Community Corner

🌱 Why are Sparta residents so upset over permits and veterans’ tax refunds?

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Hello Sparta! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why are Sparta residents so upset over permits and veterans’ tax refunds?
  • Which Sparta High School students were honored for November excellence and kindness?
  • How Sparta detectives unraveled a $550K fraud targeting a local senior

Also on today's calendar: New Year's Eve Celebration and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Spartafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Sparta? Post it to Sparta photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Spartafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Cold with clouds and sun, with a high of 30 and low of 22 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Mostly cloudy and breezy, temps: high: 43, low: 20.
  • Thursday: Some sun, then clouds, with a high of 46 and low of 40 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Sparta residents press council on billing, permit delays, veterans tax ordinance (spartaindependent.com subscription) — Sparta residents recently pressed the township council about a disputed $19,000 Trails Committee bill, long zoning and building permit delays, and a proposed ordinance changing disabled veterans’ property tax refunds. Speakers warned that slow approvals are driving business away and leaving commercial spaces vacant. Many also urged the council to withdraw and revise the veterans tax measure.
   

2. Sparta High School Announces the November 2025 Students of the Month and Kindness Award Winners (tapinto.net) — Sparta High School is celebrating its November 2025 Students of the Month and Kindness Award recipients, highlighting standout achievements across academics, arts, and activities. Teachers praise students for leadership, hard work, and positivity, from advanced sculpture and AP Economics to music ensembles and English language learning. The school also honored three students for notable acts of kindness.
   

3. Attorney and Two Others Charged in $550K Fraud Targeting Sparta Township Victim (tapinto.net) — Sparta police say an investigation that began in July led to charges against an attorney and two others in an alleged $550,000 fraud scheme targeting a Sparta Township senior. Detectives report the victim sought help with a real estate transaction, after which his bank account was allegedly accessed without permission, and the suspects now face extradition and court proceedings.
   

4. Boys swimming: Can't-miss meets of the week, Dec. 15-20 (nj.com subscription) — Sparta High’s boys swim team faces Kittatinny in a pivotal NJAC Freedom Division showdown this week, likely deciding the division title just as it did last year. Coming off a dominant win over Pope John, Sparta leans on standout Daniel Westervelt as it chases key power points and an early edge in the state tournament race.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Team Member in Franklin. Apply here.
  • New Jersey Staffing posted a job opening for Substitutes Custodians/Maintenance Staff in Newton. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Sparta here.

Ok Sparta! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
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