Genesee Sun

Steve Sessler Running for Livingston County District Attorney

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — The Livingston County District Attorney situation just became even more interesting now that Steve Sessler has announced that he is seeking the position.

Since Tom Moran resigned to become a judge Eric Schiener has been serving as the Acting District Attorney. It is up to Governor Cuomo to either appoint a District Attorney or announce a special election.

Sessler, who has been practicing law for over 20 years has resigned his position as a Judge in Livonia to peruse the position.

"The criminal justice system needs to strong and just," said Sessler. " A well ordered society depends on it."

Sessler has a website and is embracing social media as a part of his campaign, you can see his site at www.sesslerforda.com.

The Democratic party has not announced a candidate yet. If they do not nominate a candidate the race will be determined in a Republican caucus if more then one candidate announces they will run.

Woman Riding Bicycle Struck by Truck, Mercy Flighted to Hospital

LIMA — A pickup truck struck a woman riding a bicycle on Route 5 & 20 where the victim was then Mercy Flighted to Strong Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

According to authorities on scene the accident occurred around 6 p.m. in dark conditions, with temperatures in the teens. The driver of the pickup truck left the scene of the accident and was later located, it is not know at this time if he knew he struck the bicyclist at the time of the accident

Traffic was still being rerouted at 9 p.m. due to an accident reconstruction team trying to establish what caused the accident.

Check back later to the GeneseeSun.com for an update on the condition of the victim.

GeneseeSun.com Celebrates Its First Birthday

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — This Valentine’s Day, GeneseeSun.com celebrated its first year of being online.

In its first year of strictly online operations, the GeneseeSun.com experienced remarkable growth as other local news and print publications continued to shrink in content and circulation.

"It's been a tremendous year for us," said publisher Josh Williams. "We have tons of improvements to make and are only going to deliver a better product with more local content in the years to come. I am proud and grateful for everyone's work and support."

GeneseeSun.com, using social media and a nifty vehicle wrap, has generated over 5 million hits from 196,000 visitors. This number means that local readers are coming back to GeneseeSun.com for local news on a regular basis. Additionally, the site has had over 12,000 video views of unique local content.

"I saw two massive gaps in local content here in Livingston County: timely news and a lack of courtroom coverage," said Williams. "It's not fair to run blotters and walk away from the story. It's not fair to the victims of crimes or to those that are found innocent. It's also ridiculous to wait a week for your information in this day and age.”

GeneseeSun.com has also partnered with two other media organizations, WYSL 1040 AM and the Mount Morris Shopper, in an effort to deliver a well rounded product.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for the competition and wish them the best as they try to adapt to the technologies," said Williams. "I have even more respect and appreciation for those businesses that advertise with us. Without their support, people would still be waiting a week for their news to be delivered on a scroll."

Livingston County 4-H Member Represents Program at Eastern National Horse Roundup

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — At the end of 2011, Livingston County 4-H member Marissa Rice competed in the Hippology Contest at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup in Louisville, Kentucky. Marissa earned a top-three placing in one phase of the competition.

Hippology combines written testing, horse judging, hands-on knowledge stations and a team problem. The contest evaluates competitors’ knowledge of anatomy, diseases, parasites, nutrition, breeds, tack, the history of the horse, stable management and the intricacies of riding events. Competitors range from 15-19 years of age.

New York was one of 31 states competing in the Roundup.

Three girls from Wayne, Cattaraugus, and Rensselaer Counties were also on the NYS National Hippology Team.

In the written knowledge phase, which was a timed, hour-long multiple choice test comprised of 150 questions, Marissa placed 3rd individually and NYS placed 6th as a team. In the stations phase, NYS placed 8th as a team.

Lima Man Killed in Fatal Hit and Run, Driver Charged

LIMA — A Lima man was struck and killed by a car in a fatal hit-and-run accident Sunday morning that later resulted in one arrest.

William G Ehrmentraut, 51, was found at 8:35 a.m. Sunday morning lying in a ditch in Lima where he was discovered D.O.A. Later in the afternoon, Michael Manley, 27 called Monroe County 911 to report that he struck a deer. The call was transferred to Livingston County where officials allege that Manley did not strike a deer, but the deceased victim. Manley was driving a 1995 GMC Suburban.

