50+ students offload Seneca Santa gifts

Watkins Glen High School students turned out in force on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 11th for an annual event: the offloading of a Hesselson's truck (left) full of Seneca Santa gifts heading for Christmas Eve morning delivery to 191 Schuyler County children in need. Features.

Tuesday Sports Scoreboard

Girls Basketball
O-M 54, Lansing 42

Bowling
Boys: O-M 4, Newark Valley 0
Girls: Newark Valley 4, O-M 0

Stories on Sports.

A weekly column from
State Senator O'Mara

State Senator Tom O'Mara provides us with a weekly column -- this one titled "NYers face another soaking from an Albany mandate." Column.


Left: State Sen. Tom O'Mara

Year-end, 2025 organizational meetings set

The Schuyler County Legislature, meeting Monday night, passed three dozen housekeeping, policy and procedural resolutions and set the dates and times of its next two sessions. The year-end meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 30, and the 2025 Organizational Meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8 in the Legislative Chambers of the County Office Building.

Photo: Legislators Jim Howell, left, and Gary Gray on Monday.

Our annual presentation of the poem 'Genesis'

The editor's explanation in verse on the origin of The Odessa File -- complete with Santa and a chatty mouse. Genesis.

Crowd turns out for chilly Village Christmas

A large crowd walked along Franklin Steet in Watkins Glen during the annual Village Christmas on Dec. 6, stopping in stores to warm up from the mid-20s temperatures and visiting the estimated 70 vendors set up along the several blocks closed to motor traffic. There was a petting zoo, and face painting, and free balloon creations. Then, at 6:30, the spectators enjoyed a long parade featuring fire trucks from several area departments, each decked with holiday lights; and a dozen floats with varying Christmas-movie themes, followed at the end by Santa and Mrs. Claus on a Visions Credit Union float.

Photo: One of Santa's elves.

Rotary Club honors 4 as Students of Month

Four students -- seniors at the Watkins Glen, Odessa-Montour and Bradford high schools -- were honored Dec. 5th by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club at a luncheon at the Montour Moose Lodge. People.

Photo: Honoree Sarah Strobel, an Odessa-Montour senior.

Forum: Odessa needs new mayor and at least
three board members, or dissolution looms

Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer, nearing the end of his term as the village's leader, calls for residents to step up and serve on the Village Board -- cautioning that failure to do so might result in dissolution of the village's government. Forum.

Photo: Mayor Gerry Messmer

Info session held on proposed $35.8M project

A Public Referendum on the Watkins Glen School District's proposed $35.8 million Capital Improvement Project will be held from noon-8 p.m. on Dec. 17th. An informational meeting was held Dec. 3rd in the Watkins Glen School Board room. Schools.

6 inducted into National Honor Society at O-M

Six Odessa-Montour High School students were inducted Dec. 2nd into the ranks of the O-M Chapter of National Honor Society, bringing the chapter's active membership to 15. The ceremony took place in the school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium. Schools.

Photo: Candles played a role in the induction ceremony.

The pull of tradition ...

And inside:

--Elks donate $1K for VA yule party. People.
--Beware of gift card scams. People.
--What to know about Hope Card program. People.
--Health Foundation honors Ken Wilson. People.
--Montour Falls now has 3 electric vehicles in its fleet. Government.
--16 join WGHS National Honor Society. Schools.
--Chamber launches Shop Schuyler program. Shop.

A photo contributed by Maggie Field ...

Photographer Maggie Field sent along the photo on the right, with this notation: "A heron from a magical time at Taughannock Falls gorge ... It let me walk beside it for about a quarter mile while it was intent on catching a bite ... I couldn’t believe what a great time it was to get so close to a heron ... I kept my distance ... staying around 20 or 30 yards away ... wow."

The Odessa File All-Schuyler All-Sports teams

With the autumn sports season over, we present First, Second and Third Team All-Stars from all of the sports at the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High Schools. And we name the Schuyler Fall MVP in what amounts to a break from tradition. Sports.

The Essentials: 42 outstanding Schuylerites

Longtime Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph G. Fazzary and Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo have been added to the list of The Essentials, a group of 42 outstanding Schuyler County residents or natives who have impacted life here or elsewhere. With the two latest inductees, there are now 21 men and 21 women among the honorees. None of The Essentials are in the Schuyler County Hall of Fame, but perhaps will be someday. Essentials.

The Arc of
Chemung-Schuyler

To find out about The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler -- it services, its mission, its vision -- check out its website here.

And inside

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

Donations gratefully accepted ...

Since The Odessa File operates primarily on the strength of advertising, its economic well-being can become a bit tenuous, especially when advertisers opt not to continue on these pages.

Accordingly, any reader contributions are very welcome. Anyone wishing to send a donation can do so by mailing it to: The Odessa File, P.O. Box 365, Odessa, NY 14869.

Take advantage of our Ad Rates ...

The Odessa File operates primarily on the strength of advertising, although a few readers send contributions to help the cause.

Ad space is always available, in different page locations, but currently key page sponsorships are also available: atop the PSA Page (at $50/month).

For a look at our Ad Rate chart, click here. For more information, contact The Odessa File by email (chaef@aol.com) or by phone at 607-742-2772.

Vets provided with annual Thanksgiving meal

The Schuyler County Veterans Service Agency sponsored its second annual Thanksgiving-themed Turkey Dinner for area veterans and their families Monday, Nov. 25 at Art & Nancy's restaurant in Watkins Glen. The turkey-and-trimmings meal was prepared, as it was at last year's event, by eatery owners Jeff and Heidi Fazzary and daughter Gabby, helped by a number of volunteers like Jeff and Linda Confer, Tony Vickio, Michel Ray, Ed Alling and Phil Barnes. The event, which drew a large crowd in its first hour last year, was spaced out this time across several hours with reserved times, reducing the early turnout.

