Financial Focus: Turn savings into paychecks

This Odessa File feature is sponsored by Erin Shawkey, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Investments, 211 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891. This week: Turn your savings into paychecks in retirement. Column.

Photo: Erin Shawkey

And inside:

--Rock of Ages: Teen Edition set. Forum.
--Palmesano decries growing prison violence. Govt.
--St. James to headline TEDx at WGI. Features.
--Empty the Shelters pet adoptions. Business.
--Hazardous Waste Recycling Day. Government.
--NY bans smart glasses in courthouses. Govt.
--OM/WG Summer Wrestling Camp set. Sports.
--Solomon earns college diploma. Schools.
--Coffeehouse awarded grant. Business.
--2 OFA volunteers honored in Albany. People.

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)

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.

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 Monday 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.

A weekly column from
State Senator O'Mara

State Senator Tom O'Mara provides us with a weekly column -- this one titled "Better late than never on regulatory reform in NYS?" Column.


Left: State Sen. Tom O'Mara

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 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.

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

The Essentials: Outstanding area residents

Burdett couple Martha and Richard Evans are the latest individuals honored as Essentials -- part of a group of outstanding Schuyler County residents or natives who have impacted society. There are now 24 men, 24 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.

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.

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.

Speeches to remember ...

Three graduating seniors at Watkins Glen High School deliver memorable speeches at the school's Commencement. The editor looks at two, and publishes a third. 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.

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.

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: Exciting summer projects & programs. Column.

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.

One dead in Alpine Junction 2-car accident

A New Jersey resident was killed July 5th while a passenger in a car involved in a crash at the intersection of Routes 13 and 224 at Alpine Junctiion. State Police said Prasanna Atlur, 31, died of injuries sustained in the 5 a.m. crash that occurred when the Tesla in which she was riding -- driven by another New Jersey resident -- failed to stop for a red light while traveling north on Rt. 224 and was struck in the intersection by a Dodge Charger driven by an Elmira man who was eastbound on Rt. 13 and had a green light. The drivers of both vehicles and one other Tesla passenger were injured and hospitalized. An investigation is continuing.

Paige Ells is 2nd Team All-State

Pitcher Paige Ells (right), who led the Schuyler Storm (combined Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High School) softball team to the IAC Large School championship in her recently concluded sophomore season, has been named a 2nd Team All-State, Class B selection by the New York State Sportswriters Association. Ells was 13-3 with a 1.83 ERA on the mound, striking out 179 batters in 106 innings. She led the team in hitting (.500) and on-base percentage (.598) while registering 20 singles, 8 doubles, 3 triples and 2 home runs and driving in a team-topping 29 runs. She also walked 14 times and stole 20 bases.

91 graduate at WGHS

Watkins Glen High School saw 91 students graduate June 27th in a Commencement ceremony in the school's auditorium. For story and photos, see Schools.

Photo: WGHS graduates Erin Snow and Ryan Dean with their diplomas.

46 graduate at Odessa

Odessa-Montour High School saw 46 students graduate June 26th in a Commencement ceremony in the school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium. For story and photos, see Schools.

Photo: Many graduation caps carried a message.

Schuyler Scholars honored at hotel dinner

Seniors who finished academically in the top 10 percent of the graduating classes at the Watkins Glen, Odessa-Montour and Bradford High Schools were honored June 24th at the 19th annual Schuyler Scholars Celebration. The dinner event was held at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. Schools.

Photo: O-M honoree Rilke Arrance

Recognitions abound at School Board meeting

Student classroom, artistic and athletic achievements were the focal point of the Watkins Glen School Board in the opening minutes of its meeting June 22nd in the WGHS library. Schools.

Photo: Clay target shooters Cordelia Thompson, left, and Sally Brown, recognized for their skill.

WGHS distributes annual DubG sports honors

Junior Jude Santos and senior Rachel Vickio were named the Watkins Glen High School Male and Female Athletes of the Year June 21 during the annual DubG Awards in the school auditorium. To see who else won various honors, visit Sports.

Cardboard boats highlight Waterfront Festival

The 2026 Watkins Glen Waterfront Festival -- featuring its annual Cardboard Boat Regatta -- drew thousands of people to Seneca Harbor Park on June 20. About 40 duct-taped and glued cardboard boats competed for prizes, two at a time starting at an entry ramp on the east end of the park. Their crews paddled them out to the breakwater, west to the pier and south to a finish line. Both the pier and breakwater were loaded with spectators, as was the park shoreline. Food and craft vendors were also on hand, along with musicians. Festival attendees got a close-up look at the regatta boats, which were on display beforehand in a parking area, and voted on their favorites. Features.

