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"Sparta Triumphs in Robotics & Sports, Sinkhole Scare on I-80, Couple's Prison Sentence for Fraud: Community Newsletter Update!"

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"Sparta Triumphs in Robotics & Sports, Sinkhole Scare on I-80, Couple's Prison Sentence for Fraud: Community Newsletter Update!"

"Sparta Triumphs in Robotics & Sports, Sinkhole Scare on I-80, Couple's Prison Sentence for Fraud: Community Newsletter Update!"
Stay up to date with the latest in Sparta, from sinkholes to robotics triumphs to athletic achievements. Plus, find out the couple sentenced for COVID-19 loan fraud. Explore the Community Calendar for even more exciting events! #SpartaNews

Sparta Spotlight

Jun 3, 2025

I-80 Eastbound Sinkhole

Click here for the latest updates: LATEST UPDATES

Trivia Question❓

What is the name of the stage showcasing local theater productions?

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

Household Hint of the Week!

Freeze leftover wine
Pour leftover wine into ice cube trays for cooking later.

Sparta Middle School Robotics Team Triumphs at VEX World Championship, Overcoming Challenges and Achieving History

The Sparta Middle School robotics team, Team 153A “The Paradox,” achieved a historic milestone by winning its first World Championship trophy at the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, TX. The team earned the prestigious Inspire Award, recognizing their exceptional spirit, collaboration, and perseverance throughout the competition. Robotics Club Advisor David Gorecki praised the students for demonstrating leadership, problem-solving, and support for one another despite facing unexpected challenges, including damaged robots that required complete rebuilding during the event.

Accompanying Team 153A, Team 153D “The Conquerors” also showcased resilience, having entered the competition ranked number one in the state. Both teams' dedication and teamwork exemplified excellence in engineering and sportsmanship. Students credited their success to strong community support and emphasized the importance of enjoying the journey as much as the victories.

Congratulations to all participants for representing Sparta with dedication and creativity on this global stage!

 

Original Article Source: TAPinto Sparta by: Jennifer Dericks

Sparta Softball Triumphs Over Wayne Valley in NJSIAA Tournament

The Sparta High School softball team edged past the Wayne Valley Indians with a score of 3-2 in the opening round of the NJSIAA North 1, Group 3 tournament on Wednesday. As the ninth seed, Sparta overcame the eighth-seeded Indians on their home field.

Ingrid Brevig made a significant impact, scoring and driving in an RBI with a key single. Teammates Kathryn Sutton and Avery Munier also contributed to the win by crossing home plate, while Emily Ciaburri and Alexia Hill each added an RBI. Alexis Arpino pitched a solid game for Sparta, striking out one, issuing a walk, and allowing five hits over seven innings.

Wayne Valley initially took the lead with two runs in the first inning, but Sparta responded decisively, scoring three runs in their next at-bat to take control. The final five innings saw no additional scoring from either side. Next, Sparta will host Wayne Hills, seeded 16th, on Friday, continuing their playoff journey with a season record of 8-13.

 

Original Article Source: TAPinto Sparta by: Jennifer Dericks

Quote Of The Day

If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. Milton Berle

Sparta High School Robotics Team Achieves Top 1% Ranking at VEX World Championships

Sparta High School's 5249 Z robotics team, competing with their robot “Mirage,” made an impressive mark at the VEX World Championships in Texas, where they battled against 14,000 teams worldwide. Their exceptional performance secured their spot in the top 1% of all teams globally, a feat highlighted by coach Mark Meola. Despite a flawless 5-0 record in the challenging qualifying rounds, they did not advance to the finals.

Coach Meola noted that this season ranks among the most successful in Sparta's robotics program, which began in 2010. The Z team holds the record for the most awards in the school’s robotics history, including double qualifications for the 2025 World Championships, a State Championship Design Award, and multiple tournament accolades.

In addition to their accomplishments, team members gained valuable experience through internships at Picatinny Arsenal and leading cybersecurity firm Pavion. They will present their achievements to underclassmen and parents at the STEM Academy Capstone event on June 10. Meola summed up the season, saying they experienced both disappointments and pride in their impressive journey.

Original Article Source: TAPinto Sparta by: Jennifer Dericks

Sparta High School Track and Field Highlights at NJCIAA Group 2 Championship

At the NJCIAA Group 2 championship in South Plainfield, NJ, Sparta High School's track and field teams showcased exceptional talent. Isabella Frattura won the javelin championship with a personal best throw of 144 feet 11 inches, breaking her own school record. Coach Elizabeth Shaffer noted that Frattura will compete in the Meet of Champions next week to defend her state title.

LeShem Little excelled as well, securing second place in the 100-meter dash and sixth in the 200-meter dash, earning him spots in the Meet of Champions for both events.

Julian Laznik Moraghan placed sixth in the 3200-meter run, further demonstrating the team's depth.

Other Spartan competitors included Jack Wittenmeier in the Boys 800-meter event. The Boys relay teams featured:

  • 4 x 100: LeShem Little, Vince Serio, Kassim Joseph, Jace Senkyire
  • 4 x 400: Jace Senkyire, Tyler Harms, Kassim Joseph, Jack Wittenmeier
  • 4 x 800: Tyler Harms, Jack McGurrin, Jack Wittenmeier, Julian Laznik Moraghan

Congratulations to all the athletes for their impressive performances!

Original Article Source: TAPinto Sparta by: Jennifer Dericks

Sparta Couple Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for COVID-19 Loan Fraud

A husband and wife from Sparta, New Jersey, and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, have each been sentenced to 12 months in prison for their roles in a scheme that fraudulently obtained approximately $790,000 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) intended for small businesses affected by COVID-19.

Diana Valteri, 42, and Edmond Haxhillari, 43, submitted false loan applications for non-existent businesses, claiming they had employees and revenue when, in fact, these were merely shell entities with no real operations.

After the EIDL funds were disbursed, the couple diverted the money for personal use. The investigation was led by multiple federal agencies, including the FBI and the IRS, as part of a nationwide effort to combat pandemic-related fraud. U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch oversaw the case, emphasizing the government's commitment to prosecuting financial crimes during this crisis.

The District of New Jersey's COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force is dedicated to tackling large-scale fraud schemes, urging anyone with information on COVID-19 fraud to report it through the Department of Justice’s hotline.

Original Article Source: Unites States Attorney's Office-District of NJ

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Order yours today and make someone's day brighter!

Buy now and spread the love! 

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 stage showcasing local theater productions?
Answer: Sparta Avenue Stage

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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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