A column by State Senator Tom O'Mara

Left: State Sen. Tom O'Mara

Schuyler update: Vaccine supply is limited

Vaccination is currently open to individuals in Phases 1A and 1B in New York State, but the vaccine supply is currently limited. Schuyler County Public Health and Schuyler Hospital say they are prepared to hold clinics every week, but contingent on how many doses of vaccine are received from New York State. Business.

Lawmakers hail NY move to reinstate sports

State legislators from around the region (at right: State Senator Tom O'Mara) cheer the state's decision to allow local health officials to make the call on starting up high school sports seasons beginning February 1. Sports include the previously suspended basketball, wrestling, volleyball and competitive cheerleading. Sports.

An Inspirational Man ...

The editor looks back to a man who has long inspired him: the late Bishop of Pennsylvania, Robert L. DeWitt, who had served as rector at the editor's boyhood church. Column.

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

Temporarily closing: Primary Care offices

In order for Schuyler Hospital to relocate family and primary care offices to the new Primary and Convenient Care space within the hospital, offices will be closed during the week of January 25. The new space will open for patients on Monday, February 1. Montour Falls Primary and Convenient Care will be open Monday and Tuesday, January 25-26, for regular hours and appointments.They will have no appointments Wednesday through Friday, January 27-29, but staff will be available by phone for prescriptions and other needs. Dr. Spaulding’s office will be closed Monday through Friday, January 25-29. Any questions, contact the Primary Care Center at (607) 535-7154 or email info@schuylerhospital.org.

O'Mara, Palmesano rip Cuomo's budget plan

State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (right) criticize Governor Andrew Cuomo's proposed 2021-22 state budget, announced Jan. 19. They see it as a high-deficit, high-spending plan that will leave future generations of already overburdened New Yorkers holding the bill and paying even higher taxes. Govt.

Photo: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano.

Glen School Board OKs hoops conditioning

The Watkins Glen School Board has given the go-ahead to a plan prepared by Athletic Director Rod Weeden that offers basketball conditioning drills in the Field House gym, to start as soon as possible. Schools.

Photo: Superintendent Greg Kelahan

Keep the Wreath Blue campaign: 4 Red Bulbs

Schuyler County fire officials, prevented by the pandemic from entering schools to teach fire prevention, have been presenting their Keep the Wreath Blue messages on The Odessa File. For the sixth in a series of articles on fire prevention, click here.

2 more join The Essentials of Schuyler County

Two more honorees -- former Watkins Glen Mayor Mark Swinnerton and Dr. Cynthia Terry -- have been named to The Essentials, joining 26 other individuals named by a committee over the past couple of years. The Essentials are 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

Watkins Glen High School graduate Allison Gibson earns President's List status at SUNY Cortland. People.

Watkins Glen man dies in one-vehicle accident

State Troopers are investigating a fatal crash on Middle Road in the Town of Veteran early Saturday morning that took the life of a Watkins Glen man, Thomas Rockwell, 26. Police said Rockwell's northbound pickup truck left the road and struck a tree at about 4:30 a.m. Rockwell, the lone occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the accident is under iinvestigation.

Reed signs letter with 3 Senators, 33 other Reps urging President to denounce violence

Representative Tom Reed (R-Corning) signed a bicameral letter Wednesday with three Senators and 33 other members of Congress urging President Trump to denounce violence and speak out against further attacks on democratic institutions. Government.

Photo: Congressman Tom Reed

Area state legislators to Cuomo: Start sports

State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblymen Phil Palmesano and Chris Friend urge Governor Andrew Cuomo to give the go-ahead to all high school sports, including basketball and wrestling. Both sports are currently designated "high risk" by the state. Sports.

Photo: Senator Tom O'Mara

When a Senatorial candidate stopped in Glen

More than 20 years ago, Republican Rick Lazio (right) -- seeking the U.S. Senate seat ultimately won by Democrat Hillary Clinton -- stopped in Watkins Glen the day after securing the GOP nomination. Here, The Odessa File editor -- having unearthed his unpublished account of that day -- dusts off the story's cobwebs and presents it here. Blast from the past.

Deputy Sheriff's unit donates to UWay, SOS

The Schuyler County Deputy Sheriff's Association has donated $5,000 each to the Spirit of Schuyler and the United Way of Schuyler County. The funds come from the Association's annual fund-raising campaign and other donations received during the year.

SOS spokesman Tony Vickio said the donation "will benefit needy residents in our county. We are so fortunate to have the Sheriff's Department that we do."

Added United Way Executive Director Peggy Scott: "We can't thank the Deputy Sheriff's Association enough for this wonderfully generous donation. The $5,000 will be divided among the 21 agencies that United Way helps support and will go toward the 2020 campaign goal of $123,000."

Photo in text: From left, the Deputy Sheriff's Association's Kyle Benjamin and Kevin Rumsey, and SOS's Tony Vickio.

Blowers reappointed as Legislature chairman

Carl Blowers was reappointed to the chairmanship of the Schuyler County Legislture when the legislators met virtually Jan. 6 for their annual organizational meeting. The Zoom session saw Blowers nominated by Legislator Mark Rondinaro and seconded by Van Harp. There were no other nominations, and the vote was unanimous.