Photo: This shark was among the many festival-goers.

Odessa-Montour's revised budget passes

Voters in the Odessa-Montour School District on Tuesday approved a revised 2026-27 school budget with a 6.2% tax levy hike by a 279-91 margin-- almost a month after a spending plan with a 13% tax levy hike had been rejected. That earlier vote had fallen short of a 60% approval -- the level required due to the levy hike exceeding a state tax cap of 3.12%. This time, with 60% once again the goal, more than 75% of those voting approved the new plan, which in the wake of the first vote included increased state Foundation Aid and an increase in pre-K aid. If the vote had fallen short of 60% again, the board would have turned to a contingency budget. Instead, the new $23,150,708 spending plan takes effect on July 1.

Ken & Peggy Powers Field celebrate 66 years

Ken and Peggy Powers Field of Watkins Glen celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on Thursday, June 18. Ken and Peggy married at St Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church on June 18, 1960. Ken was an educator, guidance counselor and psychologist in the Horseheads school district, and continued as a child psychologist until retiring in his 70’s. Peggy worked as a retailer, journalist and business woman, operating a women’s clothing store, "Peggy Field's," for 10 years on Franklin Street in Watkins Glen. Their children are Maggie Field, retired school library media specialist, and Dr. Kevin Field, psychologist. Their grandchildren are Thomas Field, student and lacrosse player at Dean College, and Amy Field, student athlete at Watkins Glen High School.

O-M names Barr, Hoffman its Athletes of Year

Odessa-Montour High School's 59th Annual Sports Awards Night June 9th culminated in the announcement of Olivia Barr and Lucas Hoffman, both three-sport competitors, as its Harold Lynch Athletes of the Year. The Lynch honors go each year to O-M seniors.
Winners of other key awards:
--Charles Martin Memorial Sportsmanship Award: Connor Foggie, McKenzie Landon
--Section IV Character Counts Awards: Lauren Signor, Jared Watson.
--James Anagnost Award: James Halpn.

Photo in text: McKenzie Landon and Connor Foggie.

Ribbon cutting marks Hanlon renovations

Six renovated Hanlon Elementary School classrooms have opened to students as Capital Improvement Project work shifted to the renovation of four other classrooms -- a milestone marked June 9th by a ribbon-cutting ceremony in one of the six completed rooms. On hand to cut the ribbon was retired Hanlon and B.C. Cate Elementary School Principal Harry E. Barrigar, who retired in 1995 and still lives next door to the Odessa-Montour school campus. Also present were members of Mr. Barrigar's family, who heard ceremony emcee Jim Nolan, the school superintendent, extol Mr. Barrigar for his 18 years as principal in an education career that spanned 34 years. Mr. Barrigar's wife taught at both the Hanlon and B.C. Cate schools prior to her retirement.

WG senior Anna Franzese wins Susan Award

The annual Susan B. Haeffner Memorial Sportsmanship Award was presented June 4th to Watkins Glen High School senior Anna Franzese -- the class Valedictorian -- during the school's WG United Awards Ceremony in the Field House. The award is a Sportsmanship in Life Award given annually to one student in Schuyler County by The Odessa File Editor/ Publisher, Charlie Haeffner, in memory of his late wife, Susan Bauman Haeffner. Schools.

Photo: Anna Franzese with her Susan Award.

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: Daisy

Name: Daisy
Sex: Spayed Female
Age: 2 Years
Breed: Pit Bull Mix
Size: Medium

Daisies are the quintessential symbol of beauty and innocence, and subtle charm. They are a popular flower and loved by everyone. So, the name seemed perfectly fitting for this sweet girl who came to us as a stray. A fun-loving gal, Daisy is definitely a staff and volunteer favorite. She's a joy to walk, a great companion, and always by your side.

She's a compact and petite little lady and just as pretty as can be. Daisy does seem to want to be the focus of all your affection so may well be suited to a home with no other four-legged friends. Daisy is estimated to be about 2 years old.

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.

Montour Falls Fire Dept. Festival ends its run

The annual Montour Falls Fire Department Festival was held for its third and final night June 6th at the carnival grounds in Montour Falls. A final-day highlight was a 5 p.m. Parade of Bands down Main Street featuring fire department and high school marching bands, fire engines, tractors, floats and classic cars. The emcee, as he has been for decades, was Jim Howell.

