Westminster MA
WESTMINSTER WEATHERTown of Westminster MA on Gardner Magazine
Westminster MA Local News and Community Information

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- Accident Route 2
Gardner and Westminster Fire Departments Respond to Route 2 Accident
On August 19, 2025, Gardner and Westminster Fire Departments responded to a motor vehicle accident which resulted in Route 2 being closed for about a half hour while the accident was cleared.
Gardner Fire Department posted, “Earlier today, Group 1 firefighters, assisted by Westminster Fire, responded to reports of a motor vehicle accident on Route 2 westbound. Crews arrived on scene to find a two-vehicle accident, with one vehicle that had overturned. EMS transported both occupants to local hospitals. The incident resulted in a temporary closure of Route 2, lasting approximately 30 minutes.”
- Beaches 8-18-25
Some Area Beaches Closed Due to Bacterial Exceedance
Area beaches closed include: Damon Pond in Ashby, Eagle Lake in Holden, Lunenburg Town Beach, Beamans Pond Day Use and Campground in Templeton, Pearl Hill Pond in Townsend, Crow Hill Pond in Westminster, and Lake Dennison Day Use and North Camp in WInchendon. For the complete list of more than 4 dozen beaches, CLICK HERE.
Bacterial exceedance means the measured levels have surpassed the acceptable limits set by health and safety regulations. These limits are established to protect public health, as high levels of bacteria can pose a risk of illness, particularly gastrointestinal issues, skin rashes, and ear or eye infections, according to health agencies. Some other beaches outside of this area are closed for a harmful cyanobacterial bloom.
- Weather Center Upgrade
Gardner Magazine Upgrades Greater Gardner Weather Center
Gardner Magazine is pleased to announce that the Greater Gardner Weather Center has been upgraded. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Weather Forecasts from multiple sources including Forecast 7, Meteo Blue, Tomorrow Weather, Booked.net, Meteored, Weather Rx, and a detailed forecast from the National Weather Service.
- Fire Risk for multiple locations including Athol, Gardner, Ashburnham, Westminster, Fitchburg, and Worcester.
- Air Quality and Pollen Conditions
- Interactive Weather Map from Meteo Blue
- National Weather Service Map
- Worcester County Drought Conditions
The Greater Gardner Weather Center can be found right here.
- Westminster 8-1-25
A busy August in the Town of Westminster MA – Complete Coverage
Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 11 AM to 5 PM, Westminster’s beloved Town Benefit Day is back on Academy Hill, packed with familiar favorites and exciting new attractions. Details are found in Volume 19 of The South Street Sentinel for August 2025. CLICK HERE. The Chair Man and Chair Lady discuss all of the items in this edition. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
DEEP DIVE – Westminster MA August 2025 On the same date is also the 38th Annual Town Benefit Day.
Academy Hill Park is Now open to the delight of children in the community. It will be open 8am to dusk and provides 24 hour surveillance for safety.
Westminster Farmers Market is Fridays from 3-6pm on Academy Hill. There are almost 20 vendors. For more details please visit their Facebook page, CLICK HERE:
On Wednesday, August 6th the Town Band will perform on Academy Hill from 7-9pm . Raindate is the next day. For more info, please visit their facebook page:
Coming up in Westminster: — The Blues Express will be playing at the VFW Field, August 24, 2025 from 3-5pm. Admission is FREE. Music will be Blues Classics and originals. There will be a Snack Shack and Bounce Houses. 3 Eaton Street, Westminster. Taking place inside in event of rain. — The 10th Annual Westminster Cracker Festival October 18, 2025 from 10am to 5pm in the Village Square, Westminster. There will be live music from The Fools, Mr. Strickland, The Tribe, Fred Ellsworth, and the Westminster Elementary Band. —- Any day of the week there’s something to do at the Crocker Pond Recreation Area which is open daily until August 24th. Open weekends only August 30th to September 1 and September 6-7. The Forbush Library is active with Author Talks: The Bird Book August 2nd at 2pm, Casey McQuiston August 20th at 7pm, and Dr. Tasha Eurich August 28th at 2pm. For more details, CLICK HERE. There’s also an opportunity to meet MWCC’s Monty the Mountain Lion on Tuesday August 12th at 10:30am. And the Wickedly Fun Scavenger Hunt is taking place from August 2nd to August 17th. —- The Westminster Fire Department is having a Handtub Muster on August 16th and the Police Department is having the 54th Bike Rodeo Tuesday August 5th from noon to 1pm at Westminster Elementary School. —-The 5th Annual Ashburnham/Westminster National Night Out is Tuesday, August 12th from 5:30 to 8pm. Town of Westminster website, CLICK HERE.
Town Crier Episode 10 Town Crier Episode 11 Town Crier Episode 12 Town Crier Podcasts with Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen include: Episode 10 on Summer Safety. Episode 11 is about understanding your tax bill. Episode 12 is a Master Plan Update.
