Police/Fire
Firefighters Extinguish Fire in Unoccupied Watertown Home
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Watertown Firefighters responded to a fire that broke out in an unoccupied home on Friday night.
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
Around Town
Erase the Stigma Online Event to Discuss Substance Use Recovery During Pandemic
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The Watertown Youth Coalition and W.A.T.E.R.town (Watertown Access to Treatment, Education, and Resources) will host a virtual event about erasing the stigma of substance use discovery and recovery.
Around Town
Community Forum Planned for Proposed Marijuana Dispensary on North Beacon
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A rendering of the proposed Sira Naturals medical and recreational marijuana dispensary on North Beacon Street.
A community meeting will be held about the proposed marijuana dispensary proposed to go on North Beacon Street outside Watertown Square.
10th Middlesex
VOTER GUIDE: Busy State Primary Includes Watertown State. Rep Races
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Tuesday’s ballot is one of the most crowded for a State Primary in years for Watertown voters, with contested races on which both the Democratic and Republican candidates can vote, including state representative.
Police/Fire
Police Log: Employee Strikes Customer, Car vs. Bike Road Rage Incident
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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department.
Around Town
NAMI Family Support Group Meeting Virtually in September
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The following information was provided by NAMI:
The virtual NAMI Family Support Group will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm using zoom.us so the next one will be on Tuesday, Sept. 8. We will offer this until we are able to meet in person again.
Elections
LETTER: Former Town Councilor Backs State Rep. Candidate
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Dear Voter,
I write with pleasure to endorse Steve Owens to represent the 29th Middlesex District, the seat that is being vacated by Rep Jonathan Hecht. Rep Hecht has been a progressive legislator and a great friend. I have total confidence that Steve will continue Jon’s path.
Real Estate
Two Single Family Homes and Two Condos Sold This Week
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Four Watertown properties were sold this week.