The festival itself drew a large crowd on an alternately sunny and cloudy day. It featured games, rides, live music, food, and a raffle giveaway. Features.

Photo: One of the Fire Department Festival's many rides.

O-M's Croft signs EC Soccer letter of intent

Odessa-Montour High School senior Patrick Croft, in a ceremony at O-M, signed a letter of intent June 11th to play soccer this coming school year at Elmira College. Croft was a six-year member of the O-M boys soccer team, three years as a captain. He was a three-time IAC 1st Team selection, playing twice on teams that won the IAC Small School South Division title. Over the past two years he scored 24 goals and registered 16 assists. He plans to major in Environmental Science.

Photo: O-M senior Patrick Croft, headed for Elmira College.

9 WGHS senior athletes sign letters of intent

Nine Watkins Glen High School seniors on Wednesday signed letters of intent to play sports at their chosen colleges. The nine, gathered in the Board of Education meeting room at the high school, were cheered on by family and classmates on hand for the occasion. Schools.

Photo: Cordelia Thompson

O-M holds its Prom ...

Odessa-Montour High School held its annual Junior-Senior Prom on May 30th at The Barn at Stoney Creek. For photos from the evening, see Schools.

Photos from Burdett's Maggie Field ...

Burdett photographer Maggie Field sent us these photos of an eaglets' nest near the canal, "and papa in a tree across the canal from the nest."

Odessa holds its inaugural Community Jam

The first-ever Odessa Community Jam -- a gathering of musicians, music lovers, and food and merchandise vendors -- was held Sunday on the first block of Church Street in the village. The event, staged by three local businesses and the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library, was designed -- according to a library spokesperson -- to provide a pleasant outlet for area residents leading into the summer festival season. A significant turnout had organizers speculating that the Jam might become an annual event. A larger Odessa Community Days gathering on the same street is scheduled for July 25.

Photo: A food tent was a popular stop at the Community Jam.

Truck catches fire in Odessa; nobody hurt

A pickup truck driver and his three passengers escaped injury on May 29 when the vehicle caught fire on College Ave. in Odessa. The truck had stalled as it pulled out of the Odessa-Montour school lot, and after the driver pulled over -- and with the engine off -- flames broke out, rising (according to one witness) several feet above the vehicle. Firefighters quickly arrived, found the passengers safely out, and extinguished the blaze. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Photo: The truck afterward, on College Ave. in Odessa.

Rotary Club honors 4 Students of the Month

Four high school seniors -- two from Odessa-Montour and one each from Watkins Glen and Bradford -- were honored as Students of the Month by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club at a club luncheon on May 21. Schools.

Photo: Honoree Madison Tuttle, a senior at Watkins Glen High School.

Two Memorial Day services held in Schuyler

Shequaga Falls Park in Montour Falls -- with the falls roaring in the background -- was the site of the first of two Memorial Day services May 25 in Schuyler County. That service, along with one at Veterans Memorial Park outside Odessa, featured speeches by a Green Beret, SFC (Ret.) Charles K. Lyles IV, who recounted some of his military experiences -- which included two deployments to Afghanistan and one to South America. While he said he envisioned his role at the beginning as Rambo-esque, he also knew the gravity of service -- that it's "a deal you know you're making ... that what you sign up for may never allow you to come home." Pastor Mike Kelly offered prayer at both services, and the Odessa-Montour Central School band performed at both. A Community Chorus sang "Battle Hymn of the Republic" at the second service.

Photo: Musketry played a role at both ceremonies.

WGHS holds Prom at Barn at Stoney Creek

Watkins Glen High School held its 2026 Prom May 16th at The Barn at Stoney Creek. Among the highlights, beyond the gowns, tuxedos and live music, was the crowning of the Prom Prince and Princess, and of the Prom King and Queen. Schools.

Photo: WGHS senior Ryan Dean arrives at the Prom.

Corvette Thunder weekend draws fans to Glen

Corvette enthusiasts and motorsports fan gathered in downtown Watkins Glen May 16th for the return of Corvette Thunder in the Glen, a festival celebrating that iconic car -- whose roots stretch back to the Glen in 1951. The festival started Friday when about 240 people attended a kickoff event at the Seneca Lake Events Center: a Meet and Greet featuring a keynote address by Canadian Hall of Fame Corvette Racing driver Ron Fellows, Other speakers included Tony Vickio, chair of the Corvette Thunder in the Glen festival, and Amy Hardin, director of development at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, paying her first visit to Upstate New York. For details on Saturday's festival, see Features.

