Watkins graduates 89 in annual ceremony

The Watkins Glen High School Class of 2018 says farewell with a Commencement exercise in the school Auditorium. The Valedictorian and Salutatorian: Clara Chedzoy and Trevor Thurston, respectively. Providing the music: Ed Clute at the piano. Graduation.

Left: WGHS graduate Emmie Bond enters the school auditorium during the Processional.

WGHS Alumni group holds annual banquet

The Watkins Glen High School Alumni Association's annual gathering honors five scholarship recipients from the Class of 2018 and a Distinguished Alumnus. People.

Left: WGHS Distinguished Alumnus Capt. Gary Voorheis, U.S. Navy, Retired.

A column by State Senator Tom O'Mara

Left: State Sen. Tom O'Mara

Here comes the Hall of Fame ...

The editor considers some possible inductees as the Schuyler County Hall of Fame seeks nominations. Column.

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

O-M graduates 59 in evening ceremony

The Odessa-Montour Class of 2018 says farewell with a Commencement exercise in the school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium before a capacity crowd. Graduation.

Left: Valedictorian Hailey Perraut

Schuyler Hall of Fame nominations sought

The confidential Advisory Committee of the Schuyler County Hall of Fame has announced it is seeking nominations for the 2018 Schuyler County Hall of Fame award. After a one-year hiatus, the committee will accept nominations through July 27. People.

Left: Plaque honoring Schuyler Hall of Famer Warren W. Clute.

Rotary honors Scheffey as Student of Month

Watkins Glen High School senior Isobel Scheffey was honored Thursday by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its WGHS Student of the Month for June. Scheffey was introduced by teacher Kelly Muir, who called the honoree a "delightful, hard-working, motivated" person who "will excel" at whatever she attempts and "achieve her goals." Scheffey, a member of this year's Top Drawer team of 24 outstanding student-athlete-citizens selected from 10 schools, is a High Honor student and an outstanding soccer player and runner. She set school records at 55 and 300 Yards in Indoor track this year, and at 400 Yards in Outdoor Track. She was also the Section IV, Class C champion in both the 200 and 400. She plans to attend the University of Albany, and would like to become a pediatrician. "Helping kids is what I want to do," she said.

Photo: Isobel Scheffey at the Rotary luncheon.

And inside

--WGHS junior Isabella Fazzary (right) will attend Empire Girls State this summer, sponsored by Rotary. Schools.

--And WGHS junior Kathleen Clifford will be at Girls State, too, sponsored by the SFLW. People.

Fireworks display set for July 6 in Watkins

A Chamber of Commerce-sponsored fireworks display will take place about 9:45 p.m. on Friday, July 6 at Clute Memorial Park in Watkins Glen. Young Explosives Corp. of Rochester will produce the show. The Chamber will sponsor Friday on Franklin Street in the village earlier in the evening, featuring wine, craft spirit and cheese tasting. For more information about Friday on Franklin, just click here.

Douglas to step down as CCC president in '19

Dr. Katherine P. Douglas has announced she will retire on June 30, 2019 after eight years as President of Corning Community College. The school's 6th president, her tenure has been marked by expansion and public/private partnerships. Schools.

Left: CCC President
Dr. Katherine P. Douglas

Planning Board gets 1st look at Cheese Co.

Further steps ahead as new business owners prepare building on North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen for a possible fall opening. Cheese, wines, beer, and paired offerings ahead. Business.

Left: The front of the Seneca Cheese Company building.

State Park renovation ceremony held; NY unveils DRI projects

The dedication of the upgraded Watkins Glen State Park entrance area drew more than 130 people to the park's new amphitheater Monday, and served another function: the unveiling by the state of the 14 projects that have won funding under Watkins Glen's Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Government.

Photo: A ribbon was cut as part of the park dedication.

Border politics dog
a visit to La Bourgade

Congressman Tom Reed gets a tour of the "hillside village" being built -- and rented out -- by Bruno Schickel along Rt. 414. Reed also weighs in on tariffs and responds to questions about the President's "zero tolerance" immigration policy. Bourgade.

