Winchendon MA

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• Nicholson Interview 8-14-26

  

  Various infographics are provided to further illustrate and expand upon the themes discussed during this August 14, 2026 interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. Gardner’s “Success Architect” is running for State Representative of the 2nd Worcester District.

  

  Municipal Leadership and Regional Strategy Interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson

  Gardner Magazine had the distinct privilege of speaking with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson on August 14, 2026 for this interview showcasing key insights, policy positions, and municipal achievements. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  In this interview, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson discusses his record of municipal leadership and his vision for the 2nd Worcester District as he runs for state representative. He highlights his administration’s success in securing state grants and managing complex infrastructure projects, such as the construction of a new elementary school and various downtown revitalization efforts. Addressing regional challenges, Nicholson emphasizes the impact of systemic rising costs on municipal budgets and the importance of professional grant writing to boost local revenue. He also clarifies local controversies regarding property redevelopment and environmental safety, specifically addressing the remediation of historical sites. Throughout the conversation, Nicholson maintains that his technical experience in city management will allow him to better advocate for the district’s communities in the state legislature. He concludes by reiterating his commitment to maintaining essential services while pursuing long-term economic growth through collaborative regional planning.

  Gardner Magazine has frequently characterized the City of Gardner as the “Model City for America.” Under Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson’s tenure with the cooperation of the Gardner City Council, it is our position that the “Model City for America moniker has been earned. These infographics illustrate various aspects of the Mayor’s positions, policies, achievements, and models for success.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Gardner Magazine Video: The Discretionary Illusion. This video explains how difficult it is for municipalities to make ends meet when money is short as such a high percentage of the monthly expenses are mandatory. While there can always be some waste, a large amount of waste is almost mathematically impossible.

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• Winchendon – July 2026

  

  Winchendon MA News July 2026

  Winchendon combined infrastructure growth with strict new public safety measures.

  Infrastructure and Business

  • MassTrails Grant: The town secured its fourth consecutive grant to improve the North Central Pathway, including ADA benches and pet waste stations.
  • New Business: PJ’s Slush Stop opened in the historic Isaac Morse House, offering allergen-friendly treats.
  • Landfill Progress: The Board of Selectmen received an update on the final capping phases of the Mabardy landfill.

  Public Safety and Politics

  • Solicitation Moratorium: The Board of Selectmen enacted a strict moratorium on all solicitation permits. Residents were instructed to report door-to-door solicitors to the police.
  • Burglary Arrest: A suspect in an ATV burglary was apprehended in Rhode Island and awaits extradition.
  • Political Race: Nathan Boudreau will transition to a write-in campaign for State Representative after failing to secure enough eligible signatures for the official ballot.

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• K-9 Blitz 7-21-26

  

  Winchendon K-9 Officer Blitz Successfully Tracks Suspect

  From the Winchendon Police Department; “K-9 Blitz Locates Domestic Violence Suspect. At approximately 10:38 p.m. on Tuesday July 21, 2026, Winchendon Dispatch received a 911 call requesting police response for a domestic disturbance. While officers were en route, dispatch advised officers that the suspect had fled the residence. Following the initial investigation, officers determined that the suspect might have been in possession of a knife. A scent article was obtained, and K-9 Blitz began tracking the suspect. After a brief track, K-9 Blitz located the suspect hiding underneath a nearby utility trailer. The suspect surrendered without further incident and was taken into custody.”

  K-9 Blitz is a Belgian Malinois and active K-9 officer for the Winchendon Police Department handled by Officer Jim Wironen. Trained in criminal apprehension, narcotics detection, and tracking, Blitz is fully funded by donations. In this case, K-9 Blitz’s tracking skills came in very handy. K-9 Blitz is now 5 years old.

  Town of Winchendon website, CLICK HERE. Winchendon Police Department Facebook page, CLICK HERE.

