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What's Causing the Mystery Stomach Illness in Sussex County? Plus, Sparta High School Robotics Triumphs & Adoptable Pets Await - Get Involved Now!

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What's Causing the Mystery Stomach Illness in Sussex County? Plus, Sparta High School Robotics Triumphs & Adoptable Pets Await - Get Involved Now!

What's Causing the Mystery Stomach Illness in Sussex County? Plus, Sparta High School Robotics Triumphs & Adoptable Pets Await - Get Involved Now!
Stay informed on the latest headlines in Sussex County, celebrate the success of Sparta High School Robotics Teams, and find out how you can adopt a furry friend today! Support local events with newsletter advertisements and sponsorships - contact Sparta Spotlight now! 🌟📰🚀🐾🎉

Randy Booth

Feb 10, 2026

Trivia Question❓

What is the name of the tunnel connecting New Jersey and New York City?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Support Our Local Sponsor:

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Email:thehungryhearth@gmail.com
Website: thehungryhearth.com

Our Local News:

Township news Snippets and upcoming meetings

  • Sparta Township continues to promote the Stay New Jersey property tax relief program, reminding eligible residents 65+ that benefit checks will begin going out after February 15, 2026, as part of statewide efforts to help seniors stay in their homes.

  • The township calendar lists a Township Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, followed by a Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 11, and a Planning Board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 18, all open to the public.

  • Sparta’s Revolution NJ 250 committee, formed last year, is still seeking families with local Revolutionary‑era stories as it plans 250th‑anniversary events for 2026.

Sussex County health officials are investigating a wave of gastrointestinal illnesses affecting communities like Sparta and Hopatcong since late January.

 

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, chills, fever, and muscle aches.

 

Most residents recover in just a few days, but the source of these illnesses remains unclear.

 

No food establishments or locations have been identified as linked to the outbreak.

 

Anyone experiencing symptoms is urged to contact a healthcare provider and report to the county health department.

 

Health experts recommend washing hands often, cooking shellfish thoroughly, cleaning produce, disinfecting surfaces, and staying home until 48 hours after symptoms resolve.


Read More...

Sparta High School’s robotics teams are making waves after standout performances at recent regional VEX Robotics competitions in New Jersey.

 

Team 5249X “Excalibur” clinched a strong 5–1 qualifying record and received the prestigious Excellence Award at Franklin High School in Somerset, securing fourth overall.

 

Their sister squad, 5249S “Safety Hazard,” impressed as well, earning the Design Award and placing fifth in skills, showcasing Sparta’s deep pool of technical talent.

 

Both teams are set to compete in the highly anticipated New Jersey State Championships at NJIT in Newark on March 14.

 

Before then, they’ll sharpen their skills at events in Millburn and Seton Hall, aiming to fine-tune their robots.

 

The Sparta community is encouraged to support these innovators as they represent the town on a statewide stage, with updates available on school and event websites.


Read More...

Quote Of The Day

Well done is better than well said - Benjamin Franklin

Our Local Weather:

Day: Tuesday
Date: Feb 10, 2026
High: 34°F
Low: 26°F
Description: ☁️ Mostly cloudy

 

Day: Wednesday
Date: Feb 11, 2026
High: 37°F
Low: 26°F
Description: ☁️ Mostly cloudy

 

Day: Thursday
Date: Feb 12, 2026
High: 31°F
Low: 16°F
Description: 🌤️ Partly sunny, colder at night

 

Day: Friday
Date: Feb 13, 2026
High: 35°F
Low: 10°F
Description: ☀️ Sunny and cold

 

Day: Saturday
Date: Feb 14, 2026
High: 39°F
Low: 22°F
Description: ☀️ Sunny, partly cloudy overnight

 

Day: Sunday
Date: Feb 15, 2026
High: 35°F
Low: 32°F
Description: 🌧️🌨️ Light rain and snow

 

Day: Monday
Date: Feb 16, 2026
High: 44°F
Low: 27°F

Description: 🌤️ Mostly sunny

Support Our Local Sponsor:

Haven Of Harmony Holistic Spa

 

Welcome to Haven Of Harmony, your sanctuary for holistic healing and well-being. Our compassionate, trauma-informed therapists offer a heart-centered approach to healing, guiding you gently on your journey to harmony.

 

Our Services

  • Massage Therapy: Experience customized sessions including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Cupping, Prenatal, Hot Stone, Oncology, and more, designed to relieve pain and support healing.
  • Lymphatic Drainage: Gentle treatments to promote detoxification, reduce swelling, boost immunity, assist with hormone regulation, and post-op recovery.
  • Therapeutic Aromatherapy: Enjoy therapeutic benefits with the integration of organic, custom-crafted essential oils.
  • Energy Healing: Discover energetic alignment through Reiki, Chakra Healing, Crystal Therapy, Shamanic Healing, and Energy Clearings.
  • Yoga: Explore Chakra Yoga, Vinyasa, Somatic, Pelvic Floor, and private sessions to restore harmony to body and soul.
  • Psychic Readings: Receive compassionate guidance through intuitive card readings, mediumship, and past life sessions.
  • Coaching: Access spiritual counseling, life coaching, and support through peri/menopause for holistic growth and well-being.
  • Pain & Detox Treatments: Relieve pain and cleanse with TDR Heat Lamp and Foot Detox therapies.
  • Events & Certification: Join wellness events and energy healing certification programs to learn, grow, and connect.
  • Retreats: Rejuvenate with thoughtfully crafted retreats for deep renewal, self-discovery, and sacred healing space.

 

Contact Us Today!

Rev. Denise Saracco-Zoppi
Owner and Founder of
Phone/Text: 862-268-3213

 

Fur-ever Friend Feature:

Adopt Me Today!

