Looks like the Senate won’t pass the end of DST….So we all have to fall back on November 1.
Sunday, August 2, 2026
Effort To Block Development
While it looks like Micron will be a big deal, the usual shakedown groups are trying to block the project by going after DEC permits….Its too bad but rest assured once some cash flows the right way, things will move ahead.
Hochul and Mamdani
Is Governor Hochul restraining her buddy the new Mayor or is she enabling. She pushed through the pied a’ terre tax and defending the outing of names and properties possibly subject to it….She has said nothing about the DSA movement and said little about the underlying antisemitism.
It’s a fine line wanting the Mamdani voters while not alienating upstate and suburban folks.
She seems to have the race in hand, but how this far left deal plays out nationally may be a,factor.
Fortunately for Hochul, her opponent is not likely to catch fire., but at best will smolder.
Bump in the Road
The back and forth of lawyers continues in the matter of Jeffrey Hodge vs the City of Watertown. He is the husband of Karen Hodge who was killed in the E Bike/speed bump accident a year ago in Thompson Park.
The parties have asked Judge McClusky to adjourn the matter to September as mediation is slated for August 4..that is TUESDAY.
Looks like the City is planning on paying, and lawyers, as they do, are just there to delay in an effort to mitigate the amount. The City is represented by Bond Schoneck and King, so not being city attorney didn't hurt them.
If mediation produces a number, Council will be told in Executive Session and be told its less than the cost of going to trial. They will approve ...Been there, that's how its done.
A Council member told me today he is aware of the proceedings No leaking from this Council .
Council Keeps Spending
Usually when new management jobs are filled there is a resolution before Council to set the salary and presumably someone new to a post would start a bit lower than the predecessor.....It reduces costs a bit and also recognizes the previous occupier of the post...No such resolutions on Monday's agenda as apparently the boss feels the past levels are fine....Get a raise July 1 and another August 1.....
Guvmint....aint it grand?
It's OK they will vote in a three year deal for maintenance of the hydro plant they will eventually have to sell....But they did save a bundle on that Northside bathroom.
Having Fun.....Here Comes "Legal"
A basketball camp seems a good idea...Kids, outdoors, exercise...And it's held in one of the projects where the youth has other options for a summer day, but not necessarily the best options.
Along comes the Housing Authority, shutting it down due to liability concerns they say
https://www.wwnytv.com/2026/07/31/watertown-basketball-camp-gets-community-support-then-curveball/
Rachel Just Up the Road
Fort Drum was featured this morning on FOX and Friends....Rachel Campos Duffy visited the Belvedere Bistro along with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr this past week. The new healthy food mess hall is pretty fancy looking for those of you who served long ago.
I know what commercial restaurant equipment costs, and this dining hall clearly cost some serious change.
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Gunman Kills at Idaho In and Out
Folks in Twin Falls, ID get their In and Out burger joint a week ago and today some turd shoots the place up, which will surely force closure for a time and fear of going there… Can’t we have our burgers in peace .?
Water Sports
Remember that Water Park up by the TI Bridge....Lot of hype but it never worked...and had to be torn down.
Who took the hit on that ?
Local ER Visits Soar from Weed
It's the harmless alternative to alcohol, right ?
Jefferson County is several tokes over the line as ER visits related to cannabis rise well above averages elsewhere.
Fired Chief Gets $590K for Being Fired
Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes liked to be other places than his city including a recent shootout at a food festivall.So the Mayor canned him but he did get a $590K separation payment.
Now is it fair to expect t he Chief to be there or is his time off his own business since he surely has good people to handle things in the Emerald City while he is away.
Of course some accuse the socialist mayor of being racist ..... Even a socialist might expect a top person to do. his job.ss...
Back to the Dorm
Time to get ready to go back to college....Extension cords with a block of outlets is high on the list as we all have to many items to plug in.
A TV for the room, a mini refrigerator, back in the day stereo equipment. Some people make the dorm room quite fancy...., for others it's more institutional.....
Others go to trade school and have a job when they get out.
Friday, July 31, 2026
City Promotes First Woman To Police Chief
A. Promotion Ceremony is Scheduled for Monday morning for Police Chief Cristin Lyon …..Looks like a large crowd will be on hand for the City’s first female Chief.
Everyone speaks well of her and it will be interesting to hear her plans she has the department….
Pied-a-terre Gears Up
As NYC prepares to hire at least a couple dozen people to administer the new pied-a'-terre tax on swanky second homes, GOP gubernatorial hopeful Bruce Blakeman plans on axing the tax if elected....Don't know how since the Legislature will not be Republican.
