WEATHER CORRECTION — November 1: Tonight’s Watertown forecast is SOUTH wind at 5–7 mph. The video’s burned-in caption incorrectly says southwest. The written forecast is correct.
Six North Country developments for Sunday, November 1, 2026, followed by the Watertown forecast. This edition was published after the scheduled morning release.
Jefferson County early voting ends today
Sunday, November 1 is the final day of early voting for Jefferson County’s general election. The county lists voting hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the County Office Building, 175 Arsenal Street in Watertown, and Depauville Fire Hall, 15231 School Street. Registered county voters may use either location regardless of their Election Day assignment. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, when polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voters should use the county’s official election information for accessibility help and polling-place questions.
Watertown winter overnight parking restrictions are in effect
Watertown’s annual winter street-parking restriction begins November 1 and continues through April 30. During that period, parking is prohibited on city streets between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. The rule gives public works crews room to clear streets during winter operations. Drivers should arrange an off-street space and check posted signs before leaving vehicles overnight. The city identifies several free downtown municipal parking lots, including locations on Stone, State, Arcade and Court streets, as well as the J.B. Wise lot.
Seasonal bulk collection closes November 6
Watertown residents have one final week in the city’s 2026 seasonal bulk-waste collection program. The Department of Public Works says the season ends Friday, November 6, with collection suspended during winter and expected to return in spring 2027. A firm spring start date has not been announced. Residents should check the city’s accepted-item list and current charges before arranging a pickup. Public Works can be reached at 315-785-7842 to schedule service. The approaching deadline concerns the seasonal bulk program, rather than a blanket announcement ending ordinary household refuse collection.
Henderson Harbor sewer project gains major funding
A newly reported $22 million grant adds substantial support to the planned Henderson Harbor sewer system. The project’s engineer told WWNY that the total undertaking is expected to cost $51 million, with a remaining $4 million financed through a loan repaid by users. Residents approved the proposal in August. Planning is beginning, while construction is expected during 2028 and 2029. The proposed service area centers on the harbor hamlet and nearby lakefront homes and businesses; the announcement does not mean every property in the Town of Henderson will receive sewer service.
Carthage-area water upgrades are planned for November
Carthage and West Carthage are preparing improvements to their shared municipal water system following a $9.8 million state grant. The planned work includes replacing aging water mains and hydrants in both villages. Identified locations include Stone and High streets in West Carthage and Mechanic Street near the former railroad area in Carthage. WWNY reports that construction is expected to begin in November and last several months. The plans address aging infrastructure and firefighting water service. The announcement describes scheduled work, not a claim that the upgrades are already complete.
SUNY Potsdam garden expands outdoor learning
SUNY Potsdam’s new WISER Botanical Garden adds an outdoor learning space beside its sustainability greenhouses. The college’s October 28 announcement describes fourteen garden islands across more than 7,000 square feet, with accessible pathways and plants native to the region. The project supports learning about ecology, sustainability and biodiversity while providing habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Students worked with staff and donors on its installation. The ribbon cutting took place October 23; this is a recent campus development being reviewed in the Sunday briefing, not an event taking place today.
Watertown forecast: The National Weather Service Watertown point forecast updated at 6:57 a.m. EST November 1 calls for sunshine today, a high near 59°F, and southwest wind at 6 to 9 mph. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 45°F and south wind at 5 to 7 mph. The detailed forecast does not specify a numeric precipitation probability for these two periods.
Reporting sources: Jefferson County early voting ends today; Watertown winter overnight parking restrictions are in effect; Seasonal bulk collection closes November 6; Henderson Harbor sewer project gains major funding; Carthage-area water upgrades are planned for November; SUNY Potsdam garden expands outdoor learning; National Weather Service.
