Pro-life advocates are mobilizing across the nation as many states enact laws expanding abortion rights, even to the point of fetal viability.

And their numbers are increasing, according to a new Marist poll that revealed that more Americans are identifying themselves as pro-life – with the split at 47 percent for pro-life and 47 for pro-choice compared to 38 percent pro-life and 55 percent pro-choice just a few weeks earlier.

The debate intensified in the City of Batavia over the past month following the state government’s passage of the New York Reproductive Health Act.

Numerous Batavia residents and several from out of Genesee County and even from as far as Arizona spoke out on the issue as City Council debated whether to send a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo in opposition of the RHA. In the end, the board decided not to do so (see story below).

The overwhelming majority of speakers, many identifying themselves as pro-life and “followers of Jesus Christ,” urged Council to stand up for the unborn, to obey the Word of God and to send the letter.

Others contended that city officials weren’t elected to weigh in on national and state issues, especially in light that the RHA has already been put into law.

On Monday night, 17 people – a few of them for the second or third time -- addressed City Council during the public comments portion of the Conference meeting.

Following are excerpts of their speeches:

Erica O’Donnell, Batavia – A self-described political activist, she said the most effective way (to get change) is to “coordinate our actions” – getting 20-50 like-minded people to write letters, make phone calls, conduct rallies and demonstrations.

As for Council’s involvement, she said it shouldn’t be.

“This is the third meeting where the topic is taking up the time of City Council. If you send a letter, it opens up a can of worms. Let’s put this issue to bed tonight … stick to city business.”

Jim Russell, Batavia – Stating that abortion is a moral issue, he called out New York, a state that doesn’t allow capital punishment for convicted criminals, for “saying that it’s OK to have capital punishment (against) babies.”

“I believe the majority of people in this community believe in eternal life, will (someday) meet their creator and have to answer for their life.”

Ann Marie Scalia, Batavia – She implored Council to “speak for the babies who have no voice inside the womb … babies (that) are very much alive … and 100 percent they feel pain (when an abortion is performed).”

She talked about other choices – counseling and adoption – and called for Batavia to be the first sanctuary city for the unborn.

She also railed against Albany, saying the state wants to protect un-vetted illegal immigrants and that Cuomo “has done nothing for us but tax us to death.”

Raelene Christian, Batavia – Calling the RHA “disgusting,” she said that once a woman becomes pregnant, it no longer is just her body anymore – “it’s two bodies, hers and her baby’s.”

She spoke about states that have passed a “heartbeat” law to put restrictions on when an abortion can be performed and said that “pro-lifers have been ignited like never before and their voices are being heard.”

Finally, she said the question was simple. “Do not take a stand for pro-life or pro-choice, but do stand for the unborn.”

Beth Cerminara, Lancaster – Contending that Roe v. Wade is “unconstitutional and antiquated,” she said the RHA was passed “under the guise of health care but is neither health nor care … Batavia can be the first to stand against a tyrannical state governor.”

Showing photos of fetuses at 10 weeks and one week, she said they are “beautifully and wonderfully woven together by the hand of God. This is 100-percent human …. Valuable and made in the image of God.”

Then she urged Council to “repent before the Lord who can save you from your sins … no more excuses; stop murder in Batavia.”

Susan Sherman, Batavia – The director of All Babies Cherished on Ellicott Street said her staff supports 300 clients annually with maternal needs, mentoring and other services. “We’re here to help women and girls who are dealing with unwanted pregnancy by offering “life choices.”

She also said that it’s a law that “you can’t touch a feral cat but we can kill an infant through nine months of pregnancy.”

In closing, she asked “how do we deal with these women who go through these procedures? Some had abortions 40 years ago and they’re still hurting (emotionally).”

Mona Doyon, Batavia – An employee at All Babies Cherished, she credited a teacher at Notre Dame High School for her pro-life stance, which gave her the courage to “choose life” when she became pregnant.

“God is calling each of you to take a stance … a chance to make a real difference,” she said to Council.

“When you say the Our Father (prayer before Council meeting), you can’t just say those words. It’s 'His kingdom come' not ours.”

