Business

Make Sure to Use Those Sports Authority Gift Cards

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As you have probably heard, all Sports Authority stores will be closing, including the one in the Arsenal Project, but those with gift cards have only have a limited time to use them. 

The store has started liquidation sales after declaring bankruptcy earlier this month. The company said it would honor its gift cards, but only through June 28, according to a report on Syracuse.com. There are more than $90 million in unused gift cards out there, nationwide. The liquidation sale will end no later than Aug. 31, and all sales are final.

Around Town

Watertown Animal Control Takes In Dog Tied Up Along Charles River

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Do you recognize this cute little dog? He was discovered tied up along the Charles River, near the Dealtry Pool, and Animal Control Officer Karen O’Reilly is hoping to find someone who knows him. “His leash was attached to a tree by the Charles River near Dealtry pool and luckily he was found by a couple who reside at the nearby apartment building after they heard him barking,” O’Reilly said. “If anyone recognizes this dog, I am asking that they contact me.” O’Reilly said the dog is an older male, and needs some veterinary care, but is “sweet and good natured.”

Government

Good and Bad News About Watertown’s Water/Sewer Rates

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Watertown residents will not be getting an increase in their water rates, but the cost of sewer rates will rise slightly, the town’s water/sewer consultant recommended. 

The Town Council received the Fiscal 2017 Water/Sewer report Tuesday night from Chris Woodcock of Woodcock and Associates, who recommended an overall increase of 1.7 percent over this year’s rates. “I have good news and bad news,” Woodcock said. “Usually I only have bad news.” The total expenses projected for Fiscal 2017 (which begins July 1, 2016), are $6.8 million, but the revenues are projected to be $6.9 million, Woodcock said. On the sewer side, revenues will be $9.7 million, but revenues will be $9.4 million.

Elections

Watertown Voters Can Participate in Early Voting in the Presidential Election

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Watertown voters who can’t wait until Election Day to cast their votes for President can participate in early voting this fall. 

For the first time this year Massachusetts will allow early voting. In the past, people who could prove they would be unable to get to polls on election day could apply for an absentee ballot, but Town Clerk John Flynn said the new rules allows anyone to get a ballot early. The early voting period will be between Oct. 21 and Nov. 4, 2016.

Sports

Watertown Boys Relay Team Heading to National Track Meet

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A foursome of Watertown runners sprinted their way to a berth in the New Balance Nationals in North Carolina. Austin Lin, Jeremy Breen, Vasken Kebabjian, and Cyril Brutus ran the sprint relay at the Last Chance Meet in Burlington on Saturday and ran fast enough to reach nationals, according to a report on Wicked Local Watertown. Nationals will be held on June 17-19 in Greensboro, N.C.

The race has two 200 meter legs, a 400 meter leg and finally an 800 meter leg. Lin has had quite a year. He won the 400 meters at the Middlesex League meet and set a new school record.

Police/Fire

Mountain Bikes, Youth Sports Part of Watertown’s Community Policing Efforts

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New Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn used to ride a mountain bike around town when he was a community police officer, and he has plans to bring the program back. 

This is one of part of the effort by the Watertown Police Department to make better connections with residents, Lawn told the Town Council on Saturday during his budget hearing. The mountain bike program is an effort to get police out of their patrol cars and interact with the public, said Lawn, who used to ride one himself in the 1990s. “I was assigned to Coolidge Square and I used to park my bike next to Dunkin’ Donuts and people come up and talk to you,” Lawn said. He examined a few bicycles and picked one that has an electric motor that can be used in case the officer has to get somewhere fast. “You still have to pedal, it’s not like a moped,” Lawn said.

Business

Watertown Issues First BYOB License, Others Applying for New Liquor Licenses

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Watertown now allows restaurants to apply for a bring-your-own alcohol license and the Licensing Board recently issued the first one. Farmer’s Market Kitchen at 222 Arsenal St. had its application for a BYOB license approved, Town Clerk John Flynn told the Town Council at his budget hearing on Saturday. That means diners can bring in their own beer or wine had have it while they eat at the restaurant. The Town Council approved the concept in September 2015 and it took effect April 1.

Police/Fire

Watertown Police Are Taking Back Guns in Exchange for Gift Cards

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The Watertown Police Department will join other local police departments in a Gift Cards for Guns program. 

The gun-take-back event will be held on Saturday, June 18, at First Parish Church, 35 Church St., in Watertown. No IDs are required. “People can come turn their guns in, no questions asked, and we give them gift cards,” Watertown Police Chief Michael Lawn said. The fire arms should be brought in unloaded with the safety engaged in a bag, box or case. Those taking part will receive a gift card ranging from $50-$200.