A column by State Senator Tom O'Mara

Left: State Sen. Tom O'Mara

Saturday Scoreboard

Girls Basketball

South Seneca 38, Watkins 31
Notre Dame 53, Odessa 30

Boys Basketball

Horseheads 55, Watkins 46

Stories on Sports

Left: Watkins Glen's Natalie Edmister shoots.

CCE Schuyler welcomes Executive Director

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County has a new Executive Director, Nathan Scott -- formerly Executive Director of the Thrive Education Center, a community-based education program located outside Ithaca. He succeeds Phil Cherry, who retired. People.

Photo: Nathan Scott (Photo provided)

New business's focus: accounting, consulting

A recently opened business in Montour Falls -- STATEMENTS Accounting and Consulting Services, run by former Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Rebekah Carroll -- is expanding and has moved into the historic Montour House. Business.

Photo: Rebekah Carroll (Photo provided)

O-M's Adams honored as Student of Month

The Watkins-Montour Rotary Club Thursday honored Odessa-Montour High School senior Megan Adams as its O-M Student of the Month. Adams, first in her class academically, is a student intern in a 4th grade class and a member of the varsity swim team and the Glen Gators. She plans to attend a SUNY University, majoring in Education.

Left: Megan Adams

Sheriff's candidate Spaulding, if he wins, will appoint Matthew Maloney as his Undersheriff

Schuyler County Sheriff's Lieutenant Matthew Maloney will become Undersheriff if Breck Spaulding is elected Sheriff to succeed the retiring William Yessman, Spaulding has announced. Maloney has been with the Sheriff's Office for more than 22 years. People.

Photo: Matthew Maloney (Photo provided)

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards unveils new podcast

The Hector-based winery releases Great Times Behind the Wines, hosted by Shannon Hazlitt Harts, daughter of Hazlitt's Co-CEO and owner, Doug Hazlitt. It looks at the people, methods and stories that have helped make the Hazlitt winery a success. Business.

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

Read the latest Letters to the Editor on the Forum Page.

Kelahan plans to step down as superintendent

Greg Kelahan (right), now in his fourth year as Superintendent of the Watkins Glen School District, says he will retire as soon as the School Board finds a replacement and a "smooth transition" occurs -- "hopefully by September 1st." Kelahan, who will be 56 in June, has spent 32 years in education. He said he gave some thought to retiring last year, but decided he needed to stay on as the pandemic was gaining steam. He said he and his wife will remain in Watkins Glen, where they have purchased a home. Kelahan said he is looking forward "to the next chapter in my life," although he hasn't decided what that might entail.

About that retirement ...

The Watkins Glen School Superintendent, Greg Kelahan, has announced his intention to retire this year. The editor talked to him about it. The resulting interview is on Column.

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

Schuyler update: Vaccine supply still limited

"I know everyone is anxious to get vaccinated as soon as possible," says Schuyler County Public Health Director Deborah Minor, "but I ask that you please be patient. Vaccination locations are adding clinics and opening registration as soon as they have doses available. Update.

Rumsey to run for Sheriff; primary ahead

Schuyler County Sheriff's Investigator Kevin Rumsey is seeking the Republican nomination for Sheriff to succeed Bill Yessman, who will retire from the post at year's end. That sets up a GOP primary against Undersheriff Breck Spaulding, who threw his hat in the ring last month. Govt.

Left: Kevin Rumsey

Sports moves backed; Brubaker to step down

The Watkins Glen School Board approves joint Glen-O-M football and wrestling teams; Board President Gloria Brubaker to step down June 30. Schools.

Left: Superintendent Greg Kelahan at Monday's meeting.

Fire prevention series: Stop, Drop and Roll

Schuyler County fire officials, after presenting their Keep the Wreath Blue messages on The Odessa File in December and January, continue with more fire prevention tips. For the seventh in a series of articles, click here.

