O-M places 4th, WG 5th at Section IV meet

Waverly wins the team title in the Class C meet, held at Watkins Glen High School. Top finisher for Watkins was Nate Wickham, 2nd in the 100 Free. Sports.

Photo: O-M's Johnny Niedermaier on the podium after placing 3rd in the 200 IM

Friday Scoreboard

Indoor Track:
Section IV Chamionships

WG's Planty, Rekczis win Div. 2 individual titles at Ithaca College.

Girls Bowling:
Section IV State Qualifier

O-M season ends with 7th place finish at Waverly.

Stories on Sports

Photo: Watkins Glen's Gabe Planty, who won the 1000 Meter title. (Photo provided)

WGHS's 2nd marking period Honor Rolls

Watkins Glen High School has unveiled its High Honor Roll, Honor Roll and Merit Honors for the second marking period of the 2018-19 school year. Honors.

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: "WNY snowmobile crashes put spotlight on dangers." Column.

Left: Attorney Jim Reed

Rotary honors Weeden as Student of Month

Watkins Glen High School senior Casen Weeden (right) was honored Thursday by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its WGHS Student of the Month for February. He was introduced by the school's Library Media Specialist, Maggie Field, who described him as "a team player" who is "kind, respectful and reliable" and "a consistent High Honor student" with "a great sense of humor." Weeden competes in three school sports -- football, bowling and track -- and teaches Sunday School at his church. He volunteers at a Food Pantry and with the Lions Club, and plans to attend the Syracuse-based SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

One of a kind ...

The editor relinquishes his column space to hear from someone else about the life and impact of Dr. Blanche Borzell (right), who died on Feb. 9 at Schuyler Hospital. Column

------

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

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

--The first Friday on Franklin of 2019 is scheduled in Watkins Glen on March 1. For a look at the event, just click here.

--Schuyler County has a new Assistant County Attorney: Vinton Bovier Stevens. Government.

SPARK! Leadership Summit 2019: Educating and encouraging the leader in each of us!

Looking to sharpen your professional skills, learn cutting-edge techniques, and position yourself to be the best leader that you can be? Then you need to attend the SPARK! Leadership Summit, March 5, 2019 in Watkins Glen. It will engage, encourage, and educate the leader in each of us! For a full description of sessions and speaker bios, as well as an application for attendance, click here.

Watkins Glen boys win IAC Large Schools title

The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team -- led by Isaac McIlroy's 23 points and 15 by Joe Chedzoy -- overcame an early 13-2 deficit to defeat Whitney Point 62-56 Thursday night in the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Large Schools championship game at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Sports.

Bond named president of Hunt Engineers

The Watkins Glen resident, a longtime Hunt employee who has been the company's vice president since 2015, is only the third president in the 44-year history of the Horseheads firm. He succeeds Dan Bower, who will remain as CEO and Chief Strategic Officer. Business.

Photo: Chris Bond

Summer Jam woes conveyed to Legislature

Dozens of area residents were on hand at Monday's Schuyler Legislature meeting, with several cautioning legislators about the dangers of embracing the Aug. 16-18 Woodstock 50 festival at Watkins Glen International -- using the 1973 Summer Jam as a sobering example. County Administrator Tim O'Hearn assured them that the process of approving the festival is in its early stages, and that the Legislature is listening. "We're taking this seriously," he said -- but allowing the process to play out, giving the promoter every chance to "prove he can do what he says." Government.

Photo: Schuyler County Administrator Tim O'Hearn

Women's March: calling attention to inequality

Watkins Glen High School senior Kathleen Clifford weighs in with a description of the 2019 Women's March in Seneca Falls and some facts and thoughts on gender inequality in the United States. People.

Photo: Kathleen Clifford

Cargill team donates $5,000 to United Way

A team of Cargill Salt employees recently completed Project KliC at the Watkins Glen Cargill Salt Facility, involving installation of a system to refine Potassium Chloride (KCl). The team won the Cargill Salt Diamond Crystal award, which recognizes exceptional team performance. Members of such winning teams receive gifts and a grant of $5,000 to be donated to a charitable foundation of the team’s choice. The team chose to donate the entire $5,000 to the Schuyler County United Way.

Photo: Paul Clifford, Project KliC Team Leader (and past United Way board member) and current United Way board member Jessica Smith with the Diamond Crystal award. (Photo provided)

Officials urge AIM funding restoration

Odessa mayor Gerry Messmer was among local officials from around the state in Albany urging a restoration of the Aid and Incentives to Municipalities (AIM) funding, eliminated in Governor Cuomo's proposed Executive Budget. Albany.