Photo: Two of the food plates prepared for veterans.

A column from Phil Palmesano

Assemblyman Palmesano offers another column from Albany, this one titled: "Addressing violence against Correction Officers." Column.

A column by Odessa
Mayor Gerry Messmer

The mayor provides us with another in his series of columns on what is happening in Odessa. This time, with his own retirement and two village trustee vacancies coming, he says: "I really hope some folks will step up to fill these vacancies to move Odessa to the next level." Column.

Photo: Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer

Rotary honors Reynolds as Student of Month

Odessa-Montour High School senior Cara Reynolds was honored Nov. 21 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its O-M Student of the Month for November. Reynolds was introduced by teacher Holly Campbell, who said Reynolds -- who has served as stage manager for Campbell in school musicals -- is "quiet, but takes charge of a situation when she needs to." She also said the honoree, who recently won four events in the Section IV, Class C Swimming Championships and is ranked No. 1 in her class academically, "is compassionate, which will serve her well" in the profession she plans to pursue -- that of veterinarian. Reynolds said she plans to attend SUNY Canton, and after that Cornell University for her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

Photo: Cara Reynolds with her Student of the Month award.

Pre-Thanksgiving snow falls, disrupts power

A snowstorm Thursday night and into Friday, Nov. 22 brought the first significant blast of winter weather to Schuyler County, causing brief power outages in some places and longer ones up in the higher elevations. Several inches of heavy snow fell, creating sketchy driving conditions and downing some lines and limbs.

Photo: Snow-caked trees and sagging wires along Buck Hill Road. (Photos provided)

Park playground, new apartments celebrated

DRI-related projects at Watkins Glen's Clute Park (a new playground) and in downtown Watkins (the Harborside Village Apartments) were the subject Nov. 12th of ceremonies featuring New York State Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. Government.

Legislature approves 2025 county budget

The Schuyler County Legislature on Nov. 12th approved the county's 2025 budget during a meeting in the Human Services Complex in Montour Falls. County Administrator Shawn Rosno presented an overview of the spending plan before the vote. The $66,726,085 budget calls for a tax levy of $11,401,899. The six legislators present approved it. Chair Carl Blowers and Legislator David Reed were absent.

Photo: Schuyler County Administrator Shawn Rosno at Tuesday's meeting.

Hendrickson places 78th at NY State XC Meet

Watkins Glen High School's Isaac Hendrickson finished in 78th place among 120 runners Saturday in the Boys Class D New York State Public High School Athletic Association Cross Country Championships in Queensbury. Hendrickson completed the 5K course in 18:36.9. "Isaac had a great cross-country season," said his coach, Kelly Sterner. "He is only a sophomore and is looking forward to putting in the work he needs to keep improving." Present to cheer him on were his Watkins Glen teammates, whose presence Sterner called "wonderful."

Photo: Isaac Hendrickson (Provided)

Watkins Elementary students honor veterans

Military veterans were honored Tuesday, Nov. 12 by Watkins Glen Elementary School students with speeches and songs during a celebration in the high school auditorium. The event, which attracted about 30 area veterans, was the first of its kind in the school, but officials said they hope to make it an annual event. Schools.

Photo: One of two keynote speakers, Army veteran James Coleman, now a police officer.

Storm swimmers win 8th straight section title

The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team dominated the Section IV, Class C meet Nov 9th, winning 10 of 11 races on the way to its 8th straight championship. See Sports.

Schuyler firefighters helping to fight wildfire

Fifteen firefighters from Schuyler County were dispatched Nov. 12th to the Greenwood Lake Fire District in Orange County to help battle a wildfire that had burned more than 5,000 acres in New York and New Jersey. Firefighters from the Montour Falls, Watkins Glen, Tyrone, Burdett, Mecklenburg, Hector and Beaver Dams departments were to work 12-hour shifts to help with fire suppression and to protect homes in danger. "The resources there have been depleted," said Matt Maloney, the Schuyler County Emergency Management Deputy Fire Coordinator. "It's good to be able to lend a hand because the emergency could be here someday, and we could be asking for crews to come here to help us.

Vet's wife: 'PTSD is real, and vets live with it'

The wife of a Vietnam War veteran, Janette Foster of Reading Center, was the featured speaker Nov. 11 at the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Watkins Glen Community Center. She said her husband, Donald, who served in Vietnam in Army helicopters before she met and married him more than 50 years ago, has suffered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and extensive hearing loss because of his Vietnam experience. The PTSD is manifested in various ways, such as through night sweats and startled reaction to loud noises. "PTSD is real," she said, "and vets live with it 24/7. I wish I could make all the demons go away, but I can't." She also lauded the Veterans Service Agency -- which was present to feed the ceremony attendees -- for providing services to veterans, including hearing aids for her husband.

Photo in text: Vietnam vet Donald Foster at the ceremony.

LCP's Oklahoma! ends its run at Watkins Glen High

The Lake Country Players performed the American classic musical Oklahoma! for the fourth and final time Sunday, Nov. 10 in the Watkins Glen High School auditorium. The show opened Friday night, and had two Saturday performances. Features.

State Park's Sentry Bridge will be replaced

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) has announced that the current footbridge known as the Sentry Bridge at the entrance of Watkins Glen State Park will be replaced next year. A new, sustainable span will be built "to last through the next 100 years," said park officials. It will replace the 1908 span that has been compromised by time and weather. Bridge.

Photo in text: A rendering showing what the bridge will look like. (Provided)

Montour Falls get $628K grant for fire dept.

The Village of Montour Falls has been selected to receive a New York State Division of Homeland Security grant of $628,795 for its fire department -- part of a $25 million distribution to more than 80 municipalites, fire districts and fire departments around the state as part of a Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program. It will, says a Homeland Security spokeswoman, be used by Montour Falls to upgrade the fire department's facilities.