Photo: Keynote speaker Ron Fellows at Friday's event.

Glen school budget passes; O-M's falls short

Voters in the Watkins Glen School District on May 19 approved -- by a 198-75 margin -- a $33,319,335 budget with a tax levy hike of 1.69%.

But a $23,390,156 spending plan in the Odessa-Montour district -- calling for a 13% tax levy increase, above the state tax cap and therefore requiring approval from 60% of those voting -- fell short with approval on 56.8% of the 447 ballots cast. The O-M School Board will meet Thursday to discuss the next step, which could include resubmitting the same plan to the voters, or an altered plan. Note: the annual library tax, separate from the budget, passed 229-218.

Local board races were uncontested, with two incumbents (Jennifer Mosher and Kyle VanGalder) elected to two available three-year seats at Odessa-Montour, and two incumbents (Tracey VanSkiver and Astra Titus) and one newcomer (Alexander Gill) elected to three available seats at Watkins.

WGI's 2027 NASCAR race will be in September

Watkins Glen International's big NASCAR race weekend in 2027 will be in September, it has been announced. According to a report on NASCAR.com, "Watkins Glen track president Dawn Burlew first announced the news at an event welcoming campers to the road course’s grounds for this weekend’s NASCAR tripleheader. Though an exact 2027 date wasn’t specified, officials indicated that the NASCAR Cup Series race will take place in one of the earliest slots in the 10-race Chase next year. It’s a shift back to a more traditional date on the NASCAR schedule for the 2.45-mile circuit, which plays host to a rare springtime event this weekend."

Sticker campaign: Don't give youths alcohol

The Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs (SCCUDD) and Schuyler County Public Health partnered for NASCAR weekend on a Sticker Shock campaign to raise awareness about the consequences adults face if they provide alcohol to youth. People.

Free sandbags, plastic sheeting available
to fight effects of sustained high lake water

Schuyler County Emergency Management has FREE sandbags and plastic sheeting available for shoreline residents to pick up and use if their property is sustaining erosion and dock damage from high lake waters. Forum.

O-M district students plant tree on Arbor Day

Four Odessa-Montour School District students took part on April 24th in an Arbor Day tree-planting ceremony at the festival grounds in Montour Falls. Students submitted ecology-themed artwork, and the recognized winners earned the honor of helping plant a tree. Schools.

Photo: Planting the tree.
(Photo by EJ Holter)

Schuyler to weigh joining opioid settlement

The Schuyler County Legislature will review and consider a resolution authorizing participation in a new national opioid settlement at its meeting on April 13. Under the proposed agreement, six defendants will collectively pay approximately $97.6 million nationwide to support opioid abatement efforts. Government.

Wooden racing shell to get facelift at museum

The Corsair, a rare 60-foot wooden rowing shell owned by Northeastern University, arrives at the Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Hammondsport. A look at the craft and its link, long ago, to Calvin Coffey, who will help restore it. Facelift.

Photo: The Corsair in the FLBM workshop. (Provided)

Local author writes 'Pete the Pet Raccoon'

An area author, Jackie Lynn Wickham, has written a book titled “Pete the Pet Raccoon” -- a true tale that follows a young girl who raises a raccoon to help it return to the wild.

The release from Newman Springs Publishing -- Wickham's first book -- centers around Margie, a young girl who is surprised when her father brings home a raccoon who needs to be cared for before it could return to the wild. Features.

A column from Phil Palmesano

Assemblyman Palmesano offers a column from Albany, this one titled: "April is Donate Life Month." Column.


Photo: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano.

Some wildlife photos from Maggie Field ...

The photo on the right and the one above were sent to us by Burdett photographer Maggie Field, an occasional contributor to these pages. As she explained it, her picture (right) of a Great Blue Heron and the one above of an Osprey "were caught at the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge near Cayuga Lake."

Maggie Field photos.

Rotary honors 2 seniors as Students of Month

Watkins Glen High School seniors Wendy Coleman and Lilian Artusa were honored April 16th by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its WGHS Students of the Month for March and April, respectively.

