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September 2021 Sparta Bell Ringer Inside Michigan Apple Fest Market on the Ridge Sept 17 18 Freedom Cruise Invading Sparta with Motorcycles Classic Cars All to Honor Veterans First Responder s and Gold Star Families There is nothing as exciting about talking to someone who is so passionate about a cause that they gush with delight at the opportunity to discuss their mission Sparta TODAY had the opportunity to sit down with Tom Antor a Kent County Commissioner and passionate board member for the Freedom Cruise event Sparta TODAY Sparta is gearing up for the 8th Annual Freedom Cruise this year and there already seems to be a lot of enthusiasm for the event across the area can you elaborate on it Tom Antor For the first time in our seven year history this event will take place on 9 11 which not only places emphasis on our military veterans and Gold Star families but also honors fire and police as well Unfortunately we are at a place in our history when police departments are literally being de funded flags are being burned and the sovereignty that so many fought and died for is being thrown under the bus I know that collectively as a nation we are better than this but the craziness is getting all of the headlines which makes this event so important We must honor those who serve or have served especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice I would like to see this West Michigan event offset the bad news we are watching every night on the news or getting slammed with on social media We MUST let all those who protect us know that we have their backs and that we will never forget Sparta TODAY Obviously 9 11 was a very sad time in our nation s history and since this is the 20th An niversary are you expecting larger than normal crowds in and around Sparta Tom Antor It is interesting that you mention history because most of our High School graduates were not alive on that day and I m not sure that what occurred on September 11th 2001 is being taught in some school districts around the nation The second worst thing to happen to these Gold Star parents all of whom notified of the death of their child by a knock on the door is the fear that their son or daughter s death will be or has been forgotten I have had way too many heart wrenching conversations with these parents some of whom saying I can t believe my son died for this In my mind this is totally unacceptable and we must erase those thoughts from their What Patriot Game Honor Ceremony Portrait Presentation Thirty Mile Cruise Escort Where Sparta High School Sparta Algoma and Alpine Twps When September 10th and 11th Freedom Cruise Rain Date September 12th Information at www freedomcruisegr com 616 690 3121 Tom Antor minds I am adamant on this issue and I can t emphasize enough how critical it is to exercise OUR responsibility to NEVER FORGET and give these Gold Star parents a sense of peace I truly believe West Michigan and especially our district up here will rally around this event come out in full force with families friends neighbors and co workers to support these families while we ALL reflect on the sometimes agonizing cost of OUR freedom Sparta TODAY What exactly is this event going to look like for anyone that may have never heard of or participated in it before Tom Antor The event this year will actually kick off on Friday September 10th with the football game between Sparta and Comstock Park Both schools are working together and renaming it the Patriot Game which we hope will become an annual game that emphasizes pride and honor for our veterans and first responders who have served this country It will be the Game of The Week on local television with incredible surprises in store for everyone that attends This will be unlike any football game anyone in this area has ever seen and I can guarantee you both Sparta and Comstock Park High Schools are going to provide a life s worth of goose bumps before and after kickoff We are thrilled that both schools embrace this event and want to make this an unforgettable game part of a big patriotic weekend The following morning on Saturday 9 11 we will begin mustering flag draped See Freedom Cruise Page 5 IN THIS ISSUE Page 3 Page 7 Xxx Xxx Page 5 Page 18 Xxx Xxx Page 6 Page 20 Xxx Bell Ringer ECRWSS Postal Customer PRSRT STD U S POSTAGE PAID GRAND RAPIDS MI Permit 214

2 September 2021 SpartaToday RED HOT BUYS VALID AUGUST 1 31 155 E Division St Sparta MI 616 887 7381 Open M F 8am 7pm and Saturday 8am 5pm closed Sunday Buy online same day pick up

SpartaToday September 2021 3 ChoiceOne Bank Awards 13 Scholarships to Local High School Seniors ChoiceOne Bank s pleased to announce 13 scholarships have been awarded in the Annual ChoiceOne Scholarship Essay Contest designed to provide needs based scholarships for graduating seniors in the communities the Bank serves As the local community bank ChoiceOne encourages and rewards graduating seniors who are motivated to obtain a degree The ChoiceOne Scholarship awards a one time scholarship of 1 000 to each recipient for their first year of college ChoiceOne Bank has 34 locations serving West and Southeastern Michigan 13 winners were selected from 11 community high schools Families are the heart of our communities and we are committed to their wellbeing said ChoiceOne Bank President Michael J Burke Jr Our seniors are the next generation of leaders so it s important for them to realize the benefits of being raised and educated in a caring and supportive community We have been offering this contest for many years now and it s always an enlightening experience for all of us The ChoiceOne Bank Scholarship Essay Contest began in January and ended in March Students had to submit an application which included a 500 word or less essay about one of their community service experiences describing why they got involved who benefited and how they benefited Eligible candidates included high school seniors GED recipients in the current calendar year that had not begun college classes and home school students with documentation of high school equivalency and college eligibility Students had to be graduating seniors planning to attend an accredited twoyear or four year college in Michigan for the fall of 2021 The contest was open to local high schools within the Bank s 34 locations With over 180 submissions these are the 2021 winners Michelle Kober Sparta High School Bridget Hosmer Sparta High School Logan Petty Cedar Springs High School Morgan Wawee Coopersville High School Duc Ngan Chau Wyoming High School Ashlyn Henderson Montague High School Kyle Nelson North Branch High School Kaleb June North Branch High School Amelia Chavez Lapeer High School Ayden Kipper Capac High School Praewa Montross Saint Clair High School Brooke McIntyre Yale High School Natalie Nowak Imlay City High School In 2021 ChoiceOne Bank is proud to payout a total of 24 000 in scholarships This includes our 13 winners from this year as well as honoring 11 renewable scholarships from the former Lakestone Bank Trust These scholarships will be paid directly to the college by ChoiceOne Bank BLAKESLEE ROP PLC All pre arrangements paid in full are accepted here your family will receive a rebate when transfering to our funeral home AT T O R N E Y S AT L AW 616 785 3863 www BeuschelFuneralHome com 5018 Alpine Ave Comstock Park MI Family owned and where you are treated like family BLAKESLEE ROP PLC AT T O R N E Y S AT L AW Estate Planning Probate Business Law Real Estate Criminal Law 866 9593 240 NorthlaNd drive rockford www br law net