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

Pet of the Week: Backer

Name: Backer
Sex: Neutered Male
Age: 2 years
Breed: Pit Bull Mix
Size: Medium

This adorable little guy is a puppy in a two-year-old body. Backer came to us from another area shelter where he had arrived as a stray. If you're looking for a playful, outgoing, affectionate, fun loving companion, Backer may just be your guy! He can be quite the cuddle bug when he's not coming up with tricks and pranks to entertain you or to entertain himself. He can have quite a lengthy conversation with his giggle ball.

Backer is so very ready for his forever home. He has been with us a long time as it took a while to diagnose an intermittent chronic lameness. With the diagnosis made of bone fragments in his elbows, Backer had surgery at Cornell to remove them. He has recovered beautifully and is finally pain free. He can enjoy walks and light play in a fenced area. His only restriction is "no running around like a crazy man" or heavy duty roughhousing with another dog.

Call us at 607-594-2255 to schedule an appointment or stop in on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10-1, Saturdays from 10-4 or Sundays from 2-5 without an appointment. Or visit our website, www.schuylerhumane.org, to fill out an adoption application to get the process started. Visit us on-line for additional information, an adoption application, to see more adoptable dogs and cats or for directions to our shelters.

Langworthy, Tenney re-elected to Congress

Republican Congressman Nick Langworthy (right) won re-election Nov. 5th from the 23rd Congressional District, easily defeating Democratic challenger Thomas Carle. The district covers Western New York and much of the Southern Tier, including a portion of Schuyler County.

Also representing part of Schuyler: Claudia Tenney, who was also re-elected in the 24th District.

Meanwhile, State Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano won re-election, running unopposed.

Beaver Dams crash victim: a Horseheads man

The person fatally injured in a one-vehicle accident Nov. 2nd at the intersection of State Rte. 414 and Rockwell Road in Beaver Dams has been identified as Donald E. Lincoln, 55, of Horseheads. The Schuyler County Sheriff's Office says Lincoln, traveling on Rte. 414, left the road and struck an embankment and several trees. The investigation, it added, "revealed speed and not wearing a seatbelt contributed to this fatal accident."

Schuyler Humane Society gets $1.5 million gift

The Humane Society of Schuyler County is among 82 organizations across Upstate New York receiving $360 million in major awards -- in gifts -- from the Golisano Foundation. The Humane Society award of $1.5 million, given over four years, will allow the organization to expand community outreach programs to improve animal welfare in the area. "We are tremendously grateful," said Chad Hendrickson, chairman of the Humane Society board. "This gift," added Executive Director Georgie Taylor, "will further the sustainability of the organization, which will make a difference for every animal who crosses our door for years to come."

Langworthy visits Chef's as election day nears

U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy paid a visit to our region on Oct. 17, with stops in Corning and Elmira before visiting Classic Chef's outside Montour Falls, where a group of 16 folks -- invited to the event -- interacted with him. The Congressman, who said he wished he could touch base with the people of Schuyler more often, discussed war (in Ukraine and the Middle East), the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar ("a butcher" who "I hope rots in hell"), Project 2025 ("I don't even know what it is ... There is no reality behind it"), the need for "cowboy diplomacy" on the world stage instead of the "weakness" shown by President Biden, and the upcoming election, in which "hopefully people are going to give me another term." Among those present were Schuyler Legislature Chair Carl Blowers and Legislators Phil Barnes and Laurence Jaynes, as well as Montour Falls Mayor Jim Ryan and County Sheriff Kevin Rumsey.

Photo: Congressman Nick Langworthy at Classic Chef's.

Talent Show offers variety of acts at O-M

Three winners were selected by a panel of four judges on Oct. 18 at the "O-M's Got Talent" show in Odessa-Montour High School's Fetter-Brown Auditorium. Selected as winners among 14 acts were Mars Rogers, who sang "From the Start" by Laufey; Jaxson Pound, who took the stage to solve a Rubik's Cube in about a minute; and Alex Campbell, who sang "Whither Must I Wander" by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Other acts included several individual singers, a vocal quartet, a piano solo, and a pogo stick jumper.

Right: Noelle Freund sings "Let It Go" from "Frozen."

Ribbon is cut at Overlook Coffee Company

A ribbon cutting was held Wednesday morning, Oct. 16 to celebrate the arrival of The Overlook Coffee Company at 3825 Main Street in the Village of Burdett. The company, in a building owned and renovated by Adam and Brittany Thorpe, is owned and operated by the husband-wife team of Brandon Evans (Brittany Thorpe's brother) and Christina Gandy. It opened in July and has already become a popular hangout for area residents. The business's mission: "To bring the finest, handcrafted coffees to the community."

Photo in text: Business owners Brandon Evans and wife Christina Gandy, with Gandy holding a Special Congressional Recognition presented by Sharon Murphy from the office of U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy.

2 killed in Dix accident were visitors from India

The two people killed late Sunday morning, Oct. 13, in a two-car accident at the intersection of County Routes 16 and 17 in the Town of Dix have been identified by the Schuyler County Sheriff's Department as a visiting husband and wife from India, Manjula Velikanti, 55, and Prasad Velikanti, 61. They were passengers in an eastbound car operated by their son, Anjani Velikanti, 30, who lives in downstate New York and who they were visiting. Their car was struck by a northbound vehicle and rolled over, with the two victims ejected. The Sheriff's Office said Anjani Velikanti was not injured, and was issued a summons for allegedly failing to yield the right of way. The driver and passenger of the other vehicle were not injured.