Photo: Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer

A column by State Senator Tom O'Mara

Left: State Sen. Tom O'Mara

Series to explore Schuyler ag -- past & present

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County and the Schuyler County Historical Society are partnering in 2019 to tell the stories of Schuyler County agricutlure, putting together a series of free monthly talks about past agricultural endeavors and what’s happening in those areas today. Agriculture.

Arc of Schuyler rallies for DSP wage increase

Direct support professionals, advocates, and legislators rallied at the Broome County Courthouse in Binghamton on February 8, calling on the New York State legislature and Governor Cuomo to include $55 million in the New York State budget to pay direct support professionals what they called a fair, living wage. Features.

Photo: At the rally: Mandy Jensen, a Direct Support Professional at The Arc of Schuyler. (Photo provided)

Woodstock worries? Barnes urges patience

The Dix Town Board --at a Special Meeting on Feb. 7 called to discuss concerns about the Woodstock 50 weekend planned at Watkins Glen International in August -- heard from Schuyler County Legislator Phil Barnes, who cautioned that people should wait for more information before rushing to any judgment about the big concert. People.

Photo: Legislator Phil Barnes at the Dix Town Board meeting.

Odessa residents approve fire truck purchase

The residents of the village of Odessa on Feb. 7 approved the purchase of a new pumper/rescue truck to replace an old one. The vote count was 64-18.The purchase will be done without raising taxes. About a fourth of the cost is covered by the Odessa Fire Department's capital equipment reserve account, with the rest bonded. Existing equipment used on the current pumper will be transferred to the new truck.

Rotary honors Simpson as Student of Month

Odessa-Montour High School senior Nadia Simpson (pictured at right) was honored Feb. 7 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its O-M Student of the Month for January. Simpson was introduced by teacher Trina Shepherd, who described the honoree as "a well-rounded student" who "has made the most her high school career" while being "very polite, respectful, a leader, and helpful to peers and teachers." Simpson competes in soccer and track, is a cheerleader, and is president of Student Council and Interact and Vice President of the National Honor Society. She holds the school record in the 100 Meter Dash and excels at 200 Meters. She is planning to attend college, and is leaning toward SUNY Cortland, with an eye toward the field of Human Services.

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 seventh column -- "Save Energy -- Save Money" -- is by Executive Director Phil Cherry (left). Column.

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

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.

Perazzini, Leszyk greet public at Elks session

Lou Perazzini and Luke Leszyk -- running on the Republican ticket for Watkins Glen Village Trustee and Mayor, respectively, met with members of the public Feb. 7 at a Meet the Candidate Night organized by Perazzini at the Watkins Glen Elks Lodge. Perazzini, a graduate of Watkins Glen High School and part of the village community for 60 years, was employed by NYS DOT for 28 years, retiring in 2005, and later worked for the National Wild Turkey Federation, retiring in 2012. He and his wife Vickie then opened the Lake Valley Legends B&B on North Glen Avenue. He is also president of the Italian-American Festival. Leszyk, an Odessa-Montour graduate, was a New York State Trooper for 23 years -- the last 12 serving the people of Schuyler County -- before retiring in 2017. He and his wife Jane now own and operate Admiral Peabody's Lakeside Lodging on Seneca Lake. Also on hand at Thursday's gathering was Steve Decker -- Sergeant in Charge of the Watkins Glen Police Department -- who is running unopposed on the GOP line for Village Justice.

Photo in text: Luke Leszyk at the Elks Lodge Thursday.

'Ingenuity Night' draws crowd at high school

The Watkins Glen Central School District kicked off its Ingenuity Initiative with a ribbon-cutting and open house at the High School. Schools.

Left: School Board President Gloria Brubaker at the ribbon-cutting.

Matt Hayden announces run for County Judge

Schuyler County Chief Assistant District Attorney Matthew Hayden announced Feb. 5 at a press conference in the Watkins Glen Village Hall that he is seeking the post of Schuyler County Judge in the November election. The 10-year post is currently held by Dennis Morris, who has announced he will retire at the end of May. Hayden, a Democrat, has been Chief Assistant D.A. since 2004. In 2013, he won the "Prosecutor of the Year" award in New York State. Hayden is the first of several people expected to announce their candidacy for the bench. He was introduced at Tuesday's gathering -- attended by supporters from both parties -- by his campaign manager, retired school superintendent Tom Phillips.

