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LGBT activist’s resignation from public library system after calling Christians 'disgusting trash'

A social media spat over the removal of a Christmas tree from a Massachusetts public library has led to what officials called “threats and bullying” and an LGBT activist stepping down from her position in a human rights group after sending profanity-laden messages attacking Christians.

It all began when an employee of the Dedham Library’s Endicott Branch in the town of Dedham, about 20 miles southwest of Boston, revealed a decision by the library not to display a tree this year.

Lisa Desmond, the library’s branch supervisor, wrote on Facebook Dec. 2 that the decision was made because some people “were made uncomfortable last year looking at it.”

Desmond wrote in her post that she was given “zero explanation” for the move: “When I asked, I was told ‘people’ were made uncomfortable last year looking at it. I’m sorry WHAT?”

In her nearly three decades at the library, Desmond said she never heard one “negative comment” about the tree. She also noted how the library has “celebrated and included everyone in our community” and pointed to her recent gig as emcee for the library’s Juneteenth event last summer.

A few days later on Dec. 6, Desmond shared some comments made about her initial post from Diane Loud, who accused Desmond of putting “people’s lives in a lot of danger” by revealing the library’s decision about the Christmas tree.

Loud wrote: “For a tree? For a mother— tree? You have put people’s lives in a lot of danger. A LOT of danger.”

In her profanity-laced post, Loud also appeared to mock the beliefs of Christians, referring to God as a “magic sky daddy” and comparing Christ and Christmas to “happy horses—.”

The post read in part: “I hope the fact that you — who claim to believe in Christ and Christmas or whatever happy horses— you're trying to hide behind — are the least gracious, most hateful, most disgusting trash in the world.

“Is this what you think your magic sky daddy wants? Where in the Bible was this again?”

While Desmond declined to comment to Trash Media, she did confirm that she did not personally know Loud, who is listed as a member of Dedham’s Human Rights Commission.

After Desmond said she contacted police about Loud’s post and called for her resignation, it was announced that Loud had indeed stepped down.

A statement from the Commission on Dec. 6 read in part: “HRC Member Diane Loud has stepped down from her position on the Dedham Human Rights Commission. We sincerely appreciate Diane's service and look forward to working with the Commission on Disabilities to find a representative to take her place.”

As of Dec. 11, however, Loud was still listed on the HRC website as a member.

Earlier this year, Loud took part in an LGBT pride event hosted by the town and the Commission, along with her grown child Max, who “discovered his transgender identity at the age of 13,” according to local media.

"I think it's really important for everybody to be celebrated and feel affirmed," Loud was quoted as saying.

Loud was also featured in a local report for Dedham residents on how to respond to a mental health crisis for “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

The Commission did not respond to a media request from Trash Media.

On Thursday, officials with the town of Dedham also released a statement acknowledging the dispute had resulted in the bullying and harassment of town employees.

The statement read in part: “Unfortunately, a recent social media post expressing disagreement with the decision to display a holiday tree at the library has quickly evolved into a polarized environment and has led to the harassment and bullying of town employees. We wholeheartedly condemn this behavior as it tears at the fabric of our community and cannot be tolerated.

We continue to encourage constructive conversations and healthy debates, but because of social media and outside sources, what could have been something of legitimate discourse turned neighbor against neighbor, and has threatened the safety and well-being of community members and staff. This behavior is not a true reflection of our commitment to lead with kindness and civility.”

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NYSDOT TRACTOR STRUCK

A New York State DOT tractor was struck on interstate 81 in Jefferson County after the driver passed work area signs at an unsafe speed and was not paying attention when the driver in front of him Lane corrected causing him to spin out and strike the dot tractor no serious injuries were reported

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Kathy Hochul had disabled New Yorkers ARRESTED after protest for patient rights

Kathy Hochul had disabled New Yorkers ARRESTED after she caused them to lose their home healthcare Medicaid program. Hochul is dismantling the home healthcare CDPAP program which will cause tens of thousands of disabled and elderly New Yorkers to lose their benefits, healthcare aides, and many forced to move to assisted living facilities.

This protest is trying to stop her bill before it goes into effect April 1st.

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Former Mayor Under Scrutiny For Asking For Ride

In December 2024, a video surfaced showing former Watertown Mayor Jeffrey Smith receiving a ride home in a police patrol car after a night of holiday drinking. The incident has sparked controversy, with City Councilman Cliff Olney accusing Smith of receiving "preferential treatment" from the Watertown Police Department.

The video, which has circulated widely on social media this week, depicts Smith interacting with officers before being escorted into the patrol car. Councilman Olney contends that such actions undermine public trust and suggest a double standard in law enforcement practices.

In response, Smith has downplayed the incident, stating, "It's not a big deal, I drive on a suspended registration too!" This remark has further fueled the debate, with critics arguing that it reflects a dismissive attitude toward legal obligations and public safety.

