In this issue of Watertown NY

📅 Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

☁️ Watertown NY Weather Update

🍽️ The Long Table: Where Community Meets Sustainability at the Dining Table

🏫 College Community's Heartfelt Surprise: A $30,000 Gift Sends Security Guard Home

💰 New York Unveils $400 Million AI Consortium, Spearheaded by University at Buffalo

🚨 Chaumont Scandal: Woman Faces Felony Charges for SNAP, HEAP Fraud

🚓 Child Safety in Question: Watertown Man Accused of Multiple Felonies

👗 Joann to Weave a New Financial Future Amid Chapter 11 Filing

🧢 Watertown Rapids Welcomes New Coach and Owners in Strategic Revamp

Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

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

⚠️Winter Storm Warning⚠️

Official updates

From National Weather Service · Last updated 46 mins ago

Official updates

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

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches.

* WHERE...The Eastern Lake Ontario Region.

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

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.

The Long Table: Where Community Meets Sustainability at the Dining Table

A restaurant in England, The Long Table, employs a novel "pay-as-you-can" model, serving meals made from rescued food to combat inflation and malnutrition. Operating with 22 staff members, it serves lunch and dinner on selected days, emphasizing community and sustainability. The initiative not only provides meals for those in need but also addresses the issue of food waste contributing to carbon emissions, setting an example of ethical and sustainable business practices.

College Community's Heartfelt Surprise: A $30,000 Gift Sends Security Guard Home

In a remarkable display of community spirit, Providence College students surprised James, a Nigerian security guard beloved for his positive demeanor, with $30,000 to fund a trip home to Nigeria. Having not visited his family in five years, James was overwhelmed by the students' generosity. The funds were raised through a GoFundMe campaign, initially intended to cover travel costs and living expenses, but the community's support far exceeded expectations. This gesture not only highlights the strong bonds formed within the college community but also showcases the profound impact of collective kindness.

New York Unveils $400 Million AI Consortium, Spearheaded by University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo is set to spearhead the Empire AI consortium, a collaborative effort among New York's leading universities to advance artificial intelligence research and development. With over $400 million in funding from both public and private sources, this initiative aims to enhance the state's standing in AI innovation. It promises to bring together academia and industry, focusing on societal benefits and addressing challenges such as developmental disabilities and poverty. The project has garnered significant support from state lawmakers and educational institutions, marking a significant step toward democratizing AI technology.

Chaumont Scandal: Woman Faces Felony Charges for SNAP, HEAP Fraud

A Chaumont woman, Jessica J. Weston, faces multiple felony charges after being accused of fraudulently receiving substantial amounts of money from government assistance programs, SNAP and HEAP. The Watertown City Police allege that Weston obtained these funds through false claims, leading to charges including grand larceny, welfare fraud, and misuse of food stamps.

Child Safety in Question: Watertown Man Accused of Multiple Felonies

Shane Kirkby, a 43-year-old from Watertown, faces serious charges including predatory sexual assault and rape of a minor, alongside allegations of secret recordings through unlawful surveillance. The charges encompass both felonies and misdemeanors, highlighting a grave breach of privacy and safety concerns.

Joann to Weave a New Financial Future Amid Chapter 11 Filing

Joann, a well-known fabric and crafts retailer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection amid declining consumer spending on discretionary items. The Ohio-based company aims to restructure quickly, maintaining normal operations across its stores and online platform during the process. Joann has arranged financial support to ensure no disruption in payments to its stakeholders and plans to become a privately-owned entity post-restructuring. The move involves securing new financing and reducing debt, as the company navigates through its current financial challenges.

Watertown Rapids Welcomes New Coach and Owners in Strategic Revamp

In a significant organizational shuffle, the Watertown Rapids announced changes at the top with the transfer of ownership to Tyler Weese and Reid Inman of the Watertown Wolves. Rochester's own Matthew Petrossi takes the helm as the new coach, aiming to foster player development and contribute to their pursuit of baseball careers.