4 September 2021 SpartaToday Dinner Theater Returns to Sparta with Neil Simon s London Suite For a great night out the West Michigan Arts Council is bringing back its annual Dinner Theater event on Friday August 27th at the Sparta Civic Center The Hit n Run Players are producing Neil Simon s hilarious comedy London Suite directed by Kent Schuster This live show will be accompanied with a full dinner catered by Distinctive Catering and a cash bar proceeds benefit the arts council The show features two acts each act is two scenes resulting in four laugh out loud comedy suites set in a deluxe London hotel a sedate place until these characters check in Show style is reminiscent of Neil Simon s classic hits Plaza Suite and California Suite The play is intended for mature audiences guests should be over 14 please Tickets are available on the arts council Facebook page Facebook com westmichiganarts through EventBrite Just click on the EventBrite link to book your seats and pay for tickets Cost for dinner and the show is 35 or two tickets for 60 Space is limited to just 100 guests and there s only one show Get your tickets today and don t miss out The West Michigan Arts Council is a 501 c 3 nonprofit registered in Michigan with offices in the Sparta Chamber of Commerce building The West Michigan Arts Council provides support for local and regional performance and visual arts groups More information can be found on their website http www wmartsc org Arts Rockford dba West Michigan Arts Council is funded in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs the National Endowment for the Arts and regional re granting agency Lowell Arts Equipment Rentals Sales 81 N State St Sparta MI 616 383 1080 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 trail BoSS the next century of chevy trucks Starts Here 231 834 7368 DECORATO RS OLE C I E NC V DA 316 S Maple M 37 Grant COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL PAINTING WALLCOVERING Hotels Hospitals Schools Factories Churches Offices 325 Martindale St Sparta 616 887 9465 www dcd inc com Just 10 Money Saving Minutes From Grand Rapids We are proudly Celebrating our 75th year of business Your Hometown HeavY DutY truck Store 431 W Division Sparta you ll love the way we do business 616 887 1791 Corner of M 37 Sparta Ave www spartachevy com 616 887 8247 Servicing Both Large and Small Animals Office Calls Surgeries and Farm Visits www spartaanimalclinic vetstreet com M F 8 00am 6 00pm Sat 8 00am 1 00pm

SpartaToday Soccer Volunteers Welcome Sparta AYSO would like for you sign up to be a volunteer Anyone can become a volunteer Coaches and referees will have to do training beforehand Other volunteering opportunities are team parent and painter for the fields New Location for Head Start Head Start for Kent County is opening a new location in Sparta We will be located in the newly remodeled Early Childhood Center This location will house three three year old classrooms We understand that children learn through experience and strive to nurture the whole child in our preschool programming In addition to math reading science social studies and art skills our students develop skills in cooperation problem solving and personal responsibility Apply now at https hs4kc org apply 5 September 2021 Freedom Cruise Continued from page 1 Flags KCSD will be blocking over thirty intersections during this massive procession because our Gold Star Families absolutely deserve the best along with our promise to NEVER FORGET classic cars and motorcycles from across the State and beyond in the Sparta High School parking lot at 10 AM The Sparta Sports Boosters will be serving food along with a couple of the area s best food trucks ODR will be playing classic rock songs on our main stage in the parking lot which will also feature Veteran Service organizations from across the area for Veterans and their families At approximately 1 30 PM Bagpipers will march through the parking lot leading all attendee s including this year s Honor Recipients the family of Rick Herrema into the stadium along with many other Gold Star Families and dignitaries The Honor Ceremony will feature the unveiling of a specially commissioned original portrait of Rick Herrema presented by renowned artist Jim Tostrud of Kenosha Wisconsin This ceremony including some VERY SPECIAL surprises and incredibly emotional portrait reveal is a life changing event for all involved you do not want to miss it Sparta TODAY We are confident that Sparta will rise up for this and stand in the gap to make this vision a reality Immediately following the Ceremony inside the stadium the Gold Star families will be seated in special vehicles at the front of the escort procession with all other participants including bikes classic cars and emergency vehicles following them through Sparta Algoma and Alpine Townships All along the route residents business owners and church congregations will be standing along the roads waving American Tom Antor Thank you I absolutely share your optimism because we are at a crossroads in our nation s history and I believe those who cherish our way of life flag and Veterans need and want to get together to express our love and devotion to those who protect us and their families I truly believe Patriots will show up in droves because we are always better together and this event is our responsibility and promise to NEVER FORGET This will put Sparta on the map in a big way for all of the right reasons and I believe it will be a historic Freedom Cruise rain day will be Sunday Sept 12th If necessary Wine Competition Stoney Ridge Vineyards Winery is very excited to tell you about our entries into the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition We are so proud to have received a Silver Medal for our Chardonel A Bronze Medal for our Marquette and another Bronze Medal for our Marquette Rose We are so proud to put Kent City on the Internal Wine Competition map