- Town Crier 9
Stephanie Lahtinen with Me, Myself, and Your Questions
The Town Crier is a podcast produced by the Town of Westminster and hosted by Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen. In this episode released June 12, 2025, various constituent questions are answered. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Town Crier 9 – 6-12-25 Topics covered included the annual town meeting, cell service coverage in Westminster, the Westminster Country Club property, The Old Town Hall, and the Adams Street 4db Project, and the Academy Hill playground. Lahtinen ended the podcast with an announcement of various events in the community. Visit the podcast page, CLICK HERE
On cell service: “We currently own and operate a communications tower on South Ashburnham Road. You can see it if you drive down South Ash Road, it’s, you know, probably like 500 yards off the street. And so now we are, we have a RFP out, so a request for proposals for private cell carriers to lease space from the town and put their equipment on our tower.”
On the Old Town Hall: “So the Old Town Hall, the plan is for it to be redeveloped with a historic preservation restriction. So the building will look exactly basically as it looks right now. All of the character, the historic structures, everything will be maintained and it’s going to have commercial on the first floor and the top two floors are planned for apartments. So the Old Town Hall will be fully rehabilitated. The building will be saved.”
- Kurt Krakane
Kurt Krakane of Westminster MA Among Academy Graduates
For the 63rd time, the correctional officers oath was administered to graduates of the Worcester Country Sheriff’s Basic Recruit Academy located at the department’s Training and Command Center in West Boylston. On Friday, June 6, 2025, Worcester Country Sheriff Lew Evangelidis swore in Kurt Krane of Westminster and 15 others.
“After 13 rigorous weeks of training, I present the best and brightest in corrections today,” commented Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis. “The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Training Department is one of the best in the state, and I can confidently say that these individuals are ready to join the ranks as full-time corrections officers and contribute to successfully executing our mission. Congratulations to these graduates as they begin their new careers.” Applications are now being accepted for the 64th class to begin in September 2025. Learn more, CLICK HERE.
Before starting the academy, applicants must complete a written exam, a physical fitness test, a background check, and a psychological screening. To ensure fairness and impartiality, Evangelidis has implemented a policy that prohibits letters of recommendation from politicians and gives preference to hiring individuals who have served our country.
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Academy offers a paid, full-time program lasting 13 weeks, designed to equip recruits with the skills needed to manage and maintain the care, custody, and control of inmates at the Worcester County Jail & House of Correction. The academy includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training.While at the academy, recruits undergo extensive training in various aspects of corrections. This training includes skills such as de-escalation techniques, the duty to intervene, fire safety, defensive tactics, and first responder protocols. They also receive education in suicide prevention, mental health issues, and substance abuse awareness. In addition, recruits engage in daily physical fitness sessions, take weekly assessments on classroom material, and benefit from regular guest lectures and demonstrations provided by a range of public safety partners.
The Sheriff’s office stated, “The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring public safety across the cities and towns in Worcester County. The department recognizes the importance of building a team that reflects the diverse community it serves. The graduates of B.R.T.A. #63 represent a highly qualified group of recruits, each bringing unique skills and experiences to their new roles as correctional officers. These officers come from nine different towns throughout Massachusetts and include 6 individuals who are either active members or veterans of the U.S. Army.”
- Town Crier 5-29-25
Catching Up on Westminster Town Crier Podcasts 3-8
The Town of Westminster MA releases podcasts with Stephanie Lahtinen every couple of weeks. A previous article featured Episodes 1 and 2. Here are Episodes 3 through 8. Visit the official podcast page, CLICK HERE.3: Fire Chief Kyle Butterfield 4: Behind the Counter with Town Clerk Ellen Sheehan 5: Community Programs, Parks, & Upcoming Meeting and Election Info 6: Roads and Residences 7: Town Meeting Recap, Playgrounds & Public Service: A Conversation with Missy Banks 8: Memorial Day, Scouts, & Summer Happenings Submit questions to podcast@westminster-ma.gov
- Westminster ATM 2025
Westminster Town Meeting Approves Everything
The Town Budget of $28.4 million and various other approvals were given at the town meeting of May 3, 2025. See pdf for all the details, CLICK HERE.
- Westminster 3-10-25
Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen Launches Podcast
The Town of Westminster has launched an informative podcast to keep “Westminster residents informed one episode at a time.” Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Lahtinen states the podcast will be released every couple of weeks. From the town of Westminster, “Welcome to The Town Crier, Westminster’s official municipal podcast! Hosted by Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen, this podcast brings you the latest town news, upcoming projects, and behind-the-scenes insights straight from the people who help keep Westminster running. Whether you’re curious about town decisions, want to hear from local leaders, or just love staying in the know, The Town Crier is your go-to source for reliable and engaging updates. “ Podcast page, CLICK HERE.
Residents can submit questions to podcast@westminster-ma.gov
Episode 2 Featuring Select Board Member Mike Cooley. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Town Crier – Episode 2 – Mike Cooley
- Greater Gardner 11-25-24
News Around the Greater Gardner MA areaWinchendon: 3 finalists for Winchendon Superintendent position include: current interim Superintendent Dr. Marc Gosselin, Dr. Greg Rosenthal of Douglas Public Schools, and Mark McLaughlin of South Hadley Public Schools. Next step: School Committee will make its selection.
