What is the name of the township's governing body?

I-80 Eastbound Sinkhole

WHARTON, NJ – Two westbound lanes of Route 80 in Wharton will remain closed for sinkhole repairs until the end of May, nearly a month longer than initially expected, according to the NJ Department of Transportation.

Click here for the latest updates: LATEST UPDATES

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Key Insights for Environmental Commission Thursday April 24, 2025

The Sparta Environmental Commission meeting on April 24, 2025, included the following key points:

1. Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the April 10 meeting were approved with minor corrections.
2. Reports: Discussions included lighting changes at Stop and Shop, the need for a dark sky ordinance, and updates on the Sustainable Jersey certification process.
3. Earth Day Fair: Scheduled for May 3, 2025, at Sparta Middle School, featuring activities for families and local exhibitors. Promotion efforts are underway to encourage community participation.
4. Tree Ordinance: A new ordinance was proposed with stricter requirements and discussions on supporting the Packaging Product Stewardship Act.
5. Future Initiatives: Plans for a rain barrel workshop on June 12, 2025, and continued discussions on sustainability incentives were noted.
   
   

Click here to access the full meeting.

Household Hint of the Week!

Keep cookies soft
Store cookies with a slice of bread in the container—the bread absorbs moisture and keeps them soft.

Short Story of the Week

"Whispers of the Old Oak" by Randi Lace

In a quaint village nestled by a shimmering lake, there stood an ancient oak tree, gnarled and wise. Its branches stretched wide, a sanctuary for lovers and dreamers alike. Among them were Clara and Tom, two spirited souls drawn together by laughter and whispered hopes. Beneath the oak, they shared secrets, aspirations, and promises, believing their love was unbreakable.

As seasons turned, life’s demands pulled them in different directions. Clara pursued her art, her passion leading her to a bustling city. Tom remained, tending to the family farm, nurturing both crops and the memories they had shared. Over time, their visits grew sparse, replaced by letters that became infrequent.

One day, Clara returned to the village, her heart racing with nostalgia. She approached the oak, expecting to find the joyful echoes of their past. Instead, she found Tom sitting in silence, his hands weathered and weary. They exchanged stories, but a familiar spark had dimmed.

Under the old oak, they realized that though love can inspire and unite, it requires nurturing and presence to thrive. They parted ways, resolved to cherish what they had shared but understanding that sometimes, love means letting go.

Moral of the Story: True love requires both commitment and presence; without care, even the strongest bonds may fade.

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Poem of the Week

"Because I Could Not Stop for Death" by  Emily Dickinson

A reflective poem where death is personified as a kind carriage driver, taking the speaker on a journey to eternity.

Because I could not stop for Death
He kindly stopped for me
The Carriage held but just Ourselves
And Immortality.

We slowly drove - He knew no haste
And I had put away
My labor and my leisure too,
For His Civility

We passed the School, where Children strove
At Recess - in the Ring
We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain
We passed the Setting Sun

Or rather - He passed Us
The Dews drew quivering and Chill
For only Gossamer, my Gown
My Tippet - only Tulle

We paused before a House that seemed
A Swelling of the Ground
The Roof was scarcely visible
The Cornice - in the Ground

Since then - ’tis Centuries - and yet
Feels shorter than the Day
I first surmised the Horses’ Heads
Were toward Eternity

Source: Reader's Digest

Sparta Township Council Member Steps Down

On the evening of Thursday, April 24, Daniel Chiariello, a member of the township council, announced his resignation from his position. The resignation was communicated through a letter addressed to township clerk Roxanne Landy.

Chiariello steps down during the course of his second term, having been elected alongside fellow council members Dean Blumetti and Neill Clark as part of a “no warehouse” campaign in November 2023. He held the office of mayor in 2023, and his term was set to conclude on December 31, 2026.

In a statement expressing his gratitude, Blumetti remarked, “Dan served the Sparta community for six and a half years both as councilman and mayor, demonstrating unwavering integrity and commitment. His leadership was characterized by vision, courage, and respect, always prioritizing the well-being and quality of life for the residents of Sparta. I hold Dan in high regard and appreciate his service; it has been a genuine honor to work alongside him.”

Quote Of The Day

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. – Confucius

The Split Township Council in Sparta has approved a resolution allowing for the retail sale of cannabis in the town.

Council members who opposed the resolution expressed concerns about the potential impact of cannabis sales on the community.

However, those in favor argued that allowing retail cannabis could benefit the local economy and provide an opportunity for Sparta to generate revenue.

The resolution allows for the establishment of two retail cannabis establishments in the town, which will be subject to certain regulations and restrictions.

The council's decision comes following the legalization of adult-use cannabis in New Jersey, which has given municipalities the authority to regulate and permit cannabis sales within their borders.

Overall, the approval of retail cannabis in Sparta reflects a divided opinion among council members and the community on the issue.

Attribution: TAPinto SPARTA By Jennifer Dericks

The calendar includes a variety of activities such as community meetings, sports events, performances, and festivals.

Residents can search the calendar by date or keyword to find events that interest them.

Quick Contacts:

Emergency Services

• Emergency: 911
• Sparta Police (non-emergency): (973) 729-6121
• Sparta Fire Department: (973) 729-8433
• Sparta Ambulance Squad: (973) 729-2100

Township Offices

• Township Manager's Office: (973) 729-4471
• Township Clerk: (973) 729-4471
• Planning & Zoning: (973) 729-4471
• Building Department: (973) 729-4471
• Tax Collector: (973) 729-4471
• Recreation Department: (973) 729-2383

Community Resources

• Sparta Public Library: (973) 729-3101
• Chamber of Commerce: (973) 729-6811
• Board of Education: (973) 729-8151
• Sparta High School: (973) 729-6191
• Department of Public Works: (973) 729-7133

Media Contacts

• The Sparta Independent - Kathy Shwiff, Managing Editor 
  njoffice@strausnews.com
• TAPinto Sparta: editor@tapinto.net
• NJ Herald: (973) 383-1500

Health & Social Services

• Sussex County Health Department: (973) 579-0370
• Social Services: (973) 383-3600

Utilities

• Jersey Central Power & Light: 1-888-544-4877
• Sparta Water Utility: (973) 729-7133

Township Council