And now, we have an Agriculture Page ...

A story on cover crops and a look at a legislative initiative to keep New York's farm industry competitive for the next generation lead off our new page. Crops.

Rotary honors Sam Gill as Student of Month

Watkins Glen High School senior Samantha Gill (left) was honored Thursday by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its WGHS Student of the Month for March. Gill was introduced to Rotarians by teacher Marie Fitzsimmons, who described the honoree as "gifted, motivated and courageous," "an academic" and someone who "stands out as a model of human kindess, hard work, leadership and resilience." Gill, a two-sport athlete, president of the school's National Honor Society, class vice president, and a member of Interact and her church's youth ministry, plans to attend LeMoyne College in its Physician Assistant Program.

And inside ...

A Pasta Night to benefit the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary will be held from 4:30-7 p.m. Monday, March 10 at the Montour Moose Lodge. Features.

"The Sound of Music," the Odessa-Montour High School spring musical, will be presented March 13-15 in the school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium. Watkins Glen High School's spring musical, "No, No, Nanette," will be presented March 28-30 in the WGHS Auditorium. See Schools.

3 schools combine for concert at WGHS

Student musicians from the Watkins Glen, Odessa-Montour and Bradford High Schools join forces for a Music In Our Schools concert in the WGHS auditorium. Schools.

Left: At the concert.

'Where are they now?' column provides updates

The third column in a continuing series by retired Watkins Glen High School Principal and former Watkins Glen School Board President Brian J. O'Donnell features updates on three WGHS graduates. Where.

Left: Brian J. O'Donnell

Watkins school taxes going up

Preliminary figures indicate the Watkins Glen School District's 2014-15 budget will carry an increase of 2.7% in the tax levy, Finance Committee Chair Tom Richardson (right) reported to the full School Board at its meeting Monday night. The increase comes despite a $300,000 savings in the closing of the Middle School. The tax-levy hike during the current year was 4.82%. For a summary of Monday's meeting, click here.

New ... a column from Valicenti Advisory firm

The Elmira company offers us a look at one of its regular features -- a monthly column titled 'Bull and Bear Bulletin' -- along with a list of its services. Valicenti.

Left: Andrew R. Clark, Valicenti vice president of Investment Research/Portfolio Manager.

Glen faces stiff fine over treatment plant

The Village of Watkins Glen is expecting a "significant fine" for violations at its wastewater treatment plant, a situation that Mayor Mark Swinnerton says could adversely impact plans for a new, joint treatment plant envisioned by Project Seneca. Government.

Left: Mayor Mark Swinnerton

All-Schuyler All-Stars

The Odessa File unveils its Schuyler Winter MVP and its First, Second and Third Team All-Schuyler winter sports All-Stars. See who the honorees are by visiting Sports.

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.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper a hit

The annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at St. James' Episcopal Church in Watkins Glen drew its usual crowd Tuesday night, with the church dining hall full and a group of diners seated in the church pews, awaiting their turn to eat. The meal featured buckwheat and regular pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, home fries, a beverage and jello.

Left: A lull in the food line. Diners were served buffet style.

Society project in full swing, aided by challenge grant

The Humane Society of Schuyler County's shelter renovation and consolidation project is making headway, while fund-raising continues, aided by a $250,000 challenge grant that runs until April 15. Project.

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

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

A column by State Senator Tom O'Mara

New York State Senator Tom O'Mara graces our pages with a weekly column from Albany. This time: "March toward a new state budget." Column.

Left: State Sen.Tom O'Mara

Mardi Gras draws a crowd, funds for HSSC

The Humane Society of Schuyler County's second annual Mardi Gras Saturday night at the Watkins Glen Community Center drew an estimated 300 people, many in costume. The event helped raise funds for the Humane Society's ongoing $600,000 Consolidation Project. Mardi Gras.

Cargill donates $22,500 to Catholic Charities

The Cargill firm on Friday donated a check for $22,500 to Catholic Charities of Schuyler County to help it continue to operate its Community Food Project. The grant will fund a part-time employee to coordinate food collection and distribution. "Cargill's statement of purpose is to be the global leader in noruishing people," said Don Chutas, the Watkins Glen Cargill Salt plant manager.

Green Grand Prix: April 11th

The Toyota Green Grand Prix, a showcase of motoring technology that aims for a cleaner environment, returns to the Watkins Glen International race course Friday, April 11. It marks the 10th year of the annual event. Prix.

Husted finishes 20th in 50 Freestyle

Odessa-Montour High School senior Chris Husted (right) finished 20th Saturday in the 50 Freestyle after posting a time of 21.99 in the bonus heat of that event on the final day of competiton at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Swimming Championships at the Webster Aquatic Center. Husted, seeded 32nd, had qualified for the heat on Friday by setting a personal record (PR) of 21.84 and qualifying 19th. (He finished in 15th place among participating public-school swimmers.) He had on Friday also set a school record of 47.99 in the 100 Free, which put him 27th -- -- three spots away from the bonus round after being seeded 38th. Said O-M Coach Terri Brace after Saturday's race: "Chris had a phenomenal senior season. The state meet can be very intimidating for a first-time participant, but Chris rose to the occasion. I couldn't be more proud of him. He has left his mark on the O-M swim program, and has a bright future ahead of him in collegiate swimming."

