In this issue of Watertown NY

📅 Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

☁️ Watertown NY Weather Update

🥵 Brief Arctic Chill Hits Central NY; Warmer Days Ahead

💪 Steady Labor Strength: U.S. Unemployment Claims Drop Despite Rate Hikes

🍺 NY Liquor Authority Makes Progress in Clearing Application Backlog

🚨 27-Year-Old Charged for Child Pornography in Jefferson County

👮‍♀️ Ex-Potsdam Policeman Avoids Criminal Record with Plea in Strangulation Case

🐄 Dairy Farmers in New York Struggle as Labor Costs Surge While Milk Prices Remain Stagnant

🏀 Section 10 Class Championships Showcase Intense Hardwood Battles

Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

February 25th

Babes Brunch @ The Lincoln Loft

February 28th

Monthly Film Discussion: The Love Witch (2016)

Brief Arctic Chill Hits Central NY; Warmer Days Ahead

Central New York is experiencing a brief wave of arctic air this weekend, with today's temperatures peaking in the 10s and 20s and feeling even colder due to the northwest breeze. Clear skies tonight will lead to lows in the teens and single digits. The cold spell will break by Sunday afternoon, with a rise in temperatures into the 40s, promising milder weather until mid-next week.

Steady Labor Strength: U.S. Unemployment Claims Drop Despite Rate Hikes

The U.S. labor market exhibits enduring strength as unemployment claims drop to a five-week low, despite recent layoffs by major companies and aggressive rate hikes by the Federal Reserve aimed at controlling inflation. The current trend reflects a robust job market, with unemployment claims decreasing and jobless benefits being collected by fewer Americans, challenging expectations of a weakened labor economy.

NY Liquor Authority Makes Progress in Clearing Application Backlog

The New York State Liquor Authority's special committee has made headway in processing a backlog of 6,000 applications, reviewing 272 and approving 67. This initiative, aimed at streamlining the licensing process, involves comprehensive training, development of review checklists, and reorganization of the Licensing Bureau to maintain efficiency. The committee's work is part of the SLA's broader effort to enhance responsiveness and service quality.

27-Year-Old Charged for Child Pornography in Jefferson County

In a recent operation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Travis F. Perkins, aged 27, has been formally accused of disseminating child pornography, which is classified as a felony under the charge of promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child. This arrest followed a thorough investigation that originated from the Richland County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio. In the course of this probe, investigators uncovered evidence suggesting Perkins had uploaded a video containing illegal material to a social media platform, leading to his charges. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the distribution of illegal content online.

Ex-Potsdam Policeman Avoids Criminal Record with Plea in Strangulation Case

A former Potsdam police officer, initially charged with the serious allegation of strangling a suspect in custody, has accepted a plea deal for a lesser charge as his trial loomed. The officer, 46-year-old Matthew A. Seymour, admitted guilt to disorderly conduct in a Norfolk Town Court session. This outcome pivots on a procedural hiccup: pivotal videotaped interviews from the incident night failed to reach Seymour's defense team promptly, influencing the case's resolution. Disorderly conduct, classified as a violation rather than a criminal offense, entails Seymour faces a one-year conditional discharge. This agreement stipulates that Seymour must avoid legal infractions and comply with a protective order against the individual involved in the initial charge. Fulfilling these conditions means Seymour's record remains unblemished by criminal history. Additionally, the court mandated Seymour to settle a $250 fine alongside a $125 surcharge.

Dairy Farmers in New York Struggle as Labor Costs Surge While Milk Prices Remain Stagnant

Rising labor costs pose a significant challenge for dairy farmers in New York, with prices for milk staying stagnant. Despite increased efficiency, labor expenses continue to rise, impacting profit margins. Farmers like Greg Porter of Porterdale Farms are concerned about the sustainability of their operations as they struggle to compete with other industries. While there's optimism about new facilities and potential increases in milk demand, the current landscape underscores the financial strain faced by dairy farmers in the state.

Section 10 Class Championships Showcase Intense Hardwood Battles

Exciting hardwood action unfolded in Potsdam, New York, as teams vied for victory in the Section 10 Class Championships. In the Boys' Class D title match, Harrisville dominated against Chateaugay, securing a decisive 60-39 win. Tupper Lake emerged triumphant in a thrilling overtime clash with Lisbon, clinching the Class C Championship with a 60-56 victory. Canton showcased an impressive performance, overwhelming Potsdam with a 67-35 win in the Class B Championship. Additionally, Sackets Harbor and Indian River advanced in the Boys' and Girls' Section 3 Quarterfinals, while JCC secured a spot in the Midstate Conference Semifinals with a solid 82-66 victory over Finger Lakes in men's college basketball.