Coleman (right) was introduced by teacher Kelsey Wood, who said the honoree is "respectful and professional" and possesses the ability to adapt -- has "a with-it-ness." Coleman, who has been a member of the swim, tennis and track & field teams, is an award-winning artist and recently won first place in a Family, Career and Community Leadership of Amerca-NY Entrepreneur Project by designing a clothing brand titled "Called and Clothed." She plans to attend SUNY Geneseo and major in Psychology with an eye toward possibly becoming a therapist.

Artusa was introduced by her WGHS Mandarin teacher, Kelly Zhang, who said the honoree has "consistently demonstrated enthusiasm for learning, strong goal-setting skills, and an exceptional work ethic." Artusa, a member of the school tennis team, is a talented musician, recently showing her vocal talents as a co-star of the outstanding school play "SIX: Teen Edition," as one of Henry VIII's six wives. She plans to attend Binghamton University to major in Biology, then attend medical school and become a heart surgeon.

Photo in text: Wendy Coleman at Rotary luncheon.

In honor of excellence: the Ells sisters ...

WATKINS GLEN, April 11 --While The Odessa File hasn't honored Athletes of the Week since the pandemic, it feels compelled to shine a light on the recent performances of sisters Paige and Keira Ells, students at Watkins Glen High School and teammates on the Schuyler Storm varsity softball team. If you missed it, Paige (a sophomore) pitched a perfect five-inning game on April 8th against Whitney Point, and Keira (an 8th grader) did the same thing the next day against Trumansburg.

A perfect game is rare enough, but back-to-back perfectos by siblings? Their coach/father, Shannon Ells, says he's never heard of such a thing, and neither has The Odessa File -- whose editor was inspired to create a bit of verse:

Back in the '30s the Deans were the rage.
Of Dizzy and Daffy lore tells.
And now in the '20s it's Keira and Paige.
The remarkable sisters named Ells.

Photo: Paige (left) and Keira Ells

Note: For those wondering, the Dean brothers in the poem were pitchers for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1930s. In 1934, Dizzy won 30 games and Daffy won 19 as the Cardinals captured the National League pennant and World Series.

Montour Falls awards $7,800 to local business

Montour Falls Mayor James Ryan on April 2nd signed a Climate Smart Communities business grant of $7,800 for a village business, STATEMENTS Accounting and Consulting. According to a press release, the firm's President and CEO, Rebekah Carroll, will use the award to expand the company's IT infrastructure, increasing capacity to serve a growing customer base and add employees as needed. Ryan said such grants help businesses grow and remain competitive, "strengthening the entire community."

Egg Hunt draws crowd to Lafayette Park

Hundreds of people -- parents with their children -- flocked to Lafayette Park in Watkins Glen on April 4th for the Easter Egg Hunt held there annuallly. Thousands of plastic eggs -- 28 of them holding a slip of paper awarding a stuffed animal prize -- were gathered up by the kids in two designated areas -- for 5-and-under and 6-and-older participants. A special attraction was the Easter Bunny, who arrived in a fire truck and met a long line of kids with hugs and high-fives. Also popular: face painting for kids on the park bandstand.

Photo at right: The Easter Bunny is greeted by a young girl upon his arrival at Lafayette Park.

Watkins "No Kings" protest draws 400-plus

More than 400 people gathered March 28th in front of the Schuyler County Courthouse as part of a nationwide movement of "No Kings" gatherings protesting Trump Administration policies. Many of the protesters on either side of Franklin Street carried signs that objected to such things as the war in Iran, practices by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, high prices, Congressional gridlock, and the government's handling of the Epstein Files. There were more than 3,000 such protests across the country, including several in our region.

Musical SIX: Teen Edition ends run at WGHS

The Watkins Glen High School production of its spring musical, SIX: Teen Edition, was performed for the third and final time March 29th in the WGHS Auditorium.

The play, which was also presented Friday and Saturday nights, is a contemporary retelling of the lives of the six wives of King Henry VIII, with each trying to outdo the others in a musical setting. Schools.

Editor's Note: This was a thoroughly enjoyable 80-minute long, high-energy production with excellent vocals and a playful, humorous streak. Schools.

Photo: Quin Artusa as Jane Seymour, one of the six wives of Henry VIII.

Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo dies

Laura "Laurie" DeNardo, a Watkins Glen Village Trustee for eight years before becoming Mayor in 2023, passed away on Tuesday, March 24 at her home. She was 64. DeNardo, who rose to the post of Director of Human Resources at Cornell University, served on numerous local boards, including Watkins Glen Promotions and the Schuyler Health Foundation, and was co-chair of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Her obituary appears here.