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• Haz-Mat – Winchendon

  

  Homeowner Discovery Leads to Haz-Mat Investigation in Winchendon MA

  Winchendon Fire Department – Haz-Mat Investigation – Press Release 7-22-26

  WINCHENDON, MA — At approximately 9:00 a.m. on July 21, the Winchendon Fire Department responded to 25 Northern Heights Drive at the request of the homeowner to investigate a propane cylinder that had been discovered while cleaning the property. The homeowners advised firefighters they had recently purchased the residence and located the cylinder on the property. During the initial assessment, firefighters observed damage to the valve area of the cylinder and consulted with Eastern Propane regarding its safe disposal. Eastern Propane accepted custody of the cylinder for safe evaluation and disposal at the request of the Winchendon Fire Department.

  At approximately 10:51 a.m., the Winchendon Fire Department was contacted by Eastern Propane after technicians discovered the cylinder did not contain propane. Captain Marty Scott responded to Eastern Propane to speak with their technician. Upon hearing their concerns, Captain Marty Scott immediately requested the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Hazardous Materials Team to activate a Tier 1 response to investigate the unknown contents. Initial field testing by the Hazmat Team indicated the possible presence of a hazardous substance, prompting the incident to be escalated to a Tier 2 response bringing additional specialized resources to the scene at 600 School Street.

  As the investigation progressed, information obtained during the response led investigators to respond back to 25 Northern Heights to inspect other items discovered during the property’s cleanup. The coordinated response ultimately involved the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services Hazardous Materials Team, Winchendon Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security and the National Guard CST Team.

  Following extensive laboratory analysis and investigation, officials determined the contents of the cylinder were not sulfur mustard gas or any other chemical warfare agent. All locations were determined to be safe, and the incident concluded without injuries to residents or emergency responders at 20:29.

  “This incident demonstrates the importance of treating any unknown substance with extreme caution,” said Fire Chief Thomas Smith. “Our firefighters, together with our local, state, and federal partners, followed established hazardous materials protocols from the outset. While the investigation required significant resources, every action was taken to protect the public until the material could be positively identified.”

  The Winchendon Fire Department reminds residents that if they discover unknown containers, chemicals, or suspicious materials on their property, they should not attempt to move or dispose of them. Instead, contact the fire department so trained personnel can safely evaluate the situation.

  Winchendon Fire Department would like to extend a special thank you to Eastern Propane for all of their assistance and generosity during the event

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• Winchendon MA June 2026 News

  

  Winchendon MA June 2026 News

  Winchendon is experiencing a period of profound recognition for its social capital, even as it stares down a looming multi-million dollar deficit.

  Public Health and Social Capital

  “The HUB” community center received statewide acclaim from Commissioner for Public Health Dr. Robbie Goldstein, who lauded the facility as a premier model for building healthy communities. This recognition was celebrated with the grand opening of the new HUB Patio, a space dedicated to local social programming and community gathering.

  Community Festivals

  The town saw massive turnout for the 30th Annual Summer Solstice Celebration and the Winchendon Food Truck Festival. The latter featured 16 food trucks, a Battle of the Bands, and new midway games, serving as a major economic and social driver for the downtown area.

  Presidential Correspondence

  The town received a formal letter from the White House, signed by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The letter congratulated Winchendon on its upcoming 250th Anniversary and commended the town’s historical role in the founding of the nation.

  Fiscal Challenges

  Despite the accolades, the town faces a $4 million deficit for FY26. While the Housing Authority is moving forward with $150,000 in kitchen and bath rehab bids for Hyde Park, town leaders are warning that a property tax override may be the only way to maintain the very programs that have recently brought the town statewide fame.

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• Boudreau not on ballot

  

  Nathan Boudreau will not be on the ballot – Not Enough Eligible Signatures

  Nathan Boudreau’s campaign for State Representative for the 2nd Worcester District has come across a major setback which was explained to Gardner Magazine in a statement from the candidate: “I’m continuing my campaign for State Representative as a write-in candidate in September’s Republican primary. When the incumbent announced he would not seek re-election, the window to act became extremely short, and enough of mine were ruled ineligible to keep my name off the printed Republican primary ballot. But the issues facing voters in Gardner, Ashburnham, Templeton, and Winchendon are too important to walk away from. Voters deserve a real choice for State Representative this fall, and I intend to continue earning their support.”