2 honored as Rotary Students of the Month

Odessa-Montour High School senior Riley Brooks (right) and Watkins Glen High School senior Julia Spahalski (above) were honored Oct. 17th by the Watkins -Montour Rotary Club as its Students of the Month for October.

Brooks, introduced by O-M Secretary Judy Kastenhuber, was lauded for her volunteerism, and for her leadership and dedication as treasurer "of several clubs" -- as well as of the National Honor Society and the Class of 2025. A golfer and swimmer, she is also a member of Student Council and Drama Club, and has participated in school plays for three years. She plans to attend either Florida State University or SUNY Canton to pursue a career as a Crime Scene Investigator.

Spahalski (pictured at top), introduced by Coach Ralph Diliberto, was lauded for her volunteerism and kind, respectful approach to life. A promising soccer player before knee injuries sidelined her, she holds state powerlifting records through strength training led by Diliberto, and is a member of the Lake Hawks Weightlifting Hall of Fame. Recently named the WGHS Homecoming Queen, she is president of Student Council, helps oversee the school store, and volunteers in the Elementary School. She plans to attend college in Elementary Education with an eye toward a career as an Elementary School teacher.

Photo in text: O-M senior Riley Brooks with her award.

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS in the evening sky

This photo was submitted by Mark P. Taylor PhD, who wrote:

"Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS looking west from Fitzpatrick Hill at about 7:15 p.m. on October 15.

"The comet has made its turn around the sun and is heading out of the solar system to its home in the Oort Cloud.

"It will be back in about 80,000 years."

It is expected to be best seen through Oct. 26 after making its closest approach last Saturday.

Photo: Mark P. Taylor

Rotary honors Vickio as Paul Harris Fellow

Tony Vickio, renowned local sign painter, Corvette lover and head of the Spirit of Schuyler -- which provides emergency funding to people in need -- was on hand Thursday at a meeting of the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club to tell the club about a recent trip he took to Monza, Italy to attend the Italian Grand Prix. He was surprised, though, when he was first honored as a Paul Harris Fellow -- a Rotary award honoring people exhibiting service above self. After his talk, Vickio had some news for Rotarians -- the return of a Corvette Festival (introduced in 2023 but not held in 2024) set for May 17-18, 2025. It will include a car show at Clute Park and a downtown festival in Watkins Glen.

Photo: Tony Vickio with Rotary's Bridgette Stewart, who presented him with the Paul Harris honor. He was introduced by Rotarian Don Stocum, who lauded Vickio's Spirit of Schuyler.

Fire District formation meeting is canceled

Odessa Fire Chief Adam Mahnke announced Sunday that the "proposed formation of a Fire District for the Odessa Area has been unsuccessful" -- and that, accordingly, a planned hearing on Oct. 16 regarding formation of the District has been "canceled at this time." Mahnke said that the towns involved -- Catharine and parts of Montour, Cayuta, Hector and Veteran -- "will need to continue to contract for Fire Service protection" from the Odessa Hose and Chemical Company, which "will continue to provide services ... for as long as we are able to do so." The Fire District, which would have been similar in scope to the existing Fire Protection Service, was needed, Odessa Mayor Gerry Messmer said at an initial public hearing on Sept 18, because the village's very existence as a municipality depends on it. Creation of the district, he said, would remove the Odessa Fire Department from village control and from its books -- at a time when operating the department has become more than the village can afford.

Gardner honored by Veterans' Services Dept.

Kristine Gardner, former Schuyler County Veterans Service Officer and Director, has been honored by her new employer, the New York State Department of Veterans' Services at the Bath VA Campus, as its Rookie All-Star for her work as a Veterans Benefits Advisor. The department said Gardner has, since assuming her post on July 5 following her controversial April 18 dismissal by Schuyler County, raised repressed claim numbers and "re-established past services such as weekly rounds at the Bath VAMC's Community Living Center" -- showing "high levels of reliability, adaptability and self-initiative." Said Gardner: "I am beyond humbled."

Photo: Kristine Gardner, center, receives award from Dept. of Veterans' Services Deputy Commissioner Joel Evans and Commissioner Viviana DeCohen. (Provided)

WGHS names its Homecoming Queen, King

Watkins Glen High School's Homecoming Weekend kicked off Friday night with a dance at the Seneca Lake Events Center at Clute Park, where Julia Spahalski and Liam Smith were announced as the Queen and King. A Homecoming Parade is set for 4 p.m. today (Saturday) down Decatur Street from Lafayette Park, with the Homecoming Game against Lansing slated for 7 p.m. at the school's Alumni Field.

Photo: Homecoming Queen Julia Spahalski, King Liam Smith.

Annual Falls Harvest Festival draws a crowd

The 17th Annual Falls Harvest Festival was held on a sunny day Saturday, drawing a large crowd to downtown Montour Falls. Vendors lined both sides of Main Street, with an overflow number positioned on side streets. The many vendors, live music, closing fireworks and beautiul weather made for a popular event lauded by those in attendance.

Photo at right: A youngster keeps a close watch on a large snake held by Dan the Snakeman, who bills himself as a snake and reptile educator.

Ribbon-cutting welcomes tea firm to Montour

A ribbon-cutting ceremony heralding the arrival of The Montour Falls Tea Company to 214 W. Main Street in Montour was held Saturday afternoon while the Falls Harvest Festival was in full swing just outside the Tea Company's doors. The business, owned by New Jersey transplant Sarah Moore, "offers a wide variety of loose-leaf teas, hot tea, cold brew teas and cocktail infusions, as well as local artisian crafts and creations," according to a flyer created by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce in preparation for the celebration.

Photo in text: The Montour Falls Tea Company logo as presented on a t-shirt worn by business owner Sarah Moore.