6 September 2021 SpartaToday During Town and Country Days Did you come to Town and Country Days this year If so you would have been in for a surprise We painted Division Street The Town and Country Days crew got up extra early to make sure that it would be ready for the parade later that day Sadly that one has washed away but that was not the only one painted We have another just behind the Town Square that is permeant Come on down to get a picture of it Sparta home relocated The house located on the north side of the Sparta Fire Department will be moving down the road soon to a new location on State Street When Sparta born and raised Pete Wolters became aware of the plans for his family home to make room for the Sparta Fire Department Expansion Wolters created a plan to move the home and purchased a vacant lot on State Street and is moving the house on August 17 to the new site that was being prepped for new home development

SpartaToday 7 September 2021 Jim Dickey and Tom Christopher then ironically ended up here Now 53 years later in 2021 he certainly knows of Sparta because he splits his time between Sparta and Arizona Jim Dickey and Tom Christopher were two head football coaches who led Sparta teams for 21 years with 112 wins and seven league championships They coached from 1961 to 1981 Mr Dickey grew up in Miamisburg Ohio and graduated from there in 1954 after a stellar high school career in football and baseball He went to college at University of Michigan and graduated in 1959 majoring in physical education and minoring in social science and health science At Michigan he played four seasons of football where he started his senior year at center and played four years of baseball earning all conference catcher his senior year He was at Sparta for seven years teaching American History and physical education while his coaching duties Tom Christopher were head coach of both baseball and football for all seven years He had a 35 19 4 record in football and two league championships while he went 57 34 1 in baseball also with two league championships After leaving Sparta he was at Godwin for three years and finished up in the Port Huron district for 23 years He was honored by Jim Dickey being inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame He was married to his wife Rosetta who also taught at Sparta and together they had a daughter Cynthia and a son Mason Mr and Mr Dickey both passed away recently after having moved to Florida Mr Christopher grew up in Muskegon and said he had never heard of Sparta growing up and He graduated in 1957 from Muskegon Heights playing both football and baseball on some very good teams He went from high school to MSU on a baseball scholarship He played baseball for the freshmen at MSU but got married to his wife Nancy long time secretary in the administration office at Sparta and transferred to Western Michigan University He gave up athletics and helped raise three children Chris Linda and Scott who all graduated from Sparta After graduating from WMU he taught and coached at Ionia High for two years before going to West Branch High School as head coach for three more years Then in the fall of 1968 came to Sparta taking over for Jim Dickey and went on to coach for 14 years from 1968 1981 He took home five champions and ended up with a school record of 77 victories He retired from teaching social sciences in 1994 after 26 years at Sparta He also coached golf at Sparta for four years Each day he likes to walk a few miles at Algoma Park I remember them fondly as Mr Dickey was my football and baseball coach three years for each sport and Sparta won three championships between the two Mr Christopher came to Sparta after I graduated but I taught with him for nine years and share a great liking for the Boston Red Sox Our High Quality Program is free to pregnant women and families with children ages 0 5 Early Childhood Programs Pregnancy 3 Years Old There are many developmental changes that take place during these first three years of life We provide opportunities for exploration and play that is based on each child s interests and development Home Visiting Families meet with Home Visitors once a week for 90 minutes where the home environment is used to enhance the child s school readiness outcomes Families and home visitors work together to develop and achieve goals and find community resources to meet families needs Socializations and family engagement events are offered regularly to provide opportunities for families to build relationships with one another Infant Toddler Rooms Boy Scout Helps Out With your American Flag Sparta Boy Scout Troop 704 would love to replace your missing torn or tattered flag If you live in Sparta Village on August 16th or 23rd the troop will come to your house and raise a new 3x5 American made flag and conduct a small flag ceremony First come first serve due to having a certain amount to give Thank you to the donors that provided the money to buy the flags For more information and to register message PaulDarci Nanzer on Facebook Providing a safe nurturing environment is the top priority for our Infant Toddler classrooms Each child has a primary caregiver who partners with the family to best understand the child s cues and ensure their needs are met Learning takes place during every part of the day in these classes through individualized daily routines 3 Years Old 5 Years Old Preschool We understand that children learn through experience and strive to nurture the whole child in our preschool programming In addition to math reading science social studies and art skills our students develop skills in cooperation problem solving and personal responsibility Supporting you as your child s first best teacher Contact us for more information hs4kc org

