Alcohol sales to minors alleged

GOUVERNEUR — A store clerk and a bartender were each charged with selling alcohol to a minor during an underage drinking sting conducted Friday by state police and Gouverneur village police.

Charged with making a prohibited sale to a person under 21 were Cindy L. Ferry, 51, Gouverneur, at G&J Liquors, and Gaynor B. Wainwright, 41, Canton, at Zorro's Tavern, Hermon.

Both were issued appearance tickets.

Establishments that did not sell alcohol to the underage solicitor were Brasie Corners County Store, Nice N Easy, Sugar Creek, Nina's Tavern, Palms Bar and Stewart's Shop, all of Gouverneur; Wegatchie Hotel, Rossie; Amvets, DeKalb Junction; Skunk's Nest, Hermon, and Wayside Tavern, Russell.

Police said the crackdown wasn't in response to the fatal accident Wednesday night on Route 58 in the town of Fowler.

Robin L. Fowler, 25, of 341 Orebed Road, Harrisville, was driving on Route 58 near Country Club Road about 11:15 p.m. Wednesday when he reportedly crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a car driven by Jesse J. McEathron, 18, of 66 Bullard St., state police said.

Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the deadly crash. Mr. Fowler apparently was drinking earlier at the Palms Bar, investigators said.

Mr. Fowler suffered a broken leg and internal injuries. He was taken initially to E.J. Noble Hospital, but later was transferred to Upstate Medical University.

The results of a blood test taken from Mr. Fowler after the accident should be known next week, investigators said. The investigation is continuing and charges are pending.