Tuttle wins racewalk again at Adidas Nationals

Watkins Glen High School senior Madison Tuttle, as she did in 2024, won the Mile Racewalk event March 22 at the Adidas Indoor Track and Field Championships in Virginia Beach. Tuttle trailed early in the race among a half-dozen competitors, but gained the lead by the race's midpoint and then held off a trio of challengers down the stretch. She finished in 8:39.24, while the runnerup posted a time of 8:41.65. Tuttle placed 2nd in the race last year.

Photos: Madison Tuttle at the Adidas Nationals. (Provided)

Hilfiger to receive Cameron Argetsinger Award

Global fashion icon and longtime motorsports enthusiast Tommy Hilfiger will be honored on Thursday, October 15 with the prestigious Cameron R. Argetsinger Award for his Outstanding Contributions to Motorsports.

The award will be presented at the International Motor Racing Research Center’s annual Award Gala at the Corning Museum of Glass. People.

The Odessa File Winter All-Stars unveiled

The Odessa File's pick of outstanding high school winter sports performers is presented, along with MVP and Impact Player honors. Sports.

Barr, Vogel honored as Students of the Month

Odessa-Montour High School senior Olivia Barr and Bradford High School senior Alivia Vogel were honored March 19th by the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club as its Students of the Month for March.

Barr was introduced to Rotarians by O-M Guidance Counselor Dan Batchelder, who said Olivia is one of the school's best students, "really funny ... who's gonna do great things." The honoree, a three-sport athlete (soccer, basketball and track) and a member of the school's Student Advisory Council, plans to attend college in pursuit of a career in health care.

Vogel was introduced by Guidance Counselor Brittany Reinard, who said the honoree is "involved in a number of clubs and activities" at Bradford including the Yearbook, where she is Co-Student Chief Editor. A member of National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society, Vogel is also a student member of the district School Board. She plans to attend Alfred University in pursuit of a career in education.

Photo in text: Alivia Vogel

Gardner, Moore win Odessa write-in vote; Evans, Asperschlager win seats in Burdett

Incumbent Kristine Gardner -- who wasn't on the ballot but said she was willing to serve again -- and Joel Moore were elected March 17 as write-ins to two-year terms on the Odessa Village Board. Twenty-three ballots were cast, with Gardner and Moore named on 12 apiece in an election where there were no declared candidates for the two available seats. Other write-ins were Katharine Wilkens (8 votes), incumbent Pamela Cicconi (2), and Theresa Letteer (1). The new trustee terms start on Apri1 1.

Burdett Village Board: Unofficial results show incumbent Martha Evans (78 votes) and newcomer Erich Asperschlager (56) won the two available two-year terms. Incumbent Laurence Jaynes received 50 votes.

The Gala draws crowd to the Harbor Hotel

The Gala, an annual Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce dinner-dance, was held Mardh 14th at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel. The many attendees in the hotel ballroom enjoyed a networking opportunity, live music, and the chance to win raffle items and live-auction travel and ticket packages. People.

Photo: Sign in the hotel.

Musical 'HONK!' ends run at Odessa-Montour

The Odessa-Montour Fine Arts Boosters' presentation of the O-M spring musical -- HONK! -- was performed for a third and final time March 15th in the high school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium. The play, featuring students in grades 3-12, is a retellling of the story of the Ugly Duckling. Schools.

Photo: Alex Campbell and Ella Kramer in "HONK!"

NYS Secretary of State visits Watkins Glen

New York State Secretary of State Walter Mosley was on hand March 12th in Watkins Glen at a quarterly meeting of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, where he presented an overview of the proposed state budget. The session, at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, was the first such session held in Watkins, the REDC normally meeting in Broome County. The REDC covers eight counties, including Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung and Tompkins.

Photo: Secretary of State Walter Mosley, who assumed office in 2024, was interviewed Thursday by the local media.

Spring sports get under way in Schuyler

Spring-like weather was a welcome occurrence as high school athletes in Schuyler County -- at Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen -- turned out March 9th for the first day of spring sports practices. Sports.

Photo: O-M seniors Olivia Barr, left, and Olivia Rivera at practice.