The Fatal hit-and-run investigation was handled by personnel from the Sheriff's Office and New York State Police. Personnel from the Lima Fire Department, Lima Ambulance, Lima Highway, Livingston County Highway, Livingston County Emergency Management, along with Coroner Caluorie and District Attny Eric Schiener who were assisting with the investigation to determine the identity of the victim and determining when the accident occurred.

Manley has been charged with Aggravated Unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation and leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident. He was arraigned before Lima Town Justice Luhowy and remanded to the Livingston County jail on $50,000.00 cash / $100,000 bond.

Genesee Valley Conservancy Welcomes New Executive Director

GENESEO — After a nationwide search, the Genesee Valley Conservancy welcomed conservation professional Sally Walker as its new Executive Director at the start of 2012. Walker replaces GVC Executive Director Eric Grace, who moved to Idaho after successfully leading GVC for 14 years.

Walker previously served for 7 years as Executive Director of the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) in Tryon, NC. Under her guidance, PAC nearly tripled its land protection, doubled its staff, increased its public presence threefold and forged valuable partnerships and alliances throughout North Carolina. Walker was tapped for the North Carolina Land Trust Council Steering Committee and NC Public Affairs Chairpersonship, in addition to serving as Steering Committee Member and Public Relations Chair for the successful Blue Ridge Forever 50,000 Acre Initiative. She collaborated with many local, regional, state and federal conservation-minded organizations to further the protection of mountains, forests, waterways, farmland, greenspace and overall flora and wildlife habitat. As a land trust representative, Walker has delivered preservation presentations to groups ranging from Rotary to the NC Family Nature
Workshop and Southeastern Equestrian Summit. In addition, she has appeared as a regional conservation spokesperson on public radio and ABC affiliate WLOS-TV in Asheville, NC.

“The Board of Directors of the Genesee Valley Conservancy is pleased and proud to welcome Sally Walker as its new director” stated GVC Board President Myrtle Merritt. “With her leadership we look forward to broadening our mission and goals ‘To protect the habitat, open space, and farmland of the Genesee Valley region’."

“I was attracted to the fertile Genesee Valley landscape and waterways, the quality of commitment to conservation, and the friendly small town environment here,” says Walker. “I am looking forward to building upon the exceptional preservation work already accomplished by GVC.”  

The Genesee Valley Conservancy has helped protect more than 13,600 acres of natural resource and agricultural lands in the Genesee Valley region. From the overall pool of 1,723 land trusts actively working throughout the US, GVC is one of just 135 land trusts having achieved prestigious national accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Commission. To learn more about GVC, visit www.geneseevalleyconservancy.org or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Contact GVC’s new Executive Director directly by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 585.243.2190.

Valentines Day Plans? Cupid Hits the Target at David Mann Jewelers

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — The GeneseeSun.com is looking to share your valentines romance stories of love. Getting that right gift for the special someone can be difficult. We visited our local jeweler, David Mann, to find out some of his more memorable moments.

"I have provided engagement and anniversary rings and things for several generations of families. I get such pleasure out of watching their kids grow up and many of my conversations are not about jewelry but about family," said Mann.  "I recall one time I developed a special relationship with a couple who purchased a beautiful engagement ring from me and the three of us walked across the street to the court house. I was the witness at their wedding. What a business this is when you can share in other peoples happiness."

For nine generations his family has been working in the jewelry business and they have been located in Geneseo since 1953.

Please share any romantic stories or plans with the GeneseeSun.com by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Upcoming County Tourism Video to Feature “Have a Field Day” Jingle

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — After winning the Livingston County Tourism jingle contest in October, Len Squires now has something else to celebrate.

Squires’ 30-second jingle about Livingston County’s many attractions will be featured in a video of the Chamber of Commerce Tourism Office’s annual motorcoach familiarization tour. The FAM tour, as it’s nicknamed, features the county’s many tourist destinations and attractions, making the jingle a suitable soundtrack.