The board also heard from Public Health Director Deb Minor, who reported on the early stages of Moderna vaccine distribution in the county -- a state-mandated process from which Public Health "can't deviate," she said. Distribution is currently in Phase 1A, which is expected to continue through January. It includes a lengthy list of high-risk workers and individuals.

Photo in text: Chairman Carl Blowers during Zoom session.

Elks donate to Health Foundation, Ambulance

The Schuyler Health Foundation and Schuyler Ambulance received grant checks from the Watkins Glen Elks Lodge #1546 Tuesday afternoon in presentations held in front of Schuyler Hospital. Features.

2 of Schuyler's leading lights in the pandemic

In a year that above most cried out for calm, efficient leadership, Schuyler County was blessed with its share of people providing exactly that -- among them Odessa-Montour School District Superintendent Chris Wood and Schuyler Hospital President and Chief Financial Officer Rebecca Gould. We look at the job the two of them have done in this year of the pandemic. Honorees.

Photos: O-M's Chris Wood; Schuyler Hospital's Rebecca Gould

A 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: "Ziff Law Firm ready to help Tiers families." Column.

Left: Attorney Jim Reed

Available on Kindle:
The Maiden of Mackinac

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

Left: Cover art by Jon Haeffner

Visit Jerlando's Ristorante & Pizzeria

Three locations: in Watkins Glen, Horseheads and Montour Falls

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

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

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.

Building projects moving forward ...

The new Glen Lake Apartments complex on Second Street and the $5 million grant-driven Clute Park redevelopment project are taking shape in Watkins Glen. The Clute park landscape is dominated by the framework of a planned 6,000-square-foot events facility. The project will also include a 1,500-square-foot bathhouse, outside showers, and a 10,000-square-foot seasonal ice rink. Target date for completion is early June.

The Glen Lake complex, nearing completion, offers 34 apartments -- two on the ground floor and 16 each on the second and third floors -- and a 7,300-square-foot child-care facility. Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services has partnered with the Watkins Glen Housing Authority on the facility, which INHS says "will be affordable to renters earning between 30% and 70% of the Area Median Income."

"Low-risk sports" ahead, in a virtual fashion

Area high schools are looking ahead to a winter sports season that consists of bowling, boys swimming and indoor track, but not head-to-head against opponents. The competitions will be virtual, with each school bowling at its home alley or swimming in its home pool -- never traveling to the opponent's alley or pool -- and comparing results aferward. Says Watkins Glen High School Athletic Director Rod Weeden: "Just having the opportunity to even practice and develop a personal best may be something we can hold on to." Sports.

Cotton-Hanlon, Inc. is celebrating 100 years

Cotton-Hanlon, Inc. -- a forest products company with a long and fruitful history in the Odessa-Cayuta area -- is marking 100 years in business since the 1921 partnership between H.A. Hanlon and B.J. Cotton. The company takes a look back at that history on the Forum.

Above Montour Falls: a ring around the moon

The photo at right -- with a vivid ring of light showing around the moon -- was snapped at about 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 30 by Sarah Agan in Montour Falls. The unusual sight was captured with her cell phone camera. While stunning enough, the photo "does no justice," said Agan. "It was spectacular."

Photo by Sarah Agan

Glen Copack is coming off a challenging year

Glen Copack Food Manufacturing, part of The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler’s Business Services Division, is looking back on a challenging yet productive 2020. Glen Copack has implemented some new procedures as it looks ahead to 2021, continuing to offer employment and vocational training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Business

Look for SCCUDD message on pizza boxes

The Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs (SCCUDD) has undertaken a project called “Pizza Box Sticker Shock.” It consists of youth-designed substance abuse prevention stickers placed on pizza boxes in local restaurants and convenience stores. Features.

Firefighters extinguish flames in Odessa home

Firefighters were called out at 10:55 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2 in Odessa to the report of smoke in a cellar at 106 Church Street. Odessa Fire Chief John Jelliff said there "a small fire in the residence" and that it "was extinguished by Odessa firefighters." Also responding were fire departments from Montour Falls, Watkins Glen, Mecklenberg and Newfield, along with Schuyler Ambulance. "All mutual aid was cancelled once the fire was determined to be out," Jelliff said, adding: "The residence sustained approximately $3,000 in damage," but was "still habitable." The cause of the fire was undetermined.

Seneca Santa gifts delivered by firefighters

Fire Departments around Schuyler County, as they do annually, delivered bags of gifts Thursday to families that had applied to Seneca Santa -- a non-profit program that has helped families in need at Christmas-time for more than 80 years. Each fire department picked up its share of the gifts -- donated by area residents and businesses, and purchased by Seneca Santa -- at the First Presbyterian Church in Watkins Glen, where the distribution is organized each Christmas season. More than 100 families were on Seneca Santa's list this year, with more than 250 recipients -- children ages 2-12. The program has been run for 30 years by Peggy Scott of Burdett.

