THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT |
🗓️ Week of: September 1, 2026 In this issue: Back-to-school changes hit Sparta schools, Kaboom softball brings home a national title, the wild legend of a seaplane still resting at the bottom of Lake Mohawk, a West Nile virus update from the Township, and Sammy the cat is looking for his forever home. |
Trivia Question❓
Question: What ancient geological feature, formed by volcanic activity more than 440 million years ago, sits beneath Wantage Township right here in Sussex County?
(Answer at the bottom of this newsletter) |
Our Local News |
Stay Informed:
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Sparta schools prepare for new year with cell phone restrictions, leadership changes
West Nile virus detected in Sparta mosquito population
Kaboom 12U-Huffman softball wins Triple Crown Summer Nationals
Sparta Historical to present 18th-century program
Sussex County Board of Agriculture hosts annual Chicken BBQ
Sparta girls volleyball enters season with high expectations |
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Quote Of The Day |
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."- Malcolm X |
Sparta & Sussex County History Bite |
The legend of the Lake Mohawk seaplane continues to weave mystery through the heart of Sparta, NJ.
For decades, residents have shared tales of an underwater plane wreck, adding both thrill and nostalgia to lakeside evenings. As the story goes, a celebrated architect's family narrowly escaped a fiery disaster on a 1930s night, only to see their beloved seaplane vanish into the lake’s depths.
No old headlines or official records confirm the fate of the lost aircraft.
Some say they've glimpsed its ghostly silhouette beneath rippling water; others call it pure myth.
Efforts, such as a fabled '90s Italian dive team mission, never brought the plane back.
But the legend persists, shaping Lake Mohawk’s identity, fueling conversations, and even brightening real estate pitches.
The seaplane’s story lives on—with each sunset, it’s a shared thread in Sparta’s lakeside life. Read More... |
Our Local Weather |
Day: Tuesday
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Support Our Local Sponsors |
Sponsored Ad The Hungry Hearth |
Winner of 2025 & 2026 NJ Herald's Favorite Chef of Sussex County
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 23‑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 Sammy - Your New Fur-Ever Friend!
While in her foster home, Sammy got along well with other cats and had some positive experience with dogs too - she really does seem to like everybody. She does have FIV, but don't let that scare you off. Cats with FIV can live long, happy, healthy lives with routine veterinary care, and since the virus only spreads through deep bite wounds, FIV-positive cats can safely share a home with other friendly, non-aggressive cats.
Fill out an adoption questionnaire at www.fatherjohns.org/adopt |
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Our Local Events |
FEATURED EVENT #1The 5th Annual Red Shoe™ Event |
❤️ Step Into Purpose: The Red Shoe™ Gala Lights Up Lake Mohawk!
Sparta is about to sparkle in red! On October 14, 2026, the BW NICE Sussex County Chapter invites everyone to the Red Shoe Gala at Lake Mohawk Country Club - a dazzling evening of celebration, connection, and compassion.
💬 A Message from Amy, Event Organizer:
Amy’s enthusiasm captures the heart of this event: community coming together to lift others up. As a paid sponsor of this newsletter, BW NICE’s mission deserves our spotlight - and your support.
✨ What’s Happening That Night
Every ticket sold and every sponsorship secured helps fund DASI’s life-changing programs for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
👉 Register or learn more: Red Shoe Gala Registration
📣 How You Can Help
To Contact Amy for ways you can help: Amy Griffin, Owner/Executive Chef at The Hungry Hearth
Winner of 2025 & 2026 Favorite Chef of Sussex County in the NJ Herald
973-229-9530
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Wednesday, October 21, 2026 • 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Lake Mohawk Golf Club, 471 W. Shore Trail, Sparta, NJ
Tickets: $55 • RSVP by October 14
The Annual Game Day Luncheon is returning to Sparta! Friends and neighbors are invited for a lively afternoon of favorite games, great food, and laughter, all while supporting scholarships and local charities.
Plan your table of four and play Bridge, Mah Jongg, Canasta, Monopoly, or any other game your group enjoys.
If you prefer to socialize over lunch instead of playing, you’re more than welcome.
Attendees will have a chance to win exciting grand raffle prizes, including dining gift certificates valued at $500, a J. Thomas Jewelers certificate, and a Coach purse and wallet set.
Space is limited, so reserve early to join this spirited community event. Contact Kim at swcteach999@gmail.com for reservations.
Enjoy a day of fun, friendship, and giving back. Read More... |
Please help support our local events: |
Tuesday, September 1
Thursday, September 3
Saturday, September 5
Thursday, September 10
Friday, September 18
Saturday, September 19
Monday, September 28 |
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 ancient geological feature, formed by volcanic activity more than 440 million years ago, sits beneath Wantage Township right here in Sussex County?
Answer: Rutan Hill, also known as the Beemerville Volcano. It's an extinct volcanic formation (technically called a diatreme) with no activity today, but it's one of the oldest geological features in the entire state. |
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. |