Lisa Burns, the county’s Tourism Director, said the video should be up on the county’s tourism website — Fingerlakeswest.com — and YouTube sometime in February. She also said the Tourism Office plans to use the jingle in future TV and radio ads for the county in the coming year.

Jingles entered into the Tourism Office’s contest needed to be 30 seconds long, feature the phrase “Have a field day in Livingston County” twice, be lively, catchy, feature county attractions and have no political or religious references. Overall delivery, technique and creativity were also factored into the judges’ decisions. The contest was broken up into three rounds, with a winner chosen at the end of each round. Each round’s winner received $100, with the final contest winner receiving $250 and a chance for their jingle to be used in county advertising.

Squires, a resident of Avon and employee of the Geneseo Wegmans, tied the first round with Beth Sleboda of Livonia. He and the other finalists tweaked and perfected their jingles and faced off during the final round, where Squires’ light-hearted jingle was chosen.

Before writing his jingle, Squires said he visited the tourism website for ideas of places to include in it. He also studied the contest’s criteria to make sure his jingle fit. He also made sure his jingle wasn’t too crammed with places and images.

“I wanted to make sure I had enough in it, but I also wanted it to sound like a jingle,” Squires said.

Squires’ hard work on the jingle didn’t end with his win. In order to make sure the jingle sounded the best it could, Squires re-recorded it in Avon’s Bluebrick Recordings and sent it to Burns.

That extra effort didn’t go unnoticed by the Tourism Director, who expressed her excitement to use the professionally recorded jingle in upcoming county commercials and videos.

“He really labored over it,” Burns said. “He wanted it to be as good as it could be.”

Squires’ winning jingle can be heard in the slideshow video below.

New Administrator for Catholic Charities in Mount Morris

LIVINGSTON COUNTY— Catholic Charities, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to alleviating poverty in Livingston County has a new agency administrator, Tabitha Brewster.

Catholic Charities is dedicated to alleviating poverty in Livingston County. The organization, which is a branch of the Diocese of Rochester, helps support those in a time of transition or need.

"Many people come to us that are in between jobs or have fallen behind on some bill payments." said Brewster. "Our goal is to help people get back on their feet."

One of the services that Catholic Charities offers is mediation between bill collectors. For example, if a a family falls behind on their gas payment Catholic Charities helps the family negotiate a payment plan to help them get back on track so that there heat does not get turned off during the winter.

Brewster replaces former agency administrator Carlos Garcia who left for medical reasons.

In addition, the organization helps support the local food pantry. when you enter their office you see loaves of bread stacked in the lobby for those with some sparse cupboards.

One program that is in need of volunteers is the peer mentor program. A qualified volunteer works with a kid between the ages of 6-14 and serves as a roll-model and friend for the youth.

According to the program leader, Carrie Lyons, there are over 50 kids on the waiting list in need of a mentor. In addition to a background check, there is a 3 hour training session required to serve as a peer mentor.

Whether in need or looking to volunteer the Catholic Charities is living up their motto, "Help that works, help that lasts."

Two New Members Join the Livingston County Board of Supervisors

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — The Livingston County Board of Supervisors welcomed two new members to the County, Deborah Babbitt form Springwater and Gerad Levey from West Sparta.

Deborah Babbitt joins previously elected Brenda Donoghue from Conesus as the only other woman on the Board. Donna Avery was the first woman elected to the Board in 1996.

in addition to the new members James Merrick from Groveland was nominated for the 14th time as the Chairman of the Board.

"We have done a lot of good things for the County this past year and I hope to continue that into the next year," said Merrick.

Livingston County Administrator Ian Coyle stated that out of the counties in New York State with the population under 75,000, Livingston County has the best credit rating.

Dansville Student Dragged 900 feet by School Bus

DANSVILLE — An eight-year-old girl suffered scrapes and bruises after being dragged by a Dansville School bus 900 feet.

The driver, John Coley, 62 told them he was not paying attention when the bus trapped door cosec on her bookbag.

The student was taken to Noyes Hospital in Dansville and treated for minor injuries

"We are very fortunate and very thankful that this brave little girl walked away from the accident," said Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Alioto in a press release.