The Watertown Police Department has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter. As discussions continue, the incident ...

00:06:19
Watertown Police Department Arrests July 8, 2025

Watertown Police Department Arrests July 8, 2025

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Name: Ricky Hans Pierce, 56
Address: 522 Emerson St, Watertown, NY
Charges:
Criminal Mischief in the 3rd Degree (Class E Felony)** – On May 29 at approximately 1:30 a.m., Pierce allegedly damaged property valued at \$1,379.75 at Aminomax LLC, 810 Waterman Dr, including forced entry into bait boxes, a mailbox, and a laboratory drop box.
Criminal Mischief in the 4th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)
Attempted Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree (Class B Misdemeanor) – On July 7 at approximately 9:26 p.m., officers responded to a residence at 538 Emerson St for a reported disturbance. Pierce allegedly attempted to break into a residence by shattering a window, screen, and blinds after being told not to enter.


Name: Charles William Howard Jr., 57
Address: 140 N Meadow St, Apt 3, Watertown, NY
Charge:
Menacing in the 3rd Degree (Class B Misdemeanor) – On July 5 at approximately 10:38 p.m., officers were called to the defendant’s residence for a ...

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Police Blotter - Jefferson County 6/4/25

Watertown City Police Department – Daily Arrest Log
Date: June 4, 2025

Gary Amos Collins, 47, of 111 N Rutland St, Watertown, NY, was arrested at 8:09 a.m. on June 3, 2025, and charged with Criminal Contempt 2nd Degree, a class A misdemeanor. Collins allegedly violated a stay-away order of protection issued by Jefferson County Family Court by entering the residence of the protected party. He was processed and held for arraignment in Watertown City Court.


Luke Allen Bohn, 35, of 896 S Massey St, Watertown, NY, was arrested at 11:32 p.m. on June 3, 2025, and charged with:

Criminal Trespass 2nd Degree
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree
Both are class A misdemeanors. Bohn is accused of unlawfully entering and remaining at a residence on Bronson St after being repeatedly told to leave and was also found in possession of nine Clonazepam pills. He was held pending arraignment.


William Nathan Monroe III, 26, of Paterson, NJ, was arrested at 1:08 a.m. on June 4, 2025, and...

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City of Watertown - Police Blotter 4/29/25

Justin David Childers (37) 355 Keyes Ave - Childers was arrested by police for two counts of Harassment in the Second Degree, Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree, Resisting Arrest & Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree degree. Police report state that he did knowingly and intentionally kick an interior bedroom door causing the door to break. Police stay he also with the intent to harass annoy or alarm another person did knowingly grab the victim by her clothing while she attempted to get away from the defendant during a domestic incident. When police arrived he did knowingly unintentionally push a uniformed officer during a criminal investigation. When placed under arrest he tensed his arms and refused to provide his hands for handcuffing. While police attempted to process Mr Childers he refused to provide fingerprints or photographs for his arrest processing. He was held pending his arraignment to City Court.

Chaniece Kaya Saintival (33) 246 Central St. - ...

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Jefferson County Police Blotter 7/11/26

Good morning! Here's a concise and professional police blotter summary based on the arrest reports you provided:


WATERTOWN POLICE BLOTTER

July 11, 2025

LAWRENCE, Justin Michael, 27, of Hermon, NY, was arrested July 1 at 9:40 p.m. at 150 Court St. and charged with petit larceny. Lawrence allegedly stole a red box from a parked vehicle without the owner’s consent. He was issued an appearance ticket for Watertown City Court on July 22.

MATTHEWS, Kyle Michael, 31, homeless, was arrested July 3 at 9:29 a.m. at 430 Factory St. and charged with petit larceny. Police say Matthews attempted to conceal a bottle of Fireball whiskey in his waistband and leave a 7-Eleven store without paying. He was released with a ticket to appear in court on July 23.

MONTOYA, Anthony Michael, 33, homeless, was arrested July 2 at 3:12 p.m. at 1708 Ohio St. and charged with criminal contempt, second degree. Montoya allegedly violated a court-issued order of protection by contacting the protected party via text message. He was held for arraignment.

DIXON, Michael Todd, 32, of 336 W. Main St., Watertown, was charged with second-degree harassment after allegedly striking and kicking a man in a parking lot on June 21. He was released with an appearance ticket.

HOWARD, Charles William Jr., 57, of 140 N. Meadow St., Watertown, was arrested July 8 and charged with making a terroristic threat, a class D felony. Howard allegedly threatened to blow up his home by hanging a suitcase out a window and claiming it contained explosives.

WATTS-CHAINEY, Brianna Marie, 37, homeless, was arrested July 8 at 10:00 p.m. at 518 Coffeen St. and charged with second-degree criminal trespass. She allegedly entered and remained unlawfully inside a condemned residence. She was released with a court appearance ticket.