8 Save the Date Sparta Notables Saturday Nov 6 at 2 pm Public welcome Free Hosted by the Sparta Township Historic Commission September 2021 SpartaToday 3rd Annual Five Week Archery League with Sparta Hunting and Fishing Club Any one can join in the Sparta s Hunting and Fishing Club Five Week Archery League Shoot up to five times and your top four scores are counted During August 15th to September 15th pay 10 for the cash prizes before the first round If you are a member you can go off the honor system with another shooter with you On Wednesdays September 22th at 5 pm the banquet and prizes will be happen ing then Any one can join it will cost club members 6 non members 9 and youth under 18 years of age will be 3 Go to Sparta Hunting and Fishing Club s Facebook page to learn more Happy Birthday Sparta Sparta is celebrating 175 years of existence this year and the community was able to celebrate by a huge ice cream social on Saturday of Town Country Days River Banks and Businesses On June 2 Miss Beuschel s third grade and Mrs Swihart s fifth grade Sparta classes rested under the shade of a tree where they had just planted 650 wildflowers on the bank of Nash Creek by Balyeat Field Earlier in class they talked about the way native plants stabilize the bank from erosion slow and clean storm water and restore habitat for native species They could actually see how their wildflowers will bring back wildlife An owner of one of the new stores in Sparta Center called out to the students from across the river Thank you for your work This is beautiful Students realized that restoring the river banks helps Sparta businesses also In 1905 Nash Creek ran north of town but the Drain Commission diverted it into a county ditch to drain the swampy area for development They removed native plants and trees then built banks out of rock and cement Mostly non native and invasive species quickly crept in Once native plants have been killed off they cannot come back unless people plant them Since 2014 Sparta Village and Township Sparta Schools and many non profit organizations and volunteers have collaborated to re introduce native river habitats Last winter community volunteers and Boy Scout Troop 407 cleared invasive shrubs from another 70 yard section of Nash Creek In May students were excited to finally be able to ride buses there thank you to the Sparta Community Foundation Gun Lake Casino Sparta Youth Advisory Michigan Arbor Day Alliance and the Downtown Development Authority provided the native trees shrubs and wildflowers that now cover the bank During mid August an Americorps NCCC team will help continue clearing the bank on the other side for planting this fall The Americorps Team will share their time between Howard Christensen Nature Center and Sparta School Village and the Sports Park through mid September Sparta is fortunate that over the years hundreds of students have been able to help plant banks of Nash Creek as it runs through Balyeat Field and Rogers Park However it has become more difficult for a small group of dedicated volunteers to keep up with weeding throughout the summer They meet on Thursdays between 9 00 and noon and Sue Blackall can be seen working out there most any time and day Please contact her if you can help for a few hours No experience is required and greatly needed sue blackall spartaschools org 616 460 24239 All summer long many many visitors come through a wide variety of businesses parks and the library and stand on the pedestrian bridge that overlooks Nash Creek It is mesmerizing to watch wildlife and water flowing Thousands of students have become stewards connected to this place in their own community They may decide that Sparta is the place they will live work and play

SpartaToday 9 September 2021 Holy Family Trees A New Forest at Holy Family Church Have you witnessed the new trees in town If you enter the north drive to Holy Family Church it will take you through the middle of 47 large native trees that fill the lots on both sides of the road an instant forest Last April 2021 parishioners ordered trees to plant in memory of a loved one In the way a caterpillar transforms into life as a butterfly the trees represent their lives transforming from life on Earth into Heaven Not just any tree was chosen These trees support the highest numbers of species of butterflies and moths Oak 534 species Cherry 456 species Birch 413 species Tulip Tree 368 Red Maple 285 species White Pine 203 species White Spruce 156 species Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy 2017 page 147 Woody Plants Ranked by Ability to Support Lepidoptera Species Holy Family received a grant from the Michigan Arbor Day Alliance to help reduce the cost of the beautiful 6 10 tall trees On May 18 Sparta s Department of Public Pictured Left to tight Nick Lewis Bill Pitsch Laurie Lewis by their Pitsch family tree Works placed trees for planting with a skid steer Then thirty four members had all the family trees planted within in three hours Since then members have donated a bench to enjoy the trees and a large tank to easily water them Now two large lawns at Holy Family that were once a green desert for wildlife have become important habitats and serve the watershed in Sparta Trees slow stormwater flooding and clean pollution Leaves use the pollution in the process of making food and releasing oxygen Trees living in a forest share nutrients and water with each other and are better protected from damaging winds and winter storms During the prayer service before planting Holy Family s pastor Monsignor Terry Stewert prayed May these trees dig deep roots and grow wide branches to bear witness to the abundant love of the Creator Assoc Broker Manager ABR CRS GRI SFR MIKE LAMB MIKE LAMB Assoc Broker Manager ABR CRS GRI SFR 616 498 5368 616 498 5368 Mike Lamb CBGreatLakes com Mike Lamb CBGreatLakes com www BuySellMikeLamb com www BuySellMikeLamb com 194 SOUTH STATE ST SPARTA MI 49345 194 SOUTH STATE ST SPARTA MI 49345 Braces We give you a reason to SMILE 275 S State St Sparta 616 887 4002 www BriedenMillerOrtho com

