WGAW Hotline Radio Memorial Day Weekend Show
The WGAW Memorial Day Weekend Show of Saturday May 23, 2026 had its share of updates and Memorial day themed segments. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson appeared on the program and spoke about the progress in the State Legislature on Chapter 70 and Chapter 90 funding, stating that the Senate voted on the budget this wee, but had higher numbers than the House so a conference committee will be needed. School Budget was approved unanimously by the School Committee and was part of the budget submitted to the City Council.
There was a discussion about the decision of the Kendall Pond Betterment Association not to have fireworks this year due to cost. The Mayor stated that no plans have been finalized yet for the 250th celebration and no funding has so far been allocated. Other topics included the Greenwood Memorial Pool and Summer Recreation. Memorial Day is Monday with a ceremony at Monument Park at 10am (weather permitting), if rain, there will be an indoor event at Perry Auditorium.
Memorial Day segments included an interview with Jim Benton who is Vice President of the Vietnam Veterans of America State Council who spoke of the May 24th Memorial Ride, and a special report by Werner Poegel which included a comprehensive history of Memorial Day and its emergence as a Monday holiday.
There was a commentary by Mike Urban which featured Channel 25 segments on an investigation into fraudulent overtime by MassDot workers.
There were highlights from the Town Crier podcast #26 hosted by Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen. – Lahtinen speaks about heading in to summer safety and making sure residents have information about the June 1st PFAS meeting.
Steve Wendell commented on a number of topics: Playing the National Anthem every day on WGAW at 6:06am and his commitment to continue playing it until he dies, the young whippersnappers who are dumbasses and Steve played a portion of the “You’are a Dumbass” song, Steve’s lament about the audits sought by the State Auditor, but blocked by the legislature and the Governor.























