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Dangerous Heat This Week, Tank Needs a Home & July 4th Fun - Sparta's Weekly Buzz
Dangerous Heat This Week, Tank Needs a Home & July 4th Fun - Sparta's Weekly Buzz
Dangerous Heat This Week, Tank Needs a Home & July 4th Fun - Sparta's Weekly Buzz
Triple digits ahead, a dog with a heartbreaking story waiting for his forever family, and everything happening in Sparta through the Fourth.
Randy Booth
Jun 30, 2026
THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT |
🗓️ Week of: June 30, 2026
In this issue:
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Trivia Question❓Lake Mohawk's iconic Clubhouse was built shortly after the lake was created. What year did Lake Mohawk officially open to residents? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Our Local News |
Stay Informed: Sparta Board Agendas & Minutes
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Township news Snippets and upcoming meetings |
Knights of Columbus Marquette Council 588 Honored for 125 Years of Service Sparta Township Council recognized the Knights of Columbus Marquette Council 588 at its June 23 meeting, issuing a proclamation celebrating the organization's 125th anniversary. Mayor Dean Blumetti read the proclamation, with former councilman and Mayor Gil Gibbs on hand to receive it. Gibbs noted the milestone with pride, reflecting on the organization's deep roots in the Sparta community. https://www.tapinto.net/towns/sparta/categories/news
Sparta Elks Lodge Awards Two $1,000 Scholarships to Graduating Seniors The Sparta Elks Lodge No. 2356 presented Most Valuable Student Scholarships to two Sparta High School seniors at the Class of 2026 Senior Scholarship Dinner on June 10 at Lake Mohawk Country Club. Recipients Ling Mei Chen and Abigail Weisbeck were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the school community and their futures ahead.
NJ Polo Invitational at Grayfields Raises Community Awareness for Pass It Along More than 2,000 people gathered at Grayfields Polo Club on June 20 for the NJ Polo June Invitational, turning the annual event into a community celebration while raising support for the local nonprofit Pass It Along. It was a standout afternoon for Sussex County's social calendar.
Sparta Township Council Candidate Petitions Now Available Residents interested in running for Sparta Township Council can now pick up candidate petition packets at the Municipal Clerk's office at 65 Main Street. Three seats are on the November 2026 ballot. Candidates must live in Sparta, be registered voters, and submit petitions by 4:00 PM on the filing deadline. The voter registration deadline for November is October 13, 2026.
Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice Receives $5,000 Grant from First Hope Bank First Hope Bank has awarded a $5,000 grant to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice in support of the nonprofit's mission to provide compassionate end-of-life care throughout Sussex County. The grant was presented by First Hope Bank President and CEO Daniel Beatty and Senior VP Deena Smith to Hospice Executive Director Lee Ellison.
Girl Scouts of Troop 1150 Earn Expedition Merit Badges on Pochuck Boardwalk Hike Kaylee Kelso and Barbara Hackett of Troop 1150 earned their Expedition Merit badges after completing a hike along the Pochuck Boardwalk, one of New Jersey's most scenic trail features on the Appalachian Trail. The hike is a rite of passage for outdoor-minded scouts in the region.
Sparta Honors America's 250th Anniversary with Proclamation The Sparta Township Council issued a proclamation honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Mayor Dean Blumetti was joined by members of the RevolutionNJ 250 Committee, Sparta VFW Commander Pete Litchfield, and Councilwoman Marjy Murphy. Families with ancestral ties to the American Revolution are invited to share their stories - contact revolutionnj@spartanj.org. |
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Quote Of The Day |
"Independence is happiness." - Susan B. Anthony |
Sparta & Sussex County History Bite |
The Iron That Helped Win the Revolution
Most people know Sussex County for its lakes and hiking trails. Far fewer know it was once one of the most strategically important industrial regions in colonial America.
During the Revolutionary War, the Andover Iron Works in nearby Andover Township was one of the primary suppliers of iron to the Continental Army. The forge produced anchors, cannonballs, and military hardware that helped keep Washington's forces fighting. The site was chosen for its proximity to rich iron ore deposits and waterpower from the Pequest River - the same natural advantages that made this corner of New Jersey valuable long before the Revolution.
The iron industry shaped Sussex County's economy and identity for generations, leaving behind a legacy now commemorated at sites across the region. As Sparta and the state celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary this year, it's worth remembering that the quiet hills of northwestern New Jersey played a very loud role in the birth of this country.
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Our Local Weather |
EXTREME HEAT WATCH in effect July 1-4. Heat indices may exceed 100 degrees.
Day: Tuesday
Day: Wednesday
Day: Thursday
Day: Friday
Day: Saturday
Day: Sunday
Day: Monday |
Support Our Local Sponsor |
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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 |
Fur-ever Friend Feature |
Adopt Me Today! |
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🐾 Meet Tank - Your New Fur-Ever Friend!
Breed: Pit Bull Terrier
Tank's story is one that will tug at your heartstrings. This big, lovable boy landed at Father John's Animal Haven through no fault of his own - his owner passed away, and there was no one left able to take him in. Just like that, a loyal companion found himself without a home. But Tank hasn't let that slow him down one bit.
At four years old and 70 pounds, Tank is a dog who knows how to roll with life. He spent his days living alongside a smaller dog and cats, which tells you a lot about his easy-going nature. At the shelter, staff have noticed he absolutely loves meeting new people and is always up for an adventure - whether that's a walk, a car ride, or just hanging out with his people. He has that rare, golden quality of being a genuinely good-natured dog who brings energy and warmth wherever he goes.
Most dogs he meets, Tank likes just fine. He has a big heart and an even bigger capacity for loyalty. He spent years being someone's faithful companion, and he deserves every one of his remaining days feeling exactly that way again - loved, included, and home.
He deserves a warm home to spend every one of those days feeling loved.
👉 Fill out an adoption questionnaire at www.fatherjohns.org/adopt
50 Father John’s Lane
Father John's Animal House is a no-kill, 501(c)(3) shelter supported entirely by donations. Every animal is spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before adoption. |
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Our Local Events |
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Our Lady of the Lake CARNIVAL |
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The Carnival is the largest fundraiser of the year. Please support it. |
Please help support our local events: |
Tuesday, June 30
Tuesday, June 30 (Every Tuesday)
Saturday, July 4
Monday, July 6
Friday, July 10
Saturday, July 11
Saturday, July 11
Friday, July 17
Saturday, July 18
Saturday, July 18
Sunday, July 20 - Friday, July 24
Monday, July 20 - Thursday, July 23
Saturday, July 25
Sunday, July 26
Monday, July 27 - Friday, July 31
Thursday, July 31 |
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: Lake Mohawk's iconic Clubhouse was built shortly after the lake was created. What year did Lake Mohawk officially open to residents?
Answer: 1928. Lake Mohawk was developed starting in 1926 and officially opened to residents in 1928, created by damming Sparta Creek to form one of New Jersey's most distinctive planned lake communities. |
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. |