At the Common Council meeting of August 18th, Police Chief Brower thanked Captain Jon Caucutt for 20 years of service to the City of Watertown Police Department. Cheers to 20 years, Captain!
🚰 Routine Hydrant Flushing Begins Monday, September 14.
The Watertown Water Utility Department will begin its routine hydrant flushing on Monday, September 14, starting from 5am–1pm.
🔹 Two crews will be starting on:
• Main Street (1st to 8th Street)
• Hospital Drive
Flushing will continue Tuesday–Friday, Sept 15–18 and Sept 22–26, 7am–3pm daily.
🚧 Hydrants on streets under construction will not be flushed.
⚠️ Residents, please note:
• Avoid using water during flushing hours
• Wait until after 4:00 p.m. on flushing days to do laundry
• Check water clarity before use to avoid stains
For more info, contact the Watertown Water Utility. 💧
Beginning on Thursday, August 6th, the City of Watertown’s contractor, Wolf Paving Co., will begin mill and overlay operations on Market Way beginning at Air Park Drive and proceeding south to Tractor Supply. Market Way will be closed to thru traffic during construction operations. The contractor will place “Road Closed” construction barricades on Market Way that will go into effect on August 6th. It’s expected that any closure will remain in effect through Wednesday, August 12th.
The City of Watertown received a Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) Grant to partially fund this project. The remaining project cost is funded by the City of Watertown as part of the 2026 Bituminous Surfacing Project. The scope of work is scheduled as follows.
• August 6th – Pavement Maintenance, Inc. will mill the existing asphalt surface.
• August 7th – Wolf Paving Co. will pave a thin leveling course of asphalt over the milled pavement.
• August 10th – Road Fabrics Inc. will place a fabric pavement interlayer over the leveling course.
• August 11th – Wolf Paving Co. will pave a new surface course of asphalt pavement over the fabric interlayer.
• August 12th – Century Traffic will place new epoxy pavement markings. After which the street will be opened to traffic.
Additional Information:
• Access to local businesses will be via a signed detour route on Gateway Drive.
• NAPA and Arby’s customers are encouraged to access the businesses from the south and will be guided through by flaggers.
Questions can be directed to the City of Watertown Engineering Department at (920) 262-4060 Motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling near and through the work zone and consider alternate routes when possible. The City appreciates your patience and cooperation in this matter.
The City of Watertown received a Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) Grant to partially fund this project. The remaining project cost is funded by the City of Watertown as part of the 2026 Bituminous Surfacing Project. The scope of work is scheduled as follows.
• August 6th – Pavement Maintenance, Inc. will mill the existing asphalt surface.
• August 7th – Wolf Paving Co. will pave a thin leveling course of asphalt over the milled pavement.
• August 10th – Road Fabrics Inc. will place a fabric pavement interlayer over the leveling course.
• August 11th – Wolf Paving Co. will pave a new surface course of asphalt pavement over the fabric interlayer.
• August 12th – Century Traffic will place new epoxy pavement markings. After which the street will be opened to traffic.
Additional Information:
• Access to local businesses will be via a signed detour route on Gateway Drive.
• NAPA and Arby’s customers are encouraged to access the businesses from the south and will be guided through by flaggers.
Questions can be directed to the City of Watertown Engineering Department at (920) 262-4060 Motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling near and through the work zone and consider alternate routes when possible. The City appreciates your patience and cooperation in this matter.
Asphalt resurfacing of River Drive is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, July 28th depending on weather conditions.
The City Street Department will be removing the existing asphaltic surface and spot sections of the gravel base. The street will then be graded for new 4” thick asphalt pavement.
The City has contracted with Wolf Paving Co., Hartland, WI to perform the paving work.
River Drive will be closed to “Thru Traffic” for the majority of the construction. The City may open the streets to “Local Traffic Only” during non-working hours after the new gravel base have been completed.
Traffic control will be installed by the City prior to construction. Please direct all construction-related questions to the Engineering Division at (920) 262-4060.
Residents and businesses having properties within the construction zone will have access to their property during non-working hours.
The City of Watertown urges motorists to “Give ‘em a Brake” by slowing down and driving with extra caution through and near the construction zones.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to maintain and improve our City’s infrastructure.
The City Street Department will be removing the existing asphaltic surface and spot sections of the gravel base. The street will then be graded for new 4” thick asphalt pavement.