Book signing draws steady crowd in Watkins

A book signing held Oct. 6 at the Seneca Harbor Station restaurant in Watkins Glen drew a steady gathering of fans. They were there to celebrate the publication of a novel titled "Rocco of 1935" -- to buy an author-signed copy or bring their own copies in to be autographed. The author is Jim Potter of Hector, NY and Charlotte, NC, who wrote the book under a nom de plume: Cain Wilkins. The book -- which Potter says he wrote for fun -- is set in the 1930s, and takes place mostly in Watkins Glen.

Potter says the plot, which encompasses boxing, a woman's disappearance, and a local sheriff's efforts to unravel the mystery of that case, is "mostly made up" -- although stemming from stories told him by his late grandfather, James Scaptura, a Golden Gloves boxer in the 1930s who was also a muskrat trapper, a Jefferson Hotel bartender, and a Watkins Salt worker. He died in 1999. Potter, an IBM engineer turned building contractor, published the book through Amazon, where it is available. It may also be found in local stores.

Gas leak prompts evacuation of part of Falls

A gas leak caused by excavation work next to the Catharine Valley Trail in Montour Falls Thursday afternoon led to the temporary evacuation of homes in an adjoining neighborhood. It also caused a shutdown of Rt. 14 from the juncture with Rt. 224 and running north -- with drivers instructed to take an alternate route to Watkins Glen. Emergency personnel announced later in the afternoon that the leak had been stopped, and that the displaced reisidents could return home. Officials said gas service to the village would be temporarily suspended.

Photo: A board overseen by officials stationed at the Montour Falls Fire Department during the leak kept track of where emergency personnel was being utilized.

Ameigh earns Region III Athlete of Week honor

Watkins Glen High School alum Lillian Ameigh (right), a freshman at Corning Community College, has been named the NJCAA Region III Athlete of the Week for her performance in goal for the Red Barons' women's soccer team. Ameigh, a perennial All-Star goalkeeper in high school, had an .875 save percentage in two games. She made 13 saves against Tompkins Cortland (one on a Penalty Kick) in a 2-2 tie, and 15 saves against Genesee CC (including three saves on four PKs) in a 2-0 defeat.

Judge Spaccio resigns amid investigation

Donald R. Spaccio, a Justice of the Montour Falls Village Court and the Montour Town Court, has resigned while under investigation by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct regarding three complaints against him. Government.

Fire District proposal hits snag; 2nd hearing set

Questions abound, and one town opts out, as five town councils and the Odessa Village Board hold a public hearing on the proposed formation of a fire district. Rather than approve the district, councils voted to hold a second public hearing, set for Oct. 16. Govt.

Photo: Atty. Mark C. Butler, who outlined the district proposal.

School Board to discuss filling vacant seat

The Watkins Glen School Board will meet Sept. 30 to discuss the process for filling the vacant seat created by the recent resignation of Jessica Bravo from the board due to personal reasons. "We have accepted her resignation and extend our sincere gratitude for her four years of dedicated service to our district," said Board President Keith Caslin in a message to district residents. "We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will keep you informed of any developments."

Photo in text: Jessica Bravo (File photo)

Along the Catharine Valley Trail ...

Area photographer Marti Dense sent us the offering at right with this notation:

"The scenery along the Catharine Valley Trail between Montour Falls and Watkins Glen never disappoints!

"I spotted this Juvenile Osprey there recently."

Photo by Marti Dense

Grand Prix Festival held in downtown Watkins

The streets of Watkins Glen were full of racers and specialty cars on Friday, Sept. 6th as the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival and the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) teamed up to celebrate road racing history. Features.

Sediment removed from Odessa water tower

A large vacuum operated by a diver with Atlantic Underwater Services Inc. of Lake Pleasant was removing six to eight inches of sediment from the bottom of the Odessa Village water tower Sept. 3rd on Texas Hollow Road -- part of the village's ongoing water improvement project. The sediment, which an Atlantic spokesman said was less than the 18 inches that had been estimated, accumulated across a quarter century, and according to DPW Chief Steve Siptrott, has contributed significantly to discolored water reported for years by some village residents. Phase 1 of the water project, which has included the installation of new pipes throughout the village, will segue later this year into the Phase 2 construction of a state-of-the-art treatment plant at the end of Merchant Avenue.

Photo: Black water pours out of a hose connected to a vacuum wielded by a diver in the water tower tank.

Plaque honoring Victor Franzese unveiled

Family members and friends gathered Sept. 5 at the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen for the unveiling of a plaque there honoring the late Victor Franzese, who for decades hosted racing legends at the Glen Motor Inn he owned and operated with his wife Linda. Franzese, who also competed in numerous races and was previously honored with a stone in the Watkins Glen Drivers Walk of Fame, died in 2021. The foundation-funded plaque was secured by brother-in-law Tom Pandick, who praised the honoree in remarks preceding the unveiling.

Photo: Linda Franzese, widow of Vic, was on hand for the ceremony, which had been kept a secret from her. She said she was both surprised and "overwhelmed."

WG girls top ND in OT as Honrath sets record

The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team got two goals from senior Skye Honrath, including the game-winner in double overtime, to defeat Elmira Notre Dame 2-1 Wednesday night on WGHS's Alumni Field. The two goals lifted Honrath's career total to 74, surpassing the previous school record of 73 set by alum and current Lake Hawks Assistant Coach Hannah Morse. Honrath was given a game ball by Coach Scott Morse, Hannah's father, who said he will cover the cost of the ball himself. Watkins Glen, the two-time Section IV, Class C champion playing in Class B this year, is now 2-0 heading into a road game Friday against Spencer-Van Etten/Candor.

Photo: Skye Honrath, left, with the game ball, and previous record holder Hannah Morse.