2 Watkins students added to weightlifting hall

Two Watkins Glen High School powerlifters -- 8th grader Nick D'Alleva and 9th grader Thomas Field -- have been added to the Senecas Weightlifting Hall of Fame, whose members' names are displayed on a plaque in the WGHS weight room. The Hall was initiated in 2007 by weightlifting coach Ralph Diliberto, who has selected 25 members over the years. The first was Jeff Meehan, and all but one have been WGHS students -- the exception being Odessa-Montour's Dominick Fazzary. Diliberto said he selects inductees "for their dedication to physical fitness and their overall integrity." D'Alleva and Field, with several powerlifting state records in their three years of lifting, "are the youngest ever to go into the hall, well deserved," Diliberto added.

Photo in text: Nick D'Alleva, left, and Thomas Field with their induction plaques. (Photo provided)

CCE Column: Energy and the Environment

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County is providing a monthly column here on its ongoing educational activities and offerings. The 12th column -- Energy and the Environment" -- is by Executive Director Phil Cherry (left). Column.

A column by Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer

The mayor provides us with his seventh in a series of columns on what is happening in Odessa. This time: "Summertime in Odessa is here!" Column.

Photo: Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer

Hospital offering drive-through saliva testing

Schuyler Hospital will now offer COVID-19 saliva testing at its drive-through location at the front entrance of the hospital. The sampling location was opened earlier this year and until now only offered swab testing, which is still available. Business.

Seneca View reports upswing in COVID cases

Schuyler Hospital officials said Dec. 21 that they were experiencing an increase in COVID-19 positive cases at the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility: 18 known positive cases. Fourteen of those residents were experiencing no symptoms. People.

House a total loss after fire strikes in Hector

A fire at about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 16 left a house at 5209 County Road 4 (Logan Road) in the Town of Hector a total loss. In the photo above by Bob Groll, the shell of the house remains after the blaze. The family, which escaped the structure, called 911. Firefighters arriving on the scene found the house engulfed in flames. Officials said the blaze was caused by a wood stove.

Pierce stepping down at Watkins Promotions

Carole Pierce, the longtime Director of Events at Watkins Glen Promotions, will retire at the end of the year. Her successor will be Michaela Christensen, a Promotions board member since 2016. For the story, see Business.

Accident KOs power in Watkins for 2+ hours

The power throughout Watkins Glen was knocked out from 4 p.m. until after 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14. Mayor Luke Leszyk said the outage occurred when a truck backed into a light pole across the road from Clute Park, triggering a surge and then a safety shutdown in the village's metering station on Cass Road. Village crews restored power to the south end of Watkins at 6:20 p.m., and to the rest of the village 10 minutes later. One casualty, a Watkins School Board meeting, was rescheduled to Tuesday.

NYSPHSAA cancels all winter state championships, postpones high-risk sports

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association has announced the cancellaton of all 2021 winter sports State Championships and the postponement of all high-risk sports until authorization is granted by state officials. Sports.

Snowmobilers urged to exercise caution

Finger Lakes National Forest officials are recommending that snowmobilers use caution when operating on National Forest and other lands in New York this winter. People.

Remembering a WGHS championship day

Ten years ago, a group of Watkins Glen High School soccer players won the IAC Large Division championship game over Trumansburg -- a memory that brings some pleasure in a pandemic era that has yielded neither local high school sports nor much to smile about. To revisit that game, see Soccer.

Truck makes its annual Seneca Santa delivery

The annual visit by a Hesselson's truck to the First Presbyterian Church of Watkins Glen was held Dec. 8th, its cargo being toys and other gifts bought by the Seneca Santa program for distribution to families in need in Schuyler County. The non-profit Seneca Santa program, which uses the church each this year to gather donated and purchased gifts, has requests this year from 106 families with 243 children. The presents are delivered by local firefighters to the recipients, ages 2-12, on Christmas Eve. Seneca Santa, begun more than 80 years ago, has been run for 30 years by Peggy Scott of Burdett, who said donations of new, unwrapped gift items are being accepted until Dec. 18. (See a list of drop-off locations on Forum.)

Photos: Kick balls were among the gifts purchased by Seneca Santa from Hesselson's this year.

Health Foundation elects new members

The Schuyler Health Foundation recently elected new members to its Board of Directors and named its board officers for 2020-2021. Business.

4 restaurants honored in placemat campaign

The Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs (SCCUDD) has recognized 4 restaurants with which it partnered to educate area youth about the dangers of substance use. The four did so through the distribution of child-focused placemats containing crossword puzzles, word finds and other activities promoting SCCUDD's message. People.

Photo: Curt Connelly, owner of Curly's Family Restaurant

Distributing holiday toys and gifts in Odessa

The Odessa Fire Department, in lieu of an in-person Christmas party for area kids this year, was distributing toys and other gifts Dec. 6 in drive-through fashion to families living within the fire district. More than two-dozen families with more than 50 kids signed up to drive past the fire hall at the Municipal Building and collect gifts from fire department elves -- holiday gifts being something the department and its Auxiliary have provided for years. Just as the car drive-through began, officials marked the occasion by lighting the Village Christmas Tree on the lawn nearby.

Photos: Gifts distributed by Santa's elves were the order of the day Sunday outside the Odessa Municipal Building.