John Speed, Syracuse – “I believe that you guys have the courage to do the right thing … make Batavia a sanctuary city for the unborn,” he said.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and we need to fear God more than we fear men, more than we fear Cuomo, some guy on Facebook or Planned Parenthood. Fear the One who you will stand before in judgment. “

He then quoted Bible passages from Proverbs 28:1 and Rev. 21:8, concluding that “I believe you can stand against this evil.”

His son, Charlie, then spoke briefly, stating “your parents chose life or you wouldn’t be here” and then quoted Romans 3:15 – “Their feet are swift to shed blood.”

Sarah Cleveland, Ohio – As someone who works in emergency room and medical situations, she said that “people across the country are watching what you are doing and praying for you.”

She said she is a foster care parent and abolitionist against abortion.

 “This is our duty as Christians – to rescue those who need saving … I never hear the words ‘emergency abortion.’ You can take a baby out without murdering the baby. There is no reason to ever murder a baby to end a pregnancy.”

Marcus Pittman, Mesa, Ariz. – Saying he is a documentary filmmaker, he called upon Council to “stop the madness” and noted that in “Arizona, Washington, D.C., and in Oklahoma people are rising up.”

He asked why people this issue is even being debated because “you guys know that a baby in the womb is a baby.”

He said he was against sending the letter – not because he was pro-choice, but that it would result in being ripped up by Cuomo.

Alex Feig, Medina – Prefacing his remarks with the Biblical view that “we’ve all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” he spoke of the “compassion, hope and help” provided by All Babies Cherished in Batavia and Care Net Center of Orleans County.

“We need to present young mothers with all of the options available (including life options),” he said.

He then said that while U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer takes a pro-choice stance for our nation, the New York representative also aligns himself with the Israeli pro-life, anti-immigration group EFRAT.

EFRAT’s mission, according to its website, is to empower women to make an informed choice about the future of their pregnancy by providing them with personal counseling, prenatal medical consultation and postnatal family support.

Judy Piscitello, Batavia – She said that Batavia has an “advantage” over other communities in becoming a sanctuary city for the unborn because United Memorial Medical Center is “a safe haven for babies and does not do surgical abortions.”

She shared several points about what a sanctuary city of this nature would mean, including:

-- All preborn babies could realize their full citizenship.
-- No doctors (etc.) could perform surgical abortions in Batavia from this day forward.
-- No minor should be taken out of the county for an abortion.
-- Law enforcement would not be compelled to cooperate (with state or federal laws re: abortion).
-- The entire city would get together for education of all ages and work with All Babies Cherished and with adoption agencies.

Chris and Brittany Connelly, Batavia – They said that Council had the “authority to do this” under the Constitution and New York Bill of Rights.

“Being a sanctuary city, the personhood would be returned to that child,” Brittany said. “There are no consequences for our actions any more … the world is going down. We support you in writing this letter … it’s a start.”

She then thanked Rose Mary Christian, the only Council member who voted to move the resolution forward to the next Business meeting, and called her “a true feminist” – sparking a loud round of applause from the crowd.

Kathy Stefani, Batavia – Addressing each Council member by first name, she said she contacted all of them by phone a few weeks ago and said that seven members “shared with me that you’re strong pro-life believers and agreed that this law is abhorrent.”

She then quoted II Timothy 1:7 (God has not given you a spirit of fear … but a spirit of power, love and a sound mind), and added that “this mighty God of the universe is a loving God … is for you, and if God is for you, which he is, who could be against you?”

Diana Kastenbaum, Batavia – Stating that she was born and raised in this city, she said that she “felt as if I am not welcome here (because) my views are different than those people.”

“I am Jewish and I am a religious person but yet I don’t feel this is Council’s place to have this theological discussion,” she said. “I think I’m a very moral person. I don’t think I am an immoral person because I am pro-choice.”

She said “we voted for you to vote on local issues” and that the laws (Roe v. Wade, RHA) are the laws and “we are all expected to uphold it.” She said she thinks that the separation of church and state was being “intermingled” here and it is “our moral imperative to keep the two separate.”

In closing, she said “I don’t think you want this to be a constant gallery to national issues …. Do your job as City of Batavia Council members and do not write this letter.”