The City has contracted with Wolf Paving Co., Hartland, WI to perform the paving work.
River Drive will be closed to “Thru Traffic” for the majority of the construction. The City may open the streets to “Local Traffic Only” during non-working hours after the new gravel base have been completed.
Traffic control will be installed by the City prior to construction. Please direct all construction-related questions to the Engineering Division at (920) 262-4060.
Residents and businesses having properties within the construction zone will have access to their property during non-working hours.
The City of Watertown urges motorists to “Give ‘em a Brake” by slowing down and driving with extra caution through and near the construction zones.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to maintain and improve our City’s infrastructure.
Beginning on Monday, July 27th, CPKC will begin replacing the railroad crossing at S. Third Street. The existing crossing structure will be removed and replaced. A detour is in effect during this closure. It is expected that the closure and detour will remain in effect through Friday, July 31st, depending on weather.
Traffic will not be able to cross the railroad tracks at S. Third Street during this construction project.
Traffic will be detoured toward the S. Twelfth Street railroad crossing during this time.
Train horns will be used during this construction project due to railroad crews working close to the active railroad tracks.
Questions can be directed to the City of Watertown Public Works Department at (920) 262-4060. Motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling near the work zone and consider alternate routes when possible.
Your cooperation and understanding are appreciated as work to maintain and improve local infrastructure is completed.
Traffic will not be able to cross the railroad tracks at S. Third Street during this construction project.
Traffic will be detoured toward the S. Twelfth Street railroad crossing during this time.
Train horns will be used during this construction project due to railroad crews working close to the active railroad tracks.
Questions can be directed to the City of Watertown Public Works Department at (920) 262-4060. Motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling near the work zone and consider alternate routes when possible.
Your cooperation and understanding are appreciated as work to maintain and improve local infrastructure is completed.
The City of Watertown DPW – Street Division will be doing work on Willmann Court and S. Twelfth Street on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Please observe marked detours. This closure is expected to be Thursday, July 23rd and Friday, July 24th. It will be re-opened for the weekend and closed again on Monday, July 27th for paving.
A detour will be placed beginning at 6:30 a.m. as follows: Southbound traffic on S. Twelfth Street will take Mary Street to the west, S. Tenth Street to the south, Clark Street to the east back to S. Twelfth Street. Northbound traffic will take Clark Street to the west, S. Tenth Street to the north, Mary Street to the east, back to S. Twelfth Street.
A detour will be placed beginning at 6:30 a.m. as follows: Southbound traffic on S. Twelfth Street will take Mary Street to the west, S. Tenth Street to the south, Clark Street to the east back to S. Twelfth Street. Northbound traffic will take Clark Street to the west, S. Tenth Street to the north, Mary Street to the east, back to S. Twelfth Street.
Mayor Robert Stocks has proclaimed Friday, May 22, 2026, as “Poppy Day” in the City of Watertown, Wisconsin. This is a beautiful reminder to honor the brave citizen soldiers who sacrificed everything for our freedom.
Here is the full proclamation:
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, America is the land of freedom, preserved and protected willingly and freely by citizen soldiers; and
WHEREAS, millions have answered the call to arms and thousands have died on the field of battle; and
WHEREAS, a nation that cherishes peace must honor those who have sacrificed to provide and preserve it; and
WHEREAS, it is important to be reminded of both the price of war as well as the debt owed to those who have served and
died to preserve our peace and freedom; and
WHEREAS, the red poppy has been designated as the symbol of war times supreme sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #189 has pledged to remind America annually of this debt through the distribution of this beautiful memorial flower.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Stocks, Mayor of the City of Watertown, Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 22, 2026, as “Poppy Day” in the City of Watertown and ask all citizens to join me in wearing this Memorial Flower in remembrance of the sacrifices of so many in the defense of freedom.
Given under my hand and the seal of the City of Watertown, State of Wisconsin, this 22nd day of May 2026.
Robert Stocks, Mayor
Here is the full proclamation:
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, America is the land of freedom, preserved and protected willingly and freely by citizen soldiers; and
WHEREAS, millions have answered the call to arms and thousands have died on the field of battle; and
WHEREAS, a nation that cherishes peace must honor those who have sacrificed to provide and preserve it; and
WHEREAS, it is important to be reminded of both the price of war as well as the debt owed to those who have served and
died to preserve our peace and freedom; and
WHEREAS, the red poppy has been designated as the symbol of war times supreme sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #189 has pledged to remind America annually of this debt through the distribution of this beautiful memorial flower.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Stocks, Mayor of the City of Watertown, Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 22, 2026, as “Poppy Day” in the City of Watertown and ask all citizens to join me in wearing this Memorial Flower in remembrance of the sacrifices of so many in the defense of freedom.