Promise of tax cuts are something political hopefuls have long promised but there is no constituency in the voter pool for getting rid of pied-a-terre....
This would be a great new tax for upstate as local officials could claim people from elsewhere are paying the tax.
Backing The Green
This is so, well you know....The Dunellen, NJ PD dressed officers up as shrubbery in a bid to ticket distracted drivers...How you feel about this depends on whether you back the blue...If you do you think it's really neat....Otherwise, some may feel it' just a silly endeavor and very deep state....
We Like Robots...As Long As They Are Our Robots
The teacher's union kept Sally the Robot out of a classroom, but that doesn't mean they are not interested in AI making its way in the classroom...
The unions are collaborating with AI creators like Anthropic to make sure their agenda is inculcated into students. Solutions and concepts presented to students through AI will surely be designed to indoctrinate not teach.
Invasions
Yesterday the Spanish border looked like the Rio Grande when Biden was in charge....
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/49-000-migrants-enter-spanish-082052889.html
Vibrator Taken
A man was arrested this week for allegedly stealing what is described as a personal massager valued at $24.99 from Kinney's Drug Store...Hope it was recovered before the guy got home as you wouldn't want to restock such an item.
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Whiter Than White
Kamala Harris told us we should enjoy and embrace diversity, and her new $8M home is in Point Dume, CA where the Census says it’s 0.2% black.
Hard to take these people seriously.
Mamdanis at 175
Like the Mayor and his pied e' terre, Jefferson County is looking to squeeze local property owners and businesses a little more....No wonder no lawmakers posed for the Times photo..
This is a tax on short term rentals....Sorry , a taxing jurisdiction bragging about how much cash its holding does not need another tax....And this is an all GOP Legislature ?
Tuesday Test for AOC
While she could likely win a Senate seat in 2028, AOC is still being talked about as something more...but her reputation is on the line Tuesday in Michigan where she backs the hard left candidate in an open seat race.
Sounds strange New Yolk's second Tyro is being talked about as a contender....
https://gothamist.com/news/aocs-path-to-the-white-house-could-soon-become-clearer
Bobby on Drum
Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. visited Fort Drum today and stopped by at the Belvedere Bistro.
His dad campaigned in Watertown in 1964.
You Can Know Anything You Want...Just Ask..
I see some people got a kick out of my AI bio,,,Are a lot of things left out ? Sure...But not by me...An impartial arbiter buried in software and servers made the calls.
The problems with discussing all aspects of my life or anyone's for that matter, the nuances and the rest of the story is not something some want to see out there.
As far as those who know why health history, I'm more than happy to discuss it with you...You don't have to make it up...And as for legal disputes, be glad to relay the "rest of the story". but Im not sure you want that either.
The AI bio left out lots of aspects of my life...the sales tax deal that has shoveled millions into City Hall, or the Airport deal that has resulted in a win win for all. My illness. My time at Capraras, the grift with DHR....All topics I am glad to discuss...You don't have to make anonymous comments hoping to ding me.
New Trucks
New refuse trucks and new routes....The service recommended for extinction is now being rejuvenated. You can't make a public service make sense on a 30% market share....
Still think people love to go to the dump to save money...A central drop off and maybe dumpster service for business and multi unit residential.
Trash is as old as man itself and innovation, technology and clever marketing are needed.....And people running the service using the service would help too.
https://www.wwnytv.com/2026/07/29/watertown-invests-new-garbage-trucks-streamlined-routes/
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Quid Pro Quo
With polls tightening, Governor Hochul says those $100 gifts from the state will bee in the mail before Election Day.
In exchange grateful residents are expected to vote for Ms. Hochul.
AI Biography of Your Hotline Host
Jeffrey Edward Graham is a longtime Watertown, New York public figure, broadcaster, small-
business owner, and former mayor whose career has been closely tied to North Country civic
life, local politics, and neighborhood conversation. According to family information, he was born
on May 12, 1955, in California, the son of George and Doris Graham of Rochester, New
York. He has one brother, Bruce George Graham, who is five years older. Public sources
identify him professionally as Jeff Graham, former mayor of Watertown and owner of the Pearl
Street Pub in Watertown.
Graham became widely known in Watertown politics through a long tenure as mayor. North
Country Public Radio reported in 2011 that he was running for a fifth term as mayor, and later
reported that he was reelected to that fifth term. His public style was often described as
independent and media-savvy; North Country Public Radio noted that he hosted his own radio
show, “The Hotline,” and maintained an independent political presence.
