Author: Alyssa Sexton

The town’s contractor for Crack Sealing will be performing work on various roads town-wide on September 22nd, 23rd and 24th.

The Town of Merrimac Highway Department is seeking snow plow contractors for the 2026-2027 season. Fill out the FY27 Snow Plow Contractor Application. Any questions call Leo Reynolds 978-346-8939.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced a risk level increase to MODERATE for West Nile virus (WNV) in the above towns. WNV is transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in both urban and rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

By taking a few precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones until heavy frost:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.

• Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours – The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up, and/or wearing repellent.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Drain Standing Water – Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change water in birdbaths frequently.

• Install or Repair Screens – Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly fitted screens on all your windows and doors.

Local Health Departments continue to work closely with the MDPH, other agencies, and locally with the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control District (NEMMC) to control mosquitoes in these towns. In response, NEMMC will continue to identify areas in the district that require treatment for larval control.

If you have areas of standing water around your home or any old passenger tires left outside, please Request Service for larviciding site inspection and/or Tire Removal.  

Information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at: www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito

Join the Town Clerk’s office at the Veterans Memorial on Church St 9/10 at 7:30PM for 9/11 Remembered.

In preparation for resurfacing Church Street, the DPW will be completing some drain work scheduled for Tuesday 9/8/26. This work will require a lane closure in the area of Willowdale Road. Please expect delays on Church Street and avoid the area if possible

Merrimac – Residents and visitors are invited to view a local example of early Colonial architecture and to enjoy a look at Colonial life when the Merrimac Town Improvement Society holds their annual fall open house at the Old Sawyer House Saturday September 19, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Old Sawyer House is located at 20 East Main Street (adjacent to the Merrimac Fire Station) in Merrimac, Ma.

This year, the Town Improvement Society is pleased to announce that the annual open house at the Old Sawyer House will be featured as a cultural event during this year’s Essex National Heritage Area’s Trails and Sails free event series.  The Town Improvement Society is excited to participate in this regional program which raises interest and awareness for art and culture in the Essex County.  

    A 1.5 mile looped trail will also be open for guided walks during the open house.  The trails provide visitors with an opportunity to explore some of the woodland and vegetated areas that belong to the Town Improvement Society.

    In addition to tours of the Old Sawyer House (circa 1735) and woodland trails, cider and light refreshments will be served around the main fireplace of the Sawyer House. 

    A charitable organization with a Section 501 (c) (3) status, the Town Improvement Society is seeking funds to repair and restore five of the windows located on the west side of the Old Sawyer House.  The front door pediment also requires restoration. Information on the restoration project will be available at the September 19 Open House. 

    The Old Sawyer House, a classic New England saltbox, was built by John Kendrick and sold to Aaron Sawyer in 1758. It remained in the Sawyer family until 1908 when it was sold, along with 14 acres of woodland, to the Merrimac Town Improvement Society. The house retains much of its original paneling, original upstairs windows and one original fireplace on the second floor. The two downstairs fireplaces were renovated in the mid-19th century. Furnishings and artifacts located in the home reflect the house’s First Period Colonial status.

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) will provide an introductory presentation to the Planning Board at their meeting on August 19th at 7 PM at Town Hall pertaining to the elements of the Commonwealth’s voluntary zoning law (Chapter 40Y)  that allows cities and towns to create a local “Starter Home Zoning District”.  The Town is working with MVPC to investigate the possibility of creating a Starter Home Zoning District in Town.  All are welcome to attend this public meeting.

The Board of Health has shared the attached Cyclosporiasis Fact Sheet.