Monday News Brief
Written by Doug Thompson on May 8, 2023
Arthur Brown
A LeRoy man who fired a gun at police during a foot chase in September 2021 is going to prison for 10 years. 45-year-old Arthur Brown pleaded guilty to charges of attempted criminal possession of a weapon, attempted criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell, and violating the sex offender registration act. He also had 4 drug task force investigations pending against him, which were satisfied by the 10-year sentence. At this point, Brown has spent more time in prison in his life than being free; the judge hopes he spends the time behind bars thinking about how to change his life.
Jeremy Ives
The man who is accused of firing a shotgun at two people last August will be in court today. Jeremy Ives of Batavia was indicted in September on two counts of attempted assault, kidnapping, criminal use of a firearm and menacing. Ives is accused of attempting to cause serious physical injury to a person using a shotgun and on the same day, abducting another individual. If convicted at trial, Ives faces a sentence of nine to 25 years in prison.
FROM THE GENESEE COUNTY SHERIFF: 33-year-old Christopher Gulczewski of Holley is charged with endangering the welfare of a child after allegedly threatening to kill the children’s mother in front of the children at the family’s home. He was transported to Genesee County jail and is being held pending a CAP Court arraignment. ALSO: 18-year-old Jakob Abrams of Darien is charged with DWI, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, operating a motor vehicle while using a phone and failure to keep right, following investigation into an accident on Harper Road. Abrams was issued appearance tickets for Darien Town Court tomorrow.
41-year-old Christopher Bitsas of Warsaw is charged with assault. Following an investigation, State Police determined that Bitsas was responsible for causing injury to the victim. He was arrested and arraigned in the Village of Warsaw Court and released on his own recognizance. Bitsas was ordered to appear at the village of Silver Springs Court at a later date and an order of protection was issued.
Peter Gerace, Jr.
32-year-old Phlycia Hunt of Buffalo has been arrested by federal agents on charges of possession of drugs. She is expected to testify in the upcoming trial of Peter Gerace Jr., a Cheektowaga strip club owner. He was arrested on two misdemeanor drug charges, as well as charges of drug trafficking, bribery and sex trafficking. He has pleaded not guilty. Hunt is a former employee of Gerace and is expected to testify as a government witness at his upcoming trial.
The New York State Thruway Authority is holding a public hearing today to get feedback on proposed toll hikes. The meeting is set to run from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at the Buffalo division headquarters on Cayuga Road in Cheektowaga. If approved, E-ZPass holders would see a 5% toll increase next year followed by another 5% hike in 2027. People who can’t make the hearing can attend a virtual one that’s happening on June 5th. On the day of the virtual hearing, a link will be available on thruway.ny.gov for individuals to watch the hearing.
Individuals may also submit comments by email to tollcomments@thruway.ny.gov or mail in comments to:
Toll Comments
c/o Legal Department
New York State Thruway Authority
200 Southern Blvd.
P.O. Box 189
Albany, NY 12201-0189
The Batavia High School Class of 1973 is celebrating their 50th reunion this summer. The line-up of events includes a meet-and-greet at 7:00pm at Ri-Dan’s on West Main Street Road and a dinner from 4:00-10:00pm on July 8th at the Batavia Downs Gaming grandstand. Both events are also open to those who attended Batavia High from 1971-1975. For more information, call Debbie Best at 585-343-2548 or email her at debbest@rochester.rr.com
Gas prices are holding steady. According to Triple A this morning, the national average price for a gallon of gas is $3.54. The state average is $3.68. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.64, the same as it was yesterday, up 14 cents from a month ago and down 70 cents from a year ago today.
ELSEWHERE…
Elk tooth, believed to be approximately 20,000 years old.
Researchers say they can link an elk tooth pendant found in a cave in Siberia to a Stone Age woman who wore it 20,000 years ago. Scientists said last week they used a new method for extracting DNA absorbed by porous materials including bones, teeth, and tusks that were handled by someone thousands of years ago. They say the pendant belonged to a Stone Age woman closely related to a population of hunter-gatherers known to have lived in part of Siberia in the foothills of mountains along the border of Siberia and Mongolia.
The Writers Guild of America remains on strike. The strike began after the WGA’s contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers expired last week. The guild represents writers of film, TV and streaming media and the alliance represents the studios. The WGA and AMPTP have been in talks for several weeks concerning improved compensation increases for writers amid the streaming era.
“Can you hear me now?” “Yes, but I don’t need the can.”
Talking on a cell phone for 30 minutes a week or more has been linked to high blood pressure, according to new research out of China. Individuals who spent a half-hour on the phone, even hands-free, were 12% more likely to develop hypertension. Six hours a week raised the risk to 25%.
Live Nation has announced the return of its extremely popular National Concert Week promotion. From this Wednesday, May 10th until Tuesday, May 16th, music fans will be able to purchase tickets to see big name artists this year for the low cost of $25.00 per ticket. The general on sale begins on Wednesday at 10:00am and it is likely that tickets will sell quickly. To find a list of shows and participating venues, visit livenation.com/concertweek.
May 8 in history…
American Pharmacist, Dr. Pemberton
In 1886, Dr. John S. Pemberton created the formula for Coca-Cola while working on a new medicine for headaches and hangovers. It came about when a drugstore clerk mistakenly mixed it with carbonated water instead of straight water.
Celebration of Victory in Europe Day, 5/8/45
In 1945, the final surrender of the German forces was celebrated in Great Britain. It would soon be known as Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day).
In 1970, The Beatles released their 12th and final album “Let It Be” in tandem with the group’s documentary of the same name.
David Berkowitz
In 1978, David Berkowitz pled guilty to the murder charges against him in the New York City “Son of Sam” killings.
Unidentified child infected with smallpox.
In 1980, the World Health Organization announced the eradication of smallpox.
Released May 8, 1985 and quickly discontinued.
In 1985, New Coke began rolling out of Coca-Cola bottling and canning plants. Company officials quickly brought back the old product after realizing most Coke drinkers preferred the original formula to the new one.