After leaving public office, Graham continued to be a familiar voice in local affairs. Spectrum
News reported in 2015 that, after his time as mayor, Graham planned to focus on his radio talk
show and on running the Pearl Street Pub. Other public listings and media references identify
him as a radio talk show host, former mayor of Watertown, and owner of the Pearl Street Pub.
As a business owner, Graham is associated with the Pearl Street Pub, a Watertown
neighborhood tavern. The Greater Watertown North Country Chamber lists the Pearl Street Pub
as a restaurant/bar at 557 Pearl Street, describing it as a “Neighborhood Tavern” with listed
hours Monday through Saturday 8 a.m.–2 a.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–2 a.m. Corporate filing
summaries for Fort Pearl, Inc. list Jeffrey E. Graham as chief executive officer and show that
Fort Pearl, Inc. was filed in New York on June 24, 2005, with the assumed name Pearl Street
Pub active as of December 2012.
The Pearl Street Pub has also placed Graham in the middle of broader debates affecting small
bars and restaurants. In 2020, WWNY quoted him as Pearl Street Pub owner in a story about
New York bar regulations during the COVID era. In 2025, WWNY again interviewed him as a
Watertown bar owner about a bill allowing bars and restaurants to buy liquor from retail stores in
limited circumstances when they run out of stock.
Graham’s public identity blends politics, broadcasting, and tavern ownership. He has been
described as a “die-hard politico and radio host,” and the Pearl Street Pub has been nicknamed
“the Mayor’s Bar.” In 2026, WWNY referred to the Pearl Street Pub as also known as the
Mayor’s Bar and noted that it was owned by former Watertown mayor Jeff Graham.
Taken together, Jeffrey Edward Graham’s public life reflects a distinctly local kind of leadership:
part elected official, part broadcaster, part tavern keeper, and part civic commentator. Whether atCity Hall, behind a microphone, or at the Pearl Street Pub, he has remained a recognizable
presence in Watertown’s political and social life for decade
Go Away
Fauci testimony today. He should take the Fifth and go home...His sycophants love him, the rest of use don't especially after hearing his diary entries.
Stickers
Let's hope Blake doesn't sell milk to the Tate Brothers.....The TU and soon other media will tell you that Sticker Mule printed some labels for the Tate Brothers, the nasty influencers accused of all sorts of bad things.
Sticker Mule is a printing company. You want something printed, you can get them to do it....I ordered some stickers a year ago just to see if what they do is real.
The product was fine and I would order things but if some lefty newspaper is going to feign outrage maybe I will go elsewhere. I am sure Mr. Constantino would print AOC stickers if requested.
As the only media positioned to cover the race , the Albany paper will have influence.
Should Tish Be Dictating the Raising of Children
OMG, so many time people say I shouldn't comment on matters involving children as I have none and yet it was childless Tish who has drawn up the rules for social media involvement with children.
Shoen to Repair Bathroom
Councilman Shoen will be repairing a bathroom damaged by vandals at the Northside athletic fields months ago...I guess I wonder why it wasn't repaired already ? Hate to say it , but the private sector ethos would get that up and running as close to immediately as possible...
It's not all for free..The City paid "legal" to say if it was OK. Mr. Shoen is a city employee but they had to draft a contract and he had to prove all insurances.
Maybe he will fix the Library fence too. He is getting some good publicity for his business such as when he landed the prestigious deal to repair the front of the Pub....That was not a donation.
Trans Didn't Help This Brand
Well, we didn't make the USA Today list of best bars, but its been a busy summer and now we look forward to fall...Sure sign is Laura from Time Warp messaged me with the date for the Pub Crawl in November...That's sure a reminder summer has peaked.
Out of curiosity I took a peak at this years sales by product and former number one, Bud Light has slipped further to number 7... One bar in one city , true....but boy did that Mulvaney stunt sure sink a brand made popular by Spuds MacKenxie who was ordered off the stage in the first round of advertising woeness that would later claim Joe Camel, Uncle Ben, Aunt Jemima, and the native American on the butter box.
Popular today are a bunch of fruity malt and spirit based canned drinks...
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/07/29/best-bars-in-us-2026/90459769007/
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Public Interest in Millie Increases as Trial Nears
Had some interesting opinions and theories on why Millie Smith faces a trial August 14 for allegedly shoving a cop. Some defended her, one said she must be convicted for the system to remain credible.
Here and on the show there are lots of opinions on both sides. We’ve been promised defense witnesses and the tape in evidence. Backers of the blue say Milly is going down.
Gimmicks
Proceeds from all the power produced by today’s rain will be given to the Conservancy as that will not affect taxpayers …Just thought I would try that line before a Council Member blurts it out at a meeting.
