A column by State Senator Tom O'Mara

Left: State Sen. Tom O'Mara

Beware Chernobyl Chili ...

The editor attends a chili cook-off, continues his house hunt, and visits a potential new rental property on his beloved Bois Blanc Island. Column

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

O-M lists 6th marking period Honor Rolls

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

We honor...The Essentials of Schuyler County

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

And inside

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

Dems back Hayden in battle for County Judge

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

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

Photo: Matt Hayden and Carolyn Elkins (Photo provided)

Officials agree to work on dog-sheltering pact

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

A column from the mayor of Watkins Glen

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

Photo at right: Watkins Glen Mayor
Luke Leszyk

Grapes and wine production in Schuyler County and the region will be explored on Thursday, July 11, in the sixth session of Harvesting Schuyler’s Heritage, Conversations About Agriculture Across Time. The event will be at Fulkerson Winery, Route 14 North, starting at 6 p.m. Features.

Want a 4-peat? Vote WGI as top NASCAR track

State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano are urging area residents to vote every day for Watkins Glen International in USA Today's 10 Best online Readers' Choice competition to decide "America's Best NASCAR Track." WGI has won each of the past three years. O'Mara and Palmesano -- saying in a press release that "it's a great opportunity to help keep the Finger Lakes region on the national map and to show our pride in The Glen as a favorite destination for visitors" -- noted that anyone can vote once a day, every day, on every Internet-capable device they have until the contest closes on Monday, July 15, at noon. To vote, click here.

O-M bids farewell
to its Class of 2019

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

Photo: 2019 O-M graduate Maria Scata.

A legal column from Ziff Law's Jim Reed

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

Left: Attorney Jim Reed

This week's deals at Famous Brands

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

Rahal receives 6th annual Argetsinger Award

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

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

A column by Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer

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

Photo: Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer

Republican Committee gives nod to Getman

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

Monthly column from Cooperative Extension

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

Heichel signs with Ithaca College; track ahead

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

Rotary changes presidents, honors Carrigan

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

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

Photo in text: Dena Carrigan (Photo provided)

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

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

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

Historical Society will honor Italian founders

A special exhibit and talk will focus on the founders of Schuyler County's Italian community. Founders.


Photo: Luigi Beligotti and his family settled in Watkins Glen in the early 1900s. (Provided)

85 receive diplomas
at WGHS graduation

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


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

Rondinaro honored at WGHS alumni banquet

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


Photo: Steve Rondinaro with his award.

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

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

Photo: Gerry Messmer in his journey clothing.

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.

Arc golf tournament raises more than $12K

The annual event generates funds to help individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism. Sports.

Watkins Village Board handles various issues

The Board Tuesday night dealt with stop signs, noise, a brush pile, pools, the new treatment plant and the absence of a Code Enforcement Officer. Government.

Photo: Mayor Luke Leszyk

Grover signs for basketball at Buffalo State

Odessa-Montour High School senior Olivia Grover -- the leading player on the O-M girls varsity basketball team -- signed an NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Celebratory Signing Form on June 17 in a ceremony in the O-M School Board's meeting room. Grover, a 1,000-point scorer in her career, plans to play basketball at SUNY Buffalo State, which she enters in late summer. On hand for Monday's signing were family, friends, coaches and O-M administrators, who all joined in devouring a celebratory cake.

Photos in text: Olivia Grover after signing.

Athletes honored at first Dub G Awards

Awards were presented in a dozen categories at the ceremony, held in the Watkins Glen High School auditorium. Sports.

Cardboard Boats draw crowd to Harbor park

A total of 47 boats competed in various categories on June 15 at the 26th annual Waterfornt Festival and Cardboard Board Regatta in Watkins Glen. Features.

Photo: Batman was among the competitors.

Odessa Baptist Church celebrates new locale

The Odessa Baptist Church on June 15 hosted a service and open house, complete with picnic-style dinner, to celebrate its new building on the eastern edge of the village. The Baptist Church, for many years housed in the heart of residential Odessa, started services in March in its new building at 111 Fowler Place after a multi-year fund-raising and building project. The new structure, debt free, is on 4.1 acres of former farmland the church purchased from Billy Blaha. It is a single-level building, making ingress and egress much easier than in its predecesor, where steps predominated, and where the heating cost was exorbitant, the septic system aged, and parking a challenge.

In the 45 months between the exit from the old church and opening of the new church, worship services were held at the American Legion Hall on Route 228. Groundbreaking for the new building was on May 28, 2017, and with a combination of contractor and parishioner labor, the 5,000-square-foot structure was erected. Saturday's event attracted well in excess of 150 people.

Photos in text: Loueda Bleiler provided open-house music; chess kept some attendees busy.

