General Election is drawing near ...

The 2026 General Election is set for November 3rd, with early voting in Schuyler County starting on October 24th.

For a look at the early voting schedule and a list of local, state and congressional candidates, see Voting.

And inside:

--Hilfiger receives Argetsinger Award. People.
--Montour Falls awarded grant. Government.
--Free Legal Services event for vets. Govt.
--Rotary offers Blood Screening on Nov. 7. People.
--No-cost flu vaccine clinic set. Business.
--Meet the Candidates night held. Government.
--WGI, NASCAR Foundation donate to Centralus Health hospitals. Business.
--Brick Tavern Museum reopens. Features.

Tuesday Schuyler Sports Scoreboard

Girls Soccer:
Section IV, Class C openers
O-M 3, Delaware Academy 0
Bainbridge-Guilford 4, Watkins 0

Girls Swimming
Schuyler Storm 97, Dryden 83

Volleyball
Thomas A. Edison 3, Watkins Glen 0
Groton 3, Odessa-Montour 0

Stories on Sports.

Photo: Odessa-Montour's Vanessa Wood meets the ball.

Financial Focus: Cybercriminals

This Odessa File feature is sponsored by Erin Shawkey, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Investments, 211 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891. This week: Stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. Column.

Photo: Erin Shawkey

A weekly column from
State Senator O'Mara

State Senator Tom O'Mara provides us with a weekly column -- this one titled "Firefighters and first responders always responding to the call." Column.


Left: State Sen. Tom O'Mara

Weed, Pike honored as Students of the Month

Watkins Glen High School senior Grace Weed and Odessa-Montour High School senior Sidney Pike were honored Oct. 15 by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its Students of the Month for October.

Weed was introduced by teacher Kaz Popovich, who praised the honoree for her academics, leadership, work ethic and, above all, for her kind and humble character. Weed, treasurer of the Senior Class and of the National Honor Society, is a member of the varsity volleyball team, business manager of the school Yearbook, and helps elementary students in math. "She takes initiative," said Popovich. "She solves problems. She follows through. She quietly gets things done, and she does them well." Weed said she plans to attend college with an eye toward a career in education.

Pike was introduced by teacher Andrew Reith, who said the honoree is a "go-getter" and a model student who works with younger students, always giving "200% effort." A member of the varsity volleyball team, Pike is also in the high school chorus, a regular participant in school plays, a lifeguard, a New Visions student, a member of the Drama Club, Yearbook and Student Council, and is the student representative on the O-M School Board for the second straight year. She plans to attend college, possibly at Keuka, with an eye on a career as an Occupational Therapist.

Photo: Grace Weed, left, and Sidney Pike.

Some photos from Maggie Field ...

Burdett photographer Maggie Field, who has provided us photos in the past, sent us these:
--"a hummingbird heading south on a stop in my woods";
_a "Harvest Moon shot from my woods" and
--a picture snapped "from my partner Ford Knight's 1956 Morehouse boat built in Seneca Falls he purchased 50 years ago ... from an August ride on which we saw the True Love" in the distance.

The Essentials' 50th member: Kristine Gardner

Odessa Village Board member Kristine Gardner, a Navy veteran long involved in helping veterans, and the guiding force in a growing local food pantry, is the latest individual honored as an Essential -- one of a group of outstanding Schuyler County residents or natives who have impacted society. There are now 24 men, 25 women and one organization among The Essential honorees. Essentials.

Bub's Spirits opens in Odessa

A new business, Bub's Spirits, has opened at 101 E. Main St. in Odessa. Run by Dustin Carnes and his wife Billie Jo, the store offers wine, liquor and seltzers in a remodeled building. Hours are 2 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Phone number: 607-209-2100.

Photo: Dustin and Billie Jo Carnes stand in front of the store's monkey mascot.

The tale of a 700-year-old Ojibwe woman ...

