In this issue of Watertown NY

📅 Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

☁️ Watertown NY Weather Update

👴 Generations Unite: Northwest England's First Intergenerational Care Village Opens

🍀 Cannabis Entrepreneurs with Past Convictions Feel Forgotten in NY's Market Rollout

👁️ Perseverance Rover's Latest Snaps: A Googly Eyed Eclipse on Mars

🚨 Inmate Faces Assault Charges After Jailhouse Altercation in St. Lawrence County

👮 Former Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Disorderly Conduct in Strangulation Case

💸 Biden and Schumer Unveil $1.5 Billion Boost for Semiconductor Manufacturing in NY and VT

🏀 J.C.C. Women's Team Tops Rankings, St. Lawrence Men Share League Championship

🥊 Heavyweight Excitement: Battle of the Badges Returns with Special Guest

Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

February 21st

Online Game Night

February 22nd

Deeper Dive: Reframing an Empire Screening and Roundtable

February 25th

Babes Brunch @ The Lincoln Loft

February 28th

Monthly Film Discussion: The Love Witch (2016)

Generations Unite: Northwest England's First Intergenerational Care Village Opens

Northwest England's first intergenerational care village, operated by Belong and in partnership with Ready Generations, recently opened, bringing together older residents and preschool children. This unique setup aims to enhance dementia care through shared activities, creating a vibrant community that benefits all ages. The Lord Mayor of Cheshire, Sheila Little, praised the initiative for its innovative approach to care and education.

Cannabis Entrepreneurs with Past Convictions Feel Forgotten in NY's Market Rollout

New York's early legal cannabis licensees, particularly those with past convictions, are expressing feelings of neglect by the Office of Cannabis Management as they face hurdles in opening their dispensaries. Despite initial prioritization, issues like lack of support and clarity from the state agency are mounting. OCM's recent initiatives, such as permitting home cannabis cultivation, have not alleviated these concerns. The situation underscores broader challenges in the rollout of New York's legal cannabis market, including the handling of illegal dispensaries and the state's capacity for new legal operations.

Perseverance Rover's Latest Snaps: A Googly Eyed Eclipse on Mars

The Perseverance rover on Mars captured a Martian eclipse, documenting the moon Phobos as it crossed in front of the Sun. The images, resembling googly eyes, were taken on February 8th from the Jezero Crater. This event allows scientists to track shifts in Phobos' orbit, crucial for studying its trajectory towards Mars. Phobos is inching closer to Mars and may either crash into the planet or form a ring around it in 50 million years.

Inmate Faces Assault Charges After Jailhouse Altercation in St. Lawrence County

A 37-year-old inmate, Ryan A. Lavare, was charged with second-degree assault after an altercation at the St. Lawrence County Jail. The incident, which occurred five days before his Sunday arrest, underscores the challenges of maintaining order and safety within correctional facilities.

Former Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Disorderly Conduct in Strangulation Case

Matthew A. Seymour, a 46-year-old former Potsdam police officer, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct, avoiding trial for the initial accusation of strangling a suspect. The plea was entered as a result of a procedural error involving the delayed submission of crucial videotaped interviews. Seymour's guilty plea leads to a one-year conditional discharge, requiring him to stay out of legal trouble and comply with a protective order. Upon successful completion, the case will be sealed, and Seymour will not face a criminal record. He is also obligated to pay a total of $375 in fines and surcharges.

Biden and Schumer Unveil $1.5 Billion Boost for Semiconductor Manufacturing in NY and VT

The Biden administration and Senator Chuck Schumer are set to announce a $1.5 billion grant for GlobalFoundries to enhance semiconductor manufacturing in New York and Vermont. This investment, part of a $12 billion initiative under the CHIPS and Science Act, aims to create over 10,000 jobs and establish a robust, domestically-sourced semiconductor industry. The focus is on producing advanced and next-generation chips for critical applications, supporting national security, and promoting economic growth within the communities.

J.C.C. Women's Team Tops Rankings, St. Lawrence Men Share League Championship

The Section 3 basketball playoffs are about to begin, featuring Frontier League teams aiming for sectional victories. The Sackets Harbor Patriots, with a notable 19-1 record, lead the boys' division, seeking redemption from last season's loss. The LaFargeville Red Knights, dominant in the girls' division, are prepared for a challenging postseason. On the collegiate level, the J.C.C. Women’s basketball team shines after overtaking Onondaga Community College in the rankings, while the St. Lawrence Men's Team celebrates a Liberty League championship, eyeing further success in their upcoming tournament.

Heavyweight Excitement: Battle of the Badges Returns with Special Guest

The Battle of the Badges IV is set to take place at Jefferson Community College on March 9, featuring law enforcement personnel in a boxing event. State Trooper Lyle Connor will be participating in his first boxing match, with high hopes for a victory. The event will also welcome former heavyweight boxer Gerry Cooney as a special guest. Tickets are currently on sale, with options to buy online, via phone, or at the door, though ringside tables are filling up quickly.