Moran Sworn in as State Supreme Court Judge

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — In the courtroom, in which District Attorney Moran prosecuted defendants for 18 years, he was sworn in by Judge Haskins.  The now Judge Moran was
surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, and mentors.

"I didn't know if he was a deputy or a boy scout looking for a merit badge," said Judge Cicoria during introductions, reflecting on when he first met future District Attorney Moran in the 80's. "There was no silver spoon in this boy’s mouth.  I envisioned him being the district attorney, but I never imagined him becoming a New York State Supreme Court Judge."

In the same trademark style that District Attorney Moran used while prosecuting defendants, Judge Moran addressed friends and family, speaking eloquently as he roamed the courtroom.

"There is nothing better than family.  They are the best – and mine has given so much," said Moran after the swearing in ceremony. "I am truly grateful to everyone here today."

The judicial robe that Moran wore for the ceremony has its own history.  The robe was previously that of Judge Robert Houston, a former Livingston County Judge from 1973 to 1993, whose portrait hangs in the courthouse hallway.

With Judge Moran's move, Eric Schiener will now become the acting District Attorney, Victor Rowcliffe will now become the First District Attorney, and Kyle MacKay will be leaving the District Attorney's office to work for
Judge Moran.

2012 United Way Campaign To Serve Over 20 Local Agencies

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — The United Way announced the 2012 county campaign at the Livingston County Board of Supervisor’s January 25th meeting.   

A short film was presented to the Board and a brief speech was made to launch the county worker campaign which runs from Feb. 4th to March 4th.   The United Ways provides support to 20 diverse and vital service organizations.

“Last year a total of $36,370 was contributed by county workers alone,”Karen Rumfola, regional director for Livingston and Wyoming counties said.  

Overall a total of $270,608 was donated through the United Way.  

Despite the poor economy Ms. Rumfola remain optimistic about this year’s fund raising and hopes at least 5 to 15 thousand more will be given this year.

“We expect an increase in giving despite the economy because of the strength of the community,” commented Matt Cole who is the director of this year’s campaign efforts.  

Mr. Cole continued that because the community is a connective (i.e. caring) one that people are more likely to give in trying times that other communities.  

 “Besides,” Mr. Cole continued, “the money that is collected in our community is guaranteed to be spent in our community.” 

Youth Bureau, Board Now Accepting Nominations for Teen Awards

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — The Youth Bureau/Board of Livingston County is accepting nominations for their annual Teen Recognition Awards, which recognize Livingston County youth who demonstrate a pattern of compassion and caring that may go unnoticed or unrecognized by the community and other organizations.

People who work closely with youth are asked to nominate kids whose actions and behaviors over time make the community a better place to live. To be eligible for the awards, teens must be at least age 14 by February 17th, 2012. Teens are eligible while in school and up to high school graduation. Nominations are due on Feb. 17.

Nominees who pass the selection process will be informed and recognized at the Teen Recognition Award banquet on Wednesday, April 25. The nominator will also be informed and invited to the banquet.

Nominations may be submitted electronically, emailed, or mailed. The electronic submission form and downloadable PDF are available under “Youth Bureau Department” at http://www.livingstoncounty.us/youth.htm. Please contact Nita Hawkins at 243-6909 with any questions.

Dick Bondi Honored as January Veteran of the Month

The Livingston County Board of Supervisors honored Dick Bondi as there veteran of the month. The announcement read:

Our veteran for January 2012 is RICHARD "DICK" W. BONDI 

Mr. Bondi graduated from Geneseo High School in 1942.  He enlisted into the U.S. Navy on Feb. 5, 1943.  After his training at Sub School, New London, Conn, Mr. Bondi entered the submarine service.  He served  on board the U.S.S. 0-2, the U.S.S.  CALMAN, SUB DIV. 262 and the U.S.S. RATON.  He was Honorably Discharged on Nov. 13, 1946.



Mr. Bondi was called to active duty again during the Korean War on March 10, 1951 and served on the   U.S.S. BURFISH until his Honorable Discharge on May 16, 1952.



