energy savings programs, cautions on 'escalators' in solar group plans

Phil Cherry, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Schuyler County, outlined various energy savings and efficiency programs available to individuals and small businesses on Aug. 8 as guest speaker at the weekly luncheon of the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club at the Elks Lodge in Watkins Glen. Cherry -- supportive of the savings available in solar panels installed by individuals at their homes -- cautioned anyone interested in group purchasing, noting that some of the opportunities available "aren't great opportunities. Read the fine print," looking in particular for "escalators" that boost the cost after a first year of savings. "My advice is to be very wary," he said, noting that the CCE website carries information on solar programs and on those other energy savings programs.

Photo: Phil Cherry addresses Rotarians.

Principals McCarty, Francischelli given tenure

The Odessa-Montour School Board on August 7 granted tenure to high school Principal Almon (Skip) McCarty Jr. and Hanlon Elementary School Principal Robert Francischelli. Superintendent Chris Wood outlined the achievements of the two men during their four years at the helm of the two schools, and then the board voted unanimously in their favor. Franciscelli was present, while McCarty, Wood explained, was at another meeting "representing the district." Tenure provides greater job security for its recipients. The board also:

--Heard Wood report that the most recent state audit of the district was a good one, with minor improvements needed in the area of transportaton. "I'll gladly take it," he said of the audit.
--Heard an update from Wood on the $16.9 milliion Capital Project now in the planning stage. Wood said he hopes for state approval of the project within a year and construction in the fall of 2020. The project involves renovation of the Jack Davis gym and of science, art and technology rooms; installation of new water stations; a new public address system; some window replacements; technology upgrades, and other improvements deemed necessary.
--Approved a 2019-2020 tax levy of $5,099,617.

Photos: Hanlon principal Robert Francischelli and new School Board member Alyssa Wixson at Wednesday's meeting.

Watkins Glen Village Board moves toward
12-month moratorium on short-term rentals

The Watkins Glen Village Board on Aug. 6 discussed a Planning Board request for a moratorium on short-term rental units in the village pending a density study. A public hearing, the board indicated, will be held at its next meeting preceding passage of a Local Law that would take effect once filed with the state. The moratorium -- in the face of an onslaught of short-term rentals -- would be for an expected 12 months. Applications filed before the law takes effect would be processed. The board also:

--Approved membership in the Greater Tompkins Health Insurance Consortium, which Mayor Luke Leszyk said would save the village $60,000, down from $300,000.
--Approved a bid of $133,828 from Panko Electric and Maintenance for erection of the new light poles and lights on Franklin Street. Poles are expected to be shipped starting Aug. 19.
--Approved the hiring of Barbara Peterson to fill the newly created position of Deputy Clerk Treasurer.
--Approved payment of $195,000 of grant funds for the Padua Ridge property, site of a planned new water tower. The cost includes improvements such as clearing of the land, road construction, tank-base construction and culvert work.

Photos in text: Mayor Luke Leszyk (top) and trustee Tony Fraboni at Tuesday's meeting.

A column from the mayor of Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen Mayor Luke Leszyk presents the first in a planned series of periodic columns about the many things happening in Watkins Glen. Column.

Photo at right: Watkins Glen Mayor
Luke Leszyk

A column by Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer

The mayor provides us with his fifth in a series of columns on what is happening in Odessa. This time: "Summer is here, and Odessa is bustling." Column.

Photo: Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer

Monthly column from Cooperative Extension

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County is providing a monthly column here on its ongoing educational activities and offerings. The tenth column -- "Free Summer REACH program offered at OMCS" -- is by O-M REACH Program Coordinator Melinda Brewster (left). Column.

Visit Jerlando's Ristorante & Pizzeria

Three locations: in Watkins Glen, Horseheads and Montour Falls

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

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

Looking to advertise on The Odessa File?

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Anyone wishing to contribute to The Odessa File -- which is dependent on advertising and donations -- may do so through a Paypal link in the left column of this page or by sending a check to The Odessa File, P.O. Box 365, Odessa, NY 14869.

