Warwick MA – Gardner News Magazine: Local News & Articles in Gardner MA

Warwick MA

Town of Warwick MA on Gardner Magazine

Warwick MA Local News and Community Information

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Warwick Newsletter

Here is the February 2024 Warwick Massachusetts Newsletter, CLICK HERE.
Warwick Elections

The town of Warwick has its new website up and running. Here is some information on the Street Lists and Upcoming election dates, CLICK HERE. For general Warwick information including meeting schedules and minutes, CLICK HERE.
Electric Update

National Grid to Update over 100 Year-Old Transmission Lines

In 1909, the 69 kilovolt transmission lines were constructed and materials were brought in at the time by horse and buggy. Today, modern equipment will be used to bring this part of the grid up to date before there are problems due to the aging system.

National Grid is proposing the A1/B2 Asset Condition Refurbishment project to replace these lines “as they are approaching the end of their asset life. The scope to rebuild these lines includes structure replacements, structure foundations, new conductor, and right-of-way access improvements where necessary along the approximate 61 miles of existing right-of-way.” An Open House is scheduled at Gardner City Hall on Thursday August 24, 2023 at 5pm. National Grid will have team members present from a variety of departments to answer questions. Note that the new infrastructure will be built, put into service, and then service to the old lines will be discontinued with the old structures subsequently removed. In that manner, power remains up during the project duration which is expected to take from 2024 to 2028.

National Grid has a short, informative video on a website put up for this project. There are also additional details on the page, CLICK HERE.

This 61 mile project originates in Vernon, Vermont, travels through Hinsdale and Winchester, New Hampshire then continues through a number of towns within Northern Massachusetts including, Warwick, Royalston, Winchendon, Gardner, Westminster, Fitchburg, Leominster, and Sterling.

Coming off the mainline, this project also includes the Athol Tap and the Crystal Lake Tap. The Athol Tap runs from Royalston Substation to Chestnut Hill Ave Substation in Athol, Massachusetts. The Crystal Lake Tap runs from Gardner Switching Station to Crystal Lake Substation in Gardner, Massachusetts.
Electricity 23

Electric Bill High in Greater Gardner MA? There may be something cheaper…

EnergySwitchMA.gov allows you to shop for an electric supplier for your home or business. You put in your zip code and a list of suppliers and rates pops out.

Electric Angst in the Toytown of Winchendon

For example, the basic service rate in Winchendon MA may be as high as 34 cents. However, at the site there’s a supplier under 17 cents (saving 50%) and several others in the 17 to 20 cent per kilowatt hour range. Click here.

Electric Frustration in the Chair City of Gardner MA

In Gardner, basic service has a supply rate of about 34 cents. The City of Gardner negotiated rate is just under 24 cents. However, there’s a supplier for 17 cents and a number well under 20 cents per kilowatt hour. Click here. For example IGS Energy offers a 16.99 cents per kilowatt hour with a 12 month contract or a 17.99 cents per kilowatt hour rate with a 36 month contract. Click here.

For your community, go to EnergySwitchMA.gov, select Home or Business, put in the zip code, and get the results instantly. CLICK HERE.
Mosquitos

Mosquito Control Team Back Again to Greater Gardner MA

The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project is sending its team to the area on August 4, 11, 18, 25, and September 1. Dates are tentative and weather permitting. Requests for service may be recorded by calling the CMMCP office at (508) 393-3055 between 7am and 3:30pm weekdays. For more info visit the website. CLICK HERE.
Storm

Severe Thunderstorm with Tornado Warnings Hit parts of Worcester County including Greater Gardner MA on July 21, 2022

Orange Airport had a wind gust of 58 miles per hour. Athol MA had a storm producing up to 1 inch hail. Route 2 West near Warwick MA closed due to trees falling across highway. The storm passed over many of the towns in the Greater Gardner area including the City of Gardner. A tornado warning was in effect until 4:15pm, having been issued an hour earlier. Tornado Warning now expired. Severe Thunderstorm Warning Eastern Worcester County and Southern New Hampshire until 4:45pm

Strong storms are expected in other areas of Massachusetts including Middlesex County and Southern New Hampshire until early evening. It is unknown at the time of this report whether a tornado actually touched down. In Eastern Franklin County there were downed trees and some power outages.

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Covid 4-1-22

Massachusetts Covid Positivity under 2% as of 4-1-22

Trends bode well for the Greater Gardner area as shown by the map at left. The City of Gardner is identified by the red G.

CLICK MAP for larger view.
School Closings

Greater Gardner MA School Closings

The three network TV affiliates in Boston each publish updated school closing information for our area: Here are the links: ABC — NBC — CBS
Saturday Blizzard

Is Greater Gardner MA in for a Saturday Blizzard?

We’re ready at the Greater Gardner Weather Center. CLICK HERE We have several forecast services plus Interactive Maps which show you the various forecast models.

PARKING BANS: Many communities will have parking bans in various areas. Times will vary, but the intent is the same, KEEP CARS OFF THE ROAD so plows can clear the snow.

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Test Reimbursement

UPDATE: Free Covid-19 Test Kits and Reimbursement for Greater Gardner MA

The Federal Government has a website in effect NOW from which Americans can order free COVID-19 tests. This began on January 19th. For the site CLICK HERE. These kits are absolutely free (limited to 4 tests per address) and don’t require any payment upfront.

In addition, private insurers must cover the cost of up to eight at-home Covid-19 tests per month. (This started January 15, 2022.) Consumers pay for the tests up front and get reimbursed by insurance. Previous purchases don’t count and tests must be on approved government list: Rapid Antigen —- Molecular (PCR).

The Biden Administration has also announced that FREE masks will soon be available through your local pharmacy. Ask your pharmacy for details.

Additional suggestion: With many venues requiring proof of vaccination, we suggest the purchase of an inexpensive all-in-one printer (less than $70 from any major retailer) so you can scan your vax card. Back up any documents and keep a file on your phone. Now an even easier suggestion: Get a digital Vax Card through the State of Massachusetts. To visit the portal, CLICK HERE.

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