Appeals panel affirms Trappler's conviction

A State Supreme Court Appellate panel has unanimously upheld the 2013 conviction in Schuyler County Court of Alice Trappler in the murder of Daniel Bennett in the Town of Dix the year before. Trappler, convicted of two counts of Murder, 2nd Degree, two counts of burglary and one of conspiracy, is serving a 25-years-to-life sentence. Her appeal to the Supreme Court's Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department, was heard on April 25, with Schuyler County District Attorney Joe Fazzary -- who had prosecuted Trappler -- presenting the People's argument to the five judges. Their decision -- in a six-page ruling (click here) -- was summarized succinctly: "Ordered that the judgment is affirmed." Said Fazzary in response: "I'm very pleased with the decision, obviously. I've always felt she was guilty of this crime. The Appellate Division just affirmed that." He added, though, that Trappler will have other avenues of appeals still available, although this ruling makes her chance of success more unlikely.

Photo: Alice Trappler in the Schuyler County Court House during her trial in 2013.

Party celebrates the Top Drawer 24 team

Two dozen of the Southern Tier's best and brightest student-athletes are honored at the Watkins Glen State Park. Party.

Odessa's Heichel is our Schuyler Spring MVP

Odessa-Montour High School senior track standout Kennedey Heichel has earned The Odessa File's Schuyler Spring MVP award, topping a field of impressive athletes on the All-Schuyler All-Star First, Second and Third teams. For a story on the MVP and a list of Spring 2019 All-Stars, see Sports.

Photo: Kennedey Heichel

Rotary honors students Yeater and Jackson

Odessa-Montour High School senior William Yeater and Watkins Glen High School senior Nancy Jackson were honored June 13 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its Students of the Month for June.

Yeater was introduced by teacher Russ Gardner, who called the honoree "a great student," "a key member of the track team," and an actor with lead roles in a number of school plays. Yeater plans to attend Loyola University in New Orleans. Jackson was introduced by Dawn Harrell, who described the honoree as "a wonderful young lady" who participates in Girl Scouts and has played three sports at WGHS: soccer, bowling and softball. Jackson plans to attend Keuka College with an eye toward becoming a photojournalist.

Note: The Rotarians presented checks totaling $3,020 to a dozen organizations -- many of whom had representatives present to receive them. The groups included the Hometown Heroes Banner Program, Schuyler County Youth Football, the My Place daycare center, Labor of Love, Catholic Charities, Habitat for Humanity, Schuyler Head Start, the Mustard Seed Bradford Food Pantry, the Boy Scouts, the Schuyler County Historical Society, and the Summer Swim Program.

Photo in text: The Boy Scouts' Rick Evans at Rotary.

'High School Musical' concludes run at WGHS

The Lake Country Players' youth production of Disney's High School Musical ended its three-day run June 15 before an appreciative audience in the Watkins Glen High School auditorium. The show, which opened Thursday night, featured a cast of 38 kids, ages 13-19, from six school districts.

Photo: Nathan Epp and Katherine Larson perform.

Odessa-Montour presents its sports awards

The 52nd annual
O-M Sports Boosters Awards saw a break from tradition in the Male Athlete of the Year Award. Sports.

Photo: The Coach of the Year, Burton Brewster, with the two students who introduced him -- Nadia Simpson, left, and Kennedey Heichel.

3 track standouts get hallway greeting

The trio of Odessa-Montour athletes who competed in the NYSPHSAA Track and Field Championships are welcomed by students lining the district hallways. Sports

Photo: O-M senior Nadia Simpson, with junior Paden Grover and senior Zach Elliott behind her, greets kids in a school hallway.

WGI pulls the plug on Woodstock 50 festival

There will be no Woodstock 50 festival at Watkins Glen International. WGI has "terminated the site license" for the planned Aug. 16-18 musical event "pursuant to provisions of the contract," WGI announced in a statement Monday, adding: "As such, WGI will not be hosting the festival." Meanwhile, a Woodstock 50 spokesman says the festival is in talks with an alternate venue and will be "sharing the new location when tickets go on sale in the coming weeks." Business.

63rd annual parade held in Montour Falls

Fire units, bands, and floats march on Main Street under sunny skies. People.

Photo: A member of the Caledonian Highlanders

O-M's Elliott returns home with Shot Put title

Odessa-Montour High School senior Zach Elliott (pictured at right), along with two other State competitors -- O-M's Nadia Simpson and Paden Grover -- returned to Schuyler County from Middletown June 8th with a siren escort (two fire trucks and a deputy's vehicle) from Alpine Junction to the school. There, they were greeted by dozens of family, friends and fans. Elliott was the second O-M athlete to bring home a state title this year. Sports.

18 students honored
as Schuyler Scholars

Senior graduating in the top 10% of their class at the Bradford, Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High Schools receive plaques at a Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel dinner. Schools.

Left: Schuyler Scholar plaque

6th graders experience outdoors at Field Day

Sixth-grade students from three school districts participate in the annual Conservation Field Day at the Millport Hunting and Fishing Club. Agriculture.