Terry Walker Trio entertains in concert series

The Terry Walker Trio entertained scores of music lovers Tuesday evening, Aug. 6 with pop and jazz standards in the Clute Park pavilion as part of the Concert in the Park series, a staple of Watkins Glen summers. The concerts are normally held at Lafayette Park, but move to the pavilion in inclement weather. It stormed Tuesday afternoon and rained intermittently in the evening. Next up, on Tuesday, Aug. 13: Gentlemen of Song with Big Band, Swing and other music.

Hayden will appear on third ballot line

Matt Hayden (right), the Democrats' nominee for Schuyler County Court Judge in the November election, has secured a third nomination. Hayden, already backed by the Democrats and by the Schuyler First independent party, has now secured the backing of the Working Families Party. That makes him the only one of the four candidates with three party nominations. In addition to Hayden, Jessica Saks, Steven Getman and Dan Fitzsimmons are campaigning for the 10-year post, which includes Family and Surrogate's Court.

Elliott wins 2nd straight NASCAR race at WGI

Chase Elliott (pictured at right) held off Martin Truex Jr. on Aug. 4 to post his second straight Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victory at Watkins Glen International, in the Go Bowling at The Glen 90-lap race. It was fifth career Series victory and second of the season. Elliott, whose first career win in the Series came last year at WGI, started Sunday from the pole position in his Hendrick Motorsports' Chevrolet, and won by 0.454 seconds. He was only the second driver to win from the pole position in the last 39 Series races.

Chef Orlando is new owner of Graft eatery

After a long run as Executive Chef of Veraisons, Orlando Rodriguez, along with wife Natacia, has purchased the recently closed Graft restaurant on Franklin Street in Watkins Glen with the intention to reopen in the fall. Business.

Photo: Chef Orlando Rodriquez

Odessa fire department serves up BBQ meals

An annual rite on NASCAR weekend -- an Odessa Fire Department drive-through barbecue at the fire station -- was a hit Saturday as firefighters prepared 300 chicken halves. They followed that up with their annual Hit the Boot fund-raiser on Main Street in the village on Sunday, with passing motorists stopping to place donations in firefighters' boots held by department members at either end of the downtown.

Photo: Peggy Tomassi, left, and Anne Yessman helped serve up the barbecue meals.

Saks nets noms from
2 parties in judge race

Jessica Saks has gained the nominations of the Independence and About Justice Parties in her race for Schuyler County Judge. She faces three male opponents in the November election. Government.


Photo: Jessica Saks (Photo provided)

Cheese Festival draws crowd to Hoffman farm

The 8th annual Finger Lakes Cheese Festival was held Saturday -- as it is each July -- at the Hoffman century farm at Catharine Corners, outside Odessa. Produce, live music, children's activities and other features attracted a large crowd. People.

Photo: At the festival.

Annual parade highlights Hector Fair

The three-day Hector Fair was highlighted on its second day Friday with the annual parade up Rte. 414, ending at the fairgrounds behind the fire station. The fair concludes Saturday with a car show, chicken barbecue, live music and fireworks. Features.

WGI places 2nd in Best NASCAR Track voting

Watkins Glen International finished second in the voting this year in the USA Today Readers' Choice contest for Best NASCAR Track after finishing first the past three years. The winner this time: Eldora Speedway in New Weston, Ohio, which hosts the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. The winner was announced Friday, July 26. Third through fifth places went to Daytona International Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

Historical Society honors Italian founders

A special exhibit and talk are focusing on the founders of Schuyler County's Italian community The exhibit opened Aug. 1. Founders.

Photo: Undated photo of workers at the International Salt Co., a major employer of Italian immigrants in Schuyler County. (Provided)

Court rules in favor of school in Hansen case

The U.S. District Court for Western New York has ruled on the side of the Watkins Glen School District and former Superintendent Tom Phillips, the defendants in a suit filed by Kristina Hansen relating to incidents on school grounds that twice included her being led away in handcuffs. Her attorney plans to appeal the decision. Government.

Photo: Kristina Hansen arrested at the WGHS tennis courts on May 4, 2016, the second time she was taken into custody.