Grand Prix Fitness is the champion of the 8-week Schuyler Steps Out walking competition, ahead of runnerup Watkins Glen High. The 2017 champion Humane Society was third. The walking program, in its 12th year and designed to get participants walking in the spring, had 13 teams. GP Fitness, with 16 walkers, had a cumulative average of 973,886 steps. Watkins Glen High, with 10 walkers, had a cumulative average of 889,659 steps, while the Humane Society, with 16 walkers, had a cumulative average of 889,390 steps. The program was sponsored by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.

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: "Watkins welcomes Lime Bikes, but let's ride/drive safely." Column.

Left: Attorney Jim Reed

Owner seeks lost cat

A 12-year-old male cat (shown at left) has been lost in Odessa, its owner reported on May 31. If you see the cat, please call Donna at (607) 228-7301.

WGHS champs, State qualifiers are honored

Watkins High School sectional champions and State tourney competitors are recognized by the school district at a School Board meeting. Four retirees are also honored. Schools.

The Watkins Glen Village Board Monday night approved a $1 increase in sewer rates -- to $15.50 per month from $14.50 -- to help maintain the village's distribution system. The increase -- which also includes hikes for usage above 300 cubic feet -- is effective July 1. The board also approved a Joint Project Committee audit showing 10 invoices totaling $939,000 in expenditures for the sewage treatment plant planned along the canal. Much of that money was for construction of a road leading to the site, bringing to just over $5 million the amount spent on the project thus far. Trustee and JPC member Tony Fraboni said almost $27 million remains budgeted for construction of the plant itself.

Photo: Watkins Glen Village Trustee Tony Fraboni.

Far away from Schuyler County, out West ...

Photographer Liz Fraboni of Watkins Glen -- a frequent contributor to this website in years past -- provides us with a look through her lens at the landscape -- and regional features -- of Arizona, snapped while she was visiting family out there. For a look at her offerings, click here.

Photo: One of the scenes that caught Liz Fraboni's eye on her Arizona journey.

Watkins Glen High School senior Aaron Planty -- who will be attending Division III SUNY Geneseo in the fall and competing in cross country and track there -- was the center of attention Monday afternoon at a celebratory signing ceremony in the WGHS Library. Friends and family watched as Planty signed a form in which he pledged to participate in those two sports at Geneseo. Aaron capped an outstanding high school career this year with The Odessa File WGHS Male Co-Athlete of the Year Award, shared with his brother Gabe, also a runner.

'Peter Pan Jr.' ends its 3-day run at WGHS

The Lake Country Players' production of Disney's musical "Peter Pan Jr." -- with flying provided by ZFX Flying Effects of Louisville, Kentucky -- ended its 3-day, 4-performance run with a matinee Sunday afternoon before an enthusiasic audience of more than 260 people in the Watkins Glen High School auditorium. The three-day attendance totaled about 1,000.

The flying rigging, installed last weekend, enabled several of the play's young actors to fly -- much to the delight of the audience.

Kim Laursen and Kelsey Johnson were co-directors. Features.

Photo: Emma Malnoske as Wendy Darling takes to the air.

The first day of the two-day 29th annual Old Time Fiddlers Gathering and Folk Arts Festival drew a larger-than-usual crowd Saturday to Lakewood Vineyards north of Watkins Glen. Musical acts featuring Old Time selections in the main tent highlighted the day along with various items for sale, such as quilts and handmade banjos. The event concluded Sunday with an Irish Folk Arts theme.

Photo: Jamming is a staple of the Fiddlers Gathering.

The 25th annual Watkins Glen Waterfront Festival concluded Saturday with the popular Cardboard Boat Regatta held in the Seneca Harbor Marina. The regatta, held under clear skies and warm temperatures, drew its usual large crowd lining the pier, the breakwater and the shoreline. The evening before, the festival featured live music, plenty of food, vendors, and Harbor Lights of various colors and effects. The regatta, featuring both solidly built and porous homemade crafts, resulted in various awards, such as Best Construction (a Flintstone-themed boat), Best Sinking (ironically, it was named Unsinkable), Best Name (Hull and Boats), and People's Choice (the Tiki Torpedo).