Westminster: Recent Town Meeting Results – Articles 1,2,3,4,,5, and 6 YES Articles 9 and 10 regarding TIF: NO. Article 11: NO and Voters passed over article 12. Previous article with details, CLICK HERE.
Ashburnham: Equipment options for the new Winchester Park Playground will be previewed at a presentation by consultants M.E. O’Brien and Sons, Inc. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 6:30pm at Overlook Middle School, 2nd Floor Team Room, 10 Oakmont Drive, Ashburnham. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. —– Toys for Tots donations will be accepted through December 6th at the DPW and Town Hall. —- The Select Board will hold a tax classification hearing on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Training Room at the Public Safety Building. The purpose of the hearing is to inform taxpayers and interested persons of the choices open to the Select Board in setting a single tax rate for all real estate and personal property, or two tax rates, one for residential and open space and one for commercial, industrial and personal property. Members of the Board of Assessors will be present to explain the options available in choosing the classification. The public is welcome to attend.
Templeton: A special town meeting is scheduled for December 6, 2024 at 6pm at the Narragansett Middle School Auditorium. Here is the complete town meeting warrant, CLICK HERE. The Town of Templeton has a construction schedule update, CLICK for DETAILS. The Digital Equity Plan comment period ends on December 6th. View a pdf of the plan, CLICK HERE.
Phillipston: The Phillipston Lions have started a soup kitchen. Next Soup Kitchen is Wednesday, December 11th at the Phillipston Church on the common. For details, CLICK HERE. —- The Ladies Benevolent Society is sponsoring a Holly Berry Fair on December 10, 2024 from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Phillipston Congregational Church. Highlights are: Christmas Vendors, Ladies Benevolent Society Raffle Table, Lion’s Lunch – Soup & Sandwiches Dessert, Cookie Walk Table, Come take a picture with Santa, Pets Welcome! Bring your camera!
- Various Links to Various Content
Visit LessonsAboutHistory.com CLICK HERE Visit FitchburgLeominster.com CLICK HERE Visit Monadnock.us CLICK HERE Visit WN12.com CLICK HERE Visit GreaterWorcester.net CLICK HERE Visit SouthernWorcesterCounty.com CLICK HERE Visit GreaterGreenfield.net CLICK HERE Visit RiettaFleaMarket.com – CLICK HERE Public Safety page, CLICK HERE Focus on Health Topics, CLICK HERE Dozens of Deep Dive podcasts on local, state, regional, and national subjects, CLICK HERE. Downtown Gardner – A Place to Enjoy – A listing of Downtown Gardner MA businesses and 28 versions of the song “Downtown Gardner – A Place to Enjoy: Here is something we are working on: A new and improved Greater Gardner MA Photo Gallery.
Greater Gardner MA Photo Gallery, CLICK HERE
All Sports Page features 8 categories of sports – Major League Baseball, NFL Football, NBA Basketball, National Hockey League, College Football, College Basketball, Professional Golf. CLICK HERE.
Here are the State News pages on Gardner Magazine: — Massachusetts 1, — Massachusetts 2, — New Hampshire, — Connecticut, — Vermont, — Rhode Island, — and Maine. — Plus, California, — New York
Here are the various news pages on various U.S. Topics including: Capitol Hill — , Lifestyle — , Financial — , Technology —, Showbiz —, Top U.S. Stories —, U.S. Debt Clock — , Economy —, United States News. —Greater Gardner Weather Center, CLICK HERE Greater Gardner MA Clubs and Organizations, CLICK HERE. Area Attractions in the Region and News Stories about Area Events, CLICK HERE. View our Complete Directory of Area Churches, CLICK HERE. Dozens of Deep Dive podcasts on local, state, regional, and national subjects, CLICK HERE. This Week in the Chair City Weekly News Magazine Page, CLICK HERE. 100+ Commentaries with AUDIO Our 50 Most Recent Interviews, CLICK HERE Periodic Updates with Gardner Mayor Nicholson Going Back 3 Years, CLICK HERE. Greater Gardner MA Schools and School Committee page, CLICK HERE. Gardner City Council page, CLICK HERE The Fiscal 6 Project, CLICK HERE Over 100 Original Songs, CLICK HERE
Around the Westminster MA Community
Community Facts
Westminster is a town in Worcester County Massachusetts with a population of around 8 thousand people. Westminster was incorporated in 1759.
Schools
Westminster is part of the Ashburnham- Westminster Regional School District.
Westminster Elementary School (2-5) (978) 874-2043
Overlook Middle School: (978) 827-1425
Oakmont Regional High School: (978) 827-5907
Government
Select Board – Town Administrator: (978) 874-7400
Town Clerk: (978) 874-7406
Fire Department: (978) 874-2313
Police Department: (978) 874-2900
Organizations
Council on Aging/Senior Center: (978) 874-7402
Veterans’ Agent: (978) 874-7461
Westminster Historical Society: (978) 874-5569
Interactive Map of Westminster MA
Town of Westminster MA Photos
Gardner Magazine Service Pages and Outside Links for Westminster MA
Gardner Magazine Cities and Towns
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