Sheriff's Office warns about scam phone calls

The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office has received several complaints of residents receiving phone calls originating in Texas but displaying the phone number of the Sheriff’s Office: (607) 535-8222. The caller is attempting to get Social Security numbers and other personal information.

Do not answer such a call. If you do answer, hang up if asked for personal information. Remember: the IRS and Social Security Administration will not call for information. If you suspect a call may be legitimate, hang up and look up the number for the agency and call them back. The Sheriff's phone number -- (607) 535-8222 -- is an incoming number only. Calls from the Sheriff’s Office will display a different number.

WG schools going virtual on Nov. 30, and then nearly full-time in school after Christmas break

The Watkins Glen school district will go fully virtual in its education on Monday, Nov. 30 in a move designed to bring students back into the classroom full-time (or nearly so) after the first of the year. Superintendent Greg Kelahan (right) said the period of virtual education will enable the district to adjust schedules, reconfigure classrooms and prepare transportation for the move to full-time in-school education on Jan. 4 -- away from the hybrid schedule it has been following this school year (in which students attending school have done so just two days a week). Students will have the options of virtual learning or in-school education, with PK-6th grade attending classes on-site five days a week and 7th-12th graders at least four days, with Wednesday likely virtual because of staffing issues. Schools.

Notarfonzo honored with Paul Harris award

Kathie Notarfonzo (pictured on the left with Rotarian Michelle Benjamin), has been named a Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow -- which celebrates "service above self" -- for her multiple involvement in the business and civic life of Watkins Glen. Kathie, a fitness instructor at Exercise Enterprise in Watkins since 1985, is also a yoga instructor, a trained health coach, and operator of Inner Peace Floats on 4th Street. She also started the annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving mornings in Watkins, encouraging participants to donate food to Schuyler Outreach's Food Pantry; is on the board of MR Hess Home Works, a local not-for-profit educating the community about suicide and prevention; and has been employed by the Finger Lakes State Parks since 1986, working her way up to the second in command. She lives with her husband Mark and three sons in Hector.

WGI announces Wine Festival art contest

Watkins Glen International has created an art contest to help celebrate the 25th anniversary in 2021 of the Finger Lakes Wine Festival, held at WGI. The winning art will be part of the official event poster. Entries will be accepted until Jan. 31, 2021. Features.

Hospital to provide telehealth services to CCC

Schuyler Hospital, a member of Cayuga Health, has partnered with SUNY Corning Community College to provide "augmented" telehealth and telemedicine services to SUNY CCC students, staff and faculty. Schools.

Along the canal

The sun was shining brightly as it started setting Friday, Dec. 11th, but there were dark clouds to the north over Seneca Lake. The water on the canal was still and reflective. The man who snapped this photo, Mark Taylor, said he liked how the scene "evokes this time of year."

OSFL's holiday concert tradition continues

The Orchestra of the Southern FInger Lakes (OSFL) is holding a series of online holiday concerts and Beethoven talks during the month of December, scheduled on Facebook and YouTube. All are free. For a schedule and more information, see Features.

Volunteers string lighted garland on Glen poles

With a biting wind blowing off the nearby lake, volunteers undertook the task on Saturday morning, Dec. 5th of wrapping strings of garland around dozens of light poles along Franklin Street in Watkins Glen. Mayor Luke Leszyk helped set the first garland on a pole in front of Village Hall, and then joined other two-and three-person teams tackling the other 80 or 90 poles stretching south from near the shoreline. Each garland contains strings of bulbs that plug into the poles, designed to make the holiday season that much brighter in downtown Watkins Glen.

Photo: A Garland goes up on a pole across Franklin from the hotel -- where coffee and donuts awaited volunteers afterward.

A guest column by Leslie Danks Burke

Leslie Danks Burke is a regional public advocate who recently ran for the New York State Senate in the 58th district. Here she provides a column titled "Beyond." Column.

Left: Leslie Danks Burke

Hartney honored by NYS Office for the Aging

The Reverend Michael Hartney (pictured at right) is honored by the New York State Office for the Aging at its Older New Yorkers' Day virtual celebration for his contributions to his community, while retired teachers Marie Fitzsimmons and Kate LaMoreaux receive a special award for a Learning Support Program pod they initiated. Features.

Watkins Glen International unveils 2021 slate

The full slate of scheduled activities includes Opening Weekend, a loaded NASCAR Weekend, and Wine and Beer Festivals. Sports.

Ribbon-cutting marks Cruise Terminal opening

Local and state dignitariies were on hand Dec. 1st for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the first private-sector Downtown Revitalization Initiative project completed in Watkins Glen, the new Port of Seneca Cruise Terminal Building -- successor to the old Captain Bill's gift shop on the southern shore of Seneca Lake. For a story and photos, see Business.

Photo: Mark Simiele, owner of the new Port of Seneca Cruise Terminal Building, speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Schuyler Toys for Tots campaign is under way

Check out Schuyler County drop-off spots and how to apply for toys. It's all in a Letter to the Editor. Forum.

Photo: Toys for Tots is part of a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Foundation program.

A foggy day outside Odessa

The fog settled in earnest Nov. 30 in the hills outside Odessa, eventually spreading to the village itself. This shot of the Hoffman Farm at Catharine Corners -- up the hill from Odessa, and the site for many years of a summer Cheese Festival -- was snapped coming down the Ridge Road by Liz Fraboni.