The Odessa File editor/publisher finished writing this novel just as he was starting this website. It's a story he devised of a Native American (Ojibwe) woman reputed to have lived for 700 years ... and supposedly residing to this day on Mackinac Island in Michigan. Is her existence but the stuff of legend? The novel is available on Amazon in Kindle form. To order it, type in Maiden of Mackinac and click on the Amazon website, or click here.

And inside

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

The tale of a 700-year-old Ojibwe woman

The Odessa File editor/publisher finished writing this novel just as he was starting this website. It's a story he devised of a Native American (Ojibwe) woman reputed to have lived for 700 years ... and supposedly residing to this day on Mackinac Island in Michigan. Is her existence but the stuff of legend? The novel is available on Amazon in Kindle form. To order it, type in Maiden of Mackinac and click on the Amazon website, or click here.

Stillman's Greenhouse property in Montour
is set to begin new chapter as Public Market

Brian Eslinger and David Hertel, through E & H Capital Properties LLC, have purchased the former Stillman’s Greenhouse and Garden Center property in Montour Falls with a plan to restore, preserve and redevelop it as the Montour Falls Public Market -- a year-round destination centered around local food, small businesses, farmers, artisans, hospitality and community. Public Market.

A trip to the doctor ...

The editor graduates from cancer checkups ... and is brought down from the resultant high by a significant date: Sept. 18. Column.

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

Note: Sponsorship of the Schools, Forum and PSA Pages is available. Call 607-742-2772 or email chaef@aol.com if interested in advertising.

Sunny skies greet annual Falls Harvest Fest

A large crowd filled Main Street in Montour Falls on Oct. 3rd, there to enjoy the 19th annual Falls Harvest Festival -- an event with about 100 vendors, live entertainment and a shared camaraderie. And it happened on a bright autumn day that only enhanced the experience. The free event was organized entirely by volunteers through Watkins Glen Promotions.

Photo: Banners marked the start of the blocks-long festival, Main Street ahead closed to motor vehicles and featuring craft, food, art and public service vendors.

Hobbs will be keynote speaker at Symposium

The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) and the Society of Automotive Historians (SAH) have announced that legendary driver, author, and broadcaster David Hobbs (right) will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Michael R. Argetsinger Symposium, taking place November 12-13 at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Features.

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: Mac

Name: Mac
Sex: Neutered Male
Age: 1 1/2 Years
Breed: Anatolian Shepherd Mix
Size: Large

This handsome guy came to us as a stray. Like most Anatolian Shepherds, Mac is loyal and gentle. He's a smart, independent guy, aware of all that is going on around him and quick to learn the routine and advance his skills. He's learning his leash skills, is always up for a challenge and would just love a job to do. He'll need to be mentally and physically challenged or he's likely to come up with his own ways to entertain himself which you may not find nearly as amusing.

We sense that in his short year and a half or so of life, he hasn't had the opportunity to see a lot of the world. So, he welcomes the opportunity to share all that the world has to offer and is ready to explore it all. He'd love a home with experienced adults or one with older children. In return he promises to be a wonderful, loyal companion and adventure buddy! He is really just learning how to interact with other dogs, so we would suggest a doggie date if you have another canine companion.

The adoption fee for adult dogs is $225. All have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies, kennel cough, DH(L)PP, have had a complete fecal analysis, been treated for internal and external parasites, are heartworm tested and on heartworm preventative and flea and tick preventative and are microchipped. Stop in on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10-1, Saturdays from 10-4, or Sundays from 2-5 without an appointment or call us at 607-594-2255 to schedule an appointment. Or visit www.schuylerhumane.org to fill out an adoption application to get the process started.