Photo in text: Matt Hayden addresses his supporters at Tuesday's gathering.

Lafayette Park clock is a legacy born of love

The Victorian-style clock in Watkins Glen's Lafayette Park is a reminder of the importance of the park to people like benefactor Robert L. Paradiso and a visible example of ongoing upgrades at the popular village location. People.

A column by Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer

The mayor provides us with his third in a series of columns on what is happening in Odessa. Column.

Photo: Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer

Schuyler Steps Out is returning for 13th year

Schuyler Steps Out -- the free community walking program presented by Schuyler Hospital -- will return for its 13th year with a March kickoff. For details, see the story on the People Page.

Woodstock 50 to be held at WGI in August

The 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Music Festival will be held on the grounds of Watkins Glen International from Aug. 16-18. The original Woodstock organizer, Michael Lang (pictured at right), announced the plans -- detailed in a lengthy New York Times article here. WGI will be used instead of the Woodstock site in Bethel Woods, NY, which "simply doesn't have the capacity to host our official Woodstock 50 celebration," Lang said. No official musical lineup for the event has been unveiled, but Lang told Rolling Stone magazine that dozens of guests have been booked. Tickets -- a reported 110,000 --go on sale in February.

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?

We are always looking for advertisers to help promote their businesses and, by extension, our region. For a list of Odessa File Ad rates, click here.

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.

Palmesano joins in tipped-wage credit rally

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) joins other lawmakers and restaurant industry representives for an Albany rally in support of the tipped-wage credit -- which proponents say helps keep restaurant employment up and costs down. Government.

Photo: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, left, at rally

Harbor Hotel's Ice Bar concludes 3-night run

The 8th annual Ice Bar event opened Jan. 31 at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel -- the first evening of a three-night run that sold out Feb. 1 and 2. There were about 500 ticket holders present the first night, with 1,000 on hand each of the following two nights. Sculpted ice bars, a sculpted ice throne and sculpted ice advertising populated the hotel patio, while area wineries and related food businesses were providing wine and food samples in the hotel ballroom. A portion of the proceeds goes to the American Red Cross.

Photo: F.L.X. Wienery was among the businesses on hand.

Dems pick DeNardo as their mayoral candidate

Watkins Glen Village Trustee Laurie DeNardo was chosen by registered village Democrats meeting in caucus Jan. 29 to be their mayoral candidate in the March 19 village election. She defeated incumbent Mayor Sam Schimizzi, 37-31, in a paper-ballot vote of Democrats meeting in the Watkins Glen Village Hall.

Schimizzi, who is completing a single four-year term as head of the Village Board, said afterward that he has no plans to seek any office in the near future.

The vote -- from 68 out of the 420 registered Democratic voters in the village -- followed short speeches by the two candidates after each was nominated. Speeches of support were also presented by Stacy Gray on behalf of Schimizzi, and by Phil Cherry on behalf of DeNardo.

The caucus also unanimously named Nan Woodworth -- a recent addition to the Village Board through appointment following the resignation of Kevin Thornton -- and Brian Eslinger (a recent candidate for the county Legislature) to seek the two available trustee seats. Incumbent Gary Schmidt earlier chose not to seek re-election.

DeNardo will be facing Republican Luke Leszyk, while Republican Lou Perazzini will be running for trustee against Woodworth and Eslinger. The top two trustee vote-getters earn the two trustee seats. The Democrats have no candidate for Village Justice to challenge Republican Steve Decker. Incumbent Justice Connie Fern Miller is not seeking a second term.

Photos: Caucus Chair John Vona (top) and Mayor Sam Schimizzi at Tuesday's gathering.

WGHS artists' work on display at museum

Art by selected Watkins Glen High School students will be on display at the Arnot Art Museum as part of the museum's annual Scholastic Art Winners program. For a sampling of the art and the museum's hours, see Schools.

Left: From Ashlyn Karius's The Nuclear Shadow.

Arc reaches 50% of its capital campaign goal

The Arc of Schuyler's first-ever capital campaign has raised half of the local goal of $375,000 to be used in its $1.75 million renovation and expansion project -- designed to update the organization's services and make it more inclusive for people with disabilities and for the general public. Business.