10 September 2021 SpartaToday Fall Story Time 2021 Sparta Carnegie Township Library 80 N Union Sparta MI 49345 Sept 29th 11am Oct 6th 11am Oct 13th 11am Oct 20th 11am Oct 27th 11am Melody Koopman is a National Champion in Archery National Champion in Archery Sparta Hunting and Fishing Club had some of our youth participate in the Shoreline S3DA Nationals Tournament Melody Koopman was one of those Spartans to go She won in the Eagle BH Compound in the Outdoor Target It is always joyful to see the youth today doing what they love and it is a bonus when they win at such a high level Story Time will be outside in Library Park east of the library building Toddlers through the age of 6 years old are invited to attend No sign up is needed Watch our Facebook page sparta library or our webpage sparta llcoop org for any weather or Covid changes to Story Time Dress for the cooler weather and bring something to sit on We are still adapting and changing to keep our library kids safe We appreciate everyone s adaptability If you have any questions please email me at spans llcoop org or call me at 616 887 9937 Miss Nicole Youth Librarian Sparta Twp Library Thank you from Howard Christensen Nature Center Howard Christensen Nature Center would like everyone to give a big thank you to AmeriCorps and Great Lakes Energy for all of the help that they provided to them AmeriCorps has helped out by improving the Rogue River Watershed and improve nature trails Howard Christensen Nature Center received a 1350 Grant from the Great Lakes Energy People Fund to update the lighting at the Interpretive Center Welcome Center and between where the two trails meet Members of Great Lakes Energy support the People Fund by voluntarily rounding up their bills to the next highest dollar The rounded up amount is distributed to nonprofit organizations and charitable activities that benefit people in the communities served by the cooperative Contact Great lakes Energy at 1 888 485 2537 or visit gtlakes com for details Do not forget all of the events that are going on in the fall of September will be the Fairy Festival October Pumpkin Craving and Spooky Walk and November Pie Making All of the events specific dates and times are TBA 88 East Division Street Sparta MI 49345 866 887 1761

SpartaToday 11 September 2021 Equipment Rental Call PatriCk Equipment Available By The Half Day Full Day s Week s and Longer Air Compressors Ariel lifts Bulldozer eArtH moViNG eQuipmeNt sKid steers trACtors miNi eXCAVAtors WHeel loAders teleHANdlers 19 36 ANd 44 sCissor lifts trAilers misCellANeous 3 4 treNCHers 6 treNCH BACKHoes Call 1 877 675 5368 1550 10 MILE ROAD SPARTA MI 49345 Fax 616 675 7105 www kentequipment com 3 PT TRACTOR ATTACHMENTS SALES OF NEW USED EQUIPMENT FINANCING AVAILABLE WE DELIVER

12 September 2021 SpartaToday Volunteer Spotlight Jere Sorger When the call for volunteers went out many people stepped up to make great things happen in Sparta this year One of our Volunteers that Sparta TODAY would like to spotlight is Jere Sorger Jere took on the lead role of the Concerts in the Park which mean everything from booking some amazing bands helping set up and tear down and everything in between Let s give a big round of applause for the amazing Concert Season thanks to the leadership of Jere www serenitywellnesschiro com Helping you reach your health care goals Visit and follow us on Facebook for exclusive offers health tips and more Spinal Adjustments Extremity Adjustments Cold Laser Traction Decompression Medical Massage Deep Tissue Relaxation Massage Hot or Cold Stone Massage Prenatal Massage Dr LynnMarie S Leyder Doctor of Chiropractic info serenitywellnesschiro com 542 S State St Sparta MI 49345 phone 616 887 2178 Kickball Sparta Rotary Adult Kickball League kicked off this summer hosting 16 teams over two sessions Plans are underway to include the Sparta Rotary Adult Kickball League into summer of 2022 Email SpartaRotaryFun gmail com to get on the waiting list for next year All proceeds raised through registration fees are invested into the Sports Park and for Rotary capital improvement projects in the Sparta area What a great kick off season we can t wait for next year

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14 September 2021 Running With Scissors We went Running with Scissors again in June to celebrate even more new business and milestones in Sparta Our board directors and the employees at the company had fun catching up or making new friends It roughly took us an hour and a half to get to know everyone and get a tour of each business A B Mechanical on the corner of State Street and 12 Mile Road has been serving all of your commercial and residential HVAC Plumbing and Electrical needs for 17 years Recently Ryan Bos joined the A B team as a licensed Service Manager With 19 years of HVAC experience Ryan and his service team are available to help with your A C furnace water heater and more today A B offers service work replacement of existing systems as well as new construction installations Congrats to A B on your continued success and welcome to Ryan Bos You may call or text Ryan 616 286 4394 Equipment Controls Company is located in the strip mall next to T Mobile ECCO is one of the largest distributors of natural gas measurements products gas control products and data acquisition products and services in North America Now we have a sales office here in our small town SpartaToday Wild Wild West Tobacco has 50 locations and counting one just happened to show up in our town The smoke shop is located next to Domino s in the strip mall They are serving up cigars tobacco and smoke shop accessories Ridgetown Investments expanded to a new location Come on down to get specialized retirement and estate plans Go to their Facebook page or website to see the recent events are going on and visit them New located is west of McDonald s Sparta Tire Automotive TIRES SERVICE MORE Tires Tires Wheels Brakes Alignments Shocks Struts Wheels Brakes Import Factory Maintenance Tune Ups More Alignments Shocks Struts Complete Automotive Repair Import Factory Maintenance 440 S State St Sparta 616 887 1748 spartatire com Tune Ups More Eighty Eight Air is located in the strip mall behind McDonald s They can clean your air ducts from residential commercial and industrials Call them to make your allergies become less of a problem Complete Automotive Repair 444 S State St Sparta 616 887 1748 spartatire com Envision Nutrition in need of healthy shakes energizing teas protein coffee or just positive vibes they have it all Envision Nutrition is based next to Little Caesars This little shop will be a great place to hang out with your friends after school or in general

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16 September 2021 SpartaToday Thank You Sparta area For a great 1st halF oF 2021 tOp 20 FiveStar agent The Don Scott Team Don Scott Mindy Momber Rileigh Scott www donscott website SOLD SOLD we know insurance can be complicated luckily we re experts simple human sense Shelly Crissey Jeff Bradford Karla Kurnat Kim Reimer Joel Greene 616 887 8881 ottawakent com OFFICE 616 791 1500 2021 Sales Count Conklin MI 616 293 9927 AGENCY NAME GOES HERE 42 Worthy are you our Lord and God to receive glory and honor Rev 4 11 Shelli Hall

