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Hotline Radio 6-20-26
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First up on the show: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. Topics included – Monument Park Concert Series Kicks off tonight at Monument Park — Nicholson spoke about visiting the Gardner Farmers Market today in Gardner — Mayor is on his way to the Summer Solstice Celebration in Winchendon. — Greenwood Pool is expected to be open the week of June 23rd – a crack in the concrete needs to be repaired first. — Greenwood Gazebo Construction is expected this Fall. — City Council will meet Monday for a budget review — Mayor Nicholson spoke about the GHS Locker project, now a $3 million project instead of a $2 million project, due to increased costs and scope. — Upgraded windows are going in now at Perry Auditorium at Gardner City Hall. — Other Projects: Bike Bridge construction to begin summer of 2027 —
Steve Wendell spoke about the FM signal going off the air again due to an attack by Urban Terrorists – (now back on after repair) Currently an active FBI and Gardner PD investigation. Wendell stated Transgender people may be the source. Wendell went on to comment about violence in America and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Wendell spoke about the lack of celebration events for July 4th and went over various cancellations. Wendell stated that that Westminster does have an event coming up.
Mike Urban and his allegations that Governor Maura Healey is raiding the pension cookie jar. “Wants to rob the retirement account to grow her own power base”
“You are there” with Jerry Stuart – on Father’s Day
A positive commentary with Werner Poegel on a recent Gardner Appointments Committee meeting.
Westminster Town Crier – Stephanie Lahtinen – portions of Episode 27
Victor David Hanson spoke about colleges and universities closing in New England
Help the Greater Gardner Relay for Life finish reaching its 2026 goal.
The Greater Gardner Relay for Life is close to its goal of $170,000 for 2026 with total raised as of June 19th of $145,103.90.
For more information or to donate visit RelayForLifeGG.org, CLICK HERE.
Hotline Radio 6-13-26
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WGAW Radio broadcast live from the Greater Gardner Relay for Life on both June 12th and June 13th.
First up on Hotline Radio: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson who spoke about the Greater Gardner Relay for Life. “We still work for hope, we still work to fight cancer.”
The Mayor spoke about losing his aunt Claudia to ovarian cancer 2 years ago and about other members of his family who have had cancer. — The Mayor spoke about a previous “Light the Town Purple” event.
Other topics included: The school budget and the rest of the city budget is before the Gardner City Council. Gardner will NOT have an override this year. — The discussion shifted to the MA State budget and funding for Chapter 90 and Chapter 70. —- The Mayor is not in favor of getting rid of Prop 2 ½. — the Mayor spoke about his campaign kickoff which he says was largely successful and he was “blown away and humbled for the amount of support we received.”
The WGAW Hotline Radio show continued with a recap of the opening ceremonies of the Greater Gardner Relay for Life in the remainder of the first hour and the closing ceremonies in the 2nd hour of the show.
The 33rd Greater Gardner Relay for Life was held on June 12 and 13, 2026 at Mount Wachusett Community College. The event serves as a fundraising and awareness movement that honors cancer survivors and caregivers while remembering those lost to the disease. The proceedings included military color guards, patriotic performances, and speeches from local dignitaries and organizers who highlighted the millions of dollars raised for research since 1994. A central feature of the ceremony was the Survivor Lap of Hope, where participants used colored crayons to signify their years of survivorship. Also significant: the roles of various volunteer leadership teams and the symbolic lighting of a torch to represent the ongoing fight for a cure. Musical tributes and a parade of rounded out the opening festivities, emphasizing a shared mission of hope and solidarity. It was announced at the closing ceremonies that over $136k had been raised so far towards the $170k goal, less than $34k to go.
For more information or to donate, visit the website: RelayforLifeGG.org, CLICK HERE.
Hotline Radio 6-6-26
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First up on the show: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. The School Budget was finalized last month – A discussion of the upcoming School Committee meeting on June 8th. Gardner Academy with 30 students being consolidated to GHS. Mayor Nicholson spoke about the purpose and function of Gardner Academy — Discussion of expending the funds from the Gardner Elementary Surplus. —Airport Commission and the Airport easements – The Gardner Senior Center. — The Senior work-off program — Water Enterprise Fund discussion — Gardner does not have PFAS pollution (confirmed by constant monitoring), — A discussion of the water flow in Gardner MA —
Werner Poegel Commentary and Report on D-Day. – The story behind the story. Steve Wendell provided additional information about his father who participated in D-Day and Operation Tiger. Wendell spoke at length about his personal service in the U.S. Navy and shared a heartwarming, emotional anecdote.
Interview with Marcia Sharkey – Greater Gardner Relay for Life. Sharp outlined all of the activities slated to occur beginning Friday June 12th at 6pm and continuing overnight through Saturday June 13th.
There are almost 70 teams who are raising money for the American Cancer Society. Goal is to fund the cure for cancer and save lives.