Next up for a vote: Wine Region & Wine Fest

State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano are urging area residents to vote once a day each day for the Finger Lakes in USA Today's 10 Best online competitions to decide America's "Best Wine Region" and "Best Wine Festival." The Finger Lakes Region earned the "Best Wine Region" nod in 2018, reflecting its 140 wineries, four wine trails, and 9,300 acres of vineyards. Click here to vote for the "Best Wine Region." Click here to vote for "Best Wine Festival."

Fitzsimmons gets Hometown Law Party nod

Daniel J. Fitzsimmons has accepted the nomination of the Hometown Law Party as candidate for Schuyler County Judge. According to a press release, Fitzsimmons received more than 800 signatures from Schuyler voters -- "with support from Republican, Democratic, Conservative, Green and non-party voters" -- to run as an independent candidate for the position. A Schuyler County attorney, Schuyler County Law Guardian, former Town of Hector Justice and Schuyler County Principal Court Attorney, he is one of four candidates seeking to succeed the recently retired Dennis Morris on the bench. Steven Getman has the Republican Party backing, and Matt Hayden the nomination of the Democrats. Attorney Jessica Saks, also running as an independent, is the fourth candidate vying for election in November.

Photo: Dan Fitzsimmons (Photo provided)

O-M lists 6th marking period Honor Rolls

Odessa-Montour Junior/Senior High School has unveiled its High Honor and Honor Rolls for the sixth and final marking period of the 2018-19 school year. Honors.

Dems back Hayden in battle for County Judge

The Schuyler County Democratic Committee has unanimously selected county Chief Assistant District Attorney Matt Hayden as the party's candidate for Schuyler County Judge in the November election. Hayden is one of four candidates in the race -- and the lone Democrat. Steven Getman has the Republican nomination, while Jessica Saks and Dan Fitzsimmons, both registered Republicans, are running as independents. The candidates are vying for a 10-year term on the bench, recently vacated by Dennis Morris upon his retirement before the end of his term.

"Not only is Matt the best qualified candidate," said Democratic Committee Chairperson Carolyn Elkins, "but he also exhibits the highest ethical standard, the greatest dedication to community and charitable efforts, and the most experience in upholding the laws of our county while protecting our families."

Photo: Matt Hayden and Carolyn Elkins (Photo provided)

Heichel signs with Ithaca College; track ahead

Odessa-Montour graduating senior Kennedey Heichel signed a Division III Student-Athlete Celebratory Signing Form for Ithaca College Thursday in a gathering at the high school. Heichel, two-time Odessa File Female Athlete of the Year at O-M, two-time Odessa File Schuyler Spring MVP, two-time member of the Top Drawer 24 team of outstanding student-athlete-citizens in the area, and the O-M selection as its Female Athlete of the Year this year, plans to compete in Track & Field at IC.

Officials agree to work on dog-sheltering pact

Members of the Schuyler County Legislature and Supervisors of a half-dozen towns in the county have "agreed to work together toward an agreement with the Humane Society of Schuyler County for dog-sheltering services when stray dogs are recovered in any of the towns in Schuyler County," it was announced Friday -- apparently ending a move by five towns to contract with a private service entity. Government.

O-M bids farewell
to its Class of 2019

Odessa-Montour School District officials distributed diplomas to the graduating seniors at a commencement exercise Friday evening, June 28, in the school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium. A total of 65 students graduated, with many receiving scholarship awards during the ceremony. Graduation.

Photo: 2019 O-M graduate Maria Scata.

Rahal receives 6th annual Argetsinger Award

Team owner and former race car driver Bobby Rahal was honored Thursday night with the 6th annual Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports. He was honored by the Watkins Glen-based International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) during a dinner at the Corning Museum of Glass presented by Sahlen's, NASCAR, International Speedway Corp., IMSA and Watkins Glen International. The award memorializes Argetsinger, organizer of the first races at Watkins Glen and a founder of the Research Center. Longtime race reporter Dr. Jerry Punch was emcee. About 250 people attended, with proceeds going to the IMRRC, dedicated to the preservation of motorsports history. Sports.

