Congressman Chris Lee attended an auction yesterday.

He wasn't there to buy an old Queen Anne sideboard. He wanted to get a firsthand look at the nation's debt getting sold to overseas concerns.

The auction was held at the Bureau of Public Debt, and it featured $10 billion of our national debt being auctioned off as four-week treasury bills.

“As our national debt has risen to a record high, I wanted to get a firsthand look at the process by which our debt is auctioned off to China and other foreign countries,” said Congressman Lee. “We need to get serious about reining in government spending and decreasing our debt. We cannot afford to be beholden these foreign counties any longer.”

Lee then met with Commissioner of the Public Debt Van Zeck.

I wonder if he asked how much it costs to administer a Bureau of Public Debt?

Full press release after the jump:

Press release:

Congressman Lee Attends Auction Of Our Nation’s Debt
Lawmaker Attends Public Auction to Witness the Result of Borrow and Spend Policies

WASHINGTON – Congressman Chris Lee (NY-26) today attended an auction at the Bureau of the Public Debt to witness exactly how our $12.3 trillion debt is being auctioned off to foreign countries and individuals. The auction featured $10 billion of our national debt being auctioned off as a 4-week Treasury bill. According to records held by the Bureau of Public Debt, Asian countries hold nearly 50 percent of our nation’s debt.
 
“As our national debt has risen to a record high, I wanted to get a firsthand look at the process by which our debt is auctioned off to China and other foreign countries,” said Congressman Lee. “We need to get serious about reining in government spending and decreasing our debt. We cannot afford to be beholden these foreign counties any longer.”
 
While at the debt auction, Congressman Lee met with Commissioner of the Public Debt Van Zeck and other officials within the Department to discuss the process and concerns he has with our record-high national debt. Purchasers of the debt participate through an online interface managed by the Bureau and the Federal Reserve Bank in New York, and the sale of $10 billion in Treasury securities was completed in mere minutes. Bureau officials commented that the frequency of auctions has risen in recent years to accommodate the need to borrow more money.
 
“The longer we continue to borrow and spend the more future generations will be forced to pay,” added Congressman Lee. “The time to reduce spending and pay down our debt is now.”

The governor is out of line, according to Assemblyman Steve Hawley, in planning to shift $1 million from New York's snowmobile program to the state's general fund.

Hawley today issued a statement asking Gov. David Paterson to strike that provision from his proposed 2010-2011 executive budget.

“This proposal to take $1 million away from the Snowmobile Fund is unacceptable and serves as just another example of the State trying to take every penny it can to cover its own fiscal mismanagement,” said Hawley. “This fund is entirely financed and supported by the fees New Yorkers pay to register their snowmobiles. For this reason, the fund should be used solely to maintain and develop snowmobile trails throughout the state.”

Full press release after the jump:

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) today called on Governor David Paterson to remove a proposal from his 2010-2011 Executive Budget aimed at removing $1 million from the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund and transferring it into the State’s General Fund.

“This proposal to take $1 million away from the Snowmobile Fund is unacceptable and serves as just another example of the State trying to take every penny it can to cover its own fiscal mismanagement,” said Hawley.“This fund is entirely financed and supported by the fees New Yorkers pay to register their snowmobiles.  For this reason, the fund should be used solely to maintain and develop snowmobile trails throughout the state.”

The 2010-2011 Executive Budget contains a proposal to sweep $1 million from the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund and transfer it into the State’s General Fund. In addition, the proposal would allow the General Fund to have access to 30% of the remaining Snowmobile Fund balance and expand the use of that money to include all recreational activities on State lands. When a similar proposal was raised in 2008, Assemblyman Hawley authored and introduced legislation, Assembly Bill 10732, which would prevent any transfer of funds from accounts that are specifically supported with a dedicated fee, such as the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund. 

According to the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Snowmobile industry contributes more than $875 million to the state economy each year. The removal of $1 million from the snowmobile fund, and the potential access to an additional 30% of that fund, could severely impact the Upstate economy. 

“Many small upstate communities rely heavily on the snowmobiling industry to generate local revenue and would be negatively impacted by this money grab by Albany. If Albany is serious about helping rebuild New York’s ailing economy, then this proposal should be taken out. I will continue to fight against this proposal to seize dedicated funds for some other use just as I did in 2008.”

Lake effect snow is expected to hit Western New York about 10 p.m. and intensify overnight.

The National Weather Service had issued an advisory, but has now downgraded its bulletin to a warning.

The warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. tomorrow.

Officials warn of treacherous driving conditions in the morning with three to six inches of fresh snow having fallen overnight.

An Arctic front may disrupt the snow band Thursday morning, but the wind will also bring its own snowfall across all of Western New York.

The Arctic front could drop from six to 10 inches of snow.

The driver of a truck involved in a fatal accident on the Thruway the morning of Dec. 12 was allegedly operating on little sleep and viewing porn on a laptop computer at the time of the accident.

Thomas Wallace, 45, of Brook Park, Ohio, has been charged with manslaughter 2nd and jailed on $50,000 bail or $200,000 bond.