Photo at top -- Chris and Brittany Connnelly of Batavia speak out against abortion during Monday night's City Council meeting. Photo by Mike Pettinella.

The Batavia City Council tonight – after a second emotion-filled 90-minute public comment session at the outset of its monthly Conference meeting -- decided by an 8-1 vote not to consider a resolution drafted by Council Member Rose Mary Christian opposing the recently passed New York Reproductive Health Act.

Christian cast the only vote to move the resolution to the board’s next Business meeting, much to the chagrin of the overwhelming majority of the 125 people in attendance at the City Hall Council chambers.

The resolution, if it had been forwarded and eventually passed, would have then been sent to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer, Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, the Supreme Court of the United States and “all others deemed necessary and proper.”

Passed into state law in January, the Reproductive Health Act: removes abortion from the state's criminal code; allows for medical professionals other than doctors to perform abortions; and legalizes abortion after 24 weeks in cases where it would protect a woman's health or where a fetus is not viable. Previously, state law allowed abortions after 24 weeks only if the woman's life was at risk.

Seventeen people – 11 of them from Batavia – spoke on the issue, with 15 in favor of Council sending the letter and/or making Batavia “a sanctuary city for the unborn” and two expressing the opinion that the Council, as a local governing entity, should not be compelled to weigh in on such a polarizing debate.

Several pro-life speakers invoked Biblical passages and stern warnings of God’s judgment upon Council members while others focused on the premise that life begins at conception and that abortion is murder.

Tonight’s turnout was slightly less than the Council meeting of Feb. 11, where about 200 people turned out and 18 people spoke (with 14 in favor of the letter and four against it).

Council President Eugene Jankowski -- after hearing impassioned speeches on both sides of the issue and dousing a brief shouting match following the public comment session between Christian and Batavia resident Diana Kastenbaum, who was against the resolution – addressed the audience by stating it was his responsibility to represent the entire city and noted that the city was divided.

“It would be no difference if pro-choice people came to us and asked us to write a letter (supporting the RHA),” Jankowski said.

His words were quickly followed by someone who yelled out “coward” from the audience.

“So you don’t agree with somebody, you’re a racist or a coward,” Jankowski responded, adding that he wrote his own letter. “Packing the council room is not an indication that a majority (is in favor of the resolution).”

Council Member John Canale said he is “absolutely” opposed to the law and called it an “atrocity,” but agreed with Jankowski that it wouldn’t be prudent to send a letter that represents the entire city.

“Do we send the letter? My feelings are the same as yours, Geno,” he said. “If the pro-choice said to send a letter saying the City of Batavia and its residents support it (the law), I would be upset as well as most of the people in this room. I will write a letter as a citizen (of Batavia, not as a council member).”

Christian then said Canale “was correct in a lot of what you said except,” circling back to her convictions when it comes to abortion, “you are not standing up for the unborn.”

To which, Jankowski said there is a better way to proceed – “as individuals we have more power.”

Moments later, when Jankowski asked for his colleagues to publicly state whether to move the resolution forward to the March 11 Business meeting, and only Christian said yes, Batavian Kathy Stefani, one of the last speakers, shouted “I’m ashamed of every one of you” as she walked out of the room.

It wasn’t much longer before the rest of the pro-life crowd filed out of the meeting, visibly upset and dejected.

(Another story, featuring some of the speakers’ comments, will be filed on Tuesday).

Phillip P. Heale, 40, of Linwood Avenue, Batavia, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree and inadequate or no stop lamps. Heale was arrested at 3:54 p.m. on Feb. 17 on Cedar Street in Batavia after he was allegedly observed driving a vehicle and he has a suspended driver's license. Additionally, he was ticketed regarding the stop lamps. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is due to return there at a later date. The  case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider.

Michael E. Weichman, 24, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument. Weichman was arrested at 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 23 at Tops Market in Batavia after he allegedly attempted to leave the store with a cart full of items which he did not pay for. He was also allegedly found in possession of a hypodermic instrument at the time of his arrest. He is due in Batavia City Court on Tuesday, Feb. 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Mitchell Cowen.

Brittany L. Bolton, 18, of Cedar Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. She was charged after a complaint of a larceny of a gold chain from a vehicle. The defendant turned herself in at Batavia Police Department headquarters and was processed. She was issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court and is due there Tuesday, Feb. 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Darryle Streeter.