Marcia Sharkey chronicled her own story of having breast cancer and is 28 years cancer free. Sharkey spoke of other family members with cancer
Get more information on the Greater Gardner Relay for Life
Easy Website Link: RelayforLifeGG.org As of Saturday, June 6th, half the goal of $170,000 has been raised.
Steve Wendell on sheriffs departments across Massachusetts laundering millions of dollars of unspent money rather than giving it back to the State. This is excess money that they don’t spend. This is based on an Inspector General’s report. Wendell spoke of the ballot question approved by 74% of the voters regarding a state audit.
Commentary with Steve Urban on audits of State Government and comments from the State Auditor. Urban says, “Don’t be a sucker.”
WGAW Hotline Radio airs Saturdays from noon to 2pm on AM 1340, 98.1FM, and streaming worldside. 2 years of archived shows are available on the WGAW website, right here.
Hotline Radio 5-30-26
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Update with Gardner Michael Nicholson: Kitchen opens in Emergency Operations Center at Gardner Police Station, built by Monty-Tech students — A discussion of admission policies at Monty-Tech — MWCC partnership with Gardner Public Schools offering Early Collage program – Waterford Street School update – GETV will be moving there —- Summer Recreation Program —- Greenwood Pool opens on the last day of school. Will be open 6 days a week and possibly 7 days a week in July. – Discussion of scholarships and graduation in Gardner.
Coverage of the dedication of kitchen facility at the Gardner Police Station. Gardner Police Chief Eric McAvene, Mayor Nicholson, and Monty Tech officials speak about the kitchen.
Memorial Day Ceremony Gardner MA – Excerpts featuring State Representative Jonathan Zlotnik, an invocation, and Mayor Michael Nicholson.
Interview with State Representative Candidate Nathan Boudreau – Will not appear on the ballot due to insufficient signatures, but fully plans to continue with a write-in campaign. Will qualify for General Election if he receives at least 150 write-in votes and if he receives the most votes in the September primary. Website: BoudreauforRep.org
Mental Health Commentary and Report with Werner Poegel – Details on what’s going on in the United States and local resources.
Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen speaks with Health Director Abigail Conlin about PFAS and an upcoming June 1st session in the town.
Hotline Radio 5-23-26
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Mayor Nicholson – Chapter 70 and 90 Funding. Senate voted on budget this week. Numbers were higher than those of the House. Conference Committee will need to iron out. — There are challenges in the School Budget – was approved uanimously by the School Committee and was part of the budget the Mayor submitted to the City Council this past week. “We are not going for a Proposition 2 ½ override.” —- A discussion of there being no fireworks at the PACC this year…Wendell asked the Mayor if the City has any plans for fireworks. Mayor said he recently learned that the Kendall Pond Betterment Association would not be having fireworks this year due to the high costs. No plans have been finalized yet for the 250th celebration and no funding has so far been allocated. — The Mayor thanked Council President Tyros for his efforts an having an earlier review of the budget. —–The Greenwood Memorial Pool and Summer Recreation — Memorial Day Parade is Monday with a ceremony Monday at Monument Park at 10am. If there’s rain, there will be an indoor event at Perry Auditorium.
Steve Wendell spoke about a power outage which occurred and damaged a computer which was subsequently fixed.
Jim Benton Interview – Vice President of the Vietnam Veterans of America State Council – Sunday May 24th Memorial Ride.
Werner Poegel Special Report on Memorial Day – The History of Memorial Day and its emergence as a Monday Holiday.
Steve Wendell spoke of playing the National Anthem every day on WGAW at 6:06am and said he will keep playing it until he dies.
Steve Wendell spoke of the young whippersnappers who are dumbasses and played the “You’re a dumbass song”
Mike Urban on Mass Dot in the News. — The report documents employees putting in for overtime they are not actually working.
Steve Wendell spoke about the audits sought by the State Auditor and being blocked by the legislature and the Governor.
Highlights from the Town Crier podcast #26 hosted by Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen. – Lahtinen speaks about heading in to summer safety and making sure residents have information about the June 1st PFAS meeting.
Hotline Radio 5-16-26
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First up: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson’s FULL May Update –
“The Dump” – Commentary by Werner Poegel featuring the $10 sticker deal going on right now through the end of June and a complete report on the Gardner Landfill and how it all works.
—Community Event Announcement with Steve Wendell
Host Steve Wendell interviewed Steve Schultze from the Berkshire Veterans Outreach Center, Schultz is a retired marine who served from 1997 to 2019 and then retired. Upon retirement, Schultze founded the Berkshire Veterans Outreach Center. Website, CLICK HERE.
Mike Urban Commentary on the State Audit Issue
An Interview with Mayor Michael Nicholson from the May 9th Show.
Mike Urban on Overrides from past show.