Exceptional Senior games
held at Odessa-Montour

The annual Interscholastic Athletic Conference Exceptional Senior basketball games -- a postseason opportunity for graduating IAC veterans to enjoy a fun, free-wheeling finish to their IAC careers -- were held Tuesday night in the Odessa-Montour High School gym. The contests featured South Division players versus North, first in a girls game and then a boys game, in front of a large crowd.

Photo in tex: Watkins senior Caleb Bresett flies to the hoop.

Group urges increased road, bridge state aid

State and local officials call on Gov. Hochul and the Democrat leaders of the State Legislature to provide increased state aid for local roads and bridges in the final 2026-27 state budget. Government.

Photo: State Senator Tom O'Mara at a March 2nd news conference.

Vandalism undermining efforts to bring new business to site of former Camp Monterey

Vandalism is proving a problem amid efforts to repurpose the former Camp Monterey site -- to market it to prospective businesses that might bring jobs back to Monterey that were eliminated with the site's closing years ago. Site.

Photo: Vandalism in one of the former camp's buildings. (Photo provided)

Storm's Hoffman falls in 118-pound title bout

Odessa-Montour High School senior Lucas Hoffman, a member of the OM/Watkins Glen Schuyler Storm wrestling team, lost the 118-pound Division 2 title bout 9-8 on Feb. 28 at the NY State Wrestling Championships. Hoffman led 7-2 after two periods against Holland Patent's Andrew Juliano, but fell behind in the third period. He had reached the final after pinning second-seeded Mason Tanner of Jordan Elbridge in a semifinal match.

OM/WG's Jared Watson fell short of the podium at 165 pounds, winning an opening match Friday before falling to Ryker Cox of Coxsackie Athens by Technical Fall. Watson, an O-M junior, won twice in the consolation round before losing 4-1 in sudden-victory overtime to Colton Wheet of Little Falls.

Photo: Hoffman (right) on the podium. (Provided)

Lions unite to support children with cancer

Lions from more than 20 clubs across the Finger Lakes District came together recently to assemble over 100 care kits for children throughout the region undergoing cancer treatment. People.

Photo: One of the care kits. (Provided)

WGI, NASCAR reps lobby for local racetracks, continued importance of motorsports in NY

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano recently welcomed a group of officials from NASCAR and Watkins Glen International (WGI) Racetrack to Albany. Representing WGI were President Dawn Burlew, Fionnagh Krenzer and Michelle Benjamin. Representing NASCAR was Dan Klenetsky. They were in Albany to promote a new, bipartisan Motorsports Legislative Working Group that aims to recognize the importance of motorsports to New York’s culture and economy as well as celebrate and advocate for motorsports and community racetracks. "We have more than 20 motorsports venues across the state," said Palmesano, "and I understand just how vital they are to local communities and economies. Our working group and I will advocate for a better and stronger partnership between the state and the motorsports industry in New York to help ensure their preservation and continued success.”

Watkins Glen vigil, march, songs honor fallen

A candlelight vigil, short walk and remembrance organized by Hector/Schuyler County Indivisible was held Feb. 26 in Watkins Glen. It was, in the words of organizers, held in honor of those people "who have died while in ICE custody or while protesting peacefully." The event -- which drew about 90 people to 4th Street on the northeast corner of Lafayette Park -- included a silent, candlelit march from there to Decatur Street and south to St. James' Episcopal Church.

Once inside there, participants -- many holding large cards provided by chief organizer Marsha Smith, each card naming someone she said has died in ICE or Border Patrol custody -- joined in snacks, song, and by announcing, one at a time into a microphone, the name on the card he or she was carrying.

Photos: Marsha Smith of Hector/Schuyler County Indivisible addresses participants in St. James' Episcopal Church; and one of the cards carried by participants.

Ribbon-cutting marks Bub's Spirits opening

A Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Feb. 18 to celebrate the opening of Bub’s Spirits, a locally owned retail spirits store at 101 E. Main St., Odessa, Owned and operated by Dustin and Billie Jo Carnes, Bub’s Spirits offers a selection of wines, spirits, and specialty beverages. The ceremony, featuring samplings from local wineries, included brief remarks by Mr. Carnes and Chamber Executive Director Nigar Hale. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Phone number: 607-209-2100.

Column: Update from Watkins Mayor DeNardo

Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo provides us with an update on what's been happening and will soon be happening in her Village. As 2026 unfolds, she said, "My focus is less on chasing outcomes and more on building habits, relationships, and systems that support long-term growth." To reach her column, click here.