  This week Gardner Mayor Nicholson announced that he is officially on the ballot. The Mayor obtained over 500 eligible signatures.

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• Nicholson for State Rep 5-27-26

  

  Nicholson Announces he is Officially on the Ballot in State Representative Race

  Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson thanked supporters on May 27, 2026 stating: “Thank you to everyone who signed my nomination papers for my run to be our next State Representative! We collected well over the required amount and I am officially on the ballot!
  
  It was so great to meet so many individuals across Gardner, Ashburnham, Templeton, and Winchendon and I look forward to seeing more of you over the course of the next few months. Especially those of you who requested to sign but due to time constraints I wasn’t able to get to!”

  The Mayor is running for State Representative in the 2nd Worcester District which is comprised of Gardner, Ashburnham, Templeton, and Precincts 2 and 3 of Winchendon.

  Nicholson posted this collage of photos which has has views of each town in the 2nd Worcester District and links for those who wish to get involved in his campaign: Donations —- Lawn Sign Requests — Campaign Volunteer Form — Email Sign Up.

  Michael Nicholson also stated: “Thank you also to those who volunteered to help collect signatures from your family and friends. I’ve truly been blown away and humbled by the amount of support I’ve received since announcing. I’m asking for you vote this year to move the 2nd Worcester District forward and make our region stronger.”
  
  

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• Winchendon MA – May 2026

  

  Winchendon MA – May 2026

  The top news stories in Winchendon, MA, for May 2026 focus heavily on local governance, community updates, and a major federal law enforcement operation.

  Town Meeting Approves $27.8M School Repairs and Operating Budget

  At a marathon four-hour Annual Town Meeting on May 18, 374 local voters passed 28 out of 29 warrant articles. The biggest highlight was the overwhelming approval of three major school roof replacement projects for Murdock Middle/High School, Memorial Elementary, and Toy Town Elementary. Costing an estimated $27.8 million, the projects rely heavily on debt exclusion and expected Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) grants to cover roughly 70% to 77% of the costs. Voters also finalized the FY27 General Government operating budget of $20,770,350 and a School Department budget of $18,667,547.

  Winchendon Resident Arrested in Multi-State Drug Ring

  A Winchendon local was among 18 individuals arrested in a massive federal drug trafficking and money laundering sweep spearheaded by federal prosecutors. The criminal enterprise was centered in nearby Gardner, MA, and allegedly distributed cocaine, marijuana, and counterfeit prescription pills across multiple states, including Texas, California, and Hawaii. The operation allegedly laundered its proceeds through a commercial painting company. The Winchendon Police Department assisted federal agencies in executing the local arrests.

  Memorial Day Ceremony at the State Veterans Cemetery

  On May 25, the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony inside a fully packed chapel. Governor Maura Healey led the program, delivering a speech to honor fallen military heroes and taking part in a formal wreath-laying ceremony. Volunteers placed individual flags at each of the thousands of service members’ graves across the cemetery grounds.

  History and Cultural Center Issues Emergency Call for Volunteers

  Following a severe winter plagued by ice dams, burst pipes, animal intrusions, and a minor fire, the Winchendon History and Cultural Center issued an urgent public appeal for volunteers. Organizers are searching for tour guides, curators, and event coordinators to staff the historic Murdock-Whitney and Isaac Morse houses so the properties can successfully maintain regular open hours for their 2026 season launching in June.

  New Business Openings & Local Events

  Koi Asian Restaurant and Lounge: A new fusion restaurant has officially opened its doors in Winchendon. The business is a collaborative venture partnered by the partial owners of the popular Asian Gourmet in Athol.