2 die in Burdett house fire; cause being probed

A house fire overnight in Burdett, on Lake Avenue, took the lives of two occupants, identified by State Police as Kathy Winslow, in her late 60s, and Tim Bond, a man in his early 70s who had mobility issues. The fire broke out about 2:20 a.m. Monday after a neighbor heard an explosion. Firefighters from Burdett, Hector, Watkins Glen and Montour Falls responded. The single-family structure was deemed a total loss. State fire investigators were called to the scene to determine the cause of the blaze.

Emerging Workforce program seeks enrollees

The CSS (Chemung Schuyler Steuben) Emerging Workforce Program is looking for eligible out-of-school youths ages 16-24 who are interested in obtaining additional skills or education needed to obtain long-term employment. Business.

Schuyler Hospital capital project completed

Schuyler Hospital and Cayuga Health officials held a virtual ribbon cutting Monday announcing the opening of the new Convenient Care and Primary Care center at the hospital -- the culmination of a nearly $11 million capital improvement project. Features.

What new rental law means for Southern Tier

A joint column from Congressman Tom Reed, State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblymen Phil Palmesano and Chris Friend explains the rental law recently passed in Albany -- cautioning that it has not canceled rent. Government.

Photo: Congressman Tom Reed

A pretty day to explore Connecticut Hill roads

Watkins Glen's Tony and Liz Fraboni drove along seasonal roads on Connecticut Hill on Saturday, Jan. 30, with Liz snapping photos of the beautiful landscape along the way. Two of those photos are presented here.

Photo: The shadow pattern across a seasonal road on Connecticut Hill was captured by Liz Fraboni.

Public Health OKs high-risk sports in Schuyler

Schuyler County Public Health granted approval Thursday for the county's high schools to move ahead with high-risk interscholastic sports, effective Feb. 1. These sports include basketball, wrestling and volleyball. The move follows similar approval in Chemung, Steuben, Tioga and Tompkins counties. Sports.

O'Mara: "Time for truth from Governor Cuomo"

State Senator Tom O'Mara reacts to a report from Attorney General Letitia James that says the Cuomo administration has undercounted Covid-19 nursing home deaths by as much as 50 percent. He and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano want subpoenas and some answers. Government.

Photo: State Senator Tom O'Mara

Check in memory of Dr. Blanche Borzell presented to Friends of Bequia Hospital

Kate LaMoreaux, Senior Warden of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Watkins Glen, presented $1,000 on Jan. 27 from the church to the Friends of Bequia Hospital to continue to honor the memory of Dr. Blanche A. Borzell, a long-time Watkins Glen physician who died in 2019. Bequia is part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean. It is an island visited annually by LaMoreaux, who has helped lead an ongoing mission by St. James' to help the small hospital since the passing of Borzell. People.

Photo: Check presentation on January 27 to the Friends of Bequia Hospital. (Photo provided)

Sheriff Yessman to retire at end of year; backs run by Undersheriff Spaulding for the position

Schuyler County Sheriff William Yessman said on Jan. 25 that he will not seek re-election to a fifth term, instead retiring at the end of 2021. He endorsed his Undersheriff, Breck Spaulding, as the latter announced his candidacy for the four-year post. Spaulding -- now in his 16th year as Undersheriff --said he will seek both the Republican and Conservative nods. Yessman said he plans to spend more time with family and probably do some volunteer work in retirement. Government.

Photo in text: From left: Former Sheriff Michael Maloney, current Sheriff William Yessman and Undersheriff Breck Spaulding at press conference Monday in the Human Services Complex in Montour Falls.

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

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.

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.

One injured in Town of Montour accident

A one-vehicle accident at 1:50 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24th on County Road 8 near Magar Road in the Town of Montour resulted in injuries to the driver, who was flown by Guthrie Air to an area hospital. The Schuyler County Sheriff's office said Nathan Vanamburg, 18, was southbound in a 2014 Jeep Compass when the vehicle left the road and struck a tree. Speed, investigators said, "is believed to be a contributing factor." The Montour Falls Fire Department and Schuyler Ambulance treated him at the scene.

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.

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

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

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.

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."

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.

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)