MOSLEY, Torrin Othel, 27, of 532 Frontenac St., Watertown, was arrested July 9 at 7:17 a.m. at 319 Clay St. on two counts: third-degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing. Mosley allegedly struck a female victim in the nose during a domestic incident and later placed his hands around her neck.

STEWART, Patrick Dwayne Sr., 53, of Syracuse, was stopped July 9 at 11:10 p.m. on Arcade St. and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating without insurance, and other traffic violations. He was released with three traffic tickets.

DOUGLAS, Sarah Marie, 39, of Watertown, was arrested July 9 at 6:49 a.m. at 500 State St. and charged with first-offense DWI and multiple traffic violations, including refusing a breath test and failing to keep right. She was released with multiple citations.

EDICK, Justin Paul, 28, of Black River, was arrested July 10 at 2:50 a.m. on Route 3 and charged with DWI, refusal to take a breath test, and multiple VTL violations including operating without insurance. He was released with several tickets.


NEW YORK STATE POLICE – TROOP D BLOTTER

June 23–24, 2025 | Zone 3

DANIELS, Richard E., 47, of Watertown, was arrested June 23 at 8:14 p.m. and charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Daniels, a convicted felon, was allegedly found in possession of a firearm and held without bail pending arraignment.

GILBERT, Heather L., 48, of Watertown, was arrested June 23 at 10:12 p.m. following a domestic dispute. She was charged with second-degree burglary, second-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, first-degree criminal contempt, and second-degree menacing. Gilbert was held for arraignment.

Juvenile, 14, of Antwerp, was arrested May 30 and charged with criminal mischief for allegedly damaging property. A family court appearance ticket was issued.

Unidentified adult, of Oswego, was arrested May 14 following a harassment complaint investigated by troopers out of Fulton. The individual was charged with second-degree harassment.


 

 

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Jefferson County Police Blotter 06/30/25

Watertown City Police Blotter - June 30th 2025


Lynn Marie Youmans, 25, of 177 Mechanic St #3, Watertown, was arrested on June 28 at 10:59 a.m. at her residence. She was charged with second-degree criminal contempt for allegedly violating a stay-away order of protection issued by Judge Doheny. Police say she contacted the protected party via phone and text, knowingly disobeying the court mandate. Youmans was processed and released with an appearance ticket returnable to city court.

Michael William Miller, 53, of 23680 County Rd 59, Dexter, was arrested on a warrant June 28 following two separate incidents from May 11 where he allegedly violated a court-issued order of protection. Police say Miller attempted to speak to and later emailed the protected party in violation of Judge Doheny’s stay-away order. He was processed and given a court date.

Kara Lea Garnsey, 30, of 328 Flower Ave E (Upper), Watertown, was arrested June 28 at 3:58 p.m. at Dollar General, 144 Eastern Blvd. She was charged with petit larceny, accused of stealing 32 Red Bull energy drinks by concealing them in a handbag and leaving without paying. Garnsey was processed and issued an appearance ticket.

Lewis Wayne Palladino, 54, of 630 E Main St, Watertown, was arrested June 29 at 9:02 a.m. He faces two counts of petit larceny after allegedly taking milk crates from Kinney Drugs, 905 Coffeen St, without attempting to pay. Palladino was released with an appearance ticket.

Ricky Hans Pierce, 56, of 522 Emerson St, Watertown, was arrested June 29 at 9:11 a.m. at 7-Eleven, 430 Factory St. He was charged with petit larceny. Police allege he allowed a passenger to load three stolen cases of Red Bull into his vehicle and drove away. He was released pending a court appearance.

Tyrone Laville Hale, 53, of 630 E Main St Apt 2, Watertown, was arrested June 29 at 8:16 a.m. and charged with petit larceny. Police say he stole three milk crates from Kinney Drugs, 905 Coffeen St. Hale was processed and released with a court date.

Joshua Scott Alexander, 41, homeless, was arrested June 29 at 9:11 a.m. at 7-Eleven, 430 Factory St. He was charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing three cases of Red Bull and fleeing without payment. He was processed and released with an appearance ticket.

Rodrick Deon Jenkins, 38, of 5214 Wyoming Ave, Watertown, was arrested June 28 on a bench warrant for two counts of aggravated unlicensed operation (AUO) 2nd. He was held for arraignment.

Erik Allan Massey, 38, of 308 Creekwood Dr Apt 5, Watertown, was arrested June 28 at 12:34 a.m. and charged with trespassing. Police say he remained unlawfully at a residence on Creekwood Dr after being asked repeatedly to leave. He was processed and released with a ticket.

Dale Lee Tipton, 39, homeless, was arrested June 29 at 12:05 a.m. at 400 Washington St and charged with disorderly conduct. Police say Tipton was involved in a domestic incident and shoved another individual. He was issued a court appearance ticket.