  Montapalooza Music Festival: Final preparations are underway for the region’s newest music festival, debuting May 30 at the Winchendon Community Park & Amphitheater. The festival will feature dual acoustic and main stages alongside food trucks and artisan vendors

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• Boudreau 5-17-26

  

  Boudreau Proposes Specific Fixes to Chapter 70 Funding Formula

  Former Gardner City Councilor, former Hubbardston Town Administrator, and Public Logic Founder Nathan Boudreau hasn’t won the seat in the 2^nd Worcester District yet. In fact, the primary is not until September. But, Boudreau is positioning himself to hit the ground running should he win with very specific proposals to help fix some funding issues in the 2^nd Worcester District. Read the Press Release of May 17, 2026, CLICK HERE. Note that in our graphic, Westminster is shown – it is in a School District with Ashburnham, but not part of the 2^nd Worcester District itself.

  Gardner Magazine’s Max and Maxine Rogers debate the finer points of Boudreau’s proposal and their discussion explains things in a way we can all understand. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  State officials often celebrate “record-breaking” education investments, pointing to a statewide appropriation that has reached approximately $7.66 billion. But in the 2nd Worcester District, those press-release victories feel like a different language. While the capital celebrates, our local school committees are forced to make agonizing cuts to staff and programs.

  This disconnect isn’t a matter of local mismanagement; it is a structural failure written into the code of the state’s Chapter 70 funding formula. Nathan Boudreau, a candidate for State Representative and a public policy analyst, recently went through the formula line by line to audit its impact on our specific towns. His conclusion is clear: “Structural problems require structural solutions.” To fix a system that is mathematically designed to leave small-city and rural districts behind, the person we send to Boston must be a worker-candidate who can “show the work” on day one.

  Boudreau has drafted five specific, unfiled amendments that address the formula’s core failures. Crucially, these require no new taxes and do not take money away from other districts; instead, they utilize existing “Fair Share” revenue—the millionaire’s tax surtax already earmarked for education in the state budget.

  • Hold-Harmless Transparency (Cost: <$50K): Amends c.70, s.6 to require the state to publish the inflation-adjusted erosion data it already calculates, making the 38% loss of purchasing power a visible part of the budget debate.
  • Enrollment Smoothing (Cost: $8–15M): Amends c.70, s.3 to use a three-year rolling enrollment average for districts under 1,500 students, preventing sudden budget shocks when a handful of families move away.
  • RLC Growth Cap (Cost: $10–20M): Amends c.70, s.3 to cap required local contribution increases at the legal limits set by Proposition 2½, ending the “Perfect Storm.”
  • Inflation-Indexed Minimum Aid (Cost: $0 new): Restructures the existing $52.2M Fair Share supplement to ensure that minimum aid growth is tied to actual inflation.
  • Mandatory Formula Review (Cost: <$500K): Amends c.70, s.4 to force the Foundation Budget Review Commission into a permanent five-year cycle with a mandatory 180-day legislative response requirement.

  The Local Impact: Real Numbers for the 2nd Worcester District

  These aren’t just abstract policy goals; they represent a combined $2.57 million in additional aid for the schools. Gardner Magazine has offered to interview Nathan Boudreau about his plans and we will make that interview available to you as soon as we do it.

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• Upcoming Winchendon Town Meeting 2026

  

  A Discussion and Review of the Upcoming Winchendon Town Meeting May 18th

  The Chair Man and the Chair Lady discuss the upcoming Winchendon Town Meeting to be held on May 18, 2026. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.

  The Town of Winchendon’s Annual Town Meeting, scheduled for May 18, 2026, encompasses 29 articles addressing the fiscal year 2027 (FY27) budget, significant capital infrastructure projects, and administrative authorizations.

  The primary financial highlights include a General Government operating budget of $20,770,350 and a School Department budget of $18,667,547. A critical focus of this warrant is the proposed replacement of roofs at three major educational facilities—Murdock Middle/High School, Memorial Elementary, and Toy Town Elementary—with a combined estimated cost exceeding $27.8 million, largely funded through debt exclusion and potential Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) grants which may pay for about 70 percent of the cost.

  Other significant items include a $500,000 appropriation for a new ambulance, the utilization of Free Cash to address FY26 deficits (specifically $400,000 for snow and ice), and two citizen petitions aimed at tax reduction and stricter property-based code enforcement.

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