THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT |
🗓️ Week of: August 11, 2026 In this issue:
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Trivia Question❓
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Our Local News |
Stay Informed: Sparta Board Agendas & Minutes
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Sparta Police host Junior Police Academy for area students
Beekeepers bring candle-making and honey exhibits to the Farm and Horse Show
Flora Foundation launches to expand mental health access
Sparta approves land preservation plan to advance landfill closure
Flagpole dedicated at Sussex County Farm and Horse Show |
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Quote Of The Day |
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." |
Sparta & Sussex County History Bite |
Ever hear of the "Gizzardless Hen"?
Long before Lime Crest Quarry became the massive marble operation it is today, the western edge of Sparta was known as Howellsville, then later Sussex Mills, named for the waterwheel-powered mills grinding limestone along the stream there.
By the 1900s the quarry had grown into one of the biggest employers in Sussex County, and one of its more surprising products was powdered limestone added to chicken feed to harden eggshells. The company even had a mascot for it: "Lady Lime Crest," a hen who appeared on Arthur Godfrey's show to promote the stuff.
A pulverized rock helping a chicken lay a better egg, famous enough for national TV. Sparta's history has some strange and wonderful corners. |
Our Local Weather |
Day: Tuesday
Day: Wednesday
Day: Thursday
Day: Friday
Day: Saturday
Day: Sunday
Day: Monday |
Support Our Local Sponsors |
Sponsored Ad The Hungry Hearth |
Indulge in a Culinary Experience
Whether you're planning a wedding, shower, milestone celebration, or in‑office luncheon, Amy - the creative force behind The Hungry Hearth - brings warmth, flavor, and unforgettable hospitality to every event. Her custom catering menus are crafted with the freshest locally sourced ingredients and tailored to your vision, making each gathering feel personal, delicious, and beautifully memorable.
From elegant bridal showers to cozy baby showers, from Communion and confirmation parties to polished corporate luncheons, Amy transforms your occasion into a feast worth celebrating. Every dish is infused with heart, comfort, and the signature homemade touch her clients can’t stop raving about.
And for busy families, Amy still delivers her beloved dinner‑delivery magic every Tuesday and Thursday - offering generous family‑style meals, individual portions, and irresistible add‑ons that make weeknights effortless.
Let The Hungry Hearth elevate your next event with food that feels like home and tastes extraordinary.
Contact Amy today! Email:thehungryhearth@gmail.com |
Here in Sparta, we know what small towns are really like - the familiar faces, the quiet streets, the stories everyone thinks they already know. Maple Ridge feels a lot like that… until Jack Mercer starts fixing things. Every home he steps into reveals something unexpected: a hidden letter, a long‑buried truth, a secret someone hoped would never surface. And once Jack uncovers it, the whole town shifts, just like it would here when one discovery ripples through the community.
What makes Maple Ridge even more special is how deep the world goes. Jack’s 18‑book Fix‑It Mysteries are only the beginning. New books release every week, building toward a 30‑book arc - and soon, other beloved characters will step forward into their own spin‑off series, expanding the universe to nearly 100 cozy mysteries.
If you love heartfelt small‑town drama, slow‑burn romance, and secrets that refuse to stay hidden, start with Book 1 and settle into a world that feels as familiar as home. |
Fur-ever Friend Feature |
Adopt Me Today! |
🐾 Meet Goofy Goober -Your New Fur-ever Friend!
Adopt Goofy Goober Today!
Goofy Goober showed up in Virginia with a leash and collar still attached to him, but no one ever came looking. Nobody knows his full story, only that somebody once loved him enough to walk him on a leash, and somewhere along the way that connection broke.
Now he's here in Lafayette, about 66 pounds of pure silliness, waiting for someone new to give him the home he lost. He can be a little shy stepping into new places, but he warms up fast, and once he's comfortable he's all goofball, true to his name.
He's ready for someone to finally claim him. Could that be you? Fill out an adoption questionnaire at www.fatherjohns.org/adopt |
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Our Local Events |
Featured Event |
Please make plans to join us: |
Please help support our local events: |
🎳 Psychic Readings
🎨 Intro to Studio Art @ The Art Project
🍷 BYO Paint & Sip
🏖️ Alpine Beach Annual Luau (Adults Only)
🐾 Storytime with Creature Comfort Pet Therapy
🎗️ Miles for Mel
👶 Toddler Tuesday Sparta
🩸 Community Blood Drive
🎶 Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Summer Concert
🏹 Mounted Archery Clinic (Beginner Friendly)
🐴 Member Practice - Fresh Start Equine
🔥 Kallo Farms Sturgeon Moon Witchy Night
🎯 6th Annual Cornhole Tournament |
Our Local Contacts |
EMERGENCY SERVICES |
Emergency - Police, Fire & Ambulance Call |
UTILITIES: |
Jersey Central Power & Light Sparta Water & Sewer Utility |
TOWNSHIP OFFICES |
Township Manager's Office Township Clerk Planning & Zoning Building Department Tax Collector Recreation Department Public Works |
COMMUNITY RESOURCES |
Sparta Public Library Chamber of Commerce Board of Education Sparta High School Department of Public Works |
HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES |
Sparta Township Health & Senior Services |
Answer to Trivia Question |
Question: What year was Sparta officially incorporated as a township?
Answer: 1845 - Sparta was incorporated on April 14, 1845, making it nearly two centuries old this year. |
How To Contact Us |
Newsletter Advertisements and Sponsorships Available! Contact Sparta Spotlight: Call or Text: (570) 856-8163 |
Note: We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of event details, business updates, and local news. However, plans can change! Please confirm with organizers or official sources before attending. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to keep our community informed and connected. |