Photo: Watkins Glen Mayor Laurie DeNardo. (File photo)

New Director of Veterans Services appointed

The Schuyler County Legislature on Feb. 9th appointed Jason F. Gilliland as the county Director of Veterans Services, effective Feb. 17 at an annual salary of $70,000. The post has been vacant since August.

Gilliland is a veteran himself, having served 22 years in the miliitary (Army and Air Force) as well as 10 years in higher education (at three SUNY schools). He is residing in Montour Falls.

The legislators also:

-- Heard from County Administrator Shawn Rosno that sales tax revenue for January was "a little more than expected," but he cautioned that in the course of the year the revenue experiences "ups and downs."

Photo: Jason F. Gilliland, named Director of Veterans Services.

A view of the frozen falls ...

Emblematic of the deep freeze we've been experiencing, area photographer Marti Dense sent us this view of Shequaga Falls in Montour Falls, snapped on Feb. 6th.

She titled the photo "Frozen in Time."

Photo by Marti Dense

NY Forward awards $160K to 3 businesses

Three Montour Falls businesses have been awarded a total of $160,000 through the NY Forward Small Business Fund, a state-supported program designed to strengthen and sustain small business growth in local communities. Govt.

Photo: Ceremony in office of Mayor James Ryan. (Photo by EJ Holter)

Majors, Landon honored as Students of Month

Watkins Glen High School senior Gabe Majors and Odessa-Montour High School senior McKenzie Landon were honored Feb. 5 at a Watkins-Montour Rotary Club lumcheon as the club's Students of the Month for February.

Majors was introduced to the Rotarians by teacher Kaz Popovich, who called the honoree "kind, with an amazing work ethic, who will do anything for anybody." Gabe, enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Operation program at BOCES, plans to enter the workforce after graduation as a heavy equipment operator.

Landon was introduced by O-M Guidance Counselor Dan Batchelder, who said the honoree (who competes in Soccer, Basketball and Track & Field) is an "exceptional student" with "strong character" who often "flies under the radar" with her low-keyed style, but nonetheless is known for her leadership. McKenzie said she plans to attend college and pursue a career as a dental hygienist.

Photo: O-M Student of the Month McKenzie Landon.

Fire & Ice Celebration concludes at the hotel

The annual Fire & Ice Celebration hosted by the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel concluded its three-night run Saturday. The event raised funds for the T-Burg Takes on Pediataric Cancer organization. The event -- with sculpted ice bars (above) and food and wine from local businesses -- ran from 5-9 p.m. each night at the hotel, 16 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen. Features included 40,000 pounds of ice carved into sculptures, roaring fire pits; and fireworks to end the evening.

Photo: A woman at the celebration who identified herself as the Queen of Ice.

NY State Bar Association honors Fazzary

Recently retired Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph G. Fazzary (right) has been honored as the 2025 Outstanding Prosecutor by the New York State Bar Association. The award was presented Jan. 13 at the midtown Hilton in Manhattan before the Criminal Justice Section of the Bar Association. Fazzary's wife Susan, daughter Isabella and former chief assistant -- and current DA -- Jeremy Hourihan were on hand. "This was the honor of a lifetime," said Fazzary. "To have lawyers from across New York State recognize the hard work I have put in over the last 28 years to make the Southern Tier a safer place, makes me proud of what was accomplished in the DA's Office."

Remains of Watkins Glen fire

The building above on 10th Street in Watkins Glen was struck by fire about 4:30 a.m. Jan. 26th, leaving tenants from its four apartments homeless. They all got out safely, but lost their belongings. The blaze, in frilgid temperatures, left the building a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Friends celebrate Scaptura as he reaches 90

Scores of people -- family, friends and admirers -- turned out Jan. 17th at the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen to fete James J. Scaptura -- to celebrate his 90th birthday, which he observed on Dec. 31st. Scaptura is a Watkins Glen native and lifelong resident, a retired educator, the current Village Historian and a big racing fan -- his love of motorsports dating back to the first road race in Watkins Glen, which he attended. The birthday boy, who initiated the Grand Prix Racer Walk of Fame, was head of ticket sales back when the annual Grand Prix race was run in Schuyler County. He has long been a member of the IMRRC, on occasion presenting speeches there. He collects die-cast model cars, O gauge model electric trains, and Watkins Glen Grand Prix memorabilia. The party was thrown by his family, one of whom described him as "a wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather -- a really nice man."

Photo in text: Jim Scaptura with his birthday cake.