From the Attica Police Department regarding an accident in the Town of Alexander:

The Attica Police Department responded to a reported car into a house accident at 63 Buffalo St., Attica, at about 6:38 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Upon arrival officers found a 2004 Honda had gone off the roadway and struck a house causing significant damage to the vehicle and structural damage to the residence. The operator of the vehicle, 33-year-old Nathan S. Bowes, sustained minor injuries and was evaluated by EMS staff at the scene, however refused any further medical aid.

Upon further investigation it was determined that alcohol was involved and the accident location was outside of the Village of Attica and in the Town of Alexander, Genesee County.

Genesee County Sheriff Office was contacted and the scene was turned over to deputies DeMuth and Glor for further investigation.

Town of Alexander Building Code was contact and responded. It was determined that the section of the residence was inhabitable due to the significant structural damage.

Attica Fire Department and EMS assisted at the scene along with Alexander Fire Department. The incident scene was on Buffalo Street east of Sokol Drive.

Pavilion Central Schools board meeting scheduled this evening has been canceled due to the weather. The district's schools are closed today; an alert went out this morning.

Above, Andy Konieczny, who was Fireman of the Year in 2018 at South Byron Volunteer Fire Company, presented this year’s award to Nicole Boldt at the annual banquet Saturday night.

SOUTH BYRON – In spite of declining membership, South Byron Volunteer Fire Company experienced one of its busiest years, Chief Scott Blossom told guests at the 44^th annual Installation and Awards Banquet Saturday night.

“We responded to 80 calls, about 20 more than average,” Blossom said in his chief’s report.

These included fire calls, motor vehicle accidents, ambulance assists and hazardous material incidents, as well as false alarms. The department’s 35 active members racked up 605 manhours, making this a very busy year, Blossom said.

One member, Ron Gonyea, who was lost last year, was remembered in a candle-lighting ceremony by membership chairman Bob Fite.

Byron Town Clerk Debra Buck Leaton installed officers for 2019.

Administrative officers are Dean Bates, president; Reggie Macdonald, vice president; Theresa Hammer, secretary; Alfred Klycek, treasurer; Bob Fite, membership chairman; Al Secash, Bell jar chairman; Dean Bates, sunshine chairman; and the Rev. Harold Coller, fire chaplain.

Firematic officers are Scott Blossom, chief; Brian Hickey, deputy chief; Jim McKenzie, assistant chief; Jacob Yasses, captain; Andy Konieczny, 1^st lieutenant; Nicole Boldt, 2^nd lieutenant; Vito Muoio, engineer; Chase Cone, fire police captain; Matt Dougherty, fire police sergeant; and Aaron Belluscio, fire police corporal.

Ladies Auxiliary officers are Theresa Hammer, president; Michelle Kukuvka, vice president; Melody Stone, secretary; Michelle Yasses, treasurer; Irene Fite, sunshine chairperson; Theresa Hammer, party chairperson; and Mariellen Blossom, chaplain.

Bates presented a check for $25 to Brad Nickerson for the Byron Rescue Squad and announced another $250 check will be sent to Mercy Flight.

Citations from Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and Jay Grasso on behalf of Senator Mike Ranzenhofer were presented to Al Secash in recognition of his 25 years of commitment to the South Byron Fire Company. 

Also recognized was Nicole Boltd for accumulating the most training hours. 

In addition, Boldt was chosen as “Firefighter of the Year.” Her award was presented by Andrew Konieczny, who received the award last year. Konieczny said Boldt puts her heart and soul into the South Byron Fire Company.

“Words can’t describe what this person does for this department,” Konieczny said. 

The honor of being named “Member of the Year” was bestowed by Bates on Fred Klycek.

Bates said Klycek has been a dedicated member of the fire department for a very long time.

“He is many things to many people – a husband, father and brother, and he has helped this organization move forward in so many ways,” Bates said. “He always has a positive attitude and goes above and beyond in all he does.”

Klycek has been a member of the South Byron Fire Department for 40 years. He said it takes a whole community to make the fire department succeed. He praised the guys who volunteer hours and hours every week and those who show up to help for a special event once a year.