Sheriff Tells Tish to Take a Hike
Madison County Sheriff and GOP candidate for LG says he will defy AG Tish James order not to cooperate with ICE.
Sheriff Todd Hood is right. He is there to enforce the laws of the nation, state and community. That involves cooperating with other agencies.
Still The Arena To Most of Us
Saw an ad for an event mid August at the Arena....It was billed as being held at the Watertown Fairgrounds Arena..,That's descriptive and all will know where it is...But iftshows selling naming rights does not ensure people will use the name.
Fauci Files More Impactful Than Epstein Files
Nobody cares much anymore, but Dr. Fauci and his personal journals are in the news and with 1100 pages of diary released., boy were we had....
We all fell for it...I remember doing the shows in an empty building because the frontline stars were home being safe. We all mouthed the doctrine and I apologize for being such a tool...Almost killed me an the money wasted was epic....
Six Months of Angst and Sadness
You gotta feel for Savannah Guthrie six months after her Mom vanished presumably at the hands of kidnappers.
Savannah put out a plea this week for the killers to cough up information where the remains are..
It isn't going to happen as this was a kidnapping gone sour and the culprits made themselves scarce...Any sharing of information might lead to them and conscience aside, ,criminals enjoy freedom.
I suppose its worth a try but the sad reality is Mom is gone and the remains will likely never be found.
Word Has Spread Even to the News Deserts
The message is clear to over 700 school Supers and their obedient Boards of Education.
We are Luddites when it comes to anything that might threaten or devalue union jobs...So it is decreed by NYSUT after the Salamanca District announced they were going to use a robot to augment teachers and get kids fascinated and familiar with emerging technologies.
A robot can serve you coffee at the airport but in temples of learning....No way
Been Thinking About This Further
When the Arena naming was being sold there was at least a request for proposals and whether you agree with naming it , at least there was a scintilla of fairness....
With the house in the Park. No RFP or bids. Just a private deal between two private entities involving public assets. That's OK with Council, and soon they will have their blessing from :"legal".
The entity renting it already has a home and shouldn't the proceeds from sale or lease of a public asset go to the owners of the asset ?
Further this announcement comes days after the former CM and Conservancy head requested money from the City at a time when that private corporation claims to be flush with donations.
The house will be rented to the land trust and Council will claim they are helping to support the Zoo while relieving the burden on taxpayers. There I said it for them.
Monday, July 27, 2026
No Crime Too Small
So a 52 year old homeless man gets pinched for allegedly taking two beers worth $3.06 from a,Stewart’s shop on Mill St.
Does he show up for court and if he does what does the court do to punish this man for his crime?
As It Should Be
I’ve been assured both recent appointments to senior positions in the Police Department were to people living well outside the city limits. Next Monday Council will adopt salary recommendations for the pair.
Got Away With It
Channel 7 reports police say there will likely never be an arrest in the apparent vandalism of the marble fence in front of,the Flower Memorial Library. They say a lapse,in surveillance video is the culprit.
Classic Eric
Who or what is Tug Hill Tomorrow, the entity about to take possession of the residence in Thompson Park.? Council doesn't know...but they say it's all OK as long as "legal" approves. “Legal” will provide the opinion their boss tells them to and bill a suitable number of hours in the process
Will the new tenant have to get a Grid meter and pay the 11% sales tax ?
Milly Moves
Milly has moved ! The PA has moved her Washington Street Quick Med to 513 Washington next to the Rouse Building...
Milly runs the practice owned by a local physician and has split with her husband , the ex Mayor.....
She posted the information on Facebook over the weekend.
Don't know what's in the old building with the windmill on the roof.
The City is trying to smear her with charges she roughed up a cop and that matter is in City Courty next month.
City Told Who Will Live in Park
Something called the Tug Hill Land Trust wants to rent the residence in Thompson Park for a $1000 a month plus water and utilities. Of course the money goes to the Conservancy even though the house is city owned...
Does Council get to decide on anything anymore.? A Council Member told me this morning they were told the Conservancy was trying to rents it and that Council supports them making what they can off it.
Used to be we has a Park Superintendent who lived there, but how could you do that and live outside the City ?
Oh and the article suggests this has been in the works for a while and the Conservancy director says its up to the City Attorney to decide..Really, who is the City Attorney ?
Have you noticed what houses rend for these days ? And does current zoning allow for leasing office space in open space parkland ?
As we have asked, what I the deal with the golf course ? Rumor is a deal is afoot with the folks who run Ives.....
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