For his service to his country, Mr. Bondi was awarded the American Area Service Medal, 
the Asiatic-Pacific Area Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal 
and the Good Conduct Medal.  A request for the New York State Medal for Merit has been submitted. 



After the military, Mr. Bondi attended Sampson College and obtained a two year degree in Physical Therapy. He then attended Lycoming College and the the University of Texas to continue his B.S. in Physical Therapy.  At this time, he was "requested" to return to active duty.  After his second stint in the Navy, Mr. Bondi went to Bucknell University, where he received a Bachelor degree in Pre-med.  He then attended St. Bonaventure where he received his masters in bacteriology. 



Utilizing his degree in Physical Therapy, Mr. Bondi worked for the Nashville, TN, VA Medical Center for three (3) years before moving on to the University of Vanderbuilt in Juliett, IL., where he worked for seven (7) years,  and established the PT sections in both St. Joe's Hospital  and Civil Cross Hospital.   Mr. Bondi returned to NYS where he worked as a Physical Therapist at both St. James Hospital in Hornell and Noyes Hospital in Dansville.  He worked at St. James for thirty-three (33) years before his retirement in 1997.



Mr. Bondi was married to his first wife Carolyn in 1953. She passed from ovarian cancer in 1985, with Mr. Bondi providing all the care she needed until she died. He married his second wife Mary in 1990 and stayed with and supported her through her struggle with  Alzheimer's until her death in August of 2011. For his dedication and care of both his spouses, Mr. Bondi was nominated for and was the recipient of the "National Family Caregiver of the Year" award. 



Mr. Bondi is the proud father of three (3) sons and two (2) daughters and is a resident of Dansville.

Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce Announces 2012 Chairman, Directors

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — The Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce announced that Bill Bacon, of Five Star Bank, has been elected to serve a second term as Chairman of the Board for 2012.

In addition to serving as the 2011 chairman, Bacon has been a member of the chamber board since 2006 and has served on the LCEA Board of Directors, Golf Tournament Committee and as Vice-Chairman of the Chamber Board. Bacon is an active member of the Livingston County community, involved in Rotary, Livingston County United Way and the Dansville Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber’s elected Executive Committee for 2012 are: Vice-Chairman, John Quinlan, Quinlan’s Pharmacy and Medical Equipment –Treasurer, Georgia Macauley, Merrimac Farms – Secretary, Mike Schinski, SUNY Geneseo, Past-Chairwoman, Bonnie Swanson and At-Large Member, Matt Cole – Commodity Resource Corp. and North Shore Grill.

Members of the Livingston County Chamber of Commerce also elected three area business and community leaders to serve a second term on the 2012 Board of Directors. They elected: Matt Cole, Commodity Resource Corp. and North Shore Grill, Art Hatton, SUNY Geneseo (retired) and Helen Zamboni, Underberg & Kessler LLP.

Business and community leaders elected for their first term on the 2012 Board of Directors are: Dawn Aprile, Premium Development Corporation – Lisa Bleier, Caledonia Village Inn – Robert Deming, Genesee Valley Web Marketing – Rebecca Lawrence – Gert & Bert Creations –Ann Marie Mattice – Bank of Castile – Craig Nobbs, Steuben Trust Company – Gene Tonucci – Allen Bailey Tag & Label, Inc. – Don Quinn, Walmart will be completing a term for John Smith and Amy Pollard, Noyes Memorial Hospital will be completing a term for Jim Wissler.

The Chamber would like to thank out-going board members: Matt Gaynor, Bank of Castile/Tompkins Insurance, Kathryn Hollinger, GV Council on the Arts, Tracy Ingraham, Steuben Trust Company, John Smith, Walmart-Geneseo and Jim Wissler, Noyes Memorial Hospital for their many years of service to the Board.

Also continuing their service on the Board for 2012 are: Phil Brooks, Liv. Co. IDA, Ian Coyle, Board of Supervisors’ Designee, George Kuyon, Deer Run Winery and Pat Rountree, Livingston County Economic Development.