 

Here's Worley -  Your New Fur-ever Friend!

 

Adopt Worley Today
Hound • 1 year 4 months • Female
Spayed/Neutered • Vaccinated • Microchipped
Good with Dogs

 

Meet Worley, the sunshine‑sweet hound who’s ready to turn your life into an adventure. This beautiful girl made her way to us from an overcrowded shelter in North Carolina, and she hasn’t stopped smiling since she arrived.

 

Worley is just under 50 pounds of pure happy energy — playful, social, and always excited to meet new friends (human or canine). If there’s fun to be had, she’s in. If there’s another dog around, she’s ready to play. And if you know hounds, you already know her superpower: that adorable nose leading her on little sniff‑quests everywhere she goes.

 

She’s young, bright, and full of love, looking for a family who will enjoy her curiosity, her wiggles, and her joyful spirit.

 

If you’re searching for a sweet, goofy, lovable companion who will make every day feel a little more fun, Worley is waiting to meet you.

 

👉 Fill out an adoption questionnaire at www.fatherjohns.org/adopt
📅 Appointments required Wednesdays & Fridays
🚪 Walk-ins welcome all other days (appointments preferred)

 

50 Father John’s Lane
Lafayette, NJ 07848

info@fatherjohns.org

(973) 300-5909

Household Hint of the Week!

Cool cookies on a wire rack

Allow baked goods to cool on a rack for even cooling and to prevent sogginess.

Our Local Events:

Please help support our local events:

🎉 TODDLER TUESDAY SPARTA
🕐 Tue, Feb 10 at 1:15 PM
📍 1A Main Street, Sparta NJ 07871
Description: A fun day for toddlers with activities.

 

🎉 CROCHET GRANNY SQUARE TOTE
🕐 Tue, Feb 10 at 6:15 PM
📍 1A Main Street, Sparta NJ 07871
Description: A crafting class where you can create a tote bag.

 

🎉 INTRO TO STUDIO ART
🕐 Thu, Feb 12 at 5 PM
📍 1A Main Street, Sparta NJ 07871
Description: A weekly art class for beginners.

 

🎉 VALENTINE’S SOUND HEALING
🕐 Fri, Feb 13 at 6:30 PM
📍 15 Sparta Ave, Sparta, NJ, United States
Description: A soothing sound healing session for Valentine's Day.

 

🎉 Pink Cottage Company's 1st Birthday!
🕐 Sat, Feb 14 at 10 AM
📍 2 W Shore Trl, Sparta, NJ 07871-1826, United States
Description: Celebrating the anniversary of the Pink Cottage Company.

 

🎉 Cousins Maine Lobster at Sparta Dairy
🕐 Sat, Feb 14 at 12 PM
📍 28 Sparta Ave, Sparta Township, NJ 07871
Description: A food event featuring delicious lobster dishes.

 

🎉 VALENTINES DAY FAMILY PAINT DATE!
🕐 Sat, Feb 14 at 12 PM
📍 1A Main Street, Sparta NJ 07871
Description: A family painting event for Valentine's Day.

 

🎉 Paint your date
🕐 Sat, Feb 14 at 7 PM
📍 14 Winona Parkway, Sparta, NJ
Description: A creative event for couples.

🎉 NO SCHOOL PRESIDENTS DAY MINI CAMP
🕐 Mon, Feb 16 at 10 AM
📍 1A Main Street, Sparta NJ 07871
Description: A mini camp for kids during the school holiday.

 

🎉 Pen & Brush 2026: The Art of Independence
🕐 Fri, Feb 20 at 6:30 PM
📍 32 Lafayette Rd, Sparta, NJ, United States
Description: An art event focused on themes of independence.

 

🎉 Friday Night Line Dancing at the Elks
🕐 Fri, Feb 20 at 7 PM
📍 Sparta Elks #2356
Description: Join for a night of line dancing and fun.

 

🎉 PANACHE PEEL PARTY
🕐 Thu, Feb 26 at 11 AM
📍 14 North Village Blvd, Suite A, Sparta, NJ
Description: An event offering skincare treatments and fun.

 

🎉 Mahlon Winter Donut Trail Run – 5 & 10 Miler
🕐 Sun, Mar 1 at 9 AM
📍 Saffins Pond, Jefferson
Description: A winter trail run event along the donut trail.

 

🎉 SpartaMania: Live Pro Wrestling for Sparta Schools
🕐 Sun, Mar 1 at 2 PM
📍 Sparta High School
Description: A wrestling match to support local schools.

 

🎉 An Evening to Die For: Masquerade Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser
🕐 Fri, Mar 6 at 6 PM
📍 141 Woodport Rd, Sparta, NJ, United States
Description: Enjoy a themed dinner while solving a murder mystery.

 

🎉 Fund-Raising Dinner for those Impacted by the Barn Fire

🕐 Fri, Mar 20 at 6 PM
📍 85 Conestoga Trl, Sparta, NJ, United States
Description: A dinner to raise funds for affected individuals.

 

🎉 Sparta Special Olympics Spring 2026 Vendor & Craft Fair
🕐 Sat, Mar 21 at 10 AM
📍 Sparta High School
Description: A fair featuring local vendors and crafts.

Support Our Online Advertisers:

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Our Local Contacts:

Emergency Services

How To Contact Us:

Newsletter Advertisements and Sponsorships Available!

Contact Sparta Spotlight:

Newsdesk@SpartaSpotlight.com

Call or Text: (570) 856-8163

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Question: What is the name of the tunnel connecting New Jersey and New York City?

AnswerHolland Tunnel

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.

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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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