In this issue of Watertown NY

📅 Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

☁️ Watertown NY Weather Update

💉 Breaking the Ice on Frostbite Treatment: FDA Approves Aurlumyn

🌞 Unseasonable Sunshine Uplifts North Country Spirits

🎥 Theater of War: One-Man Show Illuminates Soldiers' Sacrifices Through Letters

🐼 Giant Pandas Poised to Return to San Diego Zoo in a Boost to Panda Diplomacy

🧑‍⚖️NY Judiciary to Undergo Transformation with Emphasis on Well-being, Says Chief Judge

🚨 Cross-State Investigation Leads to Arrest in Child Exploitation Case

👩‍🌾 Court Hearing Challenges State Act on Farm Workers' Unionization

🏒 St. Lawrence Central and Massena Triumph in Section X Hockey Championships

Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

28-Feb-0202

Monthly Film Discussion: The Love Witch (2016)

1-Mar-2024

Introduction to Tarot & Divination

3-Mar-2024

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

Expressive writing for emotional health

⚠️ HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 AM EST THURSDAY

* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph

expected.

* WHERE...Monroe, Wayne, Northern Cayuga, Oswego, Jefferson,

Lewis, and Ontario counties. Strongest winds will be near Lake

Ontario.

* WHEN...From 2 PM this afternoon to 7 AM EST Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines.

Scattered power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult,

especially for high profile vehicles.

Breaking the Ice on Frostbite Treatment: FDA Approves Aurlumyn

The FDA has approved Aurlumyn, a new drug designed to treat severe frostbite in adults, potentially saving patients from amputation. As the first treatment of its kind, Aurlumyn works by dilating blood vessels and preventing clotting, offering hope in what can often be a desperate situation. This approval marks a pivotal moment in frostbite treatment, providing a critical tool in the fight against a condition that can lead to severe, life-altering consequences.

Unseasonable Sunshine Uplifts North Country Spirits

The North Country recently enjoyed a surge in temperatures, reaching a record 68 degrees, prompting residents to enjoy outdoor activities and bringing a boost to local businesses. The warm spell broke the previous record and exceeded the typical temperatures for this time of year, offering a temporary reprieve from the winter cold. However, a return to colder weather is anticipated shortly.

Theater of War: One-Man Show Illuminates Soldiers' Sacrifices Through Letters

Douglas Taurel's one-man show in Watertown has powerfully recounted the personal stories of 14 American soldiers using real letters and props, spanning from the American Revolution to recent conflicts. The performance deeply moved veterans, bringing their own experiences and the sacrifices of their comrades to the forefront, and highlighted the significant yet often unacknowledged contributions of women in combat zones.

Giant Pandas Poised to Return to San Diego Zoo in a Boost to Panda Diplomacy

The San Diego Zoo and conservationists in China have signed a deal to bring giant pandas back to the zoo, marking a significant moment in the revival of "Panda Diplomacy." This initiative aims to enhance international relations and advance research in panda conservation. The agreement focuses on disease prevention and habitat protection, contributing financially to panda conservation in China. This move comes after a period of strained relations that saw China retracting panda loans from U.S. zoos, making this potential return a sign of easing tensions and renewed cooperation between the two countries.

NY Judiciary to Undergo Transformation with Emphasis on Well-being, Says Chief Judge

Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson, in his first State of the Judiciary address, proposed a transformative vision for New York's court system. Aimed at enhancing the well-being of all individuals within the judicial process, his plan focuses on the expansion of alternative courts, such as drug courts and veterans courts. This initiative represents a shift from traditional adjudication to a more supportive and outcome-oriented judiciary approach.

Cross-State Investigation Leads to Arrest in Child Exploitation Case

In a recent development in Watertown, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has taken action against 27-year-old Travis F. Perkins, charging him with the serious offense of promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child, classified as a felony. This case came to light following a comprehensive investigation that was originally initiated by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio. As the inquiry progressed, it unveiled an unrelated incident involving Perkins. He is accused of distributing a video containing illegal material via a social media application.

Court Hearing Challenges State Act on Farm Workers' Unionization

A recent state hearing in Watertown, New York, addressed challenges to the New York State Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act, brought forth by the state's Vegetable Growers Association and several family farms. They argue the Act does not fully allow farm workers the same collective bargaining rights as other sectors. Key issues include the lack of secret ballot elections and restrictions on discussing unionization, which was deemed a First Amendment violation by the court. Although the judge was sympathetic to the farm workers' rights, technical legal challenges limit immediate changes. Stakeholders are considering next steps to amend the law, emphasizing the importance of equitable rights in collective bargaining and unionization for farm workers.

St. Lawrence Central and Massena Triumph in Section X Hockey Championships

St. Lawrence Central and Massena emerged victorious in the Section X hockey championships, securing their spots in the state playoffs. St. Lawrence Central defeated Salmon River 6-1 in the Division II final, marking their first championship win in six years. Massena triumphed over Canton with a 5-0 score in the Division I championship, their first title since 2020. Both teams displayed exceptional skill and teamwork, setting the stage for their upcoming challenges in the state playoffs.