Board OKs pickle-ball league's use of Center

The Watkins Glen Village Board on Sept. 3 approved a request for use of the Community Center for a pickle-ball league. The league, overseen by Bob Decker, will operate on Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30 p.m. starting Oct. 16 and running through March 6. The eight-team league is expected to see participation by 40 people.

Photo: Trustees Stephen Klemann, left, and Bob Carson.

Chamber presents awards at luncheon

The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce presented four awards to area businesses and individuals at its annual awards luncheon at Veraisons Restaurant on Aug. 29th. People.


Photo: Schuyler Legacy Award winner Kate LaMoreaux.

NASCAR sets August race at WGI in 2025

Watkins Glen International will once again help set up the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs field with an August race weekend near the end of the 2025 regular season. Sports.

Schuyler Habitat to dedicate house in Watkins

The fifth Schuyler County Habitat for Humanity house will be dedicated on Sunday, September 8th at 2 p.m. The house is located at 126 Fifth Street in the village of Watkins Glen. The public is invited to the dedication to tour the structure. People.

Photo: The Habitat house.

Storm tunes up with Blue-White Scrimmage

The Schuyler Storm varsity football team (Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour players) held its annual Blue-White intrasquad scrimmage Saturday on the WGHS Alumni Field in preparation for the regular season kickoff at O-M on Sept. 14 against Newark Valley. Another scrimmage, at WGHS against Elmira's junior varsity, is set for Saturday, Sept. 7 at either 9 or 10 a.m. The biggest challenge facing the Storm, says Coach Trevor Holland, is the young team's lack of experience. It will play in Class C, Division 5 against Waverly, Lansing, Dryden and Whitney Point.

Photo: Starting quarterback Christopher Simiele, a junior, eludes a tackler during the Blue-White Scrimmage.

Fall sports get under way at WGHS and O-M

Practices began in full on Aug. 26 at Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High Schools for the upcoming high school fall sports season -- including cross country at O-M for the first time in years. Sports.

Photo: WGHS standouts Ava Kelly, right, and Natalee Oliver

Ribbon cutting celebrates Ivy Lane Flowers

Scores of well-wishers were on hand Aug. 22 for a ribbon-cutting at Ivy Lane Flowers, 223-1 North Franklin Street in Watkins Glen. The business, opened in May by Abby Lane -- who had worked for three years before that at the Chamber of Commerce office across the street -- provides (in Lane's words) "flowers, gifts, atmosphere and fun." It is part of a combined operation with Jeff Dill, who owns the building and operates a wine bar on the same site.

Dill recruited Lane after hearing of her participation in a Floral Design program at the New York Botanical Gardens in New York City and her interest in opening a floral business. The wine bar/floral business has worked so well, he said, "I can't imagine this being anything else."

Photos:
Top: Building owner and wine-bar owner Jeff Dill.
Bottom: Abby Lane below a rose-dominated floral arrangement she prepared for the celebration.

Storm varsity football team has its 1st practice

The Schuyler Storm varsity football team gathered for its first practice ahead of the upcoming fall season on Aug. 19 -- 24 of its 26 members (two were on vacation) put through the paces by coaches on the Watkins Glen High School Alumni Field. The Storm, a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes, opens it season at O-M at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14 (a change from a previously announced date of Sept. 13) against Newark Valley. The Storm's annual Blue-and-White scrimmage is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 at WGHS (rescheduled from Aug. 24). Vying for quarterback are junior Christopher Simiele and sophomore Hunter Mowry. The team, which lost about a dozen players to graduation, has some inexperience, but only two freshmen. The rest of the freshmen will play on the modified squad, which starts its practices Aug. 26 with 47 players.

Photo: A member of the Storm varsity football team practices on a new piece of equipment: a Jax Tackler -- purchased by the WGHS Sports Boosters.

Diesel, back with owner, needs to take it easy

Diesel, a 2-year-old, part Lab, part Mastiff rescued from a house fire Aug. 11 on 11th Street in Watkins Glen, is back with owner Wendy Criss after a five-day stay in a Cornell University animal hospital. Diesel, overcome by smoke at the scene but revived by firefighters, sustained lung damage, says Criss, who noted that her pet -- who she had obtained from an Ithaca SPCA just four days before the fire -- "needs to take it easy" because he is, as a result of his injuries, susceptible to diseases. The fire, which started in her home's kitchen while Criss was at work at a Lodi State Park campground, left her homeless, though a neighbor was able to rent her an apartment on 11th Street. She said she will either decide to reconstruct the house -- which sustained smoke and water damage throughout -- or sell it as is to a developer. Either way, she's happy to have Diesel back. "He's such a sweetheart," she said.

Photo: Cornell animal hospital workers with Diesel. (Provided)

Crowd attends Community Day

Despite early rain, the first-ever Odessa Community Day -- organized by Watkins Promotions and local officials -- was held on August 17th in the village. It featured food, live music, and about 20 vendors. Features.

Parole denied again for convicted killer Horein

Joshua J. Horein, 40, of Watkins Glen (right) has been denied parole for the 7th time by the New York State Board of Parole -- a written June decision recently released. He won't be eligible again until December 2025. Horein was convicted of Murder in the Second Degree and sentenced to 20 years to life in prison for the Aug. 5, 2000 murder of Amber Brockway, 15, in Watkins Glen. Horein was 16 at the time. His release has been opposed by the Brockway family, community members and Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph Fazzary, who said Horein "took the life of a beautiful and vibrant teenage girl for no reason. It was a senseless act."

Livy, teammate arrive home to airport welcome

Olivia Coffey of Burdett, after competing in Paris on the U.S. Women's Eight rowing team for the 2nd straight Olympics, arrived at Elmlira Corning Regional Airport about 11 p.m. Aug. 12 after flying during the day from Paris to Atlanta to Detroit and then home. She was traveling with rowing teammate Molly Bruggeman, formerly of Dayton, Ohio but now moving in with boyfriend Matt Sharkey in Corning. The two women were greeted at the airport by Livy's husband Michael Blomquist and her parents Cal and Maggie Coffey, and by Sharkey and his mother Chris, who lives with husband John in Troupsburg.

