Man charged following bar fight

CANAJOHARIE — A Fulton County man is facing felony assault charges following a fight at a local bar that resulted in serious injuries to a local man.

Canajoharie Police on Sunday reported that Travis W. Collins, 34, of Ephratah was charged with second-degree felony assault in connection with the July 20 incident at Jim’s Irish Harbor on Little Mohawk Street.

Officer Stephen Porcello Jr. said witnesses reported the victim — who has since been identified as Scott Yager — thought Collins was someone else and touched him on the shoulder. When he realized his mistake, he apologized and went outside to the patio outside the bar, Porcello said.

Collins allegedly hit the victim once with his fist on the right side of the head.

There was no weapon involved, and the perpetrator acted alone, Porcello said.

“The guy punched him as he turned around. He hit his head on the cement patio,” the officer said.

When police responded to the 11:18 p.m. call, they determined that the unconscious man was bleeding from the back of the head with serious injuries, including a fractured skull, bruising of the brain, and an ear injury. He was subsequently airlifted by Life-Net out of Glen to Albany Medical Center for treatment. A call to the hospital on Tuesday revealed that Yager has been released.

Porcello said Collins was arrested around 9:45 p.m. Saturday and arraigned in front of the Canajoharie Village Justice, with bail set at $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond. Because he was unable to make bail, Collins was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility pending his next court appearance.  

In addition to Canajoharie Police and Life-Net, State Police, Sheriff’s deputies, Canajoharie Fire and Mid-County Ambulance personnel responded to the scene.

— Linda Kellett

Thumb Road paving slated to begin

ST. JOHNSVILLE — With their acceptance of the lower of two bids, St. Johnsville Town Council members early this month paved the way for the resurfacing of Thumb Road.

Town Clerk Lynn Stever last week said bids for the paving of the rural roadway linking Crum Creek and Kringsbush roads were opened during the July 12 meeting.

Two were received: A bid for $53,000 and change from Hanson’s, and a quote from Hart’s Paving for about $6,000, she said.

Stever said, “They made a motion to go with Hanson.”

— Linda Kellett

Pair arrested on drug charges

Deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office responded to the village of Palatine Bridge on July 22, following a report of two suspicious males. The vehicle described by the caller was located traveling north on Lafayette Street, where it was allegedly observed crossing the centerline.

According to a press release, deputies stopped the vehicle and developed probable cause to execute a search of the vehicle.

Johnstown Police Patrolman Adam Schwabrow responded to the scene with his K-9 partner, Spike, who alerted police to thirteen bundles of heroin secretly hidden inside the stopped vehicle. Money, drug residue and drug paraphernalia were allegedly also discovered.

Raymond J. Russell, 26, of 2388 Frank Slawson Road, Oneonta, and Arthur W. Lynch, 31 Cross St., Winthrop, MA, were arrested and charged with seventh degree criminal possession of controlled substance, a class A misdemeanor and third degree criminal possession of controlled substance, a class B felony.

Russell was also charged with DWI-drugs. He was processed by New York State Police Trooper Wheeler, a drug recognition expert. Russell and Lynch were arraigned before Canajoharie Village Court Judge Myers and were remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility with bond set at $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond.

Sheriff’s deputies were assisted by Canajoharie Police in securing the scene during the investigation.

— Staff report

Root discusses dangerous dogs

FLAT CREEK — At the Town of Root Town Council’s July 11 meeting, Town Councilwoman Evelyn Lindley advised board members that the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter staff informed her that they’ve never handled a dangerous dog situation in the town.

Animal Shelter staff referred Lindley to the Fort Plain Animal Hospital in the instance of a dangerous dog situation. Lindley was advised the cost for a five-day quarantine of such an animal would be $639.

Town Supervisor John Thayer said he’d contact the Fort Plain Animal Hospital to determine how they’d handle these costs, whether on a case by case basis or through the request of an annual payment.

The council will act on the dangerous dog issue at its August 8 meeting, once the terms of the contract between the town and the Fort Plain Animal Hospital are finalized.

Highway Superintendent Don Oeser requested that the council approve the use of FEMA money, which the town has set aside to cover costs until FEMA issues them a due payment, to finish paving Darrow Road. Oeser said he doesn’t have enough funds in his highway budget to finish the job and wants to use approximately $47,000-$48,000 to finish it.

The council approved the use of the funds, which will be re-directed to the highway department.

There was discussion about a situation on Flat Creek Road,  where an individual accidentally erected a temporary shed on the town’s property.

Code Enforcement Officer Cliff Dorrough talked to the property owner and made him aware of this situation; the property owner is very willing to work with the town, noting that the shed can be moved.

The town council unanimously approved the re-appointment of Mike Russell to a five-year term on the Board of Appeals.

The board also issued a reminder to all town dog owners. Dog license renewals are due in August.

— Deborah Buck