Julie Stratton, 33, of Synder, was driving in the passing lane of the Thruway in Pembroke when her car struck a deer and became disabled. She managed to call 9-1-1 before a tractor trailer plowed into her car. Several cars and trucks reportedly managed to avoid hitting her vehicle, which immediately raised questions about how Wallace was apparently unable to avoid striking the car.

Wallace is accused by the State Police of keeping a falsified log book and working a 27-hour shift at the time of the accident. He allegedly had slept only four hours in the previous 24.

State Police also say he had a computer in his lap that was streaming pornography at the time of the accident.

Wallace was reportedly driving for Millis Transfer out of Blackriver Falls, Wis.

Stratton was the mother of two young children.

An alleged would-be burglar has just been busted on Griswold Road.

Law enforcement (probably Sheriff's Deputies and State Troopers) officers on scene were setting up to take the suspect while he was still in the house.

A female was reportedly waiting in a car outside the house.

It's unclear how law enforcement became aware of the burglary in progress. Several units responded to the scene.

The owner was not apparently home and officials did not have contact information for him.

UPDATE: While the initial call said "Griswold Road," it was actually Griswold Circle in Le Roy. You can read the arrest report here.

One lane of Ledge Road in Basom is closed after a gas truck carrying 8,500 gallons of fuel jackknifed.

The truck remained upright and no gas was spilled.

No injuries are reported and there are apparently no other vehicles involved.

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An injury accident has been reported in the area of Alexander and Cookson roads, Alexander.

Alexander Fire and Mercy EMS have been dispatched.

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There are reportedly no injuries, but a person is trapped in a car that has turned on its side on Sumner Road, just outside the employee entrance of Darien Lake.

Darien Fire has been dispatched.

UPDATE 11:14 a.m.: Both occupants are out of the car. No injuries.

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Wendy Lynn Mucher, 40, 27 Valle Drive, Batavia, is charged with insurance fraud 3rd. Mucher allegedly presented a State Farm agent a receipt containing materially false information related to her claim for payment.

Kyle Davis Faron, 26, of 8133 Remsen Road, Pembroke, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .08 or greater and unsafe lane change. Faron was stopped at 1:23 a.m. by Deputy Jason Saile in front of Faron's residence.

There was initially a report of a three-car accident with injuries at mile marker 395 of the Thruway.

Then there was a report of an accident at marker 392, but the first responder could not locate that accident.  He did proceed to the accident at 395.

East Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMS have been dispatched.

UPDATE 10:26 p.m.: East Pembroke back in service.

An accident on Route 20 involving a car and truck on Route 20 in Alexander has been reported.

A woman is reportedly in and out of consciousness and there was a child in the car.

As a precaution, dispatch checked on the availability of Mercy Flight, but Mercy Flight is grounded due to weather.

Extrication will be required.

UPDATE 9:34 a.m.: First responder reports no serious injuries.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for a seven-week  session (one class per week), which is a $56 value, for $28.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happensin sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Jackson St. Grill/Belladessa's, 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When it's time for a great hamburger, Jackson St. Grill will serve you among the best around. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Margarita's Mexican Restaurant, 15 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: When you're looking for an authentic Mexican meal, Margarita's is the place to go. The food and atmosphere are perfect and the service is always outstanding. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

NOTE: If you've never bought Deal of the Day before, or are otherwise unfamiliar with the rules and process, click here.

SOLD OUT

Bergen Fire and Mercy EMS are being dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident on Route 33 and Dublin Road.

There is reportedly an injury and at least one person is trapped in a car.

No word on how many vehicles involved.

UPDATE 9:11 a.m.: Second caller says no entrapment, but there are injuries.

UPDATE 9:43 a.m.: Bergen Fire back in service.

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This old barn is on Clipnock Road near Route 5 in Stafford.

Friends of a BOCES teacher who lost her home in East Bethany to a fire this morning have set up a trust fund to help her. She lost all of her possessions and three pets.

Cassandra Carlsen, who works at East Bethany Presbyterian Church, notified us this afternoon that a trust fund is established at Five Star Bank for Louise Ward. Anybody can make a donation.

The 58-year-old fire victim has been a member of the church since May.

"She's a wonderful person and it's just a tragedy that she lost her home and her pets are gone," Carlsen said.

Ward and her late husband, Bruce, purchased the house at 5823 E. Bethany-Le Roy Road about three years ago. Bruce was diagnosed with cancer some time later and died.

Carlsen said that Ward has been very involved in the church and church members have quickly stepped forward to offer support.

Meanwhile, the official press release from the Sheriff's Office has been released.

As reported previously, the fire appears to have started with a wood stove and the house was a total loss.

The initial calls of fire came in from Steve Weaver and Louis M. Reeb, who were passing by. After seeing the flames coming from the rear, southwest corner of the house. Reeb immediately knocked on the doors and windows to alert any possible occupants, but got no response.

The house was insured through Tompkins Insurance Agency.

To donate, mail checks to: FIVE STAR BANK, 124 W. Main St., Le Roy, NY, 14482; Attention: Louise Ward Trust Fund.

