Watertown News | Page 37 | Your Source for Local News

Watertown City Manager, Municipal Leaders Urge Swift Resolution to Trash Strike

By Charlie Breitrose | July 3, 2025

Watertown DPWWatertown trash and recycling pickup has been uncollected since July 1 when workers at Republic Services went on strike.

Watertown City Manager George Proakis joined several mayors, town managers, and town administrators urging company Republic Services to come to a deal to end the strike that has stopped trash and recycling collection since July 1, 2025. The letter also identifies weaknesses in the company’s response to the situation, including slowness of deploying backup resources and lack of communication. See the letter below.

Teamsters Union Releases Statement About Trash Strike

The following announcement was provided by Teamsters Local 25:

Following a strike vote that passed by more than 90 percent on Monday, members of Teamsters Local 25 at Republic Services are about to conclude their first week of the work stoppage without a fair offer from the company.

School Committee Hears Results of Survey of Watertown Students, Parents & Teachers

At the Watertown School Committee’s June 23 meeting, school leaders coalesced to tackle a diverse agenda – from contract renewals to electronic device usage in school – while taking another look into how students, families, and teachers experience life in the Watertown School System.

Q&A with Laura Kurman Who is Retiring from Wayside Multi Service Center After More Than 30 Years

Laura Kurman retired as Executive Director of the Wayside Multi Service Center in June. She worked there for more than three decades. (Courtesy of Wayside Multi Service Center)

For more than three decades, Laura Kurman has been working to help those in need in Watertown. She retired as Executive Director of the Wayside Multi Service Center at the end of June, and looked back on her time.

More Headlines

Trash Strike Continues, See When Pickups Could Resume

Watertown Rotary Members from Past and Present Gather to Celebrate 100th Anniversary

Trash & Recycling Pickup in Watertown Cancelled Tuesday Due to Strike

Business

Watertown Marketing Agency Announces Leadership Appointments

By Guest Writer | April 12, 2025

The following announcement was provided by MORE:

MORE, an integrated marketing communications agency recognized for its behavior change and cause-driven campaigns, announced promotions and leadership appointments under new CEO Megan Palamé and new COO Beth LePage. The moves reflect the agency’s continued investment in talent and strategy as it embarks on its next chapter after the sale to Palamé and LePage by the company’s founders.

Entertainment

See What Small Saves is Up to in This Week’s Cartoon

By Guest Writer | April 12, 2025

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.

Police/Fire

Police Log: Man Arrested for Having Child Pornography, Credit Card Scam Foiled, Drink Thrown at Food Delivery Driver

By Charlie Breitrose | April 11, 2025

The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.

Government

Council Update: FY26 Budget, Hometown Hero, Police Dog & More

By Guest Writer | April 11, 2025

On April 8, 2025, City Council heard the City Manager’s FY26 budget presentation, recognized a hometown hero, heard updates on BERDO, the referral of the Demolition Delay Ordinance for review, and met the new Watertown Police dog. See the highlights of the meeting provided by Municipal Policy Analyst Doug Newton

Entertainment

Register to Perform in, Host Musicians in Watertown Porchfest; Deadline Approaching

By Guest Writer | April 11, 2025

The following announcement was provided by Watertown Porchfest:

Watertown Porchfest will return to porches, lawns, and driveways on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, with extended hours from 12-6 p.m.!

Real Estate

30 Open Houses Around Watertown This Week

By Charlie Breitrose | April 11, 2025

Homebuyers have plenty of choices in Watertown this weekend.

Government

Watertown Will Add Human Services Department in FY26 Budget; City Faces Uncertain Financial Times

By Charlie Breitrose | April 10, 2025

Watertown City Hall

Watertown’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget includes the addition of the Human Services Department, and City Manager George Proakis said that the budget is “being produced at atime of significant uncertainty.”

Around Town

CatholicTV Broadcasting Holy Week Services

By Guest Writer | April 10, 2025

Watertown-based CatholicTV Network will be broadcasting services on Palm Sunday and during Holy Week. See information from the network, below.