Given under my hand and the seal of the City of Watertown, State of Wisconsin, this 22nd day of May 2026.
Robert Stocks, Mayor
🌟 Public Service Week in Watertown! 🌟
Mayor Robert Stocks has officially proclaimed May 3–9, 2026 as “Public Service Week” in the City of Watertown, Wisconsin.
This special week honors the dedicated public servants — federal, state, and local government employees and members of the uniformed services — who protect our safety, support our economy, and deliver the services our community depends on every single day.
Read the full proclamation and story in our latest newsletter article 👇
https://www.watertownwi.gov/article/2868995
Take a moment this week to thank a public servant who makes Watertown better — a simple “thank you” goes a long way!
Mayor Robert Stocks has officially proclaimed May 3–9, 2026 as “Public Service Week” in the City of Watertown, Wisconsin.
This special week honors the dedicated public servants — federal, state, and local government employees and members of the uniformed services — who protect our safety, support our economy, and deliver the services our community depends on every single day.
Read the full proclamation and story in our latest newsletter article 👇
https://www.watertownwi.gov/article/2868995
Take a moment this week to thank a public servant who makes Watertown better — a simple “thank you” goes a long way!
Ryan Schmidt joins the City of Watertown as its new Recreation and Parks Director, bringing more than seven years of municipal experience in recreation and aquatics. Schmidt’s first day will be April 29th.
Originally a Finance major, Ryan earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL). After realizing his passion lay elsewhere, he returned to UWL to complete a Master’s degree in Recreation Management.
Following graduation, Ryan began his career with the City of Prairie du Chien as Recreation and Aquatics Manager. For nearly three years, he oversaw the city’s Recreation Center, outdoor pool, and all recreational programming.
For the past four years, Ryan has served as Recreation Supervisor for the City of West Bend. In that role, he led several key initiatives, including the development of the Westbury Bank Aquapark at Regner Beach, the creation of the Friends of West Bend Skatepark non-profit, and the continued growth of the annual Dirty Ninja Mud Run for Kids. He also played a significant role in expanding the city’s overall recreation and aquatics programming. His efforts have resulted in increased community participation and enhanced recreational opportunities for residents.
Ryan lives in Oconomowoc with his girlfriend and their two dogs, Aspen and Finn. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, golfing, walking his dogs, tackling home projects, and spending time outdoors.
Ryan is excited to settle into Watertown, connect with the community, and build upon the strong foundation of the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department. Let’s give him a warm Watertown welcome!
Originally a Finance major, Ryan earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL). After realizing his passion lay elsewhere, he returned to UWL to complete a Master’s degree in Recreation Management.
Following graduation, Ryan began his career with the City of Prairie du Chien as Recreation and Aquatics Manager. For nearly three years, he oversaw the city’s Recreation Center, outdoor pool, and all recreational programming.
For the past four years, Ryan has served as Recreation Supervisor for the City of West Bend. In that role, he led several key initiatives, including the development of the Westbury Bank Aquapark at Regner Beach, the creation of the Friends of West Bend Skatepark non-profit, and the continued growth of the annual Dirty Ninja Mud Run for Kids. He also played a significant role in expanding the city’s overall recreation and aquatics programming. His efforts have resulted in increased community participation and enhanced recreational opportunities for residents.
Ryan lives in Oconomowoc with his girlfriend and their two dogs, Aspen and Finn. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, golfing, walking his dogs, tackling home projects, and spending time outdoors.
Ryan is excited to settle into Watertown, connect with the community, and build upon the strong foundation of the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department. Let’s give him a warm Watertown welcome!
Sandbags Available for Watertown Residents
Due to current flooding conditions, sandbags are available at two locations:
📍 Street Department
811 S. First Street (during business hours: 6:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Please check in at the front desk before pickup.
Outside business hours: S. Second Street near Clyman Street
📍 Jefferson County Mountain Bike Parking Lot
Right outside the main Jefferson County Highway Shop
1425 Wisconsin Drive, Jefferson
Please only take what you need to help protect your property and allow supplies to last for everyone. Stay safe!
