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"Sparta Shockers: Sinkhole on I-80, Charity Chess Tournament, Narcotics Lab Bust, and Massive Data Breach!"

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"Sparta Shockers: Sinkhole on I-80, Charity Chess Tournament, Narcotics Lab Bust, and Massive Data Breach!"

"Sparta Shockers: Sinkhole on I-80, Charity Chess Tournament, Narcotics Lab Bust, and Massive Data Breach!"
Sinkhole on I-80, Chess for Charity Tournament, Mother-Daughter Dance, Free Shredding Event, Narcotics Lab Bust, Massive Data Breach. Explore Sparta now! Join the fun in Sparta, NJ! Check out the Community Calendar for all the exciting events. Contact us for more info.

Sparta Spotlight

May 27, 2025

I-80 Eastbound Sinkhole

Click here for the latest updates: LATEST UPDATES

Trivia Question❓

What is the name of the state animal of New Jersey?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

At The Hungry Hearth, Amy transforms meal preparation into a delightful experience. This charming Sussex County-based company offers a dinner delivery service several nights a week, making it easy for customers to enjoy flavorful, home-cooked meals without the hassle of cooking. With weekly planned meals, patrons can choose from a main dish with sides and add options like soup, salad, and dessert, all available for delivery hot and fresh.

Amy is dedicated to supporting her community by using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that every meal is both delicious and high quality. Meals are prepared in a certified commercial kitchen, guaranteeing safety and freshness. The Hungry Hearth delivers on Tuesdays and Thursdays, providing a range of portion choices and preparation styles, whether you prefer family-style platters or individually plated servings.

For special occasions, Amy also offers personalized catering services, accommodating everything from intimate two-person dinners to larger events like luncheons and parties. With a focus on consultation and customization, she collaborates with clients to create memorable dining experiences. You can even gift the convenience of great food with e-gift cards, making The Hungry Hearth a perfect choice for both everyday dining and special celebrations.

Check it out at thehungryhearth.com!"

Contact Amy:

Amy Griffin
Owner/Executive Chef at The Hungry Hearth
973-229-9530

Household Hint of the Week!

Make buttermilk substitute
Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Chess for Charity Spring Tournament to Honor Lori Tomlin, Sparta’s Beloved Marching Band Teacher

The Iyer brothers are once again hosting their spring Chess for Charity fundraiser, with this year's proceeds benefiting the NorthStar Theater Company of Sussex County. The event will be dedicated to the memory of their beloved marching band teacher, Mrs. Lori Tomlin.

“Mrs. Tomlin, who sadly passed away on April 22, was deeply devoted to the arts and theater, and served as a board member for NorthStar Theater,” the brothers shared.

There are two unique fundraising opportunities this year:

  • Chess Tournament: Taking place in the lower level of the library on June 15 at 1 p.m., this tournament will follow a “fun and friendly quad” format. All participants can enjoy complimentary pizza.

  • Indian Cooking Lessons: Led by the brothers’ mother Anshu at their home, these classes will be held on May 31 and June 14 from 10 a.m. to noon.

CLIICK HERE to access our Fundraiser!

Original Article Source: TAPinto Sparta by: Jennifer Dericks

New Dance Club at Sparta High School Hosts Mother-Daughter Dance

The Sparta High School cafeteria was transformed into a lively venue for the Dance Club’s inaugural Mother-Daughter Dance on the morning of Saturday, May 17.

“A dance club has been in discussions for years,” shared advisor Katy Szatkiewicz. However, it was freshman Cassandra “Cassie” Ailara who brought the idea to life.

As club founder and president, Ailara, along with vice president Julianna Reid, kept busy during the event—serving popcorn and teaching dance routines to the attending mothers and daughters.

Behind the scenes, Ailara’s mother, Kristina, who serves as the club’s booster president, was actively involved in welcoming attendees and collecting donations.

Participants enjoyed several engaging activity stations, which included a photo backdrop, nail painting, temporary tattoos, popcorn, and coloring. Throughout the morning, club members rotated teaching dance routines, while music filled the room for spontaneous dancing between sessions.

Szatkiewicz explained that the event was open to students from pre-K through eighth grade. She also noted that Maccios generously donated snacks and water, while the students and their families decorated the cafeteria to create a festive atmosphere. She extended gratitude to Steve Stoner for his support and to the maintenance staff for their assistance in making the event a success.

