Arrests

Police Log: Shoplifter Hit Store 2 Days in a Row, Phone Scam Used WPD Number

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

Aug. 23, 8:29 p.m.: Police received a report from a concerned person to check on the welfare of a woman who had left her home and was out in her vehicle. A short time later, police received another call about an erratic driver in the area of Warren Street and Waverley Avenue. The caller stayed on the phone and followed the vehicle, which was driving extremely slowly and would stop in the middle of the road and force other vehicles to go around.

Schools

School Committee Update: Changes to Student Handbooks, Rendering of New High School & More

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The following information was provided by the School Committee:

The School Committee met on Monday, August 29, 2022. Over the summer, the School Committee completed and presented the 2021/2022 Superintendent evaluation. Dr. (Dede) Galdston was rated as proficient or exemplary by all members on all four standards in addition to her overall performance. She continues to show strong and steady leadership and we are grateful she is leading the Watertown Public Schools. Minor changes were approved for the Middle School handbook, High School handbook and District handbook.

Government

Watertown Seeking Residents to Serve on Historical Commission

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The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:

City Manager George J. Proakis is seeking Watertown residents interested in serving on the Historical Commission. The Historical Commission was established in 1985 to preserve, protect, and advocate for the City’s historical or archaeological resources. The Commission’s responsibilities include implementing the Demolition Delay Ordinance, researching places of historic or archaeological value, educational outreach to the community, building upon the base of historic knowledge already in existence, and establishing long-lasting protection of these resources for future generations. The Commission cooperates with the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the State Archaeologist and renders opinions and recommendations to the City Council, City departments, and the public. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest accompanied by a resume or other information concerning background or experience by email to citymgr@watertown-ma.gov or City Manager’s Office, 149 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472

Government

Governor’s Council Candidate’s “Dubious” Endorsements; Election Day Coincides With Watertown’s First Day of School

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The race for District 3 Governor’s Council continues to grab headlines as one of the candidates claimed support from Massachusetts politicians that it appears she does not have. Also, the City officials want voters to be aware — with many polling places located at schools — that election day falls on the same day as Watertown students head back to school. During a recent League of Women’s Voters forum District 3 Governor’s Councilor Marilyn Petitto Devaney, from Watertown, stated that she had endorsements, which were later refuted. The 12-term incumbent faces Concord’s Mara Dolan in the Democratic Primary for the seat on the board which, among other things, votes on the Governor’s nominations for judges and nominees for other boards, and on vote on the Governor’s proposed pardons and commutations of prisoners. In the debate, which was shown by NewTV (Newton’s public access channel), Devaney said she had been endorsed by Congressman Jim McGovern and Democratic State Auditor candidate Chris Dempsey.

Around Town

See How Labor Day Impacts Trash, Recycling & City Amenities

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https://clipartix.com

The Labor Day holiday will impact trash and recycling, as well as City facilities such as City Hall and the Library. City officials announced that Watertown City Hall, the Watertown Free Public Library and the Senior Center will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 5, 2022. Labor Day Trash & Recycling Schedule

The City also announced that due to the Labor Day holiday the trash and recycling pickup will be moved to Tuesday, September 6 through Saturday, September 10, 2022. Therefore, a home that normally has trash and recycling on Monday will be on Tuesday, those on Tuesday will be Wednesday, and so on. See more about Trash and Recycling here: https://watertown-ma.gov/738/Trash-and-Recycling

City Budget

Watertown’s New City Manager Talks About Some of His Priorities as He Starts the Job

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Watertown’s new City Manager, George Proakis, officially started working for the City on Aug. 15, 2022. In his first few weeks as new City Manager, George Proakis has been meeting people and getting familiar with how things work in Watertown, but he does have a few items he knows will be on his plate during his first year on the job. Proakis sat down with Watertown News during his second week in his new job and shared some of his thoughts about projects he expects to take on early in his time in town. This is the second of two stories on the City’s new chief executive.

Sports

2 Summer Basketball League Champs Crowned in One Night

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Natalie Nigito PhotographyThird-seeded Control Club topped No. 1-seed Kaos Club 41-33 to claim the O’Brien-Jerhian Legends Summer Basketball League championship on Aug. 30, 2022. Both Watertown Summer Basketball Leagues went to a third and deciding game in their respective finals this week. The competitions, which feature current and former college basketball players, are run by the Watertown Recreation Department, which provided the following accounts:

Championship Tuesday was all that it should be, great competition, big crowd (some legends mixed in), plenty of food and refreshments.