Hotline Radio 5-9-26
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First up on the show: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson. Topics covered: School Budget is finalized, public hearing Monday 6pm in City Council Chambers. The Mayor noted that Gardner has a single tax rate for residential, business, and industrial property to encourage business to come to Gardner. —-The electric rate in Gardner — A discussion of energy including nuclear and nuclear fusion — Status of the Landfill — Safety Action Plan to Reduce Traffic Fatalities — Gardner Senior Center — Gardner Youth Center – Gardner Recreation Program — Concerts at Monument Park — National Day of Prayer — Light the Town Purple Event – Gardner Relay for Life — Music Boosters Theme Basket Day — Water Ban Issued Yesterday
Mike Urban – Overrides in Massachusetts and Proposition 2 ½ Law
Werner Poegel Report and Commentary: Templeton and Winchendon Budget Decision Time – Override and Debt Exclusion Discussion.
Update: Investigation continuing re Urban Terrorists who attacked WGAW and resulted in the FM signal being off the air for about 3 days – $20,000 Reward leading to arrest and conviction.
Note: AM signal and live streaming still available during that time.
Stephanie Lahtinen, Westminster Budget and Town Meeting Takeaways, Town Crier Episode 25 Lahtinen gave a full recap of Town Meeting and covered municipal items and upcoming town events.
WGAW Hotline Radio 5-2-26
Listen to the entire program on any device, CLICK PLAY.
First up on WGAW Hotline Radio: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson – the Budget including passage of the State budget by the MA House. — A discussion of how the School budget is funded, majority is through Chapter 70 from the State. School Dept. Budget hearing is May 11th. —- The Mayor gave “kudos to Council President George Tyros and Anne Hurst” for the new arrangement in City Council Chambers seating — City Clerk Titi Siriphan is leaving at the end of this Fiscal year. — Steve Wendell asked the Mayor about Maki Park and it is ADA compliant. — A discussion of the eventual pedestrian and bike bridge over Route 140 which will link the various trails — A discussion of the Mayor’s campaign for the position of State Representative. The Mayor went over his qualifications and vision to help each community in the District. — the MBTA and other transportation services. Regarding the campaign contact the Mayor at: NicholsonforRep@gmail.com The Mayor congratulated the Gardner Muncipal Golf Course on celebrating its 90th anniversary. Nicholson hit a golf ball this morning at 9:15am just like Mayor Timpany did 90 years ago.
Steve Wendell provided a comprehensive Community Calendar of Events
Werner Poegel Comprehensive Report: Parks, Recreation, Open Spaces. About 2 dozen locations in the City of Gardner are available for people of every age.
Update: Urban Terrorist Attack on WGAW – Gardner Police and FBI are investigating to try and track down the perpetrators. Wendell states members of the Transgender and LGBTQ community have been going around to advertisers and trying to convince them to go off the station.
A conversation with Gardner City Council President George Tyros – Tyros went over the approval of the salary scale which is now structured and more transparent. It is better for City employees, helps retain talent, and aids in recruitment. “We have a competitive pay ordinance now.” —- Upgrade to signage ordinance to make it easier for businesses to put up signs. “We want to encourage small businesses to come to town.” — Appointments – Monument Park – City council chamber layout- the upcoming budget season ‘It’s going to be a tough year.”— The resignation of City Clerk Titi Siriphan and the creation of a search committee.—- Budget Beacon Hill —- The City’s new Youth Center has been popular with monthly numbers increasing. “I thank director Hughey for his hard work.”
Steve Wendell commented on the listeners who tune in on the live stream for various countries throughout the world.
Mike Urban: Budget on Beacon Hill- Urban discusses the cost of the Medicaid program in Massachusetts – program is getting eaten alive by adults capable of working. “not for people who are abusing these programs” — Urban says there’s waste with 31 dead people getting Telehealth services.
Complete Infographic for the May 2, 2026 WGAW Hotline Radio Show
Upcoming Meetings in the City of Gardner
Community Events in the City of Gardner
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City of Gardner News Flashes
Gardner MA - News Flash Gardner MA - Get the latest news
- City Hall Announces 4th of July Holiday Hours
on June 24, 2026 at 4:09 pmCity Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day, No trash delay. Transfer station closed on Saturday, July 4th.
- Yard Waste Pickup Julyon June 24, 2026 at 2:45 pm
July Yard Waste Pickup will be the week of July 7th-10th for Gardner residents. If your yard waste is not removed by the end of your scheduled day, please call EL Harvey Call Center within 48 hours to report at 1-800-321-3002.
- City Hall Front Entrance Now Open to the Publicon June 15, 2026 at 6:40 pm
Construction work on the front steps of City Hall is now complete and the main entrance has reopened to the public.
- City of Gardner 9th Annual Food Truck Festivalon June 4, 2026 at 5:57 pm
Saturday July 11th at noon, Gardner City Hall. Food trucks, carnival games, vendors, artists, beer and wine, live entertainment!
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