Photo: IMRRC Historian Bill Green at the dinner, in front of a photo of Cameron Argetsinger.

Republican Committee gives nod to Getman

Schuyler County Atttorney Steven Getman (pictured at right) won the Republican nomination for County Court Judge Thursday night at a meeting of the Schuyler County Republican Committee. The nomination came over two other Republicans -- attorneys Jessica Saks and Dan Fitzsimmons -- both of whom have indicated they will run as independents. Schuyler County Chief Assistant District Attorney Matt Hayden is running on the Democratic line. "I am humbled and honored by the support of my fellow Schuyler County Republicans." Getman said. "I plan to run a clean, positive campaign, based on education, training and legal experience." The election is in November.

Rotary changes presidents, honors Carrigan

The Watkins-Montour Rotary Club held its annual Changeover Dinner Tuesday at the Watkins Glen Elks Lodge, with outgoing President Rebekah Carroll "passing the gavel" to incoming President Glenda Gephart. This being Gephart's second time as Rotary President, she said: "Thank you so very much for allowing me to do this again."

The Paul Harris Fellow Award, given annually to a Club member who exemplifies "service above self," was presented to Dena Carrigan, an active club volunteer who serves as Membership Chair. She also serves as Membership Committee Chair at the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, is assistant treasurer for the Italian-American Festival, secretary for the Spirit of Schuyler, a member of the merchandise committee for the Grand Prix Festival, a volunteer for the Montour Falls Fire department, and a volunteer for the Arc of Schuyler's annual 5K run. She began her banking career in 1986 with Columbia Bank, which was acquired in 1994 by Chemung Canal Trust Company. Dena and husband Sam have two sons, Kyle and Dale, and recently welcomed a grandson.

Photo in text: Dena Carrigan (Photo provided)

Betts signs to attend, swim at St. Leo U. in Fla.

Odessa-Montour High School graduate Alec Betts, after delaying his college entrance for a year, signed a Letter of Intent Wednesday to attend Division 2 Saint Leo University in Florida this fall and participate in its swim program. Betts, a standout swimmer at O-M before his 2018 graduation, plans a course of study in Sports Business, with an eye toward becoming a coach, possibly on the college level. The signing ceremony took place in the O-M School Board meeting room. Pieces from a congratulatory cake (photo) were distributed to the friends and family in attendance

85 receive diplomas
at WGHS graduation

The annual Watkins Glen High School Commencement Exercise was held Saturday afternoon in the school auditorium. Diplomas.


Photo: Graduates Kai Sutterby, left, and Annika Wickham.

Rondinaro honored at WGHS alumni banquet

Steve Rondinaro receives a Distinguished Alumnus Award at the 94th annual Watkins Glen High School dinner gathering. About 350 people attended. Schools.


Photo: Steve Rondinaro with his award.

Preparing for a 2,200-mile, old-school journey

Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer told Watkins-Montour Rotarians Thursday about his planned 2,200-mile, 90-day trek with several other men on a route traveled in 1825 by trapper, fur trader and frontiersman William H. Ashley on a return east with furs from Wyoming to Montana to St. Louis. The group will live as Ashley and his men lived, without modern conveniences, as they travel by horse, canoe and keelboat -- that last (30-foot) vehicle carrying them down the Missouri River. They will keep journals, and plan a book about the trip, comparing their efforts to those of Ashley. Messmer leaves for Wyoming on June 30; the trek -- not a re-enactment, but "truly a living history," he said, requiring "the same skill sets" possessed by mountain men in the first half of the 19th century and complete with discomfort and inherent dangers -- starts on July 7. Everything -- from clothing to the acquisition of food along the way -- will be "period correct,' he said, with a couple of safety valves: cell phones for occasional calls home (his wife, Cathy, will join him for a few days on the Missouri) and a link, if needed, to a medical helicopter.

Photo: Gerry Messmer in his journey clothing.

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Anyone wishing to contribute to The Odessa File -- which is dependent on advertising and donations -- may do so through a Paypal link in the left column of this page or by sending a check to The Odessa File, P.O. Box 365, Odessa, NY 14869.