Chamber holds its annual Gala at the hotel

The annual Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Winter Gala presented by the Visions Federal Credit Union attracted 270 people Jan. 26 to the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. The night consisted of dining, socializing, auctions, blackjack, awards, and live music by Suspect. Awards went to Matthew Sharp of Cameron Manufacturing and Design (the annual Community Spirit Award) and Grist Iron Brewing LLC (the Leader in Business Award). Scores of businesses and individuals provided donations and other support for the evening.

Photo: Dr. Katherine Douglas, president of SUNY Corning Community College, was among the attendees.

Village Board OKs plant bills, sets tax-sale list

The Watkins Glen Village Board handled a number of basic housekeeping matters Jan. 22, briefly discussed upcoming projects at Clute Park, and:
--Approved an ad seeking a Kayak Launch vendor.
--Approved a Joint Project Committee audit of invoices totaling $255,599.98, bringing expenses on the new wastewater treatment plant to $7 million, with $25 million to go.
--Heard a suggestion from resident Barb Cook for an addition to the Domestic Animal Protection Act regarding protective enclosures provided by pet owners.
--Approved a list of 28 properties with unpaid taxes of almost $29,000 to be advertised for tax certificate sale. The total is down from recent years.
--Congratulated Sergeant in Charge Steve Decker for being honored by WETM as a "Most Valuable Citizen."

Photo: Sergeant in Charge Steve Decker

A column from Assemblyman Phil Palmesano

The Assemblyman (R,C,I-Corning) says it is important that we all try to follow the example set by the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Column.

Photo: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano

Eagle Scout's exhibit looks at region in 1700s

A trove of family treasures was turned into an Eagle Scout project by a Bath resident, Griffin Bates (right), and his work is now on display at the Schuyler County Historical Society’s Brick Tavern Museum. People.

Photo at right: Griffin Bates

High-speed chase ends in injuries, arrest

A Reading Center man was arrested Jan. 17 following a high-speed chase that ended on the north end of Watkins Glen when he crashed avoiding a roadblock and hit another vehicle, injuring two people in the second car. They were reportedly airlifted to Robert Packer Hospital. The man, identified as Jazmany Caraballo, 37, was hospitalized locally. Charges are pending. Authorities said the incident began with an assault that allegedly occurred in the Schuyler County Courthouse parking lot. They said Caraballo fled the scene in a vehicle later spotted in Yates County, which was chased by police back toward Watkins Glen. Police said the suspect swerved to avoid the blockade on Route 14 just north of the village's downtown, went off the road and hit a vehicle that had pulled over, injuring the two people inside it.

Photo: Damaged car at the scene of the roadblock.

Man dies in farm accident in Town of Hector

The Schuyler County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal farm accident that occurred Wednesday morning on Dolphsburg Road in the Town of Hector. Deputies said Jay E. Arcangeli, 51, of Burdett, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Schuyler County Coroner's office after becoming entangled in a power take-off unit. The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Burdett Fire and Rescue and by Schuyler Ambulance.

WGHS's Ashley Smith honored by Rotary Club

Watkins Glen High School senior Ashley Smith was honored Jan. 10 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its WGHS Student of the Month for January. The honoree was introduced by teacher Kaz Popovich, who said Smith is "an incredibly responsible and conscientious student who always works hard and achieves at a high level. She has demonstrated in her classes that she is a very clever young lady and has good leadership abilities." Smith, president of the school's Year Book Club, said she plans to attend Corning Community College and study Accounting and Business Management.

Of Clute Park and the Italian Festival's future

The Watkins Glen Village Board discusses the upcoming Clute Park renovations and hears from Lou Perazzini (right), president of the Watkins Glen Italian American Festival, regarding the festival committee's commitment to a 40th anniversary celebration at Clute in August of 2019 -- but its doubts and questions regarding the festival's future after that. Government.

Framing begins at site of Seneca Cheese Co.

Workers were erecting the ground-floor framing Thursday, Jan. 3 at the site of the former Eyes on Seneca building, 29 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, home of the future Seneca Cheese Company. The building previously on the grounds was razed recently when it was determined -- after the roof was removed to make way for a second-floor -- that the existing building was structurally unsound. Owners Bob and Barb MacBlane still plan a two-story mixed-use building, where local cheese, beer and wine products will be sold, with consumption available on-site -- including on a second-floor deck. An apartment is also planned on the upper floor.