Photo: Brie Riesbeck of Tanglewood Nature Center explains Great Horned Owl biology to the Field Day students. She also showed and spoke about an Eastern screech owl and a Red-tailed hawk.

13 WGHS students join National Honor Society

The students were inducted in a ceremony in the Watkins Glen Elementary School auditorium. Schools.

Photo: Candle used in the NHS induction ceremony.

DeRusha is IMRRC's new Executive Director

Daniel G. DeRusha of Corning has been selected as the new executive director of the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen. Center.

Photo: Daniel G. DeRusha (Photo provided)

Albany officials welcome wrestling champion

State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano on June 5th welcomed Odessa-Montour High School senior Dylan Houseknecht (right) to the state Capitol. In February, Houseknecht captured the 285-pound Division II wrestling title at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Wrestling Championships in Albany -- the first state wrestling title in his school's history. O'Mara and Palmesano sponsored a Legislative Resolution paying tribute to that victory. Dylan, it said in part, "has clearly utilized dedication, determination and teamwork in providing a lasting contribution to the spirit of excellence." He plans to attend SUNY Cortland, where he will wrestle and play football.

Watkins Glen High holds 2 signing ceremonies

The Watkins Glen High School library was the site June 4th of two college signings -- by Allie Gibson, a Section IV sprint champion who will swim while attending SUNY Cortland, and by Cierra Barber, a successful high school goalkeeper who will continue playing soccer while attending East Mercyhurst College. Allie is looking to be an Elementary School teacher and will be working on her Early Childhood Education degree. Cierra has a goal of becoming a Sports Trainer and will start by getting her PTA (Physical Therapist Assistant) degree.

Photo at right: Cierra Barber.

Burdett kicks off its bicentennial celebration

Tours, vendors, live music, a fire-truck parade, dinner and fireworks highlighted the June 1 village activities. People.

Photo: NY Senator Tom O'Mara, right, and Mayor Dale Walter.

CCA option offered in Burdett, Montour Falls

Many residents of the two villages are receiving letters from Constellation Energy and the Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance regarding their option to utilize the Community Choice Aggregation, a law that allows communities to combine the buying power of multiple households into an energy buying block. Business.

Cargill check will help fund demo project

Cargill, Inc. has awarded the Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District $16,000 to assist with a unique state-of-the-art demonstration project that will be utilized on more than 250 acres of vineyard land surrounding Seneca Lake and is designed to reduce the occurrence of harmful algae blooms in the lake. Project.

Rotary honors Rosier as Student of Month

Odessa-Montour High School senior Hannah Rosier (right) was honored May 30th by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as the O-M Student of the Month for May. Rosier was introduced by teacher Danielle Rumsey, who praised the honoree as "insightful" and as an outstanding entertainer. Rosier, a member of National Honor Society, Drama Club and the varsity track team, performed in several musicals at the school. She plans to attend Emerson College in Boston to study theater education with an eye toward becoming a drama teacher while continuing to participate in musicals.

Introducing the 2019
Top Drawer 24 team

The 14th annual Top Drawer 24 team of outstanding area student-athlete-citizens contains 22 seniors and 2 juniors from 9 schools. To see who they are, click here.

Memorial Day services honor the fallen

Ceremonies held in Montour Falls, Watkins Glen and outside Odessa honor those who have died in defense of our freedom while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Plus: a speech by Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer. People.

Photo: A member of the Color Guard at the Montour Falls ceremony.

Sand Award winner, hospital workers honored

Schuyler Hospital Facilities Department employee Keith Crout is named recipient of the hospital's annual Lou Sand Award. Meanwhile, hospital employees wth 660 years of service are recognized. People.

Photo: Sand Award winner Keith Crout.

Fitzsimmons announces run for County Judge

Daniel Fitzsimmons (right) has become the fourth candidate to announce entry into the race for Schuyler County Judge. A press release announced that Fitzsimmons, a longtime Schuyler attorney, "has named a committee to advise and oversee his campaign." He joins Matthew Hayden, Jessica Saks and Steven Getman as candidates. The election is in November. Government.

A cautionary column from our Assemblyman

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) says the "Democrats' destructive, misguided Farm Labor bill would destroy the family farm in New York State." Column.

Photo: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano

Coffey is seeking seat on Schuyler Legislature

Dr. Margaret "Maggie" Coffey has announced her candidacy for Schuyler County District 8 Legislator representing the towns of Orange and Tyrone. She and her family have lived on Sugar Hill for many years. A retired veterinarian, Dr. Coffey volunteers at both the Humane Society of Schuyler County and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier while serving as board president for the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation. She is running for Legislature as a Democrat but, says the Schuyler County Democratic Committee, "Maggie will be an outstanding representative for everyone in District 8." Election day is Nov. 5, with early voting starting Oct. 26.

Photo: Dr. Margaret Coffey (Photo provided)

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.