North Central Massachusetts News Week of April 13, 2026
For the week of April 13, 2026, top stories in North Central Massachusetts include a deadly motorcycle crash in Lancaster, a dirt bike driver’s arrest for attacking a Fitchburg officer, and the ongoing, successful search for a missing monitor lizard in the region. Other key headlines include rising gasoline prices, local development concerns, and notable deaths within the community.
Public Safety & Crime:
Fitchburg: A dirt bike driver was arrested for attacking an officer at a gas station.
Lancaster: A fatal motorcycle crash is under investigation.
Acton: A suspect was tracked down by the State Police Airwing.
Webster: A man was charged with animal cruelty after 9 French bulldogs were found in poor conditions.
Worcester County: A missing water monitor lizard (“Goose”) was captured after a weeks-long search.
Community & Business:
Real Estate: Central Mass. real estate transfers on April 12th showed continued market activity.
Gas Prices: Massachusetts gas prices rose for the eighth consecutive week, averaging $3.89 per gallon,
Fitchburg & Leominster Highlights
Downtown Revitalization: The Fitchburg Public Library Board of Trustees pledged $1 million toward an ongoing $40 million renovation and expansion project expected to finish later in 2026.
City Cleanups: Mayor Sam Squailia kicked off the 2026 Fitchburg City Cleanups with volunteer efforts on Main Street and in Ward 3 to prepare for the spring season.
Business Milestones: Tim’s Diner in Leominster celebrated its one-year anniversary under new ownership with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Dean Mazzarella.
Fatal Accident: Authorities reported a fatal single-vehicle accident in Leominster where a car fell from a Route 2 bridge.
Regional News
Environment: Worcester residents are opposing a 288-unit apartment development on a peat bog, citing flood risks
Public Safety & Crime:
Westminster: Local authorities are continuing to investigate a police-involved shooting.
Fitchburg Incident: A Worcester man received a life sentence for a violent home invasion in Fitchburg.
Cyberattack: The Patriot Regional Emergency Communications Center in Pepperell recently dealt with a cyberattack that disrupted dispatch services for several towns.
Infrastructure & Environment:
Fire Danger: Local fire officials in the Greater Gardner area issued warnings about high brush fire risk as spring begins.
Senior Housing: Congresswoman Lori Trahan recently visited Westminster to tour new senior housing developments.
Upcoming Local Events:
Hubbardston: The Rietta Flea Market is open for its 60th season.
Lunenburg: The public library will host a “Revolutionary Women” living history performance on Wednesday, April 15.
Winchendon: A new restaurant, Koi Asian Cuisine and Lounge, recently held its grand opening.