Watkins man charged with Grand Larceny

Louis A. Latorre, 46, of Watkins Glen has been arrested on a charge of Grand Larceny, 2nd degree, a class C Felony, after allegedly stealing over $50,000 from Watkins Glen Supply (right), a hardware business at 2768 State Route 14 in the Town of Dix. The Schuyler County Sheriff's Office said Latorre is accused of stealing the money over a 6-year period while employed at the business. He was arraigned in the Village of Watkins Glen court and released to reappear in Town of Dix court at a later date.

Danks Burke concedes State Senate election

Leslie Danks Burke (right), Democratic candidate for State Senate in the 58th district, has conceded the election to the incumbent, Republican Tom O’Mara. A press release said that while Danks Burke "significantly narrowed" O'Mara's lead during the absentee ballot count, "there are no longer enough outstanding ballots to fully close the gap." In a statement, she said: "Based on the numbers we have seen so far, it is clear that we will not see the outcome we hoped for. And out of respect for the voters and the principles on which our democratic republic is founded, we accept this outcome for the next two years." Looking ahead, she said: "Today's results are a disappointment, yet we know that this is a long game. ... As every ball player knows -- Good game, good game! And I'll see you on the field next time."

Glen Gators cleared to use Community Center

The Watkins Glen Village Board Tuesday night unanimously approved a request by The Glen Gators swim club to use the Watkins Glen Community Center three evenings a week, with the usual facility fee waived. "This was really a no-brainer," said Mayor Luke Leszyk. Government.

Photo: Watkins Glen Mayor Luke Leszyk during Tuesday's Zoom session.

O'Hearn: Yellow designation seems unlikely

Schuyler County Administrator Tim O’Hearn says that given the small size of Schuyler and the relatively low number of active Covid-19 cases here, it seems unlikely that the state would move the county into its Yellow Zone of pandemic restrictions. Government.

Photo: Schuyler County Administrator Tim O'Hearn (File photo)

Remembering Bill Davis ... by Brian O'Donnell

Historian and former Watkins Glen principal and School Board member Brian O'Donnell weighs in on the life and times of former Watkins Glen School District Athletic Director Bill Davis, who died recently in Florida. Forum.

Photo: Brian J. O'Donnelll (File photo)

BOE nixes 2 requests; super eyes remote plan

The Watkins Glen School Board on Monday, Nov. 16 rejected a request for a winter conditioning program, and turned down the Glen Gators' request to use the school pool. Board members also heard Superintendent Greg Kelahan (pictured at right) explain how he is considering transitioning the district to fully remote education through the holidays. Schools.

Danks Burke's Schuyler lawsuit is dismissed

A New York State Supreme Court Judge has thrown out the lawsuit filed by Democratic New York State Senate candidate Leslie Danks Burke against the Schuyler County Board of Elections. Government.

Fire levels garage workshop in Town of Cayuta

Firefighters from around the area rushed shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday to the scene of a two-story garage fire at 1475 Beranek Road, just off Route 224 near Alpine Junction, in the Town of Cayuta. The blaze, fanned by high winds, was -- as one observer said -- "a-ripping" through the 30-by-40-foot workshop structure when firefighters arrived, They concentrated on saving a nearby house that sustained exterior damage, a propane tank and various vehicles. The cause of the blaze is under investigation. Firefighters from Odessa, Montour Falls, Burdett, Town and Country, Watkins Glen, Newfield, Millport, Beaver Dams and Mecklenburg responded. Also assisting were the Schuyler County 911 Center and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Photo: Firefighters work the scene of the fire.

7th grader and Great Escape donate to HSSC

A "Pints for Paws" fundraiser by the Great Escape Ice Cream Parlor in Watkins Glen -- an effort based on a 12th birthday wish by Watkins Glen 7th grader Desiree Groves, who the Great Escape's Jackie Honsberger said "loves supporting the Humane Society" -- generated a check for $200 presented by Honsberger Saturday morning to the Humane Society of Schuyler County outside its facility on Marina Drive in Montour Falls. Also donated: Toys, collars, nail trimmers, and other goodies for the dogs and cats inside, provided by Desiree and her parents, Kera and Ron Groves of Watkins Glen. The Great Escape has also raised funds in the past for other local causes.

Lakeside Veterinary donates holiday food

The Montour Falls-based veterinary service provides 90 boxes of stuffing mix, 150 boxes of Jello and 150 cans of cranberry sauce to Catholic Charities' Food Basket Giveaway. People.

Photo: Dr. Martha Hawksworth of Lakeside Veterinary with the food donation. (Photo provided)

Mitrano concedes Congressional race to Reed

Tracy Mitrano, the Penn Yan Democrat who challenged incumbent Republican Tom Reed in the recent campaign for Congress, admitted defeat Friday. Mitrano, who a press release said was "confident that the absentee ballot count is moving ahead methodically and fairly," called Reed to congratulate him for again winning the 23rd Congressional District seat. She also thanked her supporters for their help and encouragement during her two runs for Congress -- this year and in 2018. She said she had planned on waiting to concede until the long absentee vote count was completed, but said "the math has long pointed to a clear victory for my opponent" -- a man who she also criticized for his campaign tactics. "Running an honest campaign against an opponent who is not reveals some of the worst aspects of electoral politics today," she said. "To be attacked personally when the campaign should be about issues tarnishes my reputation in the community for no more benefit than to place my opponent's venality in bold relief."