Push underway for hike in direct-support wages

An effort is underway by advocacy groups urging a wage hike for direct-support personnel working with people who have disabilities. People.

Rotary honors Fazzary as Student of Month

Odessa-Montour High School senior Leeah Fazzary was honored Feb. 27 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its O-M Student of the Month for February. Fazzary was introduced to Rotarians at their weekly luncheon by O-M principal Chris Wood, who described the honoree as "an energetic, intelligent and outgoing young lady" who has been a member of the school's volleyball team for four years and is a peer tutor and a member of the Interact service club. She is also a babysitter and a Colonial Inn employee, and "has become very active in her church," including among her activities an upcoming mission trip to Guatemala during Spring Break. She plans to attend Kingswood University in New Brunswick, Canada to study Ministry. Fazzary told Rotarians that while she values academic achievement, "what's more important to me is character ... I'm grateful to be in a community of people in my school, my church and my family who encourage me as I live my life for God."

Photo in text: Leeah Fazzary addresses the Rotary Club.

Sheriff's Institute drive about to get under way

The New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute will begin its annual Honorary Membership drive in Schuyler County within the next few days, according to Sheriff William Yessman. Drive.

Left: Sheriff Bill Yessman

Middle, High Schools unveil honor rolls

The Watkins Glen High School and Middle School release their Honor Rolls for the 2nd marking period of the 2013-14 school year. Honors.

3rd Chinese eatery, historical center aired

The Watkins Glen Planning Board hears about plans for a third Chinese restaurant in the village, and for a history-based center in the former Clifford Motors dealership (left). Government.

Joint concert set for March 5 at WGHS

The Watkins Glen, Bradford and Odessa-Montour school district music departments will present a concert in celebration of national “Music In Our Schools” month at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 5 in the Watkins Glen High School Auditorium. Bands and choruses from the three districts will each perform individually and together. Ithaca College guest directors will conduct: Dr. Susan Avery (chorus) and Dr. Elizabeth Peterson (band). The concert is free and open to the public.

Past friends, future projects

The editor dwells on the passing of a friend, on a proposal by the Governor, and on the economically appealing ripple effects of a new wastewater treatment plant. And he adds a reminiscence. Column.

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

Leadership Schuyler sets graduation date

The latest Leadership Schuyler class will graduate in a ceremony March 13th at the WGI Media Center. For a look at the class, see People.

Area reps rip Cuomo plan, tout Shock Camp

State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblymen Phil Palmesano and Chris Friend criticize governor's "Free College Education for Prisonors" proposal, back Monterey instead. Government.

O-M students model latest prom fashions

For the third straight year, Odessa-Montour High School holds a fashion show featuring prom trends in dresses and tuxes, modeled by students. To see story and photos, click here.

Left. O-M's Tyler Goossen shows enthusiasm while modeling

Mayor touts joint treatment plant

Montour Falls Mayor John King Wednesday night, Feb. 12 -- at a second informational meeting on the options available to the village to improve its sewer system -- strongly backed a Watkins Glen-Montour Falls joint wastewater treatment plant. The facility, still in the proposal stages, would have Watkins and Montour join in the construction and operation of a new plant, likely along the canal across from the Watkins Glen High School athletic fields. King said the joint plan is preferable to options that would see the village keep its 50-year-old plant, paying for repairs and upgrades which, he said, would likely lead in any event to the need for a new plant in the not-too-distant future. "This is an opportunity that won't come again," he said of the joint treatment plant. "The economics indicate to me it's the direction in which we should go." The Village Board is expected to vote on the matter before April 1.

Legislature gives OK on negotiation restart

The Schuyler County Legislature on Feb. 10, in a 5-3 vote, approved the resumption of negotiations between County Administrator Tim O'Hearn and the Schamel family over a possible extension of the family's Seneca Harbor Marina lease, with the understanding that any extension would have to involve "significant new revenues" for the county. Government.

Odessa has new signs, names Citizen of Year

Odessa has obtained two new welcome signs that will be placed on the western and eastern ends of the village. The signs were unveiled at the Jan. 20th Village Board meeting by Mayor Keith Pierce and municipal worker Frances Smith. Smith played a key role in obtaining the signs, which are made of recycled materials and were purchased with grant funds. They will be installed in the spring.

Pierce also presented the village's first Citizen of the Year Award to Odessa File Editor-Publisher Charlie Haeffner. "This being the inaugural year of the award," said Pierce, "we set out to choose someone who not only went above and beyond this year, but has done so for many years and, in doing so, has set a benchmark for those who receive this award in the years to come ... His work over the last several years has done more for putting the Village of Odessa on the map than anyone ever has." Haeffner, he added, "epitomizes what it means to be truly invested in the community in which we live."

Photo in text: Charlie Haeffner (Photo by Peggy Tomassi)

Chelsea Kennard reports from Finland

Watkins Glen High School graduate Chelsea Kennard sends us her second account in a continuing series on her experiences as a Rotary Exchange Student in Finland. Exchange.

Left: Chelsea Kennard

Odessa's latest report on water quality

To see the Village of Odessa's latest Water Quality Report, click here.