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Watertown Schools Recognized by State for MCAS Test Results

By Guest Writer | October 3, 2025

Watertown students at some grade levels excelled in the math section of the state’s standardized test in 2025. See more details in the announcement provided by the Watertown Public Schools.

State of the City: Manager’s New Goals, Charter Review & a Downtown Post Office

The City of Watertown will have a new set of goals used to create the annual budget and make decisions about how municipal departments operate, City Manager City Manager George Proakis said during Tuesday’s State of the City presentation. During the address, he and City Council President Mark Sideris also discussed the Charter Review set to happen in 2026, and the possibility of having a Post Office in the center of town.

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

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.

More Headlines

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

Watertown Author’s Book Honored in Mass. Book Awards

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

Around Town

Watertown Public Works Hiring Summer Workers

By Guest Writer | March 19, 2023

The following announcement came from the Watertown Department of Public Works:

The Watertown Department of Public Works (DPW) is now accepting applications for the following positions for the 2023 summer season. This includes immediate employment as a full-time seasonal (Mon.–Fri. 40 hours/week) member of the department. Applicants must be entering the 9th grade (Fall 2023) or older to be considered. Positions are available in the Parks, Cemetery and Water Divisions.

Around Town

Watertown Home Sales Reach Double Digits This Week

By Charlie Breitrose | March 19, 2023

Ten homes were sold in Watertown this week. See details below.

Police/Fire

Watertown Fire Department Remembers Fallen Firefighter Six Years Later

By Charlie Breitrose | March 18, 2023

Watertown Firefighters honored their fallen colleague, Joe Toscano, who died fighting a fire on March 17, 2017.

Friday, the Watertown Fire Department marked the sixth anniversary of losing one of their own in the line of duty.

Government

Deadline Approaching to Take Comprehensive Plan Survey

By Charlie Breitrose | March 18, 2023

The City of Watertown released the draft Comprehensive Plan update in late February and held an open house on March 9. Those who did not have a chance to comment on the plan then can still do so by filling out an online survey.

Around Town

Our History: Seth Bemis, Owned Mill That Made Sails for the USS Constitution

By Guest Writer | March 18, 2023

Seth Bemis 1775-1852 (Photo courtesy of the Watertown Free Public Library)

The following story is part of a series on local history provided by the Historical Society of Watertown. It was written by former Historical Society Vice-President, the late Pam Pinsky for the July 2006 Historical Society newsletter, “The Town Crier”. MOUNT AUBURN NOTABLES

In celebration of the 375 th anniversary of the founding of Watertown, the Friends of Mount Auburn Cemetery and the Historical Society of Watertown joined together on Oct. 9, 2005 to give a guided tour of the gravesites of several notable people who once resided in Watertown. The lives of our Watertown notables were recalled by members of the Historical Society Council and Historical Society volunteers.

Entertainment

Small Saves Mentors a New Goalie in This Week’s Cartoon

By Guest Writer | March 18, 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.

Development

REMINDER: Hear About Proposed Project on Cannistraro Site in West Watertown

By Guest Writer | March 17, 2023

Broder/CBTAn illustration of the potential designs for a project at Pleasant Street and Rosedale Avenue, which would include a life science building, a garage and retail space.

The developers of the proposed project on the Cannistraro site on Rosedale Road will hold a community meeting on March 20. The project includes multiple life science lab buildings and a garage on the Westside property.

Around Town

State Climate Bill to “Make the Polluters Pay” Kicked Off in Watertown

By Charlie Breitrose | March 17, 2023

Charlie BreitroseEnvironmental activists from around Massachusetts gathered at the Commander’s Mansion to celebrate the filing of the Polluters Pay Bill in the State Legislature on Friday.

Environmental advocates gathered in Watertown to celebrate the filing of a new bill in the Massachusetts State House that would make the companies that produced the oil that created greenhouse gases pay for the impact on the climate.