Photo: The breakwater was a great place to watch from.

Now available on Kindle: The Maiden of Mackinac

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

Left: Cover art by Jon Haeffner

This week's deals at Famous Brands

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

The Odessa-Montour School Board on Thursday night, June 14 heard a report from an independent consultant -- Dr. Paul Seversky, a former school superintendent -- that foresees O-M's enrollment, now about 800 students, will stabilize or grow slightly in the next 10 years, to between 825 and 950 students. Seversky's report, presented for an hour in person to the Board, dealt with various subjects, such as enrollment, building use and optimum class sizes. Said Superintendent Chris Wood of the enrollment projection: "It's great news. The fact that we're not decreasing" -- a problem in some area schools -- "is pretty great."

Photo: Board members Jeff Parmenter, left, and Will Shrout.

Schuyler Scholars honored at dinner

The 11th annual Schuyler Scholars celebration at the Harbor Hotel on Tuesday night, June 12 honored 19 seniors from three school districts for their academic achievements. Schools.

Left: Each honoree received a plaque.

A total of 142 sixth-grade students from the Odessa-Montour, Bradford and Watkins Glen school districts attended the annual Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District-led Conservation Field Day on June 5 at the Millport Hunting and Fishing Club. Field Day.

Photo: O-M student Lily Bixby caught a largemouth bass at the Field Day's fishing station. The fish was released.

Legislators Blowers, Barnes seek re-election

Incumbent Schuyler County Legislators Carl Blowers (left) and Phil Barnes (right) -- both Republicans -- are seeking re-election this fall, running as a team. For a story on their announcement and background, see Government.

Erie Canalway Photo Contest is under way

The 13th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest for professional and amateur photographers has begun. The Canalway Corridor reaches as far south as Montour Falls. Winning photos will be featured in the 2019 Erie Canalway calendar. For details on entering, see Features.

Montour parade draws crowd to Main Street

The 62nd annual Montour Falls Fire Department Parade of Bands -- featuring nearly a dozen musical groups and 21 fire departments, along with floats, tractors and vintage cars -- attracted a large gathering of spectators who lined Main Street through the village for the hour-long procession on June 9. Features.

Left: The Montour Falls Fire Department color guard.

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.

The 62nd annual Montour Falls Fire Department Festival on the carnival grounds alongside Route 224 -- which opened on Thursday evening, June 7, concluded June 9th. The highlight that last day was an annual parade down Main Street in the village beginning at 5 p.m. and featuring firefighters, firetrucks, bands, floats and classic cars. The festival featured food, rides, games, bingo, clams, and craft beer. Admission was free. Live music Thursday was by Rusted Bucks. Friday it was classic rock by RUST; Saturday it was country music by Devon Franks.

Photo: One of the several rides available at the festival.

Watkins Glen High School senior Ryanna LaMoreaux, who will be attending and playing basketball at Division III Lycoming College in Pennsylvania in the fall, was the center of attention June 8th at a celebratory signing ceremony in the WGHS Library. Friends and family, along with basketball coach Alicia Learn, watched as LaMoreaux signed forms in which she pledged to play basketball at Lycoming, where she will be studying pre-law. A letter from Lycoming official Mike Konopski, a 1981 graduate of WGHS, welcomed Ryanna to college "as she makes the transition from Senecan to Warrior. I invite fans from Watkins Glen and Schuyler County to make the short trip south to Williamsport to see her play and for underclassmen to perhaps consider joining her in attending Lycoming College in the future." LaMoreaux was a member of two Section IV championship basketball teams and a state titleist at WGHS.

The 13th annual Top Drawer 24 team of outstanding high school scholar-athlete-citizens -- two dozen honorees from 10 area high schools -- were celebrated Monday evening, June 4th at a ceremony at the Watkins Glen State Park pavilion. Party.

Photo: Honoree Kai Sutterby of Watkins Glen High School.