Due to current flooding conditions, sandbags are available at two locations:
📍 Street Department
811 S. First Street (during business hours: 6:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Please check in at the front desk before pickup.
Outside business hours: S. Second Street near Clyman Street
📍 Jefferson County Mountain Bike Parking Lot
Right outside the main Jefferson County Highway Shop
1425 Wisconsin Drive, Jefferson
Please only take what you need to help protect your property and allow supplies to last for everyone. Stay safe!
📣 Mayor Robert Stocks has officially proclaimed April 2026 as Family Strengthening Month in our city! We’re proud to celebrate Watertown Family Connections and all the incredible work they do to support local families.
Here is the full proclamation:
WHEREAS, strong families are the foundation of a healthy, thriving community, and supporting parents and caregivers strengthens the well-being of children throughout Watertown; and
WHEREAS, Family Strengthening Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of positive childhood experiences, supportive relationships, and community resources that help families grow and thrive; and
WHEREAS, Watertown Family Connections serves as a Family Resource Center dedicated to supporting local families through free programs, parent education, community events, and connections to essential resources; and
WHEREAS, the work of Watertown Family Connections promotes the Protective Factors that reduce child maltreatment and build resilience, including parental resilience, social connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, concrete support in times of need, and social-emotional competence of children; and
WHEREAS, the City of Watertown recognizes the vital role that Family Resource Centers play in strengthening families, preventing child abuse and neglect, and fostering a supportive, connected community; and
WHEREAS, all programs offered by Watertown Family Connections are free to participate in, ensuring that every family—regardless of income, background, or circumstance—has access to support, education, and community connection; and
WHEREAS, the City of Watertown is committed to uplifting organizations that help families thrive and contribute to the long-term health and success of our community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Stocks, Mayor of the City of Watertown, Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as Family Strengthening Month in the City of Watertown, and encourage all residents to support and recognize the efforts of Watertown Family Connections and other community partners who work tirelessly to strengthen families and build a brighter future for our children.
Given under my hand and the seal of the City of Watertown, State of Wisconsin, this 6th day of April 2026.
Robert Stocks, Mayor
The solid Waste and Recycling Facility will be open on Saturday, April 11th from 8 a.m. to noon for your spring cleaning needs! For more information on what we accept and any fees (small electronics are free!) visit https://www.watertownwi.gov/page/solid-waste-recycling
Don't forget to check in at the office before dropping off items!
Don't forget to check in at the office before dropping off items!
Did you get your City Connection? Copies were mailed last week, and are available at a variety of locations through the city. View the digital version here: https://www.watertownwi.gov/page/city-connection-newsletter
The polls have closed! Unofficial election results for the City of Watertown are available on the Jefferson and Dodge county websites:
https://apps.jeffersoncountywi.gov/jc/election
https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1775620709/cododgewigov/fsaojfbqfjkkw8fhuidx/ZeroSummarybyMunicipality.pdf
Cheers to 45 years! Doug Clemmons has given Watertown residents 45 years of service as a Police Auxiliary Officer - and we are so grateful! Thank you, Doug, for your many years of faithful service to your community!
SNOW REMOVAL UPDATE for our downtown business district tonight (3/18/26)!
NO snow emergency protocol is in effect (tickets will not be issued!), but our City crews are out working to keep things clear and safe after this snowfall. We'd really appreciate it if residents and business patrons could avoid parking on or near any snowy areas this evening to help us do our best work. We will begin our snow removal operation tonight at 11:00 PM.
Thank you so much for your cooperation—it makes a big difference in keeping our beautiful downtown free of snow and safe for drivers and pedestrians alike! ❄️🚗
To assist the Street Department with their plowing, cleanup, and snow removal efforts, the Watertown Police Department is scaling back the Snow Emergency for tonight to the Central City Snow Removal Area only, beginning at 11:00pm Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Snow removal and cleanup operations will take place across the city, but restricted parking will only be in the Central City area. Parking will be permitted on city streets outside of the Central City Snow Removal Area. See the map for street boundaries.
During the Snow Emergency, parking on city streets and alleys in the Central City Snow Removal Area will be banned between 11:00 p.m. Wednesday night until 7:00 a.m. Thursday morning.