UPDATE:  Photos added. The house was knocked down both as a safety precaution to prevent anybody from entering an unsafe strurcture and to help fight the fire. Crews were on scene about 4 p.m. to knock out a hot spot that flared up.

A Rochester-based real estate developer has acquired the old Pontillo's building at 500 E. Main St., Batavia.

Thomas Masachi said today that he isn't ready yet -- perhaps next week -- to discuss the plans he and his partners have for the location. 

Masachi, who is in the RIT Hall of Fame for his success in hockey and lacrosse, would not discuss the price he paid for the location, and that information has not yet become publicly available.

One of Western New York's most legendary pizzerias, Pontillo's closed in November 2008 after falling behind more than $112,000 in its taxes. John Pontillo made an attempt to buy the business and location out of probate, but he said his offers were rejected. The property was then sold at auction to a bank in Rochester, which in turn sold the property to Masachi.

For his part, John Pontillo is continuing to work on a plan to open a new pizzeria in Batavia. Reached yesterday, he said he hasn't settled on a location yet.

Meanwhile, Sam Pontillo continues to operate a Pontillo's Pizzeria in Le Roy on Main Street.

A construction worker who was trapped inside a partially collapsed trench at a construction site in Stafford has been extricated. He has a possible broken leg and an emergency crew is taking him to the hospital.

Mercy Flight was called but was unavailable due to weather conditions.

The construction site is on Fargo Road, just south of Route 5.

If Defense Attorney Thomas Burns wants the mobile phone records of the occupants of a Toyota in which one of the passengers was killed in an accident, he will need to subpoena them himself.

Judge Robert C. Noonan denied Burns' motion to require the prosecution to produce the records.

In his ruling, Noonan noted that the defense can obtain the records subpoena duces tecum, which means "bring with you under penalty of punishment."

Asked whether he would issue such a subpoena, Burns responded:

The Court has decided that the items sought can be independently secured by the defense. Of course there are a number of hurdles to acquire the information necessary to issue an appropriate subpoena to acquire them. The defense merely sought the assistance of the prosecution in providing that information. Since the ruling requires the defense to independently acquire such information we will do just that. The irony is that in a civil proceeding the discovery mechanisms provide for almost unlimited disclosure from the opposing party, by use of depositions etc., these things are not available to a criminal defendant. Nor does a prosecution witness have any obligation to speak to a criminal defendant's attorney or investigator. However, it is my intention to take whatever steps are necessary to secure records of all occupants of the vehicle. The remaining issue is that of relevance. For a jury to be informed of the content of such information the Court would need to be convinced that such information is relevant and probative on a material issue in the case.

Burns is defending Ronald J. Wendt, a 24-year-old Alexander resident who faces numerous felony charges following the accident that took the life of Katie Stanley, 18, of Dansville. Criminal enhancements sought by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman could lead to as much as a 25-year sentence. Wendt allegedly had a BAC of .08 at the time of the accident.

The dirver of the Toyota, Rachel L. Enderle, 27, also of Dansville, was named in a lawsuit filed last month in Rochester by one of the occupants of the car, Michael A. Enderle.

There were apparently no skids marks left by the Toyota prior to hitting Wendt's pickup truck.

Wendt is in jail on $250,000 bail after he reportedly violated the terms of his previous release by riding a motorbike to work.

For previous coverage of the Ronald J. Wendt case, click here.

A house at 5823 E. Bethany-Le Roy Road, East Bethany, is reportedly on fire.

Callers report the house is fully involved.

East Bethany, Stafford and Alexender were dispatched on the first alarm. A second alarm is being initiated.

UPDATE 10 a.m. (on scene): The house appears to be a total loss even while firefighters continue to battle the blaze. The owner was not at home and has been contacted. She lived alone and said nobody else would have been in the house. The fire appears to have started in the area of a wood stove. The stairwell to the second floor was engulfed and firefighters were forced to leave the interior of the house. Without interior firefighters, it's become a much harder fire to fight.

UPDATE 10:22 a.m.: The owner of the home is Louise Ward, 58. She is on scene and confirmed with officials that no other people were in the house. There were, however, a dog and two cats inside.

UPDATE 12:06 p.m.: We left the scene about an hour ago, but spoke with Fire Coordinator Tim Yaeger before leaving. Yaeger confirmed that firefighters were inside for about 10 or 15 minutes before the integrity of the stairway was compromised. From that point on, the volunteers were required to fight the fire from the exterior only. He called the house a total loss. Yaeger anticipated it would be hours before the fire would be extinguished, and it may require bringing in heavy equipment to knock down parts of the structure. The dog and two cats were believed to have died in the fire. The fire appears to have started in the wood stove area. Volunteer fire departments from throughout the eastern part of Genesee County responded to the fire, including (but not limited to), Bethany, East Bethany, Pavilion, Alexander, Le Roy and Bergen.

UPDATE 12:23 p.m.

Mobile phone video submitted by a reader at the scene:

UPDATE 2:09 p.m.: It sounds like most of the remaining units are going back in service. Tim Yaeger and his staff are back in service.

More pictures after the jump (below the map):

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