Odessa-Montour High School senior Syria Tague was honored June 7th by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its O-M Student of the Month for June. The honoree -- listed as a junior but completing her high school requirements a year early and entering Hartwick College in Oneonta in the fall -- was introduced by teacher Russ Gardner. He described Tague as "an excellent example ... of a well-rounded student" who carries a 96 average, has participated in swimming, tennis and cheerleading, and is a member of Interact and the National Honor Society. Tague, said Gardner, is a determined individual, never turning defensive or creating excuses "if she gets something wrong," instead digging in and figuring how to correct it. "She's a pleasure to be around," he added.

Photo: Syria Tague at the Rotary Club luncheon.

Odessa File names its Athletes of Year

The Odessa File distributed trophies June 4th to its Female and Male Athletes of the Year from the Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High Schools: Kennedey Heichel and Curtis Harris at Odessa, and Hannah Morse and the Planty brothers, Aaron and Gabe, at WGHS. The awards were sponsored by E.C. Cooper Insurance.

Photo: O-M Athletes of the Year Kennedey Heichel and Curtis Harris.

A new way to get around has come to Watkins Glen: Lime Bikes -- a bike-sharing program using apps on a phone for rentals at $1 per half hour. For details, see Business.

The nine-member Section 4 girls golf team finished near the middle of the pack at the two-day New York State Public High School Athletic Association Golf Championships on the par-72 Bethpage Yellow Course on Long Island. Sports.

WGHS distributes awards at assembly

Academic and athletic honors were handed out at an evening gathering in the Watkins Glen High School auditorium. Awards.

Photo: Lexi Castellaneta with one of the awards.

Introducing the 2018
Top Drawer 24 team

The 13th annual Top Drawer 24 team of outstanding area student-athlete-citizens contains 16 seniors and 8 juniors from 10 schools. To see who they are, click here.

More than 80 diners attended the third annual Ribs & Riesling fund-raising dinner May 24 at Seneca Lodge in Watkins Glen. The event, sponsored by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club, was conceived by Rotarian Rebekah Carroll. It raised funds Thursday for the Montour Falls Library's Early Literacy Program. Rotarian Jim Howell was the emcee. Speaking briefly was Montour Falls Library Director Roxanne Leyes.

Photo: Emcee Jim Howell and Rebekah Carroll.

Montour earns Clean Energy designation

The Village of Montour Falls has been recognized for its leadership in reducing energy use and cutting costs. A related energy study could lead to a renovation of the Village Hall. Government.

A Track Day at WGI

Montour Falls' Bob Brown participates in a learning experience at Watkins Glen International racetrack that is popular among a diverse group of drivers. Track.

Memorial Day observed in 4 Schuyler ceremonies

Ceremonies in Montour Falls, Watkins Glen (two) and outside Odessa remember those who have given their lives in defense of our nation. People.

Left: At the Montour Falls ceremony.

Watkins Glen placed third in USA Today’s latest 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest! It finished behind Marquette, Michigan, and Florence, Oregon for Best Small Town for Adventure. Voting took place until May 14. Results were announced May 18. Twenty locales were nominated.

Photo: Seneca Harbor Pier.

Schuyler County Hall of Famer and community leader Ken Wilson (pictured at right) was honored May 17 as a Jefferson Award recipient by the Chemung Canal Trust Company and Corning Enterprises during a luncheon at the Elmira Country Club. The award is presented for outstanding leadership and volunteerism over the years. Other recipients: David Biviano and Betty Hess, along with Elmira's Carl Hayden, who was named the "National Jefferson Award Representative." Hayden will represent the Twin Tiers region next month at a Jefferson Awards event in Washington, D.C. with about 80 other designees from communities around the nation.

Wine and food lovers flocked on May 19 -- despite overcast skies and the occasional rain -- to the aptly named (and annual) Seneca Lake Wine & Food at Clute Park in Watkins Glen. About 1,500 people had passed through the entry gate in the first three hours, and another 500 or so were expected before the event ended. Tents with more than 40 area food and wine vendors were present selling their products, and there were wine and cheese seminars along with live music.

Photo: Organizer Jeff Dill.

Ground broken for Kayak/Canoe Launch

A groundbreaking ceremony on May 18 drew village, county and state officials to the site of a planned Kayak/Canoe Launch at the eastern end of Clute Park. Government.