One surprise award was given to Irene Fite for 50 years of service to the fire company and auxiliary.

Theresa Hammer, secretary of the fire company and president of the Ladies Auxiliary, said Fite has touched them all.

“She has a sense of humor and can make you laugh one minute, and the next she is serious and putting you in your place,” Hammer said. “The history of this person cannot be replaced.”

Bates said Irene’s insight and advice to others is very much appreciated. She also received citations from the New York State Assembly and Senate. 

The evening concluded with a 50/50 raffle and awarding of door prizes. 

All photos by Virginia Kropf.

Below, Irene Fite looks at a citation in her honor being read by Assemblyman Stephen Hawley on behalf of the New York State Assembly. Fire was recognized Saturday night for 50 years of service to the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company.

Below, Dean Bates, left, president of South Byron Volunteer Fire Company, and Theresa Hammer, president of the Auxiliary, present a service award to Irene Fite for 50 years of membership. Looking on at right are Assemblyman Stephen Hawley (taking Fite’s picture) and fire company Vice President Reggie Macdonald.

Below, Bob Fite, membership chair of the South Byron Volunteer Fire Company, honored member Ron Gonyea, who died during the past year, by lighting a candle in his memory. Seated at the head table, from left, are Theresa Hammer, president of the Ladies Auxiliary; Dean Bates, president of the fire company; Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, emcee for the evening; and Reggie Macdonald, vice president. 

All Section 5 Girls Basketball Tournament semifinal games scheduled for tonight have been postponed until Tuesday night at the same locations.

Those games include:

Class B1 -- Batavia versus Palmyra-Macedon at Caledonia-Mumford High School at 7:45;

Class B2 -- Attica versus Wellsville at Honeoye Falls-Lima High School at 6:00;

Class D2 -- Elba versus Romulus at Dansville High School at 7:45.

Section 5 Boys Basketball Tournament games now scheduled for Tuesday are as follows:

Class C2 -- Perry vs. Lyons, Alexander vs. Red Jacket at Pittsford-Sutherland High School, 6:30 and 8:15 p.m., respectively.

Class C3 -- Caledonia-Mumford vs. Naples at Letchworth High School, 6 p.m.

Class C3 -- Lyndonville vs. York at Batavia High School, 5:30 p.m.

Class D2 -- Elba vs. Belfast at Mount Morris High School, 5:30 p.m.

For complete information about Section 5 girls basketball, go to www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.net.

To reach the Section 5 boys basketball website, go to www.sectionvsoccer.net.

A bus driver for the Le Roy Central School District by day, an avid league bowler by night.

That is what retired Genesee County sheriff's deputy Roger Stone is up to now and, on the lanes, he's been doing very well lately.

The 64-year-old Batavia right-hander nearly had a couple of perfect games this week -- posting 298 in a 747 on Wednesday night in the County Line Stone League at Scopano's Lanes in Oakfield, and 287 in a 730 series in the Sunday Rolloffs League at Medina Lanes.

In the G&W Vending League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Ryan Flaherty of Rochester fired a 300 game en route to a 760 series.

Several other league bowlers hit the 700 mark last week, and you can see the list of high rollers by clicking on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Taking a break from posting. Will update as warranted if something major happens. Try to stay inside and stay safe!

(The list of updates was made "unsticky" and is back in the lineup in accordance with its original time stamp of 2:30-ish this afternoon. Scroll down to find it.)

Due to dangerous winds, Chassix-Automotive LLC, located at 4320 Federal Drive in Batavia, will be closed for the third shift this evening at 10:30 p.m. (Feb. 24) and will reopen Monday for the first shift at 6:30 a.m. (Feb. 25).

A reader sent this photo of wind-caused damage at City Centre. Some bricks fell from the top ledge and a light fixture's glass got broken. The business is located at 46 City Centre.

According to the National Grid Outage Map, which they update every 15 minutes, there are currently 1,018 Genesee County customers without power. They are still assessing damages.

A total of 26,948 customers are served here by the utility company.

To view the interactive map, click here.

UPDATE 4:03 p.m.: Checked the map and nothing has changed since we first posted it at 3:24 p.m.

