North Central MA News – Week of May 10, 2026
Greater Gardner: A major three-alarm fire on Graham Street, ongoing city budget discussions, and local school prom celebrations. Key updates include a 3-alarm fire on May 5th that damaged a 3-family home and displaced residents, mutual aid was required from surrounding communities.
Major Gardner Fire (May 5): A massive fire on 45 Graham St. brought in crews from Ashburnham, Hubbardston, Templeton, Westminster, Athol, Fitchburg, and Leominster; 2 pets are missing and 9 residents were displaced,
City Budget and Finance: Mayor Nicholson and city officials are heavily focused on the FY27 budget, discussing school funding and increased electric rates due to a contract provision
Local School Events: The 2026 Murdock High School Prom and the Monty Tech Firefly Masquerade Prom at Wachusett Mountain were major highlights last week,
Infrastructure & Development: Gardner is moving forward with $200,000 in new playground equipment for Ovila Case and Bailey Brook Park, including a pickleball court,
Public Safety Personnel: The Gardner Police Department swore in a new officer, Derek Wight, on May 7, 2026,
Wildlife Sightings: The Gardner Airport Commission reported sightings of a bear, bobcat, and large snapping turtle, necessitating continued monitoring
Affordable Housing: A housing lottery is opening soon in Templeton for apartments converted from a former school.
Local Government & Fiscal Decisions
Templeton Override Vote: Residents are preparing for a multi-million dollar override proposal to bridge a significant budget deficit. Failure to pass this could lead to the closure of the library and senior center, along with layoffs in public safety.
Winchendon Infrastructure: In contrast, Winchendon is seeking approval for debt exclusions to fund school repairs, having already “right-sized” its operational budget in 2025.
Gardner City Council: Recent sessions focused on searching for a new City Clerk and advancing the FY27 budget, which includes a new technology replacement fund.
Public Safety & Infrastructure
Graham Street Fire Recovery: Investigations into the three-alarm fire at 45 Graham St. (May 5) suggest improper disposal of smoking materials as a possible cause, though no official cause was given. Nine residents were displaced, and two pet cats remain missing.
“Pothole Patrols”: Mayor Nicholson announced a “Pothole Week” starting May 11, with all four DPW crews dedicated exclusively to road repairs across the city.
Gardner Airport Crisis: The Airport Commission is investigating a governance issue where two commissioners may have been voting without valid appointments for over a year.
Community & Events
Graduation Season: The Gardner Mayor Nicholson’s recent update highlighted upcoming commencement ceremonies for Gardner High School, Gardner Academy, and MWCC.
Upcoming Events:
Blooms and Bonnets: May 14 at the Gardner Museum (6:30 PM).
Comedy Fundraiser: May 15 at 171 Kendall Pond Road to benefit HOPE.
Farmer’s Market: The first monthly market of the season is scheduled for May at the Waterford Community Center.
May 12 & 26: “Brewed 2 Perfection” coffee pop-up at Empower in North Central MA from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m..
Other Top stories in North Central Massachusetts, focus on community safety, local government budgetary debates, and regional development. Key topics include a fatal fire in Pepperell, a Fitchburg City Council vote on employee salary raises despite a potential $6M deficit, and significant community recognition for local farms.
Fitchburg & Leominster Area News
Fitchburg Budgetary Concerns: The Fitchburg City Council approved a salary raise for the City Clerk by a 7-3 vote, despite warnings from councilors regarding a projected $6 million budget deficit.
Fitchburg Honors & Agriculture: Stargazer Hollow Farm in Fitchburg received recognition, while the Sholan Farms festival was canceled.
Community Milestones: The Community Foundation of North Central Mass announced it has reached $100M in overall giving, highlighting strong philanthropic impact in the region.
School Events: Sizer School held its Senior Project Exhibition Night, showcasing student projects.
Surrounding Community Highlights
Fatal Fire in Pepperell: A tragic early-morning fire resulted in a fatality in Pepperell.
Groton Emergency Response: Groton firefighters successfully assisted with the birth of a baby in a parking lot.
Westminster May 2nd Town Meeting: All warrant items were approved.
Crime & Safety
Wrong-Way Fatality Arraignment: Abigail Throckmorton, 23, was arraigned on May 8 in Westborough District Court for the February crash that killed Crystal Johnson-Clementi of Leominster.
Fitchburg Arson Investigation: Local authorities and the State Fire Marshal are investigating a string of suspected arsons that have displaced at least seven residents in Fitchburg.
Community & Economy
Giving Milestone: The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts announced it has officially reached $100 million in overall giving to the region.
Municipal Deficits: The Fitchburg City Council approved a salary raise for the City Clerk despite concerns over a projected $6 million city deficit and disagreements over where to make budget cuts.
Local Business Growth: “Good Day Dough Co.,” a small sourdough business in Leominster, was featured for its charity-driven model, while a new Latin market, Joy Market & Bakery, is set to open in Gardner on May 25.
Education & Youth
Senior Projects: Sizer School in Fitchburg is hosting its Senior Project Exhibition Night the week of May 11, featuring robots and guest speakers like U.S. Marine Veteran Thomas J. Beder.
Prom Season: Local schools including Monty Tech and Murdock High celebrated their 2026 proms at Wachusett Mountain and other regional venues.