The True Love's 100th anniversary celebrated

Watkins Glen Promotions, in partnership with the century-old schooner True Love, honored a milestone anniversary and Seneca Lake maritime history with the True Love 100-Year Sailabration, held Friday and Saturday at Seneca Harbor Park. Sailabration

Legislature appoints new Purchasing Director

The Schuyler County Legislature met in monthly session on Sept. 14. Among its actions:

--It appointed Ann M. Overhiser to fill the vacant Purchasing Director job at $72,500 per year.
--It accepted bids on 11 tax delinquent properties, ranging from $2,500 to $250,000.
--It established a Special Rules Committee composed of Clerk Nicole Smith and Legislators Robert Halpin, Jeffrey Fazzary and Gail Walker to review the Legislature's Rules of Procedure and recommend any proposed amendments or revisions it wants considered by the full body.

Photo: Legislators Jeffrey Fazzary, left, and Mark Rondinaro. The handbag belongs to Legislator Gail Walker.

4 from Schuyler hailed as Community Heroes

Congressman Nick Langworthy recently presented America 250 Community Hero Awards to 49 individuals from Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Tioga Counties. The event, held at the Clemens Center in Elmira, honored the service of individuals in Langworthy's 23rd Congressional District. The Schuyler County award recipients were Ron Hoffman, Jamie Coleman, Anthony Specchio and Owen Moskal. Features.

Watkins hosts its annual Grand Prix Festival

The annual Watkins Glen Grand Prix Festival returned to the streets of the village Sept.11 under sunny skies. The festival celebrates the history of post-World War II road racing, which all began in Watkins. A full history and background can be found at www.grandprixfestival.com. The festival’s featured Marque (pronounced “mark”) this year was actually a “double” Marque: the Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird. Mike and Scott Joy, a father and son with deep roots in road racing, were the festival Grand Marshals.

Officials want state's school tax errors fixed

Officials in Seneca and Schuyler counties -- including Schuyler County Administrator Shawn Rosno (right) -- are pressing the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for answers and immediate fixes after the state’s Real Property System Online (RPSO) software produced errors on local school tax bills and, in some cases, prevented bills from being issued at all. Taxes.

Bill Green: A motor racing fan and historian

Bill Green never drove a race car. But for nearly eighty years, he has made sure nobody forgets the ones who did. The racing historian -- a fixture at the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen -- is the subject of a two-part study by writer Bob Brown. To see Part One, click here.

Photo: Racing historian Bill Green at his IMRRC office.

WGI's 2027 NASCAR weekend: Sept. 17-19

Watkins Glen International announced Wednesday that its 2027 NASCAR race weekend is officially set now for Sept. 17-19, and will play a pivotal role in the early portion of The Chase. The triple-header weekend will feature the ARCA Menards, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts and NASCAR Cup Series racing. The move from a 2026 May date to a 2027 September weekend was announced earlier this year, but without specific dates.

“The Finger Lakes is destined for an incredible fall in 2027 with the NASCAR race weekend occurring during The Chase, as well as the historic Hilliard US Vintage Grand Prix Presented by Mission Foods weekend" on Sept. 10-12, said Dawn Burlew, President of Watkins Glen International.

Elks Lodge awards $11K in community grants

The Watkins Glen Elks Lodge 1546, in what has become an annual tradition, awarded a total of $11,000 in Elks National Foundation grant money on Thursday, Aug. 20th to seven community service organizations. For a list of the recipients, see People.

Survey: County youth substance use declines

The Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs and Schuyler County Public Health have released the results of the latest SCCUDD Youth Survey, which showed continued declines in youth use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and e-cigarettes/vaping in the county. People.

A column from Odessa's Peterson Library

A recent addition to the pages of The Odessa File is a periodic column from the director of the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library in Odessa. This time, her subject is: A Community Time Capsule Project. Column.

High school football practices are under way

The Schuyler Storm varsity football team held its first practice of the 2026 gridiron season Aug. 17 on Watkins Glen High School's Alumni Field. The team, composed of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes, has 34 players on the roster, including 11 seniors. At quarterback are senior Hunter Mowry, junior Isaac Rumsey and sophomore Mason Bubb. Running backs include returners Jared Watson, Noah Wright and Leon and Caydin Lagramada. The team has scrimmages the next two weekends on the road before opening the season at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5th on O-M's Charles Martin Field against Susquehanna Valley. Practices for other sports begin next week..

