In this issue of Watertown NY

📅 Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

☁️ Watertown NY Weather Update

😷 Samaritan Leads with Flexible Mask Mandate Reflecting Current Health Metrics

🌔 Sackets Harbor and Malone Districts Announce Day Off for Eclipse

🐦 Experts to Unveil Secrets of Tug Hill's Birds in Educational Webinar

🌃 Celestial Celebration: State Parks Across New York Host Eclipse Events

❓Critics Question Hochul's Subway Security Overhaul: Is it Too Much?

🚨 20-Year-Old Charged with Disorderly Conduct in Watertown Incident

📱 Legislation Threatens TikTok Ban, Sparks Debate Over Free Speech

⛹️‍♀️ Local Teams Shine in State Final Four Qualifiers

Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

11-Mar-2024

Art Journaling ~ Mood Trackers

Fast-Track to Farming

16-Mar-2024

St. Patrick's Classic Hockey Game

2024 IHA/IHC Athletic Hall of Fame inducation ceremony

⚠️ WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3
inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph creating areas of
blowing snow.

* WHERE...The Eastern Lake Ontario Region.

* WHEN...Until 2 PM EDT this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing
snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
conditions could impact the morning commute. Gusty winds could
bring down tree branches.

Samaritan Leads with Flexible Mask Mandate Reflecting Current Health Metrics

Samaritan locations have made masks optional starting March 8, 2024, with conditions based on the monitoring of COVID-19 metrics. Masks remain mandatory in high-risk areas such as the Emergency Department and the Walker Center for Cancer Care for patients not in private rooms. This decision reflects an ongoing commitment to adapt safety measures in response to the evolving pandemic landscape, with a readiness to revert to stricter protocols if necessary.

Sackets Harbor and Malone Districts Announce Day Off for Eclipse

Sackets Harbor Central and Malone Central school districts will close on April 8, allowing students to observe a rare solar eclipse. This decision aims to ensure safety and reduce the impact of expected traffic increases from eclipse viewers. While Sackets Harbor uses the day for superintendent-led activities without impacting snow day allocations, faculty are still required for morning attendance and virtual training. The district and community are encouraged to engage in eclipse viewing events. Other districts are considering similar closures or half-day schedules, with Watertown potentially using one of its remaining snow days for the eclipse.

Experts to Unveil Secrets of Tug Hill's Birds in Educational Webinar

The next installment in the Tug Hill Winter Wildlife Webinar series focuses on birds, featuring retired wildlife biologist Irene Mazzocchi and Linda Gibb from the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust. The session will cover bird identification, population trends, habitat protection, and how individuals can contribute to conservation efforts and citizen science programs.

Celestial Celebration: State Parks Across New York Host Eclipse Events

New York's state parks are preparing for the April 8 total solar eclipse with a series of engaging events. Wellesley Island State Park in Jefferson County will host "Totality on the River," featuring food, astronomy talks, and eclipse viewing activities. Selkirk Shores State Park in Oswego County and Fair Haven Beach State Park in Oneida County will also offer educational programs, hands-on activities, and refreshments, providing perfect settings for both learning and experiencing the eclipse. Attendees can expect demonstrations from local astronomers, professional presentations, and live eclipse observations, making it a can't-miss event for eclipse enthusiasts.

Critics Question Hochul's Subway Security Overhaul: Is it Too Much?

Governor Hochul's initiative to deploy 750 National Guard troops and additional state police officers for all-hour patrols in NYC's subway system has ignited debate. This strategy, aimed at combating rising subway crime through random bag checks and the visible presence of armed soldiers, diverges from traditional policing methods and raises concerns over the militarization of public spaces.

20-Year-Old Charged with Disorderly Conduct in Watertown Incident

Jasmine M. Blume, a 20-year-old resident of Watertown, was charged with disorderly conduct for shouting obscenities at another individual. She was processed by the police at the scene and issued an appearance ticket for a court date on March 18.

Legislation Threatens TikTok Ban, Sparks Debate Over Free Speech

The U.S. House is preparing for a vote on a pivotal bill that could compel TikTok's Chinese owners to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S., amidst bipartisan support and concerns over national security and mental health. The legislation faces opposition from TikTok and some lawmakers, citing free speech implications, though President Biden has indicated his approval should it pass through Congress.

Local Teams Shine in State Final Four Qualifiers

The Hammond and Sackets Harbor basketball teams have advanced to the State Class D Final Four after impressive victories at Jefferson Community College. The Hammond girls' team, led by standout performances from Landree Kenyon and Ava Howie, overcame LaFargeville with a final score of 63-45, showcasing their defensive adjustments and scoring prowess. These victories highlight the teams' ambitions and skills as they move closer to securing state titles.