Longtime Board member Harold J. Hoffmeier, right, was among the speakers May 18 as The Arc of Schuyler celebrated its 40th anniversary with a luncheon at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. The main ballroom was packed with Arc supporters and local dignitaries. Said State Senator Tom O'Mara: "Nothing exemplifies community more than the Schuyler Arc does." Assemblyman Phil Palmesano praised The Arc for "improving the quality of life of our most vulnerable citizens. There can be no greater calling or greater mission." Arc Executive Director Jeannette Frank thanked both men for their recent efforts in securing improved wages for Direct Support Professionals, employees The Arc calls "the linchpin in a system of supports that empower people with disabilities to lead self-directed, meaningful, and productive lives."

Odessa-Montour High School senior Hailey Hoose was honored May 17 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its O-M Student of the Month for May. Hoose was introduced by O-M teacher Lisa Frost, who called the honoree "an amazing and unique individual" who has been "very active in the Odessa school community." Hoose has competed in swimming and tennis and has been part of school musicals for two years while also a student in the BOCES Dental Assisting program. She is known, Frost said, for "her perseverance and caring nature" and for always helping those in need.

Photo in text: Hailey Hoose receives her Student of the Month plaque from Rotary's John King.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 16 at the Sunset View Creamery on the Hoffman farm at Catharine Corners -- marking the grand opening of a new tasting room and retail space for the long-estabished cheese business. "After years in a very humble tasting room," says creamery owner Carmella Hoffman (pictured at right), "we now have a full-size retail shop and tasting area." The ceremony was part of a Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce After-Hours Mixer -- a Chamber tradition offering networking opportunities. Notes Chamber President Rebekah Carroll: "The Hoffmans are an integral part of our agritourism and local food communities."

O-M's 5th marking period Honor Rolls

Odessa-Montour Junior/Senior High School has unveiled its High Honor Roll and Honor Roll for the fifth marking period of the 2017-18 year. Honors.

Special to The Odessa File

ALBANY, May 16, 2018 -- Assemblyman Phil Palmesano welcomed his predecessor, Jim Bacalles, back to the Assembly during a recent visit by Bacalles to the Capitol.

"It was a real privilege for me to welcome Jim back to Albany," said Palmesano. "Jim is a true friend to this institution. He was a principled legislator who set a tremendous example for all of us. I'm honored to follow in his footsteps."

Palmesano noted that he and Bacalles have maintained an excellent relationship over the years: "Jim was my mentor in government. I worked for him from 1995 to 2004, and during that time I learned so much. He epitomizes what public service should be all about."

Photo: Jim Bacalles, left, and Phil Palmesano. (Photo provided)

Voters overwhelmingly approved budget proposals on May 15 in the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour School Districts. The $27.2 million budget passed 207-36 in Watkins Glen, while a proposition to lease buses passed 195-47. In Odessa, the $16.8 million budget passed 221-43, while propositions for the purchase of buses and for an increase in the library tax for the Montour Falls Library passed 209-54 and 165-104, respectively. Incumbent School Board members Barb Schimizzi and Kelly McCarthy ran unopposed for two seats in Watkins Glen, receiving 213 and 190 votes, respectively. Three incumbents -- Rob Halpin, Karen Rock and Jeff Parmenter -- and newcomer Dana Sgrecci ran unopposed. Halpin, Parmenter and Sgrecci will serve three-year terms, and Rock a one-year term.

WGHS holds its annual Spring Concert

Students in grades 7 through 12 perform an array of choral and instrumental music in the school auditorium. Schools.

Photo: The flute section in the Grade 7/8 Band.

Schuyler County Legislators on May 14 approved the appointment of Patricia Kelly, NP, as one of two County Coroners to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Dr. James P. Coleman III "until such time (as) a general election can be held." The appointment runs from June 1 through Dec. 31.