Photo: Storm Coach Trevor Holland huddles with his players.

'Finger Lakes Water Ways' exhibit opens

For centuries, waterways have connected people, industries and communities throughout the Finger Lakes. Those connections are celebrated in the newest exhibit -- titled "Finger Lakes Water Ways" --at the Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Hammondsport. Exhibit.

Italian American Festival ends its run at Clute

The Schuyler County Italian American Festival concluded its three-day run Aug. 15th at Clute Park in Watkins Glen. The festival -- featuring live music, Bingo, a Cornhole Tournament, rides, vendors, a parade and a final-night fireworks show -- drew a large crowd Saturday under sunny skies with a cooling breeze. The mid-day parade on Decatur Street featured bands, fire trucks, cars, horses, and politicians.

Photo: The fest's ferris wheel

Sunrise above the marsh ...

This photo of a misty Sunday morning sunrise was sent to us by Patty Bartolomeo, snapped from her backyard along Rt. 414 above Montour Falls and looking east over marshland that serves as a bird sanctuary.

Ed Clute reflects on his remarkable career in music

Local writer Bob Brown offers a close look at prized area musician Ed Clute, most of it in Mr. Clute's own words, recorded and transcribed. Ed Clute.

Photo: Ed Clute at the piano

Rock of Ages: Teen Edition ends 4-day run

The Lake County Players production of Rock of Ages: Teen Edition concluded its four-day run with an afternoon performance Aug. 9th in the Watkins Glen High School auditorium. Featuring a cast of 30 young performers from Schuyler, Chemung, Steuben, and Yates Counties, the play celebrated the music and spirit of the 1980s. Alex Gill and Kelsey Gill directed, with Kim Laursen serving as music director.

Photo: Natalie VanSkiver as Sherrie Christian -- a role she performed Friday and Sunday. Emma Eichenhofer was Sherrie on Thursday night, and again Saturday night.

Schuyler Head Start awarded $1.3 million grant

Schuyler Head Start, Inc. has been awarded a $1,373,892 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support Head Start services for children and families in Schuyler County. Congressman Nick Langworthy, in announcing the funding -- awarded through the Head Start Project program -- said it "will help provide early childhood education, health services, nutrition, and family support programs that prepare young children for success in school and beyond. Head Start has long played a vital role in our rural communities, helping children build the skills they need to succeed. This investment for Schuyler Head Start will ensure that this program continues to receive the federal resources it needs."

Photo: Congressman Nick Langworthy (File photo)

Odessa holds its 3rd annual Community Day

Wine, food and information vendors combined with live music, neighborly camaraderie, and various children's activities (face painting, balloon animals and tours of two fire trucks) at the third annual Odessa Community Day, held July 25th on the village's Church Street. Music was provided throughout the afternoon by Trick Shot, a Central NY band that plays Southern and classic rock.

Photo: Food trucks were popular at Community Day.

From the archives: 'I Crockett; I Bowie' ...

Several years ago, the editor produced a piece that was labeled a column but was more along the lines of a short story. One of his personally favorite efforts, he resurrects it here.

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

Note: Sponsorship of the Schools, Forum and PSA Pages is available. Call 607-742-2772 or email chaef@aol.com if interested in advertising.

Group's aim: Play films again at Glen Theater

Months after a broken projector ended films at the Glen Theater, a committee of concerned citzens is moving forward with plans that might restore movies to that Franklin Street landmark. One of the committee members explains on People.

Photo: Franklin Street entrance to the Glen Theater.

Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel presents check for $25,000 to T-Burg Takes on Pediatric Cancer

A check for $25,000 was presented July 14th by the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel to the non-profit T-Burg Takes on Pediatric Cancer. The donation represents a portion of the proceeds raised during the hotel's 14th annual Fire & Ice Celebration held January 29-31. Fire & Ice events, popularly known as Ice Bars, have over the years raised $285,000 for area charities. Previous recipients included the Red Cross and the Schuyler Health Foundation. Hart Hotels President and CEO David Hart, on hand for the presentation, said that two other Hart hotels -- in Clayton and Chautauqua -- also hold Fire & Ice parties, and that together the three have raised $670,000 for charities over the years. "I have an eye on $1 million," he added, smiling. Receiving the check were representatives of T-Burg Takes on Pediatric Cancer, which provides financial assistance to families of children stricken with cancer.

Photo: Hart Hotels President and CEO David Hart speaks during the check presentation ceremony.

Gill, VanSkiver sworn in; Caslin is re-elected president at Board's reorganizational session

Newcomer Alex Gill and incumbent Tracey VanSkiver were sworn in to three-year terms on the Watkins Glen School Board at the board's annual reorganizational meeting on July 13, while the board unanimously re-elected Keith Caslin as its president. One other incumbent board member slated to be sworn in after winning election in May -- Astra Titus -- was absent, so she'll take the oath of office at her next meeting. In her absence, there was a 3-3 tie in the vote for vice president (VanSkiver vs. Barbara Schimizzi). That election was tabled until a vote can be taken with the full board present.

Photo: Keith Caslin is sworn in as School Board president.

Mosher elected president of O-M School Board

Jennifer Mosher, Vice President of the Odessa-Montour School Board for the past six years, was elected President by board members at their annual reorganizational meeting July 9th at the school. She succeeds Robert Halpin, longtime President who is still on the board but decided against seeking another year in the top post. Dana Sgrecci, an eight-year board member, was elected vice president. Mosher, now in her 13th year on the board, was sworn in to another term at the meeting's outset along with Kyle VanGalder, now in his fourth year. Mosher and VanGalder were re-elected to the board by district voters in May.

Photo in text: Kyle VanGalder signs the oath book after being sworn in to the board by District Clerk Jennifer Stevenson.

Kids learn basketball basics at WG Camp

About 85 area 2nd through 6th grade student-athletes participated from Aug. 10-14 in the inaugural Watkins Glen Basketball Camp in the WGHS Field House. Overseen by WGHS girls varsity basketball coach Alicia Learn and a number of assistants, the five-day camp -- through its $40 tuition -- taught kids the game's basics while raising funds for the Schuyler County United Way and the Watkins Glen School District's basketball programs. Learn said a camp for 7th through 12th graders might be added next summer.

Firm awarded Falls Climate Smart Mini-Grant

A business that is turning the former Stillman's Greenhouse property at 251 Catharine St. in Montour Falls into the Montour Falls Public Market has been awarded a $10,000 Climate Smart Communities business mini-grant. The grant to E&H LLC will fund high-efficiency improvements and will -- says Montour Falls Mayor James Ryan -- help transform the property "into a vibrant and welcoming destination for both residents and tourists. We are dedicated to building a sustainable future for the Montour Falls Public Market, which will ultimately benefit the entire community.” Brian Eslingler represented E&H LLC at the grant presentation.

Photo: Montour Falls Mayor James Ryan, right, with E&H LLC's Brian Eslinger at the grant presentation (Photo provided)

Eslinger steps down from Commissioner post

BrianT. Eslinger has -- "with a heavy heart" -- resigned from his post as the Democratic Commissioner of the Schuyler County Board of Elections, effective July 21. "This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made," he says. "Serving as your Democratic Commissioner for more than three years has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life." Forum.

Photo: Brian T. Eslinger (File photo)

Friends of CVT honor 2 with Distinction Award

The inaugural Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail Distinction Awards designed to honor outstanding Trail volunteers were presented July 20th to Caryl Sutterby and Elizabeth Watson at a meeting of the FCVT board in a Watkins Glen Library conference room. The award, expected to be presented annually, honored Sutterby for tireless work in the early years of the Trail's development, and Watson for more recent efforts. Their names -- and those of any future honorees -- will be on display on a plaque at Lafayette Park. The board also expressed its gratitude to retiring Watkins Glen State Park Manager Ron Roney for his help over the past 15 years in developing the Trail, which is owned by the State Park system. On hand with Roney -- whose last day on the job is Aug. 7 -- was his successor, Mike Updike.