Original Article Source: TAPinto Sparta by: Jennifer Dericks

Sparta Township to Host Free Paper Shredding and E-Waste Recycling Event

Clear out your clutter responsibly by participating in Sparta Township’s free Paper Shredding and E-Waste Recycling Event happening on Saturday, May 31.

The event, organized by the Sparta Township Recycling Program, will take place rain or shine at Sparta Town Hall, located at 65 Main Street.

Residents, non-profits, and local business owners in Sparta are invited to bring up to five boxes of paper per car, with no limit on the number of trips you can make throughout the day. Please note that the event operates on a first-come, first-serve basis and will continue until the shredding trucks are full.

Guidelines for the Event:

  • Plastic bags and binders will not be accepted for paper shredding.
  • A variety of electronic waste items, including computers, monitors, printers, and televisions, will be accepted for recycling.

Items NOT Accepted:

  • Electronics: DVD players, speakers, projectors, video game consoles, cell phones, telephones, answering machines, pagers, modems, routers, and servers.
  • Small appliances: Blenders, microwaves, coffee machines, toasters, and other small power tools.
  • Medical equipment: Blood pressure machines, CPAP machines, TENS units.

Questions?

For more information about the event, contact the Sparta Department of Public Works at:

Original Article Source: TAPinto Sparta by: Jennifer Dericks

Sparta Man Allegedly Operated Narcotics Lab from Local Shop, Authorities Report

Two men were arrested in Sussex County on May 23, following an investigation by the Sparta Township Police Department and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office. Devin Pupo, 38, of Sparta, was charged with operating a CDS (Controlled Dangerous Substance) production facility, conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute CDS, and money laundering. Anthony Buff, 25, of Newton, faced charges for the distribution of CDS.

Authorities executed search warrants at multiple locations, including Green Remedies at 53 Sparta Ave. and Zenshine Smoke Shop at 354 Lafayette Road. The arrests were part of a coordinated effort involving state and local police, K9 and CSI units, and the State Division of Taxation.

Both men were released pending court appearances at Sussex County Superior Court. Police continue to encourage individuals with additional information to contact the Sparta Township Police Detective Bureau at 973-729-6121 or email detectives@spartapd.org.

Original Article Source: DailyVoice by : Cecilia Levine

Introducing our charming "I Heart U Mug," the perfect way to express your love and affection every morning!

This 11oz ceramic mug features a heartwarming design that will make your loved one smile with every sip.

With its sturdy construction and easy-to-grip handle, this mug is ideal for enjoying your favorite hot beverage.

Whether you're sipping coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, this mug is sure to become a beloved staple in your morning routine.

Spread love and joy with every cup with our "I Heart U Mug" - order yours today and make someone's day brighter! Buy now and spread the love!

Quote Of The Day

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. 
- William James

Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What to Know

A cybersecurity researcher uncovered an exposed Elasticsearch database containing over 184 million usernames and passwords, sparking concerns about InfoStealer malware campaigns. The database, which was neither password-protected nor encrypted, was publicly accessible until it was recently taken offline.

The compromised credentials spanned platforms like Microsoft, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, as well as critical services such as banking portals, healthcare systems, and government accounts globally. Alarmingly, links to login pages were also included, raising fears about potential direct targeting or unauthorized access.

Researcher Jeremiah Fowler, who reported the breach to Website Planet, noted evidence linking the data to InfoStealer malware. This type of malware is usually disseminated through phishing emails, malicious websites, or cracked software. Once active, it harvests stored login information from infected systems, which is often sold on dark web marketplaces or used in fraud and identity theft.

The database's origins remain unknown, as the IP address traced back to two untraceable domain names, and the hosting provider has not provided customer details. The length of the database's exposure and whether others accessed it remain unclear, leaving the full scope of the breach uncertain.

 

Original Article Source: Daily Voice by: Joe Lombardi

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

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

    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

    Health & Social Services
  • Sussex County Health Department: (973) 579-0370
  • Social Services: (973) 383-3600
💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Question: What is the name of the state animal of New Jersey?
Answer: Horse

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"Welcome to Sparta Spotlight – Your Ultimate Guide to Everything Sparta! Discover the pulse of our vibrant community with the latest news, exciting events, and local happenings that matter most. From township updates to business highlights, we’ve got your finger on the heartbeat of Sparta. Stay informed, get inspired, and celebrate everything that makes Sparta special – all in one place!"

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