Photo in text: Tracy Mitrano

Palmesano reflects on the valor of veterans

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano says "I know brighter days are ahead. And ... I know a brighter future will be built on the foundation laid by every veteran who’s ever served and every active duty service member who continues to fight for the country they love." Column.

Photo: Phil Palmesano

WGHS alum Bascom is marketing stars, brands

Watkins Glen High School track standout and 2012 graduate Charles Bascom has become a marketing force behind some of today’s popular and rising social media influencers and athletes through his Los Angeles company, Wealth Garden Entertainment. Schools.

Photo: Charles Bascom (Photo provided)

Schuyler Legislature approves 2021 budget

The Schuyler County Legislature Monday night unanimously approved a 2021 county budget that includes decreases in the tax rate (from $7.18 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to $7.13) and the tax levy ($11,323,706, down about $500 from 2020). The $48,471,887 spending plan avoided a tax hike, Administrator Tim O'Hearn said, primarily because all employees on the county payroll agreed to freeze their wages in 2021, rolling any scheduled increases over for a year. "If there ever was a year to go to the taxpayers to balance a budget" with a tax increase, he said, "this was it." But because of the employees' wage freeze "we're not."

Photo: County Administrator Tim O'Hearn outlines the budget.

Fire strikes historic Carriage House in Watkins

Fire late Thursday afternoon, Nov. 5th destroyed a portion of the historic Carriage House at the corner of 3rd and Decatur Streets in Watkins Glen. The structure, built in three sections, dates back to the 19th century. It has been owned since 1991 by Chris and Angeline Franzese, who reside in a large and historic house nearby. The eastern section of the Carriage House -- a former horse stable -- was effectively destroyed. The two-story central section of the building sustained fire and smoke damage on the second floor, and smoke and water damage on the first. The largest section, the west end of the building, escaped any major damage. No cause was immediately ruled, although a fire investigator said the blaze started in the former stable in the vicinity of a lawnmower used earlier. Fire.

Photo: A firefighter checks the cupola on the largely unscathed western end of the building.

Hector Wine Company celebrates 10 years

The Hector Wine Company recently celebrated its 10th anniversary and marked the milestone by releasing two new wines -- a Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. For a story on the business, on founders Jason Hazlitt and Justin Boyette, and on business partner Alexandra Bond, see Business.

Photo: New 10th anniversary wines. (Photo provided)

Gould: Let's all follow the guidelines on COVID

Schuyler Hospital President and CFO Rebecca Gould (pictured at right) says that "seven months into this worldwide pandemic, we are face-to-face with the enemy looming large at our gate" -- and that now is the time to work together toward "a common goal": to do everything we can to "get on the other side" of the still-spreading coronavirus. Forum.

Dr. Joshua Haentges joins Watkins dental firm

Joshua L. Haentges, DDS has joined the dental practice of Jeffrey Schultz, DDS at 703 S. Decatur Street in Watkins Glen. Dr. Haentges has three years of private practice experience and will be offering dental treatment to patients in all areas of general dentistry. People.

Photo: Joshua L. Haentges, DDS. (Photo provided)

Burdett firefighters: Always at the ready

A look at the award-winning fire department. Burdett.

Odessa honors two outgoing village trustees

The Odessa Village Board recently honored Thomas Letteer Jr. and Sally Hill for eight years of service as members of that board. Each was elected in 2012 and stepped down this year. Letteer, on the Dutton Peterson Library Board in Odessa before joining the Village Board, recently resigned after being re-elected to another 2-year term. Alijia Bailey was appointed to serve in his place. Hill did not seek re-election.

Photo: Tom Letteer and Sally Hill (Photo provided)

Danks Burke battling Elections Commissioner

A press release from Democratic State Senate candidate Leslie Danks Burke (58th district) said Tuesday that she is filing a petition in Schuyler County Supreme Court "in the wake of flip-flopping by the Elections Commissioner in preventing the campaign from inspecting affidavit ballots that the Board of Elections decided were invalid and so would not be counted."

"After first agreeing to allow me to inspect the affidavit ballots that the Board of Elections had decided would not be counted," Danks Burke was quoted as saying, "Commissioner (Joseph) Fazzary flip-flopped and refused to accept public inspection by the campaign. Mr. Fazzary said that he was being 'nice' to me before, and no longer felt like being 'nice.' But the decision about whether an affiidavit ballot gets counted has nothing to do with being nice, and is subject to rules and procedures. In our divided nation, the most important thing to do right now is be fully transparent to give every voter confidence that their votes are being counted and the electoral processs is working fairly. Preventing campaigns from reviewing rejected ballots just adds to more people believing the system is rigged and that they are being stopped from exercising their voice in our election."

