North Central MA News – Week of June 21, 2026
The week of June 21, 2026, in North Central Massachusetts was characterized by significant developments in municipal governance, high-profile legal resolutions, and critical infrastructure management. Regional headlines are dominated by a massive $1 million federal SNAP fraud case involving local businesses and a notable life-saving event in Leominster.
Key takeaways include:
- Fiscal Oversight Concerns: In Gardner, a locker room project at the high school saw a 50% cost increase, sparking demands for greater transparency in city government.
- Legal Accountability: Federal courts processed major cases involving identity theft, embezzlement of public funds, and SNAP fraud, impacting residents in Fitchburg and Leominster.
- Public Safety and Infrastructure: Mandatory water bans have been implemented in Gardner and Ashburnham to manage seasonal supply. Meanwhile, local infrastructure is being bolstered by the $10 million North Central Pathway Extension and regional transit investments championed by Governor Maura Healey.
- Community Heroism: A Leominster police officer successfully saved a middle school student’s life, serving as a focal point of community pride.
Municipal Governance and Fiscal Management -Budgetary Challenges and Transparency
The city of Gardner is currently navigating a period of fiscal tension. Mayor Michael Nicholson reported that the Gardner High School locker room project costs have escalated from an initial $2 million to over $3 million. This increase has led to public criticism from the City Council and School Committee regarding a lack of evolving information as the project’s scope expanded.
Other notable municipal fiscal updates include:
- Leominster School Funding: The Leominster City Council approved a $1.5 million appropriation for the Fallbrook School Building Fund and over $1.2 million to replenish accounts depleted by winter snow and ice expenses.
- Administrative Shifts: Gardner is managing the sudden resignation of its Building Commissioner, which has created a temporary vacuum in local zoning and oversight.
- Workforce Stabilization: Gardner has permanized two municipal youth center positions by removing a sunset clause in their contracts.
Strategic Planning
To address regional growth and aging infrastructure, Gardner is advancing its Housing Production Plan. This strategy aims to expand affordable residential options and revitalize the city’s housing stock. Similarly, Westminster is focusing on navigating residential growth via Chapter 40B developments.
Legal Proceedings and Criminal Justice
The $1 Million SNAP Fraud Case
A major federal investigation concluded with guilty pleas from two individuals involved in a massive food assistance fraud scheme.
- The Scheme: Defendants used stolen identities from over 100 people to obtain fraudulent EBT cards.
- The Operation: The cards were used to purchase bulk food, which was then resold or used to stock the El Primo Restaurant (with locations mentioned in both Fitchburg and Leominster).
Public Integrity and Embezzlement
- Thomas F. Clasby, Jr.: The 61-year-old Fitchburg resident and former Quincy official was sentenced for embezzling over $136,000 (with some reports indicating up to $160,000) from taxpayer-funded elder service programs. He received six months in federal prison followed by six months of home confinement.
- Tran Investigation: The sister of former State Senator Dean Tran was sentenced to two years of supervised release and a $40,000 fine following a federal investigation.
Public Safety and Infrastructure
Life-Saving Intervention
In Leominster, Officer Derek Doiron is being celebrated for performing the Heimlich maneuver on 13-year-old Timoteo Alves Javier. The seventh-grader was choking in the Sky View Middle School parking lot when the off-duty officer intervened.
Weather
Severe weather impacted the region on June 18, 2026, when the National Weather Service tracked radar-indicated rotation and a funnel cloud over Worcester and Middlesex counties, leading to downed trees and power outages.
Regional Economy and Development
Economic Equity and Transit
Governor Maura Healey addressed the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing the need for regional economic equity. Her priorities include:
- Improving the speed and efficiency of Route 2.
- Investing in the Twin Cities Rail Trail Connector.
- Funding paving improvements and regional transit.
Business and Education
- Retail: A new tenant is expected to be announced shortly for the former Kmart building in Fitchburg.
- Finance: Rollstone Bank & Trust promoted Marcio Cirino to Vice President and Mortgage Loan Originator for the Leominster office.
- Academic Honors: Laura McMenamy of Fitchburg State University was selected for a prestigious national provost training program.
- Grants: St. Bernard’s High School received a $36,000 state grant for campus tree planting.
Community and Cultural Events – Philanthropy
The Greater Gardner Relay for Life has demonstrated significant momentum, raising $150,127.35 toward its $170,000 goal as of June 21.
Summer Recreation and Festivals
- Greenwood Pool (Gardner): Repairs to a concrete crack are being expedited to allow for a seasonal opening, though gazebo construction is delayed until fall.
- Finnish Heritage: The Finnish Center at Saima Park will host its “Kesajuhla” (Summer Celebration) on June 28.
- French-Canadian Culture: The second annual Leominster French-Canadian Festival is scheduled for June 27 at the Eagles Club.
- Literacy: Project Apples is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a community event at Leominster City Hall on June 25.
- Lottery Success: Central Massachusetts saw significant lottery wins this week, including two 100,000 Mass Cash tickets and a 1 million instant ticket sold in Templeton.
