Government

Residents Express Concerns About Using Flock License Plate Reading Cameras in Watertown

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Members of the Watertown Police Department discussed different technology used by the WPD, including a proposal to use the Flock Safety cameras. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

A room full of residents expressed their concerns about the Watertown Police Department’s proposed use of Flock Safety cameras in town, with the biggest issues about how the images collected by the license plate capturing system would be used outside Watertown and who would have access. As the debate over whether cameras should be used in the City, legislation at the state level could help reduce concerns. The Flock cameras were one of several technologies available to the Watertown Police discussed during the Tech Talk at Hosmer School on Wednesday night. While body cameras, tasers, an AI-assisted police bulletin network, and other equipment interested the 30 or so in attendance, the Flock cameras garnered the most attention in the meeting that lasted nearly three hours.

Around Town

Poet Laureate Speaks at Packed Unity Breakfast; Award Given to Group Monitoring Immigrant Enforcement

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Massachusetts Poet Laureate Regie Gibson recited several of his poems at the 2026 Unity Breakfast. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Massachusetts’ Poet Laureate inspired the crowd at the 26th annual Unity Breakfast. During the event on Monday, awards were presented to a group monitoring immigration enforcement and supporting immigrants rights in Watertown, and a man who has been a big part of keeping the Unity Breakfast going through the Pandemic. The Unity Award at the 2006 Watertown Unity Breakfast went to the Rapid Response Network, while the Sue Kuder Unsung Hero Award went to Chuck Dickinson. Poet Laureate

Before the presentation of the awards, Poet Laureate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Regie Gibson, recited several of his pieces related to Dr. King and the struggles of today.

Sports

Watertown Wrestlers Defeat a Pair of Middlesex League Foes

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Watertown captain Jimmy Shrestha and the Raiders defeated Belmont and Lexington last week. seventh. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Watertown’s wrestlers continued their successful season going 2-0 last week, with wins over Belmont and Lexington, and competed in a tournament. The Raiders defeated Belmont 45-29 and Lexington 45-30, said Watertown Wrestling Coach Kevin Russo. “They are both solid teams, so the performance by our team was great to see,” Russo said.

Schools

Watertown Schools May Tap City’s Special Ed Fund, Add Athletics Fees to Make up Budget Deficit

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The Watertown Public Schools may ask the City to tap the Special Education Stabilization Fund created several years ago for a rainy day. The 2026-27 School Budget may be stormy, as the district faces a shortfall of $2.5 million as of Monday’s School Committee meeting. Other ways to make up shortfalls may include reinstating athletics and extracurricular fees. Superintendent Dede Galdston provided the budget update on Jan. 12, before the School Committee’s budget hearings officially start.

Around Town

Keeping the Charles Clean: A Conversation on Stormwater Innovation in Watertown

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The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Watershed Association:

Join CRWA staff and City of Watertown officials for an in-depth conversation about stormwater — what it is, how stormwater pollution impacts the Charles River, and the major challenges municipalities face in managing it. Learn how Watertown is implementing innovative solutions and leading the way in stormwater management within the Charles River watershed. Where: Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., Watertown

When: Thursday, Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Link to event page: https://www.crwa.org/events/keeping-the-charles-clean-a-conversation-on-stormwater-innovation-in-watertown

Link to register: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/j8j77de