Watertown News | Page 261 | Your Source for Local News

Health Department Received More Than 100 Rodent Complaints, Body Work Regulations Begin

By Alex Degterev | August 22, 2025

Watertown’s Health Department has received more than 100 complaints about rodents since the beginning of the trash strike. At their meeting the Board of Health also heard about the start of the City’s body work regulations, and approved a life science company’s permit.

Construction Beginning Soon at Victory Field Oval, Courts Area

The track, tennis courts and basketball courts at Victory Field will soon close until next year while Victory Field Phase II improvements are made. The City of Watertown sent out the following information.

Man’s Quick Action Saved Life of Driver Having Medical Emergency

Watertown Police commended a 20-year-old man for helping a driver who was experiencing a medical emergency, and preventing any additional injuries and damage.

Watertown High School to Pilot App That Would Disable Student Cellphones During Class

Watertown High School students will use an app to disable cellphones during class beginning in the fall of 2025. (Courtesy by City of Watertown)

Watertown High School plans to disable students’ cellphones during class using software that the school will be piloting during the 2025-26 school year. At Monday’s meeting the School Committee heard from parents who called one of the books on the recommended summer reading list “anti-Semitic.” The Committee also got more information on the changes to the Sexual and Sex-based Discrimination policy.

More Headlines

City Reminds Residents That Short-Term Rentals Are Prohibited

POSTPONED: Tuesday Night Talk With Police in August Features the WPD’s School Resource Officers

Four Motor Vehicles Stolen from Watertown, Dozens More Broken Into

Around Town

Watertown Housing Advocacy Group Receives Award

By Guest Writer | December 9, 2023

Housing for All Watertown members Daniel Pritchard, Rita Colafella, Sam Ghilardi, Amy Plovnick, and Josh Rosmarin, flanked by AHMA staff Kassie Infante and Jesse Kanson-Benanav with the “Rookie of the Year” award. (Photo by Grainy Daze Studios)

The following announcement was provided by Housing for All Watertown:

On Nov. 30, a local housing advocacy group was honored at Abundant Housing Massachusetts’s First Annual Celebration of Abundance. Housing for All Watertown (HAW), a grassroots resident-led group founded in early 2023, received a “Rookie of the Year” award from the Massachusetts pro-housing nonprofit.

Entertainment

Small Saves: Not Everyone Appreciates a Good Goal

By Guest Writer | December 9, 2023

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.

Schools

Rates of Alcohol & Drug Use Down for Watertown Students, But Depression & Stress Has Risen

By Charlie Breitrose | December 8, 2023

The rate of alcohol and marijuana is dropping for Watertown students, according to a survey by the Watertown Youth Coalition, but school officials have concerns about use among certain groups, as well as the feeling of depression and not having trusted adults with whom they can speak.

Government

Councilor Nicole Gardner Hosting Annual Public Meeting

By Charlie Breitrose | December 8, 2023

Nicole Gardner, District A Councilor.

As part of the changes to the Watertown Charter all City Councilors must have an annual meeting to meet with the public. City Councilor Nicole Gardner, District A Councilor, announced dates for his constituent meeting. See info below.

Around Town

Several Properties in Watertown are Holding Open Houses

By Charlie Breitrose | December 8, 2023

Check out this weekend’s open houses around town.

Around Town

Tradition of Giving Gifts to Kids in Need That was Started by Former Watertown Police Officer, Continues Today

By Charlie Breitrose | December 7, 2023

Toys collected for the Whooley Foundation during a recent drive. Pictured, from left, Rotary Club President Kim Severino, Watertown Business Coalition Co-President Doug Orifice, Whooley Foundation President David Collins, Watertown Business Coalition Co-President Bob Airasian, and Mosesian Center for the Arts Executive Director Darren Farrington. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Every year, days before Christmas, toys donated from around the community fill the Community Room at the Watertown Police Station in preparation to be distributed to families in need around the community.

Business

New Cookie Shop Holding Grand Opening Celebration

By Charlie Breitrose | December 7, 2023

Cookie lovers — put Friday, Dec. 8 on your calendar for the grand opening of Watertown’s newest cookie addition: Chip City.

Business

Business Parking Passes for Municipal Lots Go on Sale Soon

By Guest Writer | December 7, 2023

Clipartpanda.com

The City of Watertown announced that Business Parking passes for Watertown municipal parking lots will go on sale on Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.