UPDATE 5:16 p.m.: There's been an uptick in the number of Genesee County customers without power. National Grid reports 1,066 customers without power, up from 1,018 almost two hours ago.

Unknown wires are down in the roadway at Colby Road and Genesee Street. Corfu Fire Department is responding.

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A tree is down on wires, which are smoking, at 2679 Galloway Road, Batavia. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding. National Grid has been informed.

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UPDATE 2:38 p.m.: A broken tree branch is pulling wires from a house at 3104 Dodgeson Road, Alexander. Lines are in the roadway. The location is between Beaver and Seward roads. Alexander Fire Department is called.

UPDATE 2:42 p.m.: City of Batavia Fire Department is called for a tree and wires down at 66 Franklin St. between Davis Avenue and the dead end.

UPDATE 2:56 p.m.: A tree and wires are down, completely blocking the roadway, at 7116 Tripp Road, Byron. Byron and South Byron fire departments are called. National Grid crews are no longer on scene (after responding earlier when seven poles toppled into a field).

UPDATE 2:58 p.m.: A tree and wires are down at 2623 Brown Road, Corfu. The location is between Wilkinson Road and Ridge Road. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 3:02 p.m.: A tree and wires are down at 3650 Batavia Oakfield Townline Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is called to respond.

UPDATE 3:07 p.m.: A fire alarm is sounding at city Public Works Department, 147 Walnut St. A power failure has occurred and the "supervisory alarm" has been tripped. City Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 3:15 p.m.: A tree is down in the roadway at 2879 Batavia Oakfield Townline Road. Town of Batavia Fire Department is called.

UPDATE 3:52 p.m.:  A tractor-trailer has tipped over on Bank Street Road at Cockram Road. Byron and South Byron fire departments are called to respond along with Mercy medics.

UPDATE 3:53 p.m.: A tree is down and wires are on fire at 10498 W. Bethany Road. Alexander Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 3:57 p.m.: A tree and primary wires and secondary wires are down at 3073 Pearl Street Road, Batavia. East Pembroke Fire Department is called. The location is between Upton and Wortendyke roads.

UPDATE 4:08 p.m.: Wires are down on a house and arcing at 8885 Keeney Road in Le Roy. The home is being evacuated. Le Roy Fire Department is responding. The location is between West Main Street and Quinlan Road.

UPDATE 4:11 p.m.: A celler pump detail is requested at a house at 7509 Mechanic St. in Byron. The power is out there. Byron and South Byron fire departments are called.

UPDATE 4:53 p.m.: Power lines are down in the road and in water on Powers Road, Batavia. East Pembroke Fire Department is called.

UPDATE 4:58 p.m.: Town of Batavia Fire Department is called to 3658 Batavia Elba Townline Road for wires down in the roadway.

UPDATE 5:56 p.m.: A tree and wires are down at 8151 Kelsey Road, Batavia. East Pembroke is called to respond.

UPDATE 5:58 p.m.: A tree is down across the front steps of a residence at 7041 N. Pearl Street Road, Oakfield. Oakfield Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 6:07 p.m.: East Pembroke command requests mutual aid from Town of Batavia fire to shut down traffic at Kelsey and Galloway roads because of multiple trees and wires down in the roadway.

A reader sent us photos just taken in Batavia showing the apparent readiness of utility crews staged by businesses, ready to deploy as needed due to the  high wind warning in effect today and tomorrow.

In addition to these staging areas photographed in Batavia, there are about a dozen vehicles in the KMart parking lot and 15 or so in the lot at BJs Warehouse Plaza; and there may be other staging areas in Batavia as well.

"Seems like a high degree of readiness," a reader commented.

Above, at the Quality Inn & Suites.

Staging area by Target and Quality Inn & Suites.

More utility vehicles in Batavia Towne Center parking lot.

An officer reports a tree, utility pole and wires are down across the roadway on Akron Road, just east of Wyman Road. Pembroke and Indian Falls fire departments are responding.

Seven utility poles, possibly with power lines attached, are down in a field on Tripp Road near Townline Road in Byron. Byron and South Byron fire departments are called to investigate.

UPDATE 1:27 p.m.: National Grid crews are called to the scene.