Danks Burke trailed incumbent State Senator Tom O'Mara by about 23,000 votes after Election Day Nov. 3, with what she said were about 33,000 absentee ballots to be counted starting this week.

Photo in text: Leslie Danks Burke

Firefighters battle brush blaze along Gulf Road

The Odessa Fire Department responded at 3:53 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9 to a brush fire alongside Gulf Road in the Town of Catharine. When firefighters arrived, they found brush and woodland burning over about 5 acres and spreading toward the Connecticut Hill State Forest. Mutual aid was provided upon request from the Montour Falls, Beaver Dams, Mecklenburg, Watkins Glen, Trumansburg, Van Etten and Hector fire departments. The Millport Fire Department stood by at the Odessa Station. Odessa Fire Chief John Jelliff said that "due to the quick efforts of approximately 60 firefighters, the fire was contained after burning over 8 acres of woodland." The Schuyler County 911 center and New York State Electric and Gas also assisted. The cause of the fire, said Jelliff, was an arcing power line that ignited dry vegetation.

Photo: Flames on a hillside during Nov. 9 brush fire. (Provided)

Watkins Glen district staying remote Nov. 9-13

The Watkins Glen School District, whose instruction was completely remote last week after three positive Covid-19 tests, is remaining remote the week of Nov. 9-13. "Numbers in our county are not good," said Superintendent Greg Kelahan. "We have absences among staff that is making it hard to operate, two new positive students, and it's a partial week due to a Parent Conference day Tuesday nad Veterans Day on Wednesday." Before this past week, the district had been on a hybrid schedule that has had students in school two days a week and remote learning on three. The plan is to return to that schedule on Nov. 16.

What's next for the Glen Theater in Watkins?

With its sale complete, what is next for the Glen Theater? After being closed for a year, are films in the offing? SCOPED Executive Director Judy Cherry outlines the new owner's hopes and plans. Features.

Photo: Signs on theater front.

Congressman Reed declares win over Mitrano

Republican Congressman Tom Reed declared victory over Democrat Tracy Mitrano Tuesday night, Nov. 3, saying he was ready to get back to work in Washington.

Reed, who has served in Congress since winning election in 2010, declared victory at 11 p.m. after building a sizable 58.9-40% lead with 25% of the vote recorded. When 99% had been counted two hours later, the advantage was 63.1% to 35.8%. The vote count: 160,930 to 91,331, with absentee ballots to be counted.

"It's been a long, unusual campaign," said Reed, adding that "there are bright days ahead of us. We're gonna get Covid-19 in our rearview."

He called his victory "rewarding and humbling," and said "the sun will come up and we'll get right back to work."

Photo in text: Congressman Tom Reed.

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards' wines shine in 2020

Wine ratings of 90+ and a Double Gold medal for Red Cat wine have been beacons for Hazlitt's in the year of the pandemic. Business.

Legislature passes resolution expressing concern about Cayuta solid waste facility

The Schuyler County Legislature voted 7-1 on Oct. 13 in favor of a resolution seeking more state review of a planned solid waste material recovery facility in the Town of Cayuta, along Route 13. The lone "no" vote was cast by Legislator David Reed, who is from Cayuta. Among the concerns: heavy daily truck traffic and the facility's effects on "tourism, agriculture and human health." Speaking in the public portion of the meeting after the vote, Bob Mente, the head of Alternative Waste Services, Inc. of Newfield, the firm proposing the facility, said another company's waste transfer facility was approved in the recent past without such opposition. He said he wasn't against the resolution, but objected to information circulated by opponents "that has brought this situation to where it is." Also objecting was David Reed Jr. of Cayuta, who wondered "how the county can subvert home rule by even taking the matter up." To see the original resolution, amended slightly at the meeting, click here.

Photo: Bob Mente of Alternative Waste Services, Inc.

O'Mara builds big lead over Danks Burke

Republican State Senator Tom O'Mara has apparently turned back Democratic challenger Leslie Danks Burke in their race for O'Mara's 58th Senate District seat. The district encompasses Schuyler, Chemung, Steuben and Yates counties, and part of Tompkins.

Available statisitics showed O'Mara leading Danks Burke 61,743-38,561, or 61.6% to 38.4%. O'Mara led roughly 2-1 in Schuyler and Yates counties. With more than 25,000 absentee ballots reportedly yet to be counted, there was neither a victory declaration nor a concession, but the O'Mara lead was substantial enough to lead at least one TV news outlet to declare him the victor.

Meanwhile: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R-Corning) won another term by running unopposed.

--Joe Biden won New York State in the presidential race, capturing its 29 electoral votes.

-- In Schuyler County's Town of Orange, two races for Council seats were won by Republicans Heather A. Waters (a full term) and Maryann J. Friebis (to fill an unexpired term).

Photo in text: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano

Mayor, isolated with Covid, runs Zoom meeting

Watkins Glen Mayor Luke Leszyk is in isolation after testing positive for Covid-19, he explained at the outset of a remote Village Board meeting Tuesday night, Nov. 3. That isolation was the reason the board, which had recently conducted its meetings in person, held the Zoom session this time. Leszyk said he was exposed at a family gathering by "someone who brought something they shouldn't have." He added: "Everyone's fine, I'm fine, but I'm a little tired of sitting in my house." The board, in a 37-minute session, approved a delay in odd-even parking on 2nd Street between Decatur and Porter due to construction, as well as conducting other housekeeping matters.