SpartaToday September 2021 Sparta Baptist Church Hygiene Pantry Sparta Baptist Church Hygiene Pantry is open twice a month On the first Tuesday from 6 30 7 30 pm and the third Tuesday from 12 1 pm of every month is when the Hygiene Pantry is open To get on the list talk to North Kent Connect your mobile home park manager if you live in Sparta or Pastor Ben at Sparta Baptist Church Call Sparta Baptist Church at 616 887 8813 business hours are 9 am 12 pm Monday through Friday For more information go to Sparta Baptist website at spartabaptist org 17

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SpartaToday September 2021 FRIDAY SEPT 17 2 7 PM MARKET ON THE RIDGE WITH 100 ARTISAN BOOTHS IN BALYEAT FIELD 182 OLMSTEAD SPARTA FOOD TRUCKS FARM MARKET VENDORS 2 7 PM COCKTAILS TO GO DELIVERED ON SITE INCLUDE HARD APPLE CIDERS APPLE SPECIALTY COCKTAILS MORE APPLE BOX TRACTOR RIDES FOR KIDS 5 7 PM BOUNCE HOUSES 5 7 PM KIDS CRAFTS GAMES WITH PRIZES 5 7 PM APPLE SLING SHOT CONTEST 6 PM THE BRONK BROS ON STAGE 6 9 PM SATURDAY SEPT 18 10 4 PM MARKET ON THE RIDGE 100 ARTISAN BOOTHS LIVE MUSIC DURING THE DAY FOOD TRUCKS FARM MARKET VENDORS PETTING ZOO 10 3 PM APPLE BOX RIDES FOR KIDS 10 NOON 1 3 PM KIDDIE TRACTOR PULL CONTEST 10 AM KIDS CRAFTS GAMES WITH PRIZES 10 3 PM APPLE SLING SHOT CONTEST 11 30 AM HORSE DRAWN WAGON RIDGES NOON 4 PM APPLE PIE BAKING CONTEST AT 12 PM APPLE PEELING CONTEST 1 PM APPLE PIE EATING CONTEST 2 PM COCKTAILS TO GO DELIVERED ON SITE INCLUDE HARD APPLE CIDERS APPLE SPECIALTY COCKTAILS MORE THROUGHOUT THE DAY HAYBALE ART DECOR CONTEST VOTING APPLE CIDER TASTING APPLE TASTING MORE DOWNTOWN SPARTA 201 E Division Sparta MI www michiganapplefest com 19

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SpartaToday 21 September 2021 Sparta Area Schools BELL RINGER Home of the Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School September 2021 www spartaschools org Back to School 2021 22 A Return to Normalcy I hope that everyone has been able to enjoy your summer and have some quality time with your family We are now only a couple weeks away from the start of the 2021 22 school year so I wanted to share the information below with you on our plans for our return to school this fall After navigating a very challenging and ever changing school year in 2020 21 we are hopeful things will be much more normal when our students return to school on August 24th Currently there are not any orders from MDHHS or the Kent County Health Department that require us to implement any COVID mitigation strategies this fall but there are several recommendations to keep our staff and students safe Below is a summary of how we are currently planning to begin the 2021 22 school year based on these recommendations Facial coverings masks will be optional for staff and students While it is recommended by the CDC and MDHHS that unvaccinated staff and students continue to wear a mask while in school the decision will be left to families to decide what is best for their child ren Current federal regulations require a mask on public transportation including school buses COVID vaccinations will continue to be a personal choice No staff or student will be required to receive a COVID vaccination to attend school We will continue to share information on any local vaccination clinics should they become available for those that may be interested All other school required vaccines remain mandatory unless there is a signed waiver on file from the health department Daily health screenings will not be required but we strongly encourage all families to screen their children for symptoms of illness each morning before sending them to school Any child who does not feel well in school or that displays symptoms of illness will be isolated in the office until a parent can come to pick them up and will not be allowed to return to school until they are symptom free We will not require any students attending school participating in athletics or any other extracurricular activities to test for COVID on a weekly or regular basis but do hope to be able to offer testing to any family that would like their symptomatic child to be tested We will provide more specifics on any available testing once we have more information We will continue to report any positive or probable cases of COVID to the Kent County Health Department as required The health department will be responsible for any quarantines and our district will assist with SAS Elementary Summer Learning Programming Our Elementary Summer Learning Program has been well attended We have had over 500 students participate in our offerings from Day Camp at Camp Scottie to Core Content instruction in reading writing and math and also opportunities to enjoy learning in Nature Art Music and Physical Education courses Students have been engaged in learning activities but also enjoying the creativity and innovation that our staff has provided any required contact tracing While it is our hope to limit any isolation or quarantine requirements we will follow all mandates from the health department to limit the spread of the virus in this area We will continue with many of our upgraded cleaning protocols hand washing and sanitizing stations and improved air flow strategies to keep our buildings staff and students as safe as possible We will encourage our staff to utilize our outdoor learning environments and opportunities as long as the weather cooperates We will continue to provide free school breakfast and lunch for all students during the 2021 22 school year K 5 students will eat breakfast in their classrooms and lunch in the cafeteria MS HS students can grab their breakfast and take it with them to their first block class and lunches will return to the cafeteria as long as any spread of the virus remains under control Our Board of Education has waived athletic participation fees for the 2021 22 school year for all middle and high school students We would like to encourage students to participate in athletics as much as possible This will be a great year to get involved We will continue to offer a fully virtual option for our students families that request it The deadline to request this option for the start of the school year has passed but please contact your building principal at any time should your desire to pursue a virtual option exist and we can provide you with the best options at that time Please continue to share your questions or concerns with our school board members and our district leadership team throughout the school year We will remain nimble in our approach to limiting the spread of COVID while in school and will make any necessary adjustments should they be needed Our Board of Education is committed to keeping our staff and students safe while also providing flexibility for parents to decide what is best for their child ren The school calendar and start times for each building for the 2021 22 school year are included in this edition of the Bellringer as well as open house times on August 19 We hope to see all our students and parents at open house that night to get your child s school year off to a great start Thank you for your patience and support as we prepare for another school year We are really looking forward to our kids returning to school and experiencing a much more normal environment in 2021 22 With Spartan Pride Pete Bush Superintendent

