Around Town
Middlesex County Resident First to Get West Nile Virus
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The state’s first human case of West Nile Virus in 2014 has been reported in Middlesex County, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
TREATY DAY 250: Pact Signed in Watertown in 1776 Remains Alive 250 Years Later
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Members of the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet tribes traveled to take part in the celebration fo the 250th anniversary of the Treaty of Watertown (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
Hundreds packed a theater in Watertown on Saturday to celebrate an event that took place 250 years before. The town was the site of the signing of the United States’ first treaty with a foreign nation — the Treaty of Watertown. Descendants of the signers of the document from the Mi’kmaq and Maliseet tribes emphasized that the agreement that was forged as a wartime alliance also created friendships and provided rights and protections for the signers that are still important in 2026.
UPDATE: Vehicle Strikes Pole on Main Street, Knocks Out Power in Area – Repairs to Take Until After 9 p.m.
A pole struck by a vehicle lies on top of power lines on Main Street. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)
A vehicle struck a utility pole on Main Street, snapping it in half and cutting off power for several hundred customers on Monday around noon.
Watertown Tax Relief Legislation Approved by House, Moves to Senate
Watertown City and State officials appeared before a joint committee at the State House on Jan. 27, 2026, to discuss the City’s Home Rule Petition. Pictured, from left, Steve Owens, George Proakis, John Lawn, Earl Smith, and Mark Sideris.
The City of Watertown’s effort to prevent a tax hike for residential property owners, which could be as high as 18%, cleared a major hurdle when it was approved the the House of Representatives on Beacon Hill.
Water & Sewer Rates Increasing More Than Expected Due to Error in Calculations
Watertown residents will see an increase of 4.5% in both the water and sewer rates for the fiscal year that began on July 1, 2026, which is slightly higher than forecasted a year ago. However, the future increase could be significantly higher than projected due in part to an error made calculating future year revenues.
More Headlines
Possible Purchase of Police Drone and Guidelines for Use Discussed by Council Committee
A Pair of World Cup Final Watch Parties in Watertown
Wada Hoppah Charles River Ferry Boat Has Hit the Water — See a Video and Photos
Real Estate
Find Out Which Homes in Watertown Sold This Week
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Multiple homes were purchased this week. See the details below!
Police/Fire
Police Log: Laptop Stolen from Home, Bike Taken from Mall and More
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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.
Around Town
Marshall Home Fund Sponsoring Spirituality Program for Older Adults
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Each month a spirituality program for older adults will be held at the Watertown Free Public Library, and sponsored by the Marshall Home Fund.
Business
Officials Debate Best Way to Encourage Businesses Using Comprehensive Plan
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The town’s Comprehensive Plan should work to attract businesses in industries like biotech, high tech and design, as well as look at ways to attract and keep small businesses, Watertown officials reviewing the document said.
Business
Watertown Savings Donates to Group that Works with Those with Special Needs
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Watertown Savings Bank recently presented a check to the Great Waltham Arc for their Annual Harvest Breakfast.
Development
Residents Ask Town Council to Protect Their Homes from Nearby Developments
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A room full of people gathered to talk about ways to make sure that the development boom in Watertown does not overwhelm nearby residential neighborhoods. The focus of the talk was creating transition zones between new developments and residential areas.
Business
Arsenal Project Seeks to Create a Buzz Before Major Changes Made to Mall
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It has a new name, a new look and some new features, but the big changes are yet to come at the Arsenal Project.