WATERTOWN, N.Y. The Northern New York Daily Brief for Thursday, October 29, 2026, begins with the latest Watertown forecast and five regional developments.
The National Weather Service forecast issued at 3:48 a.m. Eastern calls for increasing clouds and a high near 70 degrees today. Southwest winds of 10 to 16 miles per hour could gust to 29. Showers and thunderstorms are likely before 10 p.m., with a 60 percent precipitation chance, followed by a slight shower chance and a low near 45 tonight.
Jefferson County outlines $9.3 million military center at Watertown airport
Jefferson County’s 2027–2032 capital plan includes a proposed Military Training, Transition and Courtesy Center at Watertown International Airport in the town of Hounsfield. The estimated $9.3 million project would create a 5,000-square-foot waiting and transition space for military personnel, connected to the terminal and hangars. It could also serve as a backup when Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield is congested.
The county projects a $900,000 local share and would need $8.4 million in state funding. County Administrator Ryan Piche described the project as dependent on funding, with 2028 listed as a hoped-for date. It is a plan, not an approved construction start.
Watertown weighs energy proposals for its former landfill
Watertown city officials are considering a solar farm at the former landfill. Council member Shane Garrabrant has suggested also examining whether nuclear power could be feasible there. Another council member questioned whether the site has enough usable land for that option.
Residents near Water Street expressed mixed views, including worries about property values, soil and environmental effects. Council member Doug Osborne said public concerns and safety would be considered before any decision. The discussion remains at an early stage; no energy project has been selected.
Heuvelton recommends five downtown projects for state grant
A Heuvelton committee has recommended five projects and a $300,000 small-projects fund for the village’s $4.5 million NY Forward award. The proposed work includes streetscape improvements, a pedestrian corridor, period lighting on the bridge, upgrades to the fire department’s community room and building facades.
The recommendations go to the state for a final decision expected next summer. Projects not chosen for the main list may still qualify for the smaller fund. Construction could begin in 2028 if approvals and planning proceed.
St. Lawrence County proposes slight tax-rate drop in 2027 budget
St. Lawrence County’s tentative 2027 budget would set the property-tax rate at $6.87 per $1,000 of assessed value, three cents below this year’s rate. Administrator Ruth Doyle’s proposal calls for $345.5 million in spending, up $11.3 million, while the total property-tax levy would rise 7.2 percent.
Doyle said the plan maintains services without drawing on savings. County leaders cited higher fuel costs and mandated expenses among their pressures. Workshops can still change the proposal, and the county must adopt a final budget by December 20.
Clarkson cross-country teams prepare for conference championships
Clarkson University’s cross-country teams are headed to the Liberty League Championships hosted by Bard College. The women’s 6,000-meter race is scheduled for 11 a.m. and the men’s 8,000-meter race for noon, with an awards ceremony at 1 p.m.
Clarkson said all eight women’s runners will travel. The men’s group will bring 18 runners, including four alternates. The meet begins the championship portion of the teams’ season; results are not yet known.
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