22 September 2021 SpartaToday BELL RINGER Sparta Middle School August 2021 Bellringer Information Make sure you are following Sparta Middle School on Facebook for all the latest information updates We are looking forward to seeing all our students back soon Please make sure you are following us on our SMS Facebook page at https www facebook com SpartaMiddleSchool Help us welcome our new teachers to Sparta Middle School Graduate of Grand Valley State University SMS Back to School Open House Information Thursday August 19th from 4 00pm 7 00pm All 6th 7th and 8th grade students and families are welcome Student Pictures Wednesday September 1st Geskus photography will be at SMS to take students pictures for the yearbook You will receive picture forms in advance 2021 2022 SMS Daily Student Class Schedule This is an alternating block schedule Students will attend their 1st 3rd and 5th block classes on BLUE days and their 2nd 4th and 6th block classes on WHITE days Students will attend their classes every other day with the exception of Essentials 4 Success which students will have every day Students Enter Building 7 35 1st Block 2nd Block 7 45 9 30 3rd Block 4th Block 9 35 11 15 5th Block 6th Block 11 20 1 35 Lunches Time in between lunches allows for cleaning and disinfecting Students will be eating in the cafeteria 11 20 11 50 12 00 12 30 12 40 1 10 Bob Alonzo Choir Graduate of Central Michigan University Recently completed her student teaching at Mt Pleasant High School a long term sub Brooke Barringer position at Tawas Math Middle School Graduate of Michigan State University Essentials 4 Success E4S This is a time for students 1 40 2 15 Maddie Ribant Physical Education Health to receive additional support and or work on their Graduate of Central Michigan University assignments from any of their classes Since 2017 has taught Physical Education at Mt Pleasant Middle School Has spent the past four years teaching at Troy Athens High School SMS Recommended Supply Lists Content Area Recommended Supplies English Language Arts A binder with pockets used only for this class or a folder with pockets and fasteners for paper A notebook for writing used only for this class Pencils and pens with blue or black ink Headphones or earbuds to use with audio text Mathematics 3 Ring Binder 2 Spiral Bound Notebooks Pencils Colored Pencils Highlighters Headphones Earbuds for school only Science Your student s Science teacher will provide a list of needed materials during the first days of school Art Pencils Colored Pencils Markers Band Choir Kimberly Mitchell Resource Room A 1 5 inch binder Divider tabs optional Spiral notebook or loose leaf lined paper Pencils Erasers cap erasers preferred Jumbo stretch book cover A highlighter Social Studies Comes to us from his current position at Baldwin Middle High School Graduate of Central Michigan University Since 2017 has taught Physical Education at Mt Pleasant Middle School Maddie Ribant Physical Education Health Pencils 1 inch 3 ring binder with pockets Instrument Please note it is not a requirement that your son daughter arrive with these materials on the first day of school However if you are able to provide them with these items it would be greatly appreciated