In other businesss, legislators: --Accepted a bid for construction of a bridge replacement over Johns Creek on North L'Hommedieu Street in Montour Falls.
--Approved Harold J. Hoffmeier Jr. and John Terry as Schuyler County nominees for the 2018 New York State Office for the Aging Senior Citizen of the Year award.
--Heard Chairman Dennis Fagan say Sales Tax for the first four months of 2018 are 8.1% higher than the same period in 2017. "We are experiencing a strong local economy," Fagan noted.
--Approved an independent audit report that, for the second straight year, fournd no significant problems in county finances. The treasurer's office under Harriett Vickio, said Fagan, is doing "a fantastic job."
Photo in text: Legislature Chairman Dennis Fagan at his computer during Monday's meeting.

Watkins Glen Elementary School Special Education teacher Rachel Niegelberg of Trumansburg -- who won a quarterfinal "Jeopardy" match aired May 8 in the popular TV show's annual Teachers' Tournament -- finished second in a semifinal aired May 15, ending her TV run. According to a "Jeopardy" fan website, she trailed Claire Bishop of Lexington, Kentucky by $100 entering Final Jeopardy, where both answered correctly -- Niegelberg betting $10,000 and finishing with $25,900, and Bishop betting $15,801 and finishing wih $31,801. The clue was in the U.N. Languages category: "Of the 6 official U.N. languages, it's the one that is written in cursive form only." The correct response: "What is Arabic?" Bishop moved on to the two-show finale in the quest for a $100,000 prize. The two-week tourney -- taped earlier -- has featured 15 teachers from around the U.S. Each received a $2,500 educational grant to help fund classroom projects.

Photo: Niegelberg with "Jeopardy" host Alex Trebek.

The long-awaited Burdett Fire Depaartment took a symbolic step toward completion May 11 with a groundbreaking ceremony on the site, fronting Rt. 79 at the eastern end of the village. Various dignitaries were on hand. Groundbreaking.

Schuyler County Legislator Michael Lausell (right), a Democrat, has opened a campaign office in Montour Falls as he launches a challenge to incumbent Thomas O'Mara for the State Senate seat held by O'Mara in our 58th Senate District. O'Mara, a Republican and Conservative, was first elected to the Senate in 2010. Lausell has been a legislator since 2013, and was re-elected in 2017. The Senate term runs four years. Lausell, who held a campaign kickoff at his headquarters at 232 W. Main St. in Montour Falls on Thursday, May 17, says he believes voters should have a choice in picking their senator. The election is in November. Lausell is a lawyer, and raises beef cattle, selling some of his product at the Farmer's Market held Thursdays seasonally at the park in Montour Falls directly next to his campaign office.

Watkins Glen High School senior Clara Chedzoy (right) was honored May 10 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its WGHS Student of the Month for May. Chedzoy -- the class Valedictorian -- was introduced by teacher Kelsey Wood, who called the honoree "a great scholar" and "a truly kind, lovely person. I can't think of a better person to go out in the world to make it better." Chedzoy -- a defensive standout on the school's girls basketball team that won the Class C state title in 2017 and reached the finals of the Section IV tournament this year -- plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, and study astrophysics and astronomy. She says she would like a career in Research and Development in the aerospace industry.

The infant girl missing from a Montour Falls residence on Rock Cabin Road -- Gionna K. Harter, 15 days old -- was located "safe and sound" along with her mother in the City of Geneva by Geneva and State Police Officers, the Schuyler County Sheriff's Department reported Thursday night, May 10. The Sheriff's office said the child was removed from the Montour Falls residence by her mother, Katrina M. Harter, over a court order that had granted temporary custody to a third party on May 9. The Sheriff's Department, which said no criminal charges are pending against the mother "at this time," thanked the public "in calling in tips and providing information to assist in the investigation. Law Enforcement followed up on over 100 leads in Schuyler, Ontario, Wayne, Monroe, Erie, Seneca, and Yates Counties."

Photo: Gionna K. Harter (Photo provided)

WGHS holds prom at Logan Ridge Estates

The annual prom drew a large gathering of gown-clad young women and tuxedo-clad young men for an evening of fun, food, music and camaraderie. For photos of the night, see Prom.

Left: WGHS senior Amber Benjamin.

The 15th installment of The Answers

Travis Durfee, President of the Watkins Glen Faculty Association, weighs in with The Answers, a monthly column dealing with education in the Watkins Glen School District. This is the 15th installment: "Good Ideas Bloom in Albany this Spring." Column.

