Police/Fire

Watertown Police Announce Promotions to Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant

By |

Three Watertown Police officers received promotions: Mark Lewis, far left, Ken Swift, second from right, and Joseph Farrar, far right. They are pictured with Police Chief Justin Hanrahan, center, and City Manager George Proakis, second from left. (Courtesy of Watertown Police)

Three Watertown Police officers received promotions this week during a ceremony at the Watertown Police Station. See more details in the announcement from the WPD, below. Chief Justin Hanrahan is pleased to announce the promotions of Kenneth Swift to Captain, Mark Lewis to Lieutenant, and Joseph Farrar to Sergeant, effective Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Environment

Watertown Area in Level 3 Critical Drought

By |

The Mass. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs announced that the region that includes Watertown has reached Critical Drought levels. See more information in the announcement from the City of Watertown, below. During the month of May, the state of Massachusetts received between 1-3 inches of rain, which was 1.3 to 3 inches below normal. Rivers and streams throughout the region are running below normal levels, even if they may have seen a slight increase right after a rain event.

Entertainment

COMIC: Small Saves Tries to Get a Slice of the Cake

By |

James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal – then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”

Entertainment

Grecian Festival Returns to Watertown This Weekend

By |

Watertown’s Taxiarchae-Archangels Greek Orthodox Church will host the annual Grecian Festival this weekend with three days of music, dancing, food and more. See details from the organizers, below. The 2026 Grecian Festival will be held June 12-14 at the church located at 25 Bigelow Ave. in East Watertown. The event is rain or shine.

Elections

State Senate, State Rep. Candidates Endorsed by Housing Group

By |

Abundant Housing Massachusetts announce the endorsement of a pair of candidates running to represent Watertown in the State Legislature. See information in the announcement from AHMA, below. Suffolk and Middlesex Senate District

Abundant Housing Massachusetts (AHMA) has announced its endorsement of Senator William Brownsberger for reelection to the State Senate representing the Suffolk and Middlesex district. Founded in 2020 to advocate for the creation of abundant housing for all, AHMA works to develop and support a network of grassroots, pro-housing groups and activists across Massachusetts. As part of its mission, AHMA surveys candidates in local races statewide and supports those who share its commitment to building more homes in their communities. 

“AHMA is proud to endorse Senator Brownsberger in his reelection campaign for State Senator,” said Jesse Kanson-Benanav, executive director of AHMA.

Letters

LETTER: Parents Concerned About Students With Disabilities, Call for “Vote of No Confidence” for School Administrator

By |

To the Editor,

We are a group of Watertown caregivers and community members writing to raise urgent awareness about an active community petition concerning the experiences of students with disabilities in Watertown Public Schools. Families across the district have repeatedly raised concerns regarding access to appropriate special education services, consistency of implementation, communication with families, and meaningful inclusion in decision-making processes. These concerns reflect sustained experiences shared by multiple families over many years and warrant serious public attention. In response, a community petition was created calling for the School Committee to place on its agenda a public discussion and action on a Vote of No Confidence for the Director of Student Services. This petition remains open and active.

Government

Watertown’s State Reps. & State Senator Will Take Public’s Question at Town Hall Meeting

By |

Massachusetts State House (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The following information was provided by Will Brownsberger’s office:

Join Senator Will Brownsberger, Representative John Lawn, and Representative Steve Owens on Monday, June 15 at 7 p.m. for an informal “town hall” style discussion with Watertown residents. The free event is at the Community Link building in the Alexandria Center for Life Science at the Arsenal on the Charles (see directions below). Bring your questions and comments about legislation, policy, budget or anything else on your mind. The Senator and Representatives look forward to the discussion! When: Monday, June 15 from 7 to 9 p.m.Where: 305 Arsenal Street, Watertown (See GPS navigation note).

Obituaries

OBIT: James “Larry” Coe, 80, CPA in Watertown Sq., Singer & Lover of Classical Music

By |

Larry Coe

James Laurence “Larry” Coe of Watertown, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, at the age of 80. Larry was born in New Rochelle, New York and grew up in Columbus, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald R. Coe, mother Nancy H. Coe Hill, and brother Donald R. Coe. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Doris, daughters Julie (Ben) and Maggie (Eckehard), son Peter (Caitlin), and four grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Susan Coe and Jean Culver (Kevin), along with nephews and nieces.