Photo: Retiring Watkins Glen State Park Manager Ron Roney, left, and incoming Manager Mike Updike.

Finding Nemo Jr. ends 4-day run at WGHS

The fourth and final performance of the Lake Country Players musical production of Finding Nemo Jr. was held Sunday afternoon, July 19th in the Watkins Glen High School auditorium. The play, which featured a cast of 61 young performers from Schuyler and three surrounding counties, is based on the 2003 Disney/Pixar film Finding Nemo that tells the story of Marlin, an overprotective clownfish, and his adventurous son Nemo. It was presented Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights before the Sunday matinee. For another photo , see Forum.

Photo: Aryanna Waldron as Dory.

Song praises Watkins Glen and Seneca Lake

A song titled "Seneca Lake in Upstate" extolling the virtues of Seneca Lake and Watkins Glen is featured online. The song is by Mary Magee, a singer/songwriter from Arlington, Texas. She was originally from Watkins Glen, where she developed roots in music at a young age. "I grew up in a beautiful little town in upstate New York called Watkins Glen," she writes. "We lived a few miles outside of town, but the majority of my Dad's side of the family lived right there along the lake just north of town. This song is a tribute to that beautiful place that resides so fondly in my memories." It was "a simpler time ... that I will always cherish." You can reach the song here.

File honors Janne Anderson as Athlete of Year

Odessa File Editor and Publisher Charlie Haeffner presented the website's Schuyler County Athlete of the Year Award -- a plaque sponsored by E.C. Cooper Insurance -- to Odessa-Montour High School freshman Janne Anderson on June 10 in a ceremony in the office of O-M Superintendent Jim Nolan. On hand were Janne's parents, Kurt and Johanna, and her sister Heidi. Janne qualified twice this year for New York State tournaments, in Cross Country and Track, set numerous school records in Track, and won the Section IV title in the 400 Hurdles. She competes this weekend in the State Track & Field Championships in Webster. For details on her year, see Sports.

Photo: Janne receives her plaque from Haeffner

The Odessa File's annual Tribute Awards

The Odessa File, with input from school administrators and coaches, has presented its 6th annual Tribute Awards to 25 students -- 13 at Watkins Glen High School and 12 at Odessa-Montour. The awards are based on academics, athletics, citizenship, leadership and character, spotlighting some of Schuyler County's best and brightest 9th through 12th graders. Tribute Awards.

Fireworks show caps off celebratory July 4th

A large crowd gathered at Clute Park and at other nearby viewing venues Saturday night for a 4th of July fireworks show (right) over Seneca Lake that capped off a day of Clute activities as America observed its 250th birthday. The activities including swimming, live music, vendors, cookouts, and a Historical Society display in the Events Center that focused on Schuyler County during the Revolutionary War. For story and photos, see Features.

Ribbon-cutting marks Sentry Bridge opening

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, July 1 overseen by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation opened the new Sentry Bridge at the Watkins Glen State Park. Speeches by park and local officials preceded the ribbon-cutting, which took place in front of the tunnel entrance to the bridge. The new structure, planned for five years, was constructed over the past year -- replacing a temporary span utilized for the past three summers.

The speakers included Kathy Moser, the New York State Parks Commissioner, who joined Hidden Valley 4-H Camp members afterward in traversing the new bridge. Also speaking was Fred Bonn, the park system's outgoing regional director, and local politicians Carl Blowers, chair of the Schuyler County Legislature, and Watkins Glen Mayor Peter Cherock.

Photos: Schuyler County Legislature Chair Carl Blowers and Kathy Moser, NYS Parks Commissioner, before she cut the ribbon.