Residents who live in the Central City Snow Removal Area that have no off-street parking available are encouraged to utilize municipal parking lots or make arrangements with neighbors, relatives or friends to avoid a potential $50.00 citation. In addition, any vehicle that has been ticketed and remains parked at the same location for 24 or more hours afterward may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Citizens are encouraged to monitor the City of Watertown Website at: www.watertownwi.gov or search for us on Facebook at Watertown WI Police Department for current snow emergencies and notifications.
During the Snow Emergency, parking on city streets and alleys in the Central City Snow Removal Area will be banned between 11:00 p.m. Wednesday night until 7:00 a.m. Thursday morning.
Residents who live in the Central City Snow Removal Area that have no off-street parking available are encouraged to utilize municipal parking lots or make arrangements with neighbors, relatives or friends to avoid a potential $50.00 citation. In addition, any vehicle that has been ticketed and remains parked at the same location for 24 or more hours afterward may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Citizens are encouraged to monitor the City of Watertown Website at: www.watertownwi.gov or search for us on Facebook at Watertown WI Police Department for current snow emergencies and notifications.
An Extreme Cold Watch has been issued for Thursday night through Saturday morning. An emergency warming center is opening at the Watertown Senior and Community Center and will be opened from 8am-4:30 pm on Thursday and Friday.
Se ha emitido una Alerta Por Frío Extremo desde el jueves en la noche hasta el sábado en la mañana. Se habilitará un centro de acogida temporal en el Centro Comunitario de Ancianos de Watertown, el cual estará abierto de 8:00am a 4:30pm los días jueves y viernes
Se ha emitido una Alerta Por Frío Extremo desde el jueves en la noche hasta el sábado en la mañana. Se habilitará un centro de acogida temporal en el Centro Comunitario de Ancianos de Watertown, el cual estará abierto de 8:00am a 4:30pm los días jueves y viernes
WINTER PARKING-SNOW EMERGENCY DECLARED - January 20, 2026
* * * For Immediate Release * * *
The National Weather Service has forecast 2 to 5 inches of snow for the Watertown area for Tuesday overnight, and another round of snow coming Wednesday evening.
To assist the Street Department in their plowing and cleanup efforts, the Watertown Police Department has declared a City-Wide SNOW EMERGENCY that will go into effect at 11:00 p.m. Tuesday night, January 20th, 2026. The Snow Emergency will run for 48 hours, but may be cancelled earlier, or scaled back to the Business District.
During the 48-hour period of the snow emergency, parking on all city streets and alleys will be banned between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following morning. Residents who have no off-street parking available are encouraged to utilize municipal parking lots or make arrangements with neighbors, relatives or friends to avoid a potential $50.00 citation. In addition, any vehicle that has been ticketed and remains parked at the same location for 24 or more hours afterward may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Citizens are encouraged to monitor the City of Watertown Website at: www.watertownwi.gov or search for us on Facebook at Watertown WI Police Department for current snow emergencies and notifications. See less
* * * For Immediate Release * * *
The National Weather Service has forecast 2 to 5 inches of snow for the Watertown area for Tuesday overnight, and another round of snow coming Wednesday evening.
To assist the Street Department in their plowing and cleanup efforts, the Watertown Police Department has declared a City-Wide SNOW EMERGENCY that will go into effect at 11:00 p.m. Tuesday night, January 20th, 2026. The Snow Emergency will run for 48 hours, but may be cancelled earlier, or scaled back to the Business District.
During the 48-hour period of the snow emergency, parking on all city streets and alleys will be banned between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following morning. Residents who have no off-street parking available are encouraged to utilize municipal parking lots or make arrangements with neighbors, relatives or friends to avoid a potential $50.00 citation. In addition, any vehicle that has been ticketed and remains parked at the same location for 24 or more hours afterward may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Citizens are encouraged to monitor the City of Watertown Website at: www.watertownwi.gov or search for us on Facebook at Watertown WI Police Department for current snow emergencies and notifications. See less
🌧️ Heavy Rainfall this afternoon! 🌧️
Help reduce flooding and keep drains clear:
• Keep streets and waterways leaf-free!
• Clean off storm sewer inlets if possible (⚠️please watch for cars!)
• Put leaves in compostable bags and leave on the grass behind the curb
• 📱Call the Street Division at (920) 262-4080 when bagged leaves are ready for pickup!
Thank you for helping keep Watertown safe! 💙
