NORTH NORWICH – Chenango County Sheriffs have arrested a North Norwich man for allegedly hitting a woman with a car after a reported domestic dispute spun out of control.

Following investigation into a domestic dispute, authorities say 34-year-old George Ballard III physically assaulted the victim and then hit her with a car. Ballard was arraigned in the Town of Norwich Court and was remanded to the Chenango County Correctional Facility on $5,000 cash bail.

Ballard is facing multiple charges, including assault in the third degree, a class A misdemeanor; reckless endangerment in the second degree, a class A misdemeanor; criminal obstruction of breathing; and unlawful imprisonment in the second degree.

Bainbridge family loses trailer in fire

BAINBRIDGE – A fully involved trailer fire that occurred in the Town of Bainbridge on Wednesday has left a local family without a home.

According to the Chenango County 911 dispatch center, the Bainbridge Fire Department responded to a call reported by neighbors at 1772 state Highway 7, in an the area of Kirby Flats, at approximately 6:21 p.m. Bainbridge crews arrived on the scene shortly after with assistance from the Sidney, Afton, Harpursville and Coventry fire departments.

“There was some concern that someone was in the residence but later, it was found that wasn't true,” said Chenango County Emergency Management Officer A. Wesley Jones. “The residents were not at home at the time.”

Fire crews reported having the blaze under control shortly after 7 p.m. Bainbridge remained on scene until 9 p.m.

Jones said the home was a total loss and the Chenango County chapter of the American Red Cross was notified of the family's loss.

Cause of the fire is still under investigation. No injuries were reported.

– Shawn Magrath