In this issue of Watertown NY

📅 Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

☁️ Watertown NY Weather Update

🚮 Garbage Collectors Turn Heroes in Daring Tipton House Fire Rescue

🌱 Hidden Beneath the Leaves: Japan's Newest Botanical Treasure Feeds on Fungi

🍔 Assemblyman Challenges Wendy's with Bill to Outlaw Demand-Based Pricing

💰 New York Invests $45M to Boost High-Tech Manufacturing Site Readiness

🚨 Former Massena Resident Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Military Honors

👮‍♂️ Felony Drug Possession Charges for Massena Man Following Parker Avenue Bridge Stop

🍗 Syracuse Faces Food Security Challenge Amid Anticipated Population Growth

🏀 High School Hoops Highlight: Indian River Girls Secure Back-to-Back Titles

Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

3-Mar-2024

"Giving, the Secret to Receiving": Online/In-Person ECK Light and Sound Service

Expressive writing for emotional health

Garbage Collectors Turn Heroes in Daring Tipton House Fire Rescue

Two Serco garbagemen, Steve Whitehouse and Kevin Marriott, heroically rescued a man, a woman, and their dog from a house fire in Tipton, England. Whitehouse bravely scaled a balcony multiple times to save the trio, while Marriott alerted nearby residents. Their actions ensured the safety of the victims before firefighters arrived to provide medical attention.

Hidden Beneath the Leaves: Japan's Newest Botanical Treasure Feeds on Fungi

A novel plant species, part of the fairy lantern family, has been discovered in Japan, notable for its unique dietary habit of consuming fungi. This is the first new plant species identified in the country in almost 100 years. The white, non-photosynthetic plant, named Tanuki-no-shokudai, was found through the collaborative efforts of local botanists and an amateur researcher, highlighting the crucial role of community involvement in botanical discoveries.

Assemblyman Challenges Wendy's with Bill to Outlaw Demand-Based Pricing

A New York legislator has introduced a bill to ban dynamic pricing in the food industry, a reaction to Wendy's announcement to test fluctuating prices based on demand. The "Fair Food Pricing Act," proposed by Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, aims to protect consumers from unpredictable pricing and ensure transparency. Wendy's plan involves a $20 million investment in digital menus to enable price adjustments according to traffic and time, raising concerns over consumer costs, privacy, and autonomy.

New York Invests $45M to Boost High-Tech Manufacturing Site Readiness

New York is investing over $45 million to make seven sites across the state attractive for high-tech manufacturing firms. This investment is part of the FAST NY program, focusing on infrastructure improvements and site readiness to lure large employers. Governor Hochul emphasizes this move as a step towards unlocking statewide economic opportunities, leveraging New York's workforce and incentives. The funding is distributed among counties like Oneida, Broome, Chemung, Niagara, Clinton, Orange, and Fulton, each receiving varied amounts for specific infrastructure projects aimed at fostering industrial growth and development.

Former Massena Resident Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Military Honors

Randall J. Montour, a 45-year-old originally from Massena and currently living in Cornwall, Ontario, has pleaded guilty to altering his military discharge papers and breaching the Stolen Valor Act. Montour falsified his DD-214 document to indicate an honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force and unearned awards, including the Purple Heart.

Felony Drug Possession Charges for Massena Man Following Parker Avenue Bridge Stop

In Massena, a recent traffic stop led to significant legal repercussions for a local resident. Chad M. McGregor, a 44-year-old from Massena, faces severe charges after being apprehended by law enforcement. The encounter, which took place on the Parker Avenue bridge, resulted in McGregor's arrest on several counts, including felony drug possession. The charges against him include criminal possession of a controlled substance, specifically a stimulant, and narcotics, both categorized under fourth-degree criminal possession. Additionally, McGregor is accused of tampering with physical evidence, adding another layer to his alleged offenses. This incident underscores the vigilance of the Massena Police Department in combating drug-related crimes within the community.

Syracuse Faces Food Security Challenge Amid Anticipated Population Growth

Onondaga County anticipates a significant population increase due to Micron's expansion, raising concerns about food insecurity in Syracuse. With over 46,000 residents already facing food access issues, the influx of new residents could strain the local food system further. Experts suggest enhancing infrastructure, local food processing, and procurement as potential solutions. Micron's commitment to a community fund presents an opportunity to address these challenges.

High School Hoops Highlight: Indian River Girls Secure Back-to-Back Titles

The Section 3 Championships in Syracuse saw the Indian River Girls' Basketball team win their second Class A title in a row, beating Cortland 65-49 after a dramatic comeback. In the Section 10 Girls' Championship, the Red Devils overcame an early deficit to win 57-45 against Hammond, while the Canton boys secured the Section 10 Overall Boys’ Basketball Championship with a 57-46 victory over Harrisville. In college basketball, JCC women's team triumphed over Cayuga 75-70 in an overtime thriller in the Region 3 Division 3 Tournament Quarterfinals.