In this issue of Watertown NY

📅 Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

☁️ Watertown NY Weather Update

🧔‍♂️ From Contest to Coronation: Phillips Wins 2024 Donegal "King of Beards" Title

😋 A Fresh Bite: Bad Apple Downtown’s Soft Opening to Enliven Watertown’s Food Scene

📱 Teens Seek Balance: Pew Survey Uncovers Attitudes Towards Smartphones

🚨 Inmate Dispute Leads to Serious Injury for Malone Prison Officer

👮 Undersheriff Barney Removed from Position Following Inmate Abuse Claims

❌ NY Proposes Ban on Social Media Algorithms for Minors to Combat Mental Health Crisis

🏀 Patriots' Rally Comes Up Just Short Against North Warren in State Final

Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

22-Mar-2024

7th Annual Girl's Weekend Getaway

Jefferson Open House and Career Expo

23-Mar-2024

Mark Nanni Music

Ready, Set, Fun! 2024

2nd Annual Dress Giveaway

Ready, Set, Fun Family Event sponsored by WPBS

24-Mar-2024

TCG League Challenge

Spring Sunburst Beauty Pageant

From Contest to Coronation: Phillips Wins 2024 Donegal "King of Beards" Title

Troy Phillips was announced as the 2024 Donegal "King of Beards" at the North Country Goes Green Irish Festival, narrowly defeating Dakota Twombly. Phillips, who has a family history with the festival, attributes his win to "genetics" and a significant preparation for the competition. Don Dewert received the "Dedicated Donegal" award for his unwavering participation in the beard contest since its early days. The event featured a meticulous judging process, including a Q&A session about the contestants' beards and personal lives. Prizes included a trophy, a plaque, and for the first time, a wrestling-style championship belt donated by Victory Promotions.

A Fresh Bite: Bad Apple Downtown’s Soft Opening to Enliven Watertown’s Food Scene

The Bad Apple Downtown, a new dining and bar venue, is set to open in downtown Watertown this Thursday. Located at the former Spokes on the Square, the establishment is one of several under the Bad Apple brand owned by Shannon Exford Donato. Promising a mix of Times Square excitement and Public Square ambiance, the opening will offer a full menu and bar, employing around 10 people.

Teens Seek Balance: Pew Survey Uncovers Attitudes Towards Smartphones

A Pew Research survey has highlighted teenagers' sophisticated understanding of both the positive and negative aspects of smartphone use. Contrary to common perceptions, many teens appreciate time away from their devices, with a significant number feeling peaceful and happy without them. The survey also noted gender differences in attitudes towards phone use and efforts to limit it, especially concerning social media.

Inmate Dispute Leads to Serious Injury for Malone Prison Officer

An officer at Upstate Correctional Facility in Malone, Franklin County, was injured with broken fingers and a fractured hand during an attempt to stop a fight between inmates. The incident underscores the hazards faced by corrections staff in managing conflicts within maximum-security prisons.

Undersheriff Barney Removed from Position Following Inmate Abuse Claims

The termination of Franklin County's undersheriff, Bruce Barney, followed accusations of a serious crime dating back to 1999, when he was a corrections officer at the Franklin County Jail. A lawsuit filed in August brought to light allegations that Barney had raped an inmate during his tenure at the jail, leading to his abrupt dismissal in November. Despite the gravity of the accusations, the local sheriff expressed skepticism towards the allegations but concluded that parting ways with Barney was the prudent course of action. Documents revealed through the Freedom of Information Law confirmed Barney's termination date as November 13.

NY Proposes Ban on Social Media Algorithms for Minors to Combat Mental Health Crisis

New York legislators are considering a bill that would ban social media algorithms from curating personalized feeds for users under 18, aiming to protect their mental health. State Attorney General Tish James, a key proponent, links these algorithms to rising depression and suicidal thoughts among youth. While the social media industry contends that algorithms enhance safety and engagement, critics demand more oversight and parental control over children's online experiences. The bill's progression is uncertain as debates about its efficacy and impact continue.

Patriots' Rally Comes Up Just Short Against North Warren in State Final

The Sackets Harbor Patriots nearly clinched the Boys’ State Class D Title in a gripping game against North Warren, marked by a dramatic final quarter rally. Despite trailing by double digits, the Patriots, led by Austin Griner's 28 points, made a valiant comeback. A critical three-pointer by Dylan Aubert in the last seconds brought them within reach of victory. However, a missed final shot from Griner saw their hopes dashed, ending the game in a narrow defeat.