Week in Review: Aug. 16-22

A Melrose School Committee member said that Melrose High School's hiring practices are under investigation by the state Ethics Commission, an allegation that blindsided city and school officials. The School Committee also voted to approve the purchase of elementary science kits.

The Democratic candidates for state senator and Republican candidates for state representative squared off in debates held in Wakefield and which will be aired on MMTV. Melrose Patch also continued its series of Q&As with the candidates in interviews with Eric Estevez and Monica Medeiros.

In business news, despite increasing retail vacancy rates, membership in the Melrose Chamber of Commerce has grown this year — as it did last year — which is one of several factors that have local officials optimistic about the city's business climate. Also, the Sally Frank's Farmers Market started its new expansion to Friday nights at First United Methodist Church on Main Street.

A late night assault at Mount Hood landed a 20-year-old in Mass. General and led to the arrest of a 16-year-old, while kids digging for worms at Swains Pond founded a rusted revolver.

In City Hall news, the state's new Open Meeting Law may upend some of the Melrose Board of Aldermen's long-standing rules.

In sports news, the Friends of Melrose Football provided one of the finest high school athletics facilities in the area to Melrose High School. The top teams in the Melrose Women's Softball League battled for first place at the Common this week — the league's six teams are barrelling towards the playoffs — and fitness columnist Ryan Kilian talked about the options for personal training in Melrose and factors to consider when deciding whether or not to use that type of training.

On a lighter note, parenting columnist Kate House embraced coloring placemats and grilled cheese instead of white linen tableclothes and duck confit. Also, Patch celebrated the launch of its 100th site this week and we took the time to say 'thanks.'