Left: Travis Durfee

The annual meeting of the League of Women Voters of Schuyler County was held May 1 at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Guest speakers were Mike Griffin and Jeremy Ferris of the New York State Department of Transportation, who outlined the Route 14 reconstruction project that has begun in Watkins Glen and will be completed next spring. It is being done in stages that the two men said are designed to minimize disruption downtown. The project includes new sidewalks and roadwork designed to reduce speed as motorists enter the village from the north.

Photo: The DOT's Mike Griffin (left) and Jeremy Ferris.

Ceremony marks breakthrough at park

Various dignitaries were on hand April 30 for a ground-breaking ceremony at the Schuyler County Business Park -- the symbolic start of the planned construction of a beverage production facility there -- the park's first tenant. Business.

Left: State Ag & Markets Commissioner Richard Ball.

O-M team wins county Envirothon crown

The Otters, one of five Odessa-Montour teams in the April 30 Southern Tier Envirothon in Owego, won the Schuyler County team title and will compete in a statewide event. Schools.

Left: Billy Tague (left) and Andy Ink of winning Otters.

Watkins Glen High School junior Kathleen Clifford -- an Odessa File intern -- has written about the recent March for Our Lives in Ithaca and elsewhere and about youth empowerment in general as the younger generation has lifted the issues of gun violence and gun control into a national debate. Her thoughts are on Schools.

Photo at right: At the Ithaca March for Our Lives. (Photo provided by Kathleen Clifford)

The annual Burdett Dinner-Dance hosted by the Burdett Fire Department drew more than 400 people April 28 to the Watkins Glen Community Center. The event -- featuring thousands of dollars in raffle prizes -- is a major fund-raiser for the department, with proceeds going toward the purchase of trucks and equipment. One such truck, a new rescue vehicle, was put into service a week ago.

Photo at right: A buffet dinner was served by Carol Bower Catering.

The annual Watkins Glen Fire Department banquet drew a crowd April 28 to the Hidden Valley lodge. The evening saw the installation of officers by Watkins Glen Mayor Sam Schimizzi: Charlie Smith 3rd as Chief, Derek Bacon as 1st Assistant, Robert Gruver as 2nd Assistant and Jason Hudson as 3rd Assistant. There were Years of Service awards, Appreciation awards, and Training and Response awards.

The annual Paint the Town Purple fund-raiser -- aimed at helping finance cancer-cure research -- was held April 28 at the Montour Firemen's Carnival Grounds. The event, with a flea market, chicken barbecue and various displays, also featured a car show with a wide range of vintage vehicles. The 1941 Ford Super Deluxe pictured in the inset was for sale at $22,000 by its owners, Don and Mary Paterson of Elmira, who said they could be reached at (607) 739-7051. Other vehicles were there for show.

OFD installs officers, gives annual awards

The Odessa Fire Department's annual banquet Saturday, April 21 at the Fontainebleau Inn drew 125 to a dinner evening marked by the installation of incumbent chiefs (and one new one) and the distribution of response and longevity awards. See another photo on People.

Left: Keith Pierce, honored for most fire calls last year, and Charlene Mahnke, the top rescue responder.

France Family will be honored on June 28

The fifth annual Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports will be presented to the France Family -- now led by patriarch James C. France -- during a dinner ceremony at the Corning Museum of Glass. People.

Employees in the Schuyler County Clerk's office and Department of Motor Vehicles, along with other county workers, have been supporting New York's Donate Life campaign by wearing t-shirts, pins and bracelets touting the movement, which encourages organ and tissue donations. The campaign is of special interest to Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, who years ago donated a kidney to his sister and often preaches the benefits of the program. (Photo provided)

A transplant journey: the Schmidts' story

Deb Schmidt of Watkins Glen recounts -- in the third person -- the experiences she and her husband Gary underwent as Gary received lung and kidney transplants and Deb donated one of her own kidneys. The couple were guests at a Rotary Club meeting on Thursday, April 19 at which Assemblyman Phil Palmesano spoke of the importance of organ donations. Journey.

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.