Scott Merzbach
DailyHampGazette
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Past articles by Scott:
Amherst, UMass authorities regroup after mass partying
AMHERST — Classes running later into the spring at the University of Massachusetts and graduation at the end of May for the first time in 14 years means many students will be staying in Amherst for more warm weather weekends.Since the change in the... → Read More
South Hadley looks to extend trash contract, resists change
SOUTH HADLEY — An existing pay-as-you-throw system that includes curbside collection of trash and recyclables could remain in place for two more years, even as private vendors push for a transition to using toters, a more expensive but also more... → Read More
Firefighting appeal: Departments seek ways to draw scarce new talent into their ranks
AMHERST — On social media channels in Amherst, photographs of firefighter/paramedics accompanied by narratives about them are revealing why they are working for the town, along with fun facts about their lives.“Amherst Fire is an amazing place to work... → Read More
UMass president recommends Reyes to be flagship’s next chancellor
AMHERST — Javier Reyes, the interim chancellor at the University of Illinois Chicago since July, is being recommended as the next chancellor at the flagship campus for the University of Massachusetts.UMass President Marty Meehan announced Wednesday... → Read More
Volunteer committee in Amherst begins advocacy for school project
AMHERST — A volunteer group is forming to advocate in support of the $98 million elementary school to replace Wildwood and Fort River elementary schools.Vote Yes for Our Schools, a ballot question committee that organized in late January, was... → Read More
UMass search panel names 2 chancellor finalists
AMHERST — Two higher education leaders from the Midwest are finalists to succeed Kumble R. Subbaswamy as chancellor at the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts In an email to the campus community Wednesday, search committee Chairman... → Read More
Labor board to hold hearing over Amherst teachers union allegations of school board retaliation against 2 members
AMHERST — Complaints brought by the teachers union alleging that the Amherst School Committee unlawfully retaliated against two school employees for protected union activity will be subject to a hearing after a state Department of Labor Relations... → Read More
‘The smallest tip may break this case open’: DA’s office pleas for help as tips dwindle in hit-run of Hadley boy
NORTHAMPTON — At a standstill more than three months after a Hadley teen was struck and seriously injured in a Route 9 crosswalk, authorities took a rare step Friday morning of holding a press conference in hopes that someone, somewhere will help them... → Read More
Smith’s longspur: Super-rare sighting in Hadley excites birders
HADLEY — A first-ever recorded appearance in inland Massachusetts of a Smith’s longspur, described as a small, brown sparrow-like bird spotted this week in a snow-covered Hadley field close to the Connecticut River, is captivating birders from across... → Read More
Health board against artificial turf field at Amherst Regional
AMHERST — Citing its duty to protect public health and the environment, the Board of Health is recommending against using artificial turf in a planned overhaul of the track and field at Amherst Regional High School.The board voted 4-0 at its meeting... → Read More
Kelly’s to get new life: Buyer to take charge in new year
AMHERST — Come the new year, Kelly’s Restaurant, a staple of the Amherst dining scene for nearly 30 years, will transition to a new owner who intends to restore some past favorites, including a lunch menu, and give the spot a new name, all while... → Read More
An institution’s final days are near: Kelly’s Restaurant will close on Dec. 23 unless a buyer steps up
AMHERST — Six days a week, Millie and Jim Jackson of Hadley enjoy breakfast and the company of their friends at Kelly’s Restaurant.“We’re here every morning,” Millie Jackson says after sitting down at a table at the 314 College St. restaurant and... → Read More
Hadley boy critically hurt in hit-and-run incident
HADLEY — A 13-year-old boy is in critical condition at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield after being struck by a hit-and-run vehicle while in a Route 9 crosswalk Tuesday morning, according to the Northwestern district attorney’s office. Hadley... → Read More
Fire destroys camper on Strong Road in Southampton
SOUTHAMPTON — A 32-foot-long camper was destroyed in a fire Sunday evening that investigators say may have been caused by mice compromising its electrical systems.Firefighters responding to the 41 Strong Road property, where the trailer was plugged... → Read More
Smith College names its next president
NORTHAMPTON — Sarah Willie-LeBreton, a sociologist who studies social inequality and race and ethnicity and serves as the provost and dean of the faculty at Swarthmore College, will be Smith College’s 12th president.Trustees for the college Thursday... → Read More
Amherst eyes special real estate transfer fee that would generate $1.5M
AMHERST — The Town Council may seek special legislation that would allow the town to levy a fee on certain property transactions, a move that if adopted would generate close to $1.5 million to support affordable housing and municipal operations while... → Read More
Ready to roll: As training winds down, Amherst’s first community responders hit the streets Tuesday
AMHERST — In role-playing a hypothetical dispute at a group home, a community responders team is informed by a resident that his food doesn’t taste right, and he has no trust in those running the residence. “We’re only here to help and to connect you... → Read More
Jones Library capital campaign rakes in money, but soaring costs loom
AMHERST — Leaders of a capital campaign for the Jones Library renovation and expansion say they are way ahead of schedule in their fundraising efforts, raising nearly half of a $6.6 million goal nine months ahead of target.At the same time, however,... → Read More
Town Hall visitor causes stir in Amherst
AMHERST — Town Hall employees are in the spotlight after an activist who considers himself a First Amendment auditor recently videotaped interactions with municipal staff and posted edited footage to his YouTube channel.The 26-minute video on the... → Read More
Report: Amherst police did not abuse authority during encounter with youths
AMHERST — Amherst police officers who told youths they have no rights during a July interaction, captured on a 54-second video posted to social video, did not abuse their authority, according to a report completed by the town’s director of Diversity,... → Read More