Community Corner

đŸŒ± How Watertown’s first woman firefighter is breaking a 150-year tradition

You won't want to miss Immunization Clinic on the Watertown Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Good morning to you Watertown! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀

In today's newsletter:

  • How Watertown’s first woman firefighter is breaking a 150-year tradition
  • Why a Watertown childcare center is taking the school district to court
  • How much state money is headed to North Country libraries?

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? đŸ€” (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Watertownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Cloudy and windy, with a high of 45 and low of 39 degrees.
  • Friday: Cloudy, snow showers; windy, temps: high: 51, low: 16. ⛄ Brr!
  • Saturday: Colder; a bit of p.m. snow, with a high of 36 and low of 30 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Watertown welcomes its first woman firefighter (wwnytv.com) — Watertown is about to swear in its first-ever female firefighter as Olivia Simpson graduates from the city’s Firefighter Recruit Academy and prepares for her first shift on Christmas Day. The longtime volunteer, inspired by her firefighter father, hopes her achievement encourages more local girls and women across the North Country to pursue similar careers.
   

Find out what's happening in Watertownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. Local childcare provider plans to sue Watertown school district (wwnytv.com) — A longtime Watertown childcare partner has filed a notice of claim accusing the Watertown City School District of mishandling changes to its Universal Pre-K program and harming its business. The Treehouse Child Care Center alleges retaliation and other wrongdoing after losing classroom space, while district leaders say they cannot comment on pending legal matters.
   

3. Assemblyman Gray announces approved library construction grants (newzjunky.com) — Watertown residents are seeing new investment in local libraries, as Assemblyman Scott Gray announced more than $700,000 in state-backed construction funding for seven projects across his Jefferson and St. Lawrence county district. The grants, part of a $44 million statewide program, will help libraries modernize buildings, improve energy efficiency, and expand services to better serve community needs.
   

4. amNew York Law Bench Report for Dec. 17, 2025 (amny.com) — A Watertown City Court judge, Eric Swartz, will step down at year’s end following a state judicial conduct inquiry into a health-related disability affecting his duties. The report also notes his prior service in Watertown Town Court and explains how the state commission handles resignations, alongside a separate statewide ruling on COVID-related workers’ compensation.
   

📾 Around Watertown

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Watertown

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

    Wednesday December 24
  • Immunization Clinic
    Public Health Facility , 531 Meade St , Watertown
    12:30 pm

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This time of year, it's hard to get out and explore.
    But the New York State Office for the Aging is working with our partners at Discover LIVE to bring the world to you through virtual, LIVE world tours
 (Nextdoor )
  • Just announced: NYSOFA and Selfhelp Community Services are providing free access to the Virtual Senior Center for any older adult in New York State.
    Read our press release to learn more about this great platform to help older adults stay connected — which is especially important and timely during
 (Nextdoor )
  • Victoria's Secret & Company posted a job opening for Seasonal Associate-Salmon Run overnight store merchandising in Watertown. Apply here.
  • Tractor Supply Company posted a job opening for Team Member in Watertown. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Watertown here.

Ok Watertown! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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