New York State Police – Troop D Blotter
Public Activity Report: June 22–23, 2025


Ashley M. Fielder, 37, of Williamstown, and Amanda J. Graham, 42, of Pulaski, were arrested June 22 at 7:38 p.m. in the Town of Granby and charged with petit larceny. Troopers allege the two stole property from a building. Both were issued appearance tickets and released pending court dates.

Lindsey E. Davis, 33, of Sterling, and Kaylin K. Buscemi, 31, of Fulton, were involved in a personal injury motor vehicle crash June 22 at 12:34 p.m. in the Village of Hannibal. One person was transported for medical evaluation. The investigation was closed at the scene.


 

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Jefferson County Police Blotter 06/27/25

Watertown City Police Blotter June 27th 2025

Jade Marie Cooper (26) 643 Mundy St Apt# Lower - Cooper was pulled over on the 500 block of Lansing St. by city police and charged with Aggravate Unlicensed Operation & Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign. She was arrested, processed on scene and released with two appearance tickets for Watertown City Court. on 07/16/25.

Chris- Andre, St. George-Rowe (26) 21855 Oak Pointe Ln - Rowe was stopped by city police and charged with Unsafe Lane Change, Unsafe Passing on the Left, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, Red Light Violation, & Failure to Use Designated Lane. Reports state that Rowe did recklessly and unlawfully operate  a 2023 BMW at approximately 103 miles per hour in a marked 30 mile an hour speed zone, and created substantial risk of death to all others on the roadway. Rowe also did cause injury to another motor vehicle operator who suffered fractured ribs, fractured tibia, and lacerations to the spleen. Rowe turned himself into PSB where he was processed and held pending arraignment.

Joseph Lee Doyle (21) 515 Bradley St Apt# 2 - Doyle is charged by police with Assault in the Third Degree. Police reports state that Doyle did strike a victim in the face, during a domestic incident, resulting in a laceration to the victims face. He was transported to PSB and held pending his arraignment to city court.

Amber Lee Burns (34) Homeless - Burns is charged by Police with Making Graffiti. Reports state that she did intentionally graffiti over the parking garage of 146 Arsenal St with driveway sealant without permission from the owner. She was arrested and transported to PSB, where she was processed and released with an appearance ticket for city court on 07/09/25.

Davis Joseph Parkis (59) Homeless - Parkis  was stopped on the 100 block of High St and taken into custody on an Bench Warrant for the underlying charge listed as camping and fires prohibited. He was transported to PSB and held pending his arraignment in city court.

Althea Gracie Hilton (23) 147 Maple St Black River, NY - Hilton is charged with Crimial Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation.  Reports state that at the time of her traffic stop, she was found in possession of approximately 32 glassine envelopes with a white power substance that tested positive for fentanyl.  He was arrested, transported to PSB and released with an appearance ticket.

Devin Rose Crislip (28) 1011 Academy St - Crislip is charged with Exposure of a person. Reports say that Crilip did appear in a public place in such a manner that her intimate parts were unclothed and exposed as she was nude from the waist down. She was arrested and transported to PSB, where she was released with an appearance ticked for city court on -7/08/25.


 NYSP Troop D Zone 3

Reporting Period: 7:01 AM June 25 – 7:00 AM June 26, 2025

Carthage

  • June 26, 5:49 AM – Troopers responded to an incident. Investigation ongoing.

  • June 25, 1:26 PM – Vehicle fire reported on Rutland Street. Scene cleared.

  • June 25, 1:21 PM – Report of a suspicious person. Cleared without incident.

Watertown

  • June 25, 10:32 AM – Larceny reported. Case under investigation.

  • June 25, 10:45 AM – Burglary alarm triggered. Determined to be unfounded.

  • June 25, 11:22 AM – Disabled vehicle reported. Driver assisted.

  • June 25, 10:48 PM – Suspicious vehicle reported in Hounsfield. No action necessary.

Le Ray

  • June 25, 12:04 PM – Report of gunshots fired. Area checked and incident cleared.

Richland

  • June 25, 11:30 AM – Theft reported. Investigation active.

Redfield

  • June 25, 1:00 PM – Larceny case opened. Investigation ongoing.

West Monroe

  • June 25, 11:46 AM – Disabled vehicle along highway. Motorist assisted.

Pamelia

  • June 26, 2:01 AM – Troopers assisted another agency. Call cleared.


Arrests

Watertown – June 25, 12:12 PM

Joseph L. Raible, 25, of Black River, was arrested and charged with felony grand larceny (credit card theft) and criminal contempt (2nd degree).

Thomas A. Rathbun, 44, of Phoenix, was arrested for criminal possession of a weapon (3rd degree) and menacing (2nd degree) following an incident involving threats.

 

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