LIVINGSTON COUNTY — A historical year comes to the close in 2012 and we will take a look at the 10 most read stories from the GeneseeSun.com according to Google Analytics.
1. Livingston County Sheriffs Department allegations: despite the fact that this story broke in December it is the number one read story on the site. The investigation of alleged fraudulent time card practices is now in the hands of New York State Police with an announcement expected in early 2013.
2.Livingston County District Attorney’s Race: This epic back and forth battle between Steve Sessler and Eric Schiener in the Republican Primary that ended in a tie, was then decided by the Republican Committee in favor of Schiener. Sessler would coninue on in the November election on the Conservative Party line that made a three way race with Greg McCaffrey being the Democrat candidate. McCaffrey was previously appointed by Gov. Cuomo. McCaffrey would go on to win the three way race in November.
3. Dalton Girl Struck by Train: The tragedy of Kaylie Mann, 17, who was struck and killed by a fast moving freight train in August of this year sent shock waves through the close knit Dalton community.
http://www.geneseesun.com/index.php/livingston566736358/1695-person-struck-by-train-in-dalton
4. Investigator Thomas Dougherty announces Sheriff candidacy: Sheriff John York’s term expires at the end of 2013 and Dougherty announcing his candidacy for the November election has stirred up a tremendous amount of speculation as to whether Sheriff York will seek re-election, or if Undersheriff Sczezniak will seek the spot, all three are Republicans. This story has all of the potential to be the biggest story of 2013
5. Acquittal after bizarre trial of sex, drugs, and a hostage situation: James Woodruff, 40, who was accused of forcible touching, breaking and entering, and numerous other offenses was found not guilty by Judge Dennis Cohen. Woodruff got into hot water after he, his girlfriend and her friend all shared a bed together after a night of drinking. The night included some friends making a run to the city for drugs, and then the buyers being held hostage by the dealers for more drug money.
6. Conesus Lake Boat Fire: Boat owner, Paul Battaglia was enjoying the day on his his party boat on Conesus Lake when it burst into flames.Good samaritans, the Livingston County Sheriff Marine unit, and the Livonia fire boat sped in for action saving Battaglia and his family.
7.Dennis Estruch found guilty of reckless endangerment: the former Fred’s tavern owner was found guilty of reckless endangerment and not guilty of arson after trying to fill up his building with natural gas and trying to blow it up. Estruch had just recently sold the building to developer with Greg O’Connell and was upset about the deal. He is scheduled to be sentenced in mid-January.
http://www.geneseesun.com/index.php/courts/2099-estruch-found-guilty-of-reckless-endangerment
8. Fire in Castile at Lorraine’s Place: The owner of the diner was found in rubble after she apparently set the fire. which wiped out the town and village offices of the community. firefighters had a difficult time fighting the fire because of a construction project all the hydrants were turned off.
9. Avon looses beloved member of the community, Justin Matusak, 23: The passing this year of Matusak devasted the community. the always high spirited Matusak worked for the Village and was a member of the Avon Lions Club. He is truly missed but will always be greatly remembered.
10. Hydrofracking debacle in Avon: This seesaw battle between natural gas drill Lenape and the Town of Avon has now landed in the courtroom. Lenape is suing Avon over them passing the moratorium on horizontal fracking for natural gas. After Avon passed the moratorium they shut the gas off to the town on their vertically freaked well that was in operations. This story will continue to develop into 2013 and likely beyond.