Watertown News | Page 357 | Your Source for Local News

State of the City Remains Strong Even as Dark Economic Clouds May be on the Horizon

By Charlie Breitrose | 17 hours ago

City Manager George Proakis, left, and City Council President Mark Sideris presented the State of the City on Sept. 30, 2025. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Despite an uncertain economic future, Watertown remains on solid ground, City Manager George Proakis said during Monday’s State of the City Address. He and City Council President Mark Sideris went into depth about the economic factors impacting the City during the annual address.

Council to Weigh Changes to Rules for City Boards and Committees, City Departments

Photo by Charlie BreitroseWatertown City Hall

The City Council will be weighing in on a 39-page document that sets the rules for how Watertown’s appointed committees and municipal departments operate. Some changes proposed include changing the length of terms for some committees, who appoints members of certain committees, and how to remove members of committees.

Hear from the Candidates in Watertown’s Election at Upcoming Forums

As the Nov. 4 Watertown Municipal Election approaches, Watertown News and Watertown Cable Access TV will host a series of candidate forums for the local races, including the City Council and School Committee.

Watertown Author’s Book Honored in Mass. Book Awards

Watertown author Robin Bernstein’s book was honored in the 25th Annual Massachusetts Book Awards. (Contributed Photo)

Watertown author and cultural historian Robin Bernstein’s book “Freeman’s Challenge: The Murder That Shook America’s Original Prison for Profit,” was honored during the Massachusetts Book Awards.

More Headlines

City Manager’s Reflection One-Week After the End of the Trash Strike

Police Log: Threatening Flyer Left at Home, Suspected Organized Crime Scam Used at Nike, Shoplifters Busted

Watertown Hires New Veterans Services Officer, Who Will Also Serve as the ADA Coordinator

Around Town

Our History: Ship Named for Watertown Met a Tragic End

By Guest Writer | June 17, 2023

Samuel Emrys Evans painting of the S. S. Watertown (Photo courtesy of Watertown Savings Bank)

The following story is part of a series on local history provided by the Historical Society of Watertown. It was written by David J. Russo, for the April 2012 Historical Society newsletter, “The Town Crier.” At the time, David was the Historical Society Recording Secretary and Chair of the Watertown Historical Commission.

Did you know we had a ship? Watertown was a dynamic place in the 19th century and one of the manifestations of our ingenuity was the construction and launching of the S.S. Watertown here on July 30, 1890.

Entertainment

Small Saves Cartoon: Where a Goalie Feels Most Comfortable

By Guest Writer | June 17, 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.

Around Town

Farmers Market Season Officially Opened for the 10th Year This Week

By Brianna Williams, Contributor | June 16, 2023

Photo by Charlie BreitroseCustomers browse vendor’s stands on the first day of the Watertown Farmers Market.

From fish products to fresh strawberries to homemade honey, various vendors scattered across Saltonstall Park for Watertown’s 10th annual Farmers’ Market.

Entertainment

Art Exhibit at Library Feature Work of Syrian Painter, Reception Planned

By Guest Writer | June 16, 2023

The following information was provided by the Refugee Support Group of Watertown Citizens for Peace:

Honoring UN World Refugee Day, the Refugee Support Group of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment presents “The Art of Refuge,” a narrative installation of the work of Syrian painter Samera Birawi, who took refuge in Turkey after the bombing of her homeland began.

Around Town

See What’s Closed for the Juneteenth Holiday

By Guest Writer | June 16, 2023

The City of Watertown announced the closings for the Juneteenth holiday, and how the trash and recycling schedule will be impacted.

Schools

Watertown High Class of 1964 Planning Reunion, Started Facebook Page

By Guest Writer | June 16, 2023

Watertown High School

The following information was provided by the WHS Class of 1964:

ATTENTION 1964 classmates!

A Facebook page has been created for updates regarding our 60th Reunion, to be held sometime in September, 2024.

Around Town

Open Houses: Pair of Single Families on Market for Over $2 Million

By Charlie Breitrose | June 16, 2023

A baker’s dozen of open houses in Watertown this weekend.

Government

City Negotiating Trash & Recycling Contract in Topsy Turvy Solid Waste Market

By Guest Writer | June 15, 2023

Photo by Watertown DPWCurbside composting toters, like the one on the left, have been added to the Watertown trash and recycling program.

The economics of trash and recycling has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride in recent years, which means the City of Watertown’s new waste disposal contract will not be as immune to price changes, and will have to pay contractors to take the recycling, rather than being paid for the products.