In this issue of Watertown NY

📅 Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

☁️ Watertown NY Weather Update

⛄Community Support Unlocks Winter Wonderland at Zoo New York

🌍 Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Discovers Remnants of Ancient Martian River

🏫 Elementary Schools in Watertown Reward Good Behavior with Innovative Book Vending Machines

🤒 New York Battles Prolonged Flu Season Amidst Broader Health and Economic Challenges

🧑‍🦽Inmate Faces Charges After Assaulting Wheelchair-Bound Peer in St. Lawrence Jail

🏠 Scarcity of Affordable Rentals in NYC as Vacancy Drops to 1.4%

🧑‍💼 Exiting the Tank: Mark Cuban’s Departure Marks End of an Era for Aspiring Business Minds

🏀 Basketball Sensation Ian VanWagner Earns Athlete of the Week Honors

Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

February 14th

Valentine's Dinner Sweetheart Special $20

Valentine's Day at the Grille

February 17th

1980 Prom: Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

February 18th

Konrad & Pasquale: Swingin' the Great American Songbook

Community Support Unlocks Winter Wonderland at Zoo New York

Zoo New York will open its doors for the winter season on weekends and during the winter school break, following a successful fundraising campaign that helped overcome previous closure plans. The zoo, situated in Thompson Park, will welcome visitors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting this Saturday. This reopening is made possible by the substantial support from the community and volunteers, who contributed to raising $45,000 through donations and a holiday event.

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Discovers Remnants of Ancient Martian River

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has captured an extraordinary image of what appears to be an ancient river system in the Aeolis Planum region on Mars. This finding adds to the growing body of evidence that Mars once had flowing water, indicating a dramatically different climate in its past compared to the dry, barren landscape we see today.

Elementary Schools in Watertown Reward Good Behavior with Innovative Book Vending Machines

Watertown City School District's North and Ohio Elementary schools have deployed book vending machines as rewards for students demonstrating positive behavior. Students earn tokens for good conduct, which they can exchange for books, fostering a culture of reading and good manners. The initiative, aimed at motivating students, has been well-received, with school officials noting its effectiveness in encouraging desirable classroom behavior.

New York Battles Prolonged Flu Season Amidst Broader Health and Economic Challenges

New York's extended flu season, the complexity of diagnosing penicillin allergies, and the deepening racial wealth disparities during the pandemic highlight ongoing public health and economic challenges. These issues call for continued vigilance against the flu, greater awareness around penicillin allergies, and concerted efforts to address economic inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic.

Inmate Faces Charges After Assaulting Wheelchair-Bound Peer in St. Lawrence Jail

Branden Arquiett, a 35-year-old inmate at St. Lawrence County Jail, has been charged with second-degree assault following an attack on Alex Danboise, a wheelchair-bound inmate. The assault, which occurred on January 18, involved Arquiett punching Danboise several times in the face, leading to a severe injury. Arquiett, who was awaiting sentencing for fourth-degree grand larceny at the time, has been arraigned and will face further legal proceedings.

Scarcity of Affordable Rentals in NYC as Vacancy Drops to 1.4%

In an unprecedented tightening of the New York City rental market, the vacancy rate for rental apartments dropped to 1.4% in 2023, the lowest since 1968. With over 33,200 units available from a total of 2.35 million, finding affordable housing has become a significant challenge for residents.

Exiting the Tank: Mark Cuban’s Departure Marks End of an Era for Aspiring Business Minds

Mark Cuban, the dynamic investor on ABC's "Shark Tank," has made his mark over a 13-year journey, contributing significantly to the show's success since his debut in its second season. With investments surpassing $19 million, Cuban's portfolio showcases a diverse array of startups, from educational tools aimed at standardized test preparation to innovative boxed mixed drink solutions. Despite this vast investment landscape, Cuban asserts his total expenditure is closer to $29 million—a figure that he claims has been surpassed by the returns, both in cash and market value. Beyond the financial aspects, Cuban emphasizes the profound influence the show has had on aspiring entrepreneurs, valuing this impact over the spectacle of television fame. As Cuban prepares to exit the show after its 16th season, his tenure on "Shark Tank" is celebrated for not just the financial gambles but also for the guidance and critique he has offered to budding business minds.

Basketball Sensation Ian VanWagner Earns Athlete of the Week Honors

Ian VanWagner, a freshman from Potsdam, New York, has been named the North Country Athlete of the Week, thanks to his remarkable achievements in varsity basketball. Already in his third season, he averages over 28 points per game and has broken the school's scoring record with over 1,500 points. His exceptional performances include high-scoring games against several teams and impressive accuracy from the foul line, the field, and beyond the arc. Besides his athletic success, Ian also excels academically, showcasing his all-around excellence.