Barnes, Blowers sworn in; Fagan is chairman

The Schuyler County Legislature held its annual reorganizational meeting Wednesday morning, Jan. 2, with incumbents Phil Barnes and Carl Blowers sworn in to another term of office after winning re-election in November. Blowers ran unopposed, while Barnes narrowly defeated challenger Brian Eslinger. Legislator Dennis Fagan, who has served as chairman since 2010, was re-elected by his fellow legislators to that post for another year, with Democrat Michael Lausell opposed.

S. Tier, Finger Lakes regions awarded funds

The Southern Tier Region will be awarded a total of $65.4 million and the Finger Lakes Region $86.5 million under the eighth round of funding through the state's Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) initiative, it was announced Tuesday. "The Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions continue to stand out," said State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano in a joint statement. "This ongoing success is the greatest testament of all to the regional leaders ... whose hard work has been unmatched." For a list of projects benefiting from the awards, click here.

A 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 sixth column -- "4-H in the Community" -- is by Lisa Shrout, 4-H Program Educator at CCE Schuyler. Column.

Photo: Lisa Shrout (Provided)

Christmas by song delivered to Rotarians

The Watkins-Montour Rotary Club -- at its Dec. 20 luncheon meeting -- was entertained with live Christmas music by Sarah Schlueter-Eisman, well-known locally for years for her soaring voice. Schlueter-Eisman performed several songs, starting with O Holy Night and including Let It Snow, Away in a Manger, Do You Hear What I Hear, and It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

Photo at right: Sarah Schlueter-Eisman at Rotary.

Watkins Board amends Zoning Code to control
short-term rentals

The Watkins Glen Village Board passes Local Law amending the Zoning Code, ponders how to finance the replacement of a damaged fire truck, listens to a former mayor complain about Clute Park plans, and honors the late Nicholas Dugo. Government.

Photo: Watkins Glen Mayor Sam Schimizzi at Monday's meeting.

The 17th installment of The Answers

Travis Durfee, President of the Watkins Glen Faculty Association, weighs in with The Answers, a regular column dealing with education in the Watkins Glen School District. This is the 17th installment: "A successful service project." Column.

Left: Travis Durfee

Morris to retire June 1; sets up Nov. election

Schuyler County Judge Dennis Morris -- saying "it just seemed like it was time" -- will retire on June 1, 2019, well ahead of the end of the 10-year term he won in 2011. A new 10-year term will be up for grabs in a November election. Government.

Photo: Schuyler County Judge Dennis Morris. (File Photo)

Historic cuckoo clock donated to Museum

A double cuckoo clock with possibly royal lineage is donated to the Schuyler County Historical Society by Rick Evans, who said "it belongs to the people of Schuyler County. It's part of their history." People.

Photo: The cuckoo clock on a wall at the Historical Society's Brick Tavern Museum in Montour Falls.

Students, coaches offload Seneca Santa truck

The annual delivery of a Hesselson truckload of Seneca Santa toys, games and other gifts for underprivileged children (ages 2-12) in Schuyler County was conducted Dec. 12 at the First Presbyterian Church in Watkins Glen -- with the truck full of goods (purchased at cost by the Seneca Santa organization) offloaded with the help of Watkins Glen High School student-athletes and coaches. Dozens of students tossed and handed packages from one to another as the boxes were maneuvered to a storage room upstairs, where they will be sorted and wrapped (with the help of Girl Scouts) before the delivery shortly before Christmas to about 120 families with about 300 children.

Photo: WGHS students hand packages up the church stairs.

Planning Board gives go-ahead to Cheese Co.

The Watkins Glen Planning Board on Dec. 12 gave its blessing to the construction of the Seneca Cheese Company building at 29 N. Franklin St. -- on a lot where the building its owners, Bob and Barb MacBlane, had purchased and planned to renovate was instead razed last week when it was determined it was structurally unsound. The Planning Board -- told by County Planner Kristin Van Horn that a reading of regulations showed construction, if hewing to the footprints (size, shape and plans) of the original Planning Board-approved building -- required no further public hearings and no further board measures. Accordingly, the board told Mr. MacBlane -- who assured them the building would indeed be the same as the original -- to proceed. Construction, he said, will begin soon -- that despite increasing costs, "good things are happening" in Watkins Glen. "We want to be part of it." The building will be two floors, with one apartment. Local cheese, beer and wine products will be available, with consumption available on-site -- including on a second-floor deck.

Photo in text: Bob MacBlane studies some papers before start of the Planning Board session.

Looking to advertise on The Odessa File?

We are always looking for advertisers to help promote their businesses and, by extension, our region. For a list of Odessa File Ad rates, click here.

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.