Livy said it had been "a long travel day," and that she hadn't expected such a welcoming committee, complete with signs. She said that while her team's fifth-place Olympics finish "was not the result I thought we were gonna get ... it didn't mean there was any less effort." She said she hasn't made up her mind whether to compete in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, while Molly said "if Livy does, I will."

Photos: Olivia Coffey arrives to an airport welcome; and Coffey with teammate Molly Bruggeman, now of Corning.

Watkins Elks Lodge presents $6,000 in checks

The Watkins Glen Elks Lodge 1546 presents checks for $5,000 to the Schuyler Health Foundation, $500 to the Village of Watkins Glen and $500 to Camp Star -- grant funds from the Elks National Foundation. People.

Camp Star kids enjoy a day in Watkins Glen

Sixty-two children attending Camp Star enjoyed a day in Watkins Glen on Aug. 13 -- a day organized by the Watkins-Montour and Horseheads Rotary Clubs. The children, with developmental disabilities that might keep them from enjoying a typical camping experience, rode in firetrucks and took a boat cruise, and were provided a pizza lunch. Features.

Photo: The Camp Star kids got firetruck rides. (Provided)

Glen Board OKs concert; alters meeting time

The Watkins Glen Village Board on Aug. 6 approved:
>A special event application for a performance Sept. 8 by the Southern Tier Brass Quintet in Lafayette Park as a Summer Concert Series add-on. The event, from 3-6 p.m., will include talks about the park's history and its recent upgrades.
>A rate of $3 per person, effective Aug. 12, for use of the Community Center for pickleball -- which has been growing in popularity. The board, which had not been charging for the sport, will take another look at rates in the fall.
>The hiring of one lifeguard, and the transition of another to lead lifeguard, to ensure continuation of swimming at Clute Park through Sept. 2.
>A change in the starting time of Village Board meetings from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m. effective with the meeting on Sept. 3

Tabled: A request for 40 cars to drive two laps of the Old Grand Prix Course on Sept. 20. The board wants further information, including the role expected of village police.

Photo: Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo at Aug. 6 meeting

Fire damages Watkins Glen home; dog saved

A fire that began in the kitchen at the rear of the house at 114 Eleventh Street in Watkins Glen late Sunday morning spread upstairs but was quickly extinguished by firefighters. The homeowner, Wendy Criss, was not present at the time, but her dog -- a mixed Lab named Diesel -- was. He was found inside on the floor near the front door by a firefighter, carried outside and attended by firefighters feeding him oxygen. Veterinarian Martha Hawksworth arrived to treat him, and had Diesel -- gradually recovering from his ordeal -- taken to Lakeside Veterinary Services in Montour Falls for more observation. The homeowner -- who one official said had only recently obtained Diesel from a Tompkins County animal shelter -- arrived before Diesel's departure and was able to comfort him. Meanwhile, fire investigators were on site trying to determine the cause of the blaze.

Top Photo: An air conditioner in a kitchen window was scorched, and the window broken. (Photo by David Waite)

Bottom Photo: Diesel, apparently recovered.

Heavy rain powers Montour's Shequaga Falls

The rain from tropical storm Debby drenched our region Friday, prompting flash flood warnings in several counties and creating flood conditions in some Steuben County communities. In Montour Falls, the most visible result of the rain was likely Shequaga Falls, whose rushing water was something of a tourist attraction, with many drivers parking nearby so they could get out to snap some photos of Mother Nature roaring.

Photo: A view of Shequaga Falls on Friday afternoon, Aug. 9th

Olympics: Women's Eight team finishes 5th

The U.S. Women's Eight rowing team, with Burdett's Olivia Coffey in seat 7, finished fifth in the Aug. 3 finals at the Paris Olympics. Romania won the gold medal in a time of 5:54.39, with Canada second (5:58.34) and Great Britain third (5:59.51). Australia surged at the end to place fourth (6:00.73), with the U.S. behind them in 6:01.73. Italy was sixth.

Coffey, an alternate at the Rio Games, was also a member of the Eights crew that finished fourth at the Tokyo Games.

Her rowing team in Paris included Ithaca College graduate Meghan Musnicki in seat five, along with Molly Bruggeman, Margaret Hedeman, Maddie Wanamaker, Claire Collins, Regina Salmons, stroke Charlotte Buck and coxswain Nina Castagna.

Photo: Olivia Coffey on an Olympics promotional ad.

Hector Family A-Fair completes its 2-day run

The second annual Hector Family A-Fair completed its two-day run Aug. 3rd on the Valois-Logan-Hector Fire Department grounds in Hector. The fair, with carnival inflatables to keep the kids climbing, sliding and bouncing, also featured large tents hosting a Kids Zone, live music and other festival activities. Beyond that, there were food vendors, as well as raffles and a book sale that helped raise funds for the fire department and emergency services.

Photo in text: Among the entertainments: a magic show by Ron Cain, here shown preparing.

Wrestling Camp takes to the Clute Park shore

The Odessa-Montour / Watkins Glen Summer Wrestling Camp, being held this weekend at Watkins Glen High School, moved to Clute Park Friday afternoon for 3-minute bouts involving the camp's 55 participants, mostly 6th through 12th graders. According to camp organizer Dan Batchelder, 41 of the 55 are from the O-M and WG schools, while seven are from Dryden, five from Horseheads, and one each from Whitney Point and Trumansburg. Batchelder said the outdoor competition, on a sunny day with a cooling breeze, was undertaken because it offered the wrestlers fun. The program was moving back to the WGHS gym Saturday for the final two days of the program -- a summary of which is on Sports.