Photo: Watkins Glen Mayor Luke Leszyk during meeting.

B.C. Cate goes to virtual learning Nov. 4-13

Due to possible Covid-19 exposure, two classes and associated staff at B.C. Cate Elementary School in Montour Falls are being placed in quarantine, although "no student or staff member has tested positive at this time," Odessa-Montour School Superintendent Chris Wood announced Tuesday afternoon. "After consulting with the Department of Health, the school physician and our school attorney," he said, "we have determined that B.C. Cate will transition to virtual learning from Wednesday, Nov. 4 through Friday, Nov. 13 in response to the staffing shortage caused by the quarantine." Hanlon Elementary School is already on remote learning through the same date. Wood said the move does not affect the Junior-Senior High School, where in-person classes will continue to be held five days a week.

Photo: O-M Superintendent Chris Wood.

Glen School Board gets Public Health update

The Watkins Glen School Board receives an update from Public Health Director Deb Minor on the current trend of the coronavirus, and sidesteps any discussion concerning a request by The Gators swim club to use the school pool for training. Schools.

Photo: Superintendent Greg Kelahan makes a point.

Hanlon Elementary School closes for 2 weeks

Hanlon Elementary School in Odessa is being closed Monday and its students transitioned to remote learning from Tuesday, Nov. 3 through Friday, Nov. 13 after a support staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Superintendent Chris Wood said no staff will be permitted in the school Monday unless otherwise directed while the building is thoroughly cleaned -- something he said is already done regularly. He was notified Sunday morning about the positive case, gathered his team in the district office and compiled a list for the Department of Health of those who might have been in contact with the individual. "I believe exposure was for one day," he noted. Teachers not quarantining will be permitted in the school starting Tuesday or can remote teach from home. Students at B.C. Cate Elementary and the Odessa-Montour Jr.-Sr. High School may attend school as regularly scheduled.

Porsche Club donates alarms to Habitat

The Finger Lakes Chapter of the Porsche Club of America has donated combination CO2/smoke alarms to Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity to be used in construction of the current Habitat build on County Road 4 in the Town of Hector. People.

Reed: 'Politics has taken a disturbing turn'

Congressman Tom Reed (right) on Oct. 23 issued a statement regarding a threat made against him and his family. It read:

"Today, my family and I were threatened at our home in Corning. The cowards used a dead animal and a brick with a family member’s name on it to try to intimidate us. We assure everyone such threats only energize us to stand stronger.

"We thank the local police and federal authorities, who are already investigating this disgusting attack against my family.

"Across the country, politics has taken a disturbing turn. We have to overcome this. I know that we can. We are all Americans first. What unites us is far greater than our political differences."

Court rejects Watkins school union's lawsuit

New York State Supreme Court Justice Christopher P. Baker on Oct.21 "denied and dismissed" a lawsuit brought by the Watkins Glen Faculty Association against the Watkins Glen School Board, the school district and Superintendent Greg Kelahan. The lawsuit asserted that the district has adopted a policy contrary to state executive orders and to the district's own reopening plan, effectively blocking teachers with vulnerable health conditions from working remotely during the pandemic. But Baker, in a 5-page ruling that followed a virtual hearing last week, concluded that the union "has failed to demonstrate an injury-in-fact."

“We are satisfied that Justice Baker recognizes the District's implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and that we have worked to support the needs of staff members in a reasonable manner," said Superintendent Kelahan.

Mosher given Sgt. role; Matthews is patrolman

Ethan Mosher was named Oct. 20 by the Watkins Glen Village Board as the Sergeant in Charge of the Watkins Glen Police Department. Mosher had held that post on an interim basis. Mosher, eligible for the job after attaining the permanent Civil Service rank of Sergeant, takes over the job that had been held on a provisional basis by Brandon Matthews, who failed to attain the Civil Service rank of Sergeant. Matthews was placed on administrative leave in August pending completion of an investigation by State Police on never-specified allegations, and is still on administrative leave after a Schuyler County grand jury declined to indict him or his wife on publicly unspecified allegations. The Board also voted Tuesday to reassign Matthews to his original position, that of patrol officer. Mayor Luke Leszyk said attorneys for the village and the police union continue to discuss Matthews' situation.

In other business: The board, without taking official action, recommended the hours of 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 31 for Trick or Treating in the village; and decided to soon open the western end of 3rd Street for the winter until reinstatement in the spring of the Village Square public seating area there. Traffic on the street will remain two-way.

Photo in text: Sergeant in Charge Ethan Mosher (Provided)

SCCUDD involved in two Schuyler projects

The Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs announces a video competition for students in grades 6-12 in the county, and partners with the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office in encouraging community members to participate in National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24. See the Video story on Schools. See the Take Back story on Government.

It's your choice: keeping control of Covid-19 stress

Certified life coach Meg Cabezas, who lives outside Odessa, offers ideas on dealing with the stresses created by the coronavirus pandemic. Column.

Photo: Meg Cabezas (Provided)