Watertown News | Page 897 | Your Source for Local News

Student Cell Phone Ban During School Day Approved by School Committee

By Charlie Breitrose | 2 hours ago

The School Committee approved a Personal Electronic Device (PED) Policy that prevents students from using or having access to a device — such as a cell phone or tablet — during the entire school day, including during lunchtime and breaks.

Watertown Playground Named for Soldier Killed in Vietnam Will be Upgraded

Drawings of plans for renovating the Lt. Paul Sullivan Playground. (Source: City of Watertown)

A playground named in honor of a Watertown man who died in Vietnam will be getting an update, with new play structures and paving.

Noah Kahan References Watertown in a Song on His New Album

Noah Kahan, from his Facebook page.

Watertown got a shoutout in Noah Kahan’s latest album “The Great Divide.” The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter said he enjoyed the time he spent living in town.

City Hall Annex at Parker Building to Temporarily Close

The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

The City’s Parker Building at 124 Watertown Street will be temporarily closed from May 2-12, 2026, to undergo electrical service upgrades in the building.

More Headlines

School Officials Outline Strategies to Improve Watertown’s Special Education Program

Restaurants Won’t be Allowed to Automatically Include Plastic Utensils Under New Ordinance

Council President Outlines City’s Protections for Undocumented Immigrants, Does Not Favor an Executive Order

Letters

LETTER: Resident Worries About Sick Buildings, Asbestos in Cunniff’s Temporary Home

By Guest Writer | June 2, 2020

The following statement was provided by Mary Russo, Watertown resident and former Watertown teacher:

I. Issue One: Watertown, sick buildings, our babies, and Covid 19

Sick building issues have been political losers in Watertown because of long latencies. That is mostly because the most serious illnesses – in particular asbestos related ones – can take 30 years or more to manifest. 30 years of legal non-compliance and negligence have been ignored at the local and state levels. Easy to hide and hard prove things with 30 year latencies.

10th Middlesex

Candidates for 2 State Rep. Seats Appearing in Online Forum

By Charlie Breitrose | June 1, 2020

Watertown is part of two districts in the House of Representatives and both have contested races in 2020. The candidates will appear on an online video forum hosted by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice and the Environment.

Business

Tufts Health Plan Leaving Town, Real Estate Investor Taking Over Building

By Charlie Breitrose | June 1, 2020

Tufts Health Plan will leave its offices on Mt. Auburn Street after swapping it with Spear Street Capital for a property in Canton. Shown here, runner gather for the Watertown Police Department’s Finish Strong Road Race.

Tufts Health Plan will be swapping its Watertown headquarters for a location in Canton after it merges with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and the building on Mt. Auburn Street will be acquired by a real estate investor.

Schools

11 Watertown Students Graduating from Minuteman, Including Valedictorian

By Charlie Breitrose | June 1, 2020

Minuteman High School’s 121 member strong Class of 2020 includes nearly a dozen students from Watertown, one of whom is the class valedictorian.

Around Town

Portion of Bike Path Along Charles River Closed for Repairs

By Guest Writer | June 1, 2020

The Department of Conservation and Recreation announced that the bike path between Arsenal Street and North Beacon Street will be closed for repairs beginning June 1.