Photo: Amber Swaney and Eli Kastenhuber wrestle in one of the day's many bouts. In the background, officiating, is Troy Monks, a coach at Horseheads High School who was himself a three-time Section IV wrestling champion at O-M and an NCAA Division III champion in 1990 while wrestling at SUNY Cortland.

Ribbon-cutting marks FLX Studio anniversary

A ribbon-cutting ceremony July 19 celebrated the one-year anniversary of the FLX Studio & Maker's Market at 220 West Main Street in Montour Falls. The Studio is an inspired concept turned reality by Amanda Colunio, wife of Watkins Glen High School Principal Kyle Colunio and mother to two children. The business is advertised as a "family owned, creative space designed to inspire and empower artists of all ages. ... (It) features a curated retail space showcasing a carefully selected range of art kits, handmade items, and home decor as well as a studio space for workshops, parties and events." People.

Photo: Amanda Colunio outside the FLX Studio

Ribbon-cutting marks opening of FLX Works

The Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development, the Watkins Glen Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Local Planning Committee, and the FLX Gateway Community Development Corporation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 17th celebrating the completion of FLX Works, a coworking space in downtown Watkins Glen. Ribbon.

Photo: Among the speakers: State Senator Tom O'Mara.

Watkins Board ends yard waste-bag program

The Watkins Glen Village Board -- citing cost and an absence of need -- on July 16 voted to end a program that provided free yard waste bags to village residents. The move saves the village $10,000 a year. Board members -- noting that the bags were often used for other purposes -- said they discussed the move with various residents who seemed unbothered by it. Besides, the board noted, leaf pickup will continue, so the move does not impinge on that service.

Mayor Laurie DeNardo also thanked village personnel who helped Monday in the cleanup from the late afternoon storm that knocked down trees and knocked out village power until 3:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Photo: The remaining stock of yard waste bags sits in the Watkins Glen Village Hall.

Caslin elected WG School Board president

Watkins Glen School Board member Keith Caslin was elected by the board July 15th as its president for the coming year. He garnered four of the seven available votes to outpoll incumbent president Joe Stansfield. Theresa Butler was elected vice president with the same four votes -- from Caslin, Jessica Bravo, Tracey VanSkiver and herself -- to outpoll the incumbent VP, Craig Bianco. In a ceremony before the meeting, Superintendent Kai D'Alleva bid farewell to several retiring staff members, including teacher Robin La Face, Athletic Director Rod Weeden, and Phys Ed teacher and coach Kim Suddaby. He also said farewell to Tim and Michelle Benjamin, who directed WGHS musicals for the past 20 years.

Photo: Keith Caslin at the July 15 meeting, before the storm knocked out the lights.

Storm knocks down trees, knocks out power

A rainstorm driven by high winds knocked out power to thousands of Southern Tier residents late Monday afternoon, July 15, including in Watkins Glen and Montour Falls. Traffic lights in Watkins went dark, along with businesses and homes around the village. Fallen trees blocked traffic on South Decatur Street and Cass Road, and small bits of debris cluttered roadways in both villages, on Rt. 224 going up to Odessa, and on various Schuyler rural roads.

Photo: A falling tree damaged one end of the roof at Kurtz Enterprize in Montour Falls during Monday's storm. The damage was covered by a tarp before nightfall.

We present the 2024 Tribute Award honorees

For the fourth consecutive year, The Odessa File, in conjunction with administrators and coaches at the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high schools, is honoring a group of student-athletes -- 24 of them -- with Tribute Awards based on athletics, academics, leadership, and character. To see who the honorees are, visit Tribute.

The Yard FLX on 414 celebrates its rebirth

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 12 celebrated the recent opening of The Yard FLX -- a go-kart (photo above) and mini golf destination long popular in years past but fallen on recent hard times. With new owner Aimee Barton leading the way, the facility has been reborn with a vision of reviving its legacy as an entertainment destination. Features.

Right: Aimee Barton

Annual Glen fireworks display draws crowd

The annual fireworks presented by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce on July 4th (a sample is shown at left) attracted many onlookers to the launch site, Clute Park, and to surrounding hillside vantage points.

Glen getting $4.6M water infrastructure grant

A $4.6 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant has been announced for the Village of Watkins Glen to improve water infrastructure and increase water capacity for the local business community. According to EDA, this grant will support the rehabilitation of Watkins Glen’s water storage tank and pump station, the replacement of water lines, and other water infrastructure improvements needed to increase capacity. The grant will be matched with $4.6 million in local funds and is expected to create or retain 120 jobs. "The EDA award will provide long overdue improvements to our water infrastructure, secure additional housing and jobs, and improve livability," said Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo. Grant.

Photo: Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo.

Halpin re-elected as School Board president
at organizational meeting; Dechow sworn in

Robert Halpin was unanimously re-elected by his fellow Odessa-Montour School Board members as board president at the group's annual organizational meeting Thursday night. Jennifer Mosher was re-elected without opposition as the board vice president. Before those votes, Halpin was first sworn in to a new three-year term on the board, as were incumbent Dana Sgrecci and newcomer Jason Dechow, all winners in the district's May election.

Photo at right: New O-M School Board member Jason Dechow.

Storm in the distance

Glenda Stermer-Simpson sent this photo that she snapped as a storm approached during July 10th's atmospheric turbulence. "Here is a picture of the storm, from Frost Hill Road, Montour Falls, looking west," she wrote, adding: "Pretty neat to watch it come across the hill."

Teaming to raise funds for women with cancer

The Schuyler Health Foundation and the Gorges Givers group have established a fund to provide emergency finanical aid to women diagnosed with cancer. Fund.