For more information on how to become a member of the Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce, call 243-2222. Information is also available at www.livingstoncountychamber.com.

HSBC Banks in Avon and Geneseo Sold Again, Community Bank New Owners

AVON — If you were banking with HSBC and were going to get new checks printed since it was sold to First Niagara you had better hold on. The HSBC banks in Avon and Geneseo, which were recently sold to First Niagara, have been sold again to Community Bank, which currently has a branch in Mount Morris.

The deal is part of an ongoing shuffle of banks in  Western New York. The  branches to be acquired include 16 current HSBC branches in Gowanda, Springville, Westfield, Palmyra, Newark, Geneseo, Watkins Glen, Avon, Watertown (2), Plattsburgh, Oswego, Fulton, Lowville, Adams, and Alexandria Bay; and three current First Niagara branches in Geneva (2) and Canandaigua.

"We're excited by this opportunity to further strengthen Community Bank's service footprint across our existing Upstate New York market area," said President and Chief Executive Officer Mark E. Tryniski. "This acquisition is consistent with our long-term growth strategy and leverages a strong competency developed during previous successful branch acquisitions. We believe this is a very attractive transaction which will be additive to the existing strength of our core markets and which will be additive to shareholder value through expected earnings accretion of 4 percent to 5 percent in 2013."

According to a press release Community Bank, First Niagara and HSBC will communicate with customers of these branches to explain potential changes to their banking relationships following the transfer. There will be no changes to customer accounts prior to the transaction closing. Customers of the acquired branches need not take any action at this time.

"Our team will be working closely with employees of First Niagara and HSBC to ensure a smooth transition which we expect will be virtually seamless for customers," said Tryniski. "We believe that our new customers will be very pleased with our strong focus on customer service and our comprehensive product line."

Sun Rises in Mount Morris, New Partnership Announced

MOUNT MORRIS — The GeneseeSun.com and the Mount Morris Shopper are excited to announce a new partnership that will lead to great community news and sports coverage for the Mount Morris community as well as  provide an economical way for regional small businesses to reach their customers.

"I am excited to be partnering with a print publication that has a wonderful family reputation and success with helping small businesses in Mount Morris." said Josh Williams, Publisher of the GeneseeSun.com. "Not only will the GeneseeSun.com grow with this partnership, but the Mount Morris Shopper will become more in tune with modern day technology and as a result, offer even more services to their clients."

Since re-launch on Valentine's Day 2011 the GeneseeSun.com has proven successful in its first year of operation, having over 450,000 hits and over 25,000 viewers for the year. The Mount Morris shopper fills a print circulation of 7,000.

"A chance encounter last week has opened the door to so many possibilities," said Jerry Rolison Jr., editor of the Mount Morris Shopper. "This will now lead to even greater opportunities, not only for us, but for the community as well."

Livingston County Emerges Unscathed from High Winds

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Over 3,000 Monroe County residents are without power, but for the most part Livingston County residents emerged unscathed.

There were reports of some homes without power outages however considering the intense winds Livingston County is lucky. In Monroe County Greece Olympia cancelled school today due to the power outage.

Brian LoPresto reported that on Old Orchard Point, on Conesus Lake he was without power and Debbie Green also said that on Niver Road in Conesus, there were wires down as well.

High winds peaked at 60 mph as a cold front moved in leaving Livingston County coated in light snow. The previous evening high winds took down a tree in Geneseo that left over 700 homes with out power.

Livingston County Officials Get Raises for 2012

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved increased salaries for eight county officers yesterday.

Pay raise increases ranged a low of $550 (for two Commissioners of Elections) to a high of $1,500 (for the Commissioner of Social Services) per year.

Other offices of the county who were granted pay increases are the:
Director of Real Property Tax Services - $675
County Clerk - $850
County Attorney - $1,075
County Auditor - $725
Public Defender - $900

The increased salaries will take effect on the first day of the New Year.

The Board also approved a public hearing on proposed local law H that provides salaries for certain county officers for the year 2012.  

The public hearing is to be held on December 28th at 1:35 PM in the Board of Supervisors Assembly Room in the Livingston County Government Center.