WGAW Hotline Radio Show Focuses on Politics on Saturday April 18, 2026 Listen to the entire show on any device, CLICK PLAY. First up on Hotline Radio: Gardner Mayor Nicholson explained his reason for choosing to run for State Representative given Jon Zlotnik’s decision not to run again. – DiscussionContinue Reading

Funding Crisis, Education, and Youth Focus of Public Welfare Committee Meeting The Gardner Public Welfare Committee met on Friday, April17, 2026 and heard from various local officials regarding the fiscal year 2027 School Budget and other matters. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY. Local officials and educators describe a fundingContinue Reading

Our Weekly News Magazine: This Week in the Chair City for Friday April 17, 2026 Listen to “This Week in the Chair City” on any device, CLICK PLAY. In this week’s edition: Complete coverage of the announcement by State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik to not seek reelection and the 3 currentContinue Reading

Ashburnham Resident John Reilly Jr. Announces Run for State Representative John Reilly Jr. had decided to run for State Representative prior to Jonathan Zlotnik’s recent decision not to seek reelection. Reilly registered the domain name, reillyformass.com on March 9, 2026, CLICK HERE and has a Facebook page, CLICK HERE. ReillyContinue Reading

Public Service Committee Reviews DPW, Engineering, and Conservation at April 16th meeting. The committee addressed critical infrastructure updates, budgetary deficits within the Department of Public Works (DPW), and a significant proposed multi-year water rate increase. Key takeaways include a $3,000 full water/sewer abatement due to administrative oversight, a severe $811,000Continue Reading

View this Press Release from Nathan Boudreau, CLICK HERE. Former Gardner City Councilor Nathan Boudreau Announces Run for State Representative On April 16, 2026, Nathan Boudreau announced his candidacy for State Representative. Here is Boudreau’s statement: “Nathan Boudreau has announced his candidacy for State Representative in the 2nd Worcester District,Continue Reading

Links: Nomination Papers – Donate to Campaign –Request a Lawn Sign – Campaign Volunteer Form – Email Sign-up Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson Announces Run for State Representative On April 16, 2026, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson announced his candidacy for State Representative. Here is the Mayor’s statement: “I am excited toContinue Reading

Local Development Projects, Signage Regulations, and Master Plan Subject of Planning Board The City of Gardner Planning Board met on April 14, 2026 and addressed several local development projects and legislative updates. A decision on 0 Emerald Street was postponed due to pending variance approvals regarding property frontage and deckContinue Reading

Top: Officer Ryan Spain and family. Bottom: Deputy Chief Maroni, Chief McAvene, and Officer Spain. Publisher’s Note: Due to various proactive efforts, the crime rate in Gardner has fallen by almost half in the last 5 years. Officer of the Year Announced at Gardner PD Awards Banquet On Friday, AprilContinue Reading

State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik’s tenure has been notable for his work in supporting various initiatives including education, job training, veteran’s housing, and bringing home funding for various projects including the Rear Main Street Project and the Waterford Community Center. Zlotnik also secured helpful funding for Heywood Hospital during their financialContinue Reading

Gardner Magazine is using just a little bit of humor to get out this schedule information. Have fun with your yard work! Transfer Station Availability for Yard Waste Disposal Affected by ongoing Construction The Gardner Health Department put out this advisory to residents of Gardner: “TRANSFER STATION UPDATE: Due toContinue Reading

Appointments Committee Reviewed Several Appointment Items Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. The Gardner Appointments Committee meeting held on April 14, 2026, focused on the review of several city board appointments, the clarification of appointment term lengths, and the implementation of new administrative tracking procedures. KeyContinue Reading

Municipal Alcohol Licensing Matters Focus of 7 Minute License Commission Meeting Listen to the meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. Various municipal alcohol licensing matters are addressed. On the agenda: Polish American Citizens Club, Sawa Asian License Transfer, and seasonal license renewals. The Commission expressed frustration over a year-long delayContinue Reading

Principal Bartkus is the principal for Gardner High School and Gardner Academy effective April 14, 2026. Mr. Beauregard and Mr. Baumeister will continue to be the school’s lead teachers. Collaboration with MWCC will be expanded. Students will have more access to mental health and tiered supports. Gardner Academy for LearningContinue Reading

View our complete Earth Day page with multiple reports, DEEP DIVE and Debate podcasts, a short video, and detailed infographics. For the complete page, CLICK HERE For details on the April 25th Keep Gardner Beautiful Day, visit their Facebook page, CLICK HERE. Earth Day 2026: Gardner Magazine Reports Earth DayContinue Reading

Looming Fiscal Challenges Dominate Discussion at the Gardner School Committee Meeting Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. While there have been significant academic achievements and high accountability ratings at Gardner High School, the district is grappling with a projected $1.5 million budget deficit even after $1Continue Reading

Lengthy Meeting of Conservation Commission Addresses Environmental Violations and Ongoing Projects The Gardner Conservation Commission met on April 13, 2026. Listen to the 1 hour+ meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the Sludge Landfill enforcement order, with members deciding to keep theContinue Reading

Irrigation Crisis at Gardner Golf Course – Failing Pump House The Gardner Golf Commission met on April 13, 2026 to address a critical irrigation crisis caused by a failing pump house. Officials detailed how corroded metal pipes and a decaying wet well have allowed sediment to block the watering system,Continue Reading

Gardner Fire Department Provides Mutual Aid to Hubbardston Brush Fire – Highlights High Fire Risk Gardner’s Truck 5, Truck 10, and C1 responded to the Town of Hubbardston on Saturday, April 11, 2026. The firefighters were there to put out a brush fire. GFD posted: “Please use extreme caution whenContinue Reading

For a printable letter-size version of above, CLICK HERE to download. Mount Wachusett Community College Releases Year-End Celebration Schedule All events will be held on the Gardner campus at 444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Details, live streams, and programs will be posted at mwcc.edu/celebrate. The 61st Commencement Ceremonies are MayContinue Reading

Area 4-1-1 on April 11th: WGAW Hotline Radio The WGAW Hotline Radio Show on April 11, 2026 provided listeners with the 4-11 (a play on the date) , details on area goings on. Listen to the entire program on any device, CLICK PLAY. Gardner Mayor Nicholson was first up onContinue Reading

Budget – Meetings – Decisions – Gardner MA Gardner – City Council Sub-committees will meet with various Department heads and ask pertinent questions. Note that while the Mayor submits a budget, the City Council can’t add to it, it can only make cuts. Here are the details on the CityContinue Reading