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

“Town Meeting 101” Guide incorporated in the Westminster Town Crier Episode 23 Listen to the podcast on any device, CLICK PLAY. Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen provides a comprehensive municipal update regarding upcoming community events and local governance. The discussion highlights springtime activities such as the farmers market, town cleanupContinue 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

Publisher’s Note: We have elevated this to a front-page story rather than just having it appear on the Athol page because it is a case study which could very well be replicated in the region as other decisions are made. Athol’s Recent Election and Ramifications Recent election results in AtholContinue Reading

Gardner City Council Gets Visit from State Representative Zlotnik Featured at the Gardner City Council meeting of April 6, 2026 was a comprehensive district update from State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik. Zlotnik details critical shifts in state funding formulas, noting a significant increase in road maintenance aid and the final implementationContinue Reading

Council on Aging – Complete Briefing The Gardner Council on Aging (COA) meeting on April 6, 2026, focused on a critical assessment of the fiscal year-end projections, operational challenges, and upcoming transitions. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY. Despite successful programming and high volunteer engagement, theContinue Reading

Short Board of Health Meeting Addresses a Number of Topics There was a rather short Gardner Board of Health meeting on April 6, 2026 at which Lauren Saunders was introduced at the newly appointed Health Director. This is Saunders second time in the position. You may recall Health Director SaundersContinue Reading