SpartaToday 23 September 2021 BELL RINGER Sparta High School Back to School Open House Information Thursday August 19th from 4 00pm 7 00pm All 9th 12th grade students and families are welcome Pick up your chromebooks Get your school and ID pictures taken Meet your teachers Find your classrooms Freshman Orientation for all incoming freshmen and their parents Thursday August 19th at 6 pm in the High School Auditorium A virtual option will be available for any families unable to attend Please call the high school office if you need access to the virtual edition Appleview Elementary School Supply List 2021 2022 3rd Grade sticks 77 oz 24 wooden pencils 2 pencils 6 Elmer s washable glue sticks 21 oz 1 box 1 2 pack highlighters multi colored Crayola crayons 16 or 24 pack 1 box Washable Markers 1 pair scissors 5 pointed tip 3 spiral notebooks 24 wooden pencils 2 Ticonderoga or Dixon 1 highlighter 4 folders 2 pocket blue red green and yellow 2 folders 2 pocket plastic any color 1 1 three ring binder 4 2 pocket folders 4 different colors 2 spiral bound notebooks 2 composition notebooks 24 2 pencils 24 pencil top erasers Markers 1 Pair of Scissors Colored pencils 1 box of colored pencils 12 pack 1 box of crayons or colored pencils 24 pencil cap erasers 2 Expo Markers 1 individual pencil sharpener with pencil shaving container attached 1 Zippered pencil pouch 3 hole 10 x6 Earbuds SHS 2021 2022 Daily Schedule for Students 3 Expo Thin Fine Tip Dry Erase Markers No Trapper Keepers please Optional Earbuds Optional Tissues Wired Wireless Mouse Clorox Wipes School starts at 7 55 am Doors will open at 7 45 am Breakfast will be served beginning at 7 45 Students can take their breakfast to their first period classes Students will end each day with focus time to work on areas of interest or to get extra support to complete assignments Tissues Hand Sanitizer Clorox Wipes 4th Grade 2 Elmer s washable glue 2 highlighters different colors Mouse 1 pair scissors 2 Expo Low Odor Dry Erase Markers 2 glue sticks Earbuds 5th grade OPTIONAL 1 1 1 2 three ring binder any color Baby Wipes Tissues W Zd Z KK dh Ed W Z Ed E Z New Staff at SHS This year we are welcoming several new teachers to Sparta High School We are excited for your students to get to know our new staff members Please join us in welcoming Bob Alonzo Choir Director Todd Hendricks math Elinore DeBrule English Chad Wagner English and Computers Coming to us from Sparta Middle School we are happy to welcome Nick Arrends Social Studies Erin Ondrusek Math teacher In addition Sparta High School staff will be joined this year by Brandon Hassevoort who will be serving as our Community School Coordinator SHS Recommended Supply Lists Please note it is not a requirement that your son daughter arrive with these materials on the first day of school However your student will benefit by having them easily accessible Headphones or earbuds to use with audio text in ELA and Spanish classes A TI 83 or TI 84 graphing calculator to use in all math classes 9 12 Highlighters assorted colors Post It Notes assorted sizes 3 x 3 are most popular Mechanical pencils or pencils and a manual sharpener Blue and black ink pens Organizational note taking supplies folders paper notebooks E E K d E K

24 September 2021 SpartaToday BELL RINGER Summer Camp Over 240 young Spartans signed up for K 5 camps at Appleview this summer and the kids had a blast Camp opportunities varied from gym art music and nature camp to math and reading camp We were also able to send around 140 kids to Camp Scottie in Newaygo for a week of day camp Like Us on Facebook Ridgeview 2021 2022 Supply Lists Developmental Kindergarten 2 boxes of tissue 2 pkgs of baby wipes 2 pkg of Crayola Washable Markers 4 pkgs of Crayons 6 Elmer s large size 0 77oz glue sticks Optional Items playdough box of band aids gallon size bags sandwich bags new or used coloring books Kindergarten First Grade Second Grade 12 Elmer s washable glue sticks large size only 77 oz The small sticks dry out quickly and break o easily 2 boxes of Crayola crayons 24 pack 1 box 2 HB Dixon Ticonderoga soft lead pencils 1 pack of washable Crayola markers 1 box of Crayola colored pencils Expo dry erase markers 8 pack or 2 4 pack 2 boxes of tissues Pencil box 1 paper towel 1 container of Clorox disinfectant wipes 1 pkg ziplock baggies gallon size 1 pkg ziplock baggies sandwich size 3 boxes of Crayola crayons 24 pack no larger or smaller amounts 2 boxes 2 HB Dixon Ticonderoga soft lead pencils 2 packages pencil cap erasers Pencil Box 1 pair Fiskars scissors 5 pointed tip 2 boxes of Crayola Washable markers 8 pack classic colors wide tip 4 plain no pictures plastic pocket folders 12 Elmer s washable glue sticks large size only 77 oz The small sticks dry out quickly and break off easily 1 box Expo dry erase markers 2 containers of Clorox wipes 1 Roll of Paper Towel 1 box Ziploc bags variety of sizes Tissues Hand Sanitizer 8 oz 2 boxes of Ticonderoga soft pencils only pre sharpened preferred 1 package of pencil erasers pink 3 Elmer s washable glue sticks 1 box of Crayola crayons 24 count or more 1 box of colored pencils 2 expo black markers 1 pencil box 1 pair of scissors 1 spiral notebook wide ruled 70 pages Pocket folders 1 red 1 yellow 1 green 1 blue No prongs please 1 container of Clorox wipes 2 boxes of tissues 1 roll of paper towel Gallon size and quart or sandwich size ziplock bags 1 box of a classroom snack Optional Items paper plates band aids package of napkins 1 ream of multipurpose white copy paper Early Childhood Special Education ECSE 2021 22 Calendar New Location Sparta Early Childhood Center Monday Thursday A M Section 8 35 11 50 P M Section 12 35 3 50 First Day of School August 24 2021 Labor Day No School September 6 2021 No School November 15 2021 Thanksgiving Break November 24 25 2021 Holiday Break December 20 31 2021 Mid Winter Break February 21 22 2022 No School March 31 2022 Spring Break April 1 8 2022 Memorial Day No School May 30 2022 Last Day of School both A M P M June 7 2022 Please note June 7 will be the last day of the school year and both sections will attend regular assigned schedule this differs from other building schedules Did you know that we also post regularly on Facebook The following links are operated by Sparta Area Schools and provide factual up to date information Sparta Area Schools District Facebook https www facebook com SpartaAreaSchools Sparta High School s Facebook https www facebook com spartaschools org Sparta Middle School s Facebook https www facebook com SpartaMiddleSchool Appleview Elementary s Facebook https www facebook com AppleviewElementarySchool Ridgeview Elementary s Facebook https www facebook com RidgeviewElementarySchool Sparta Early Childhood Center s Facebook https www facebook com Sparta Early Childhood Center 730568437636326 For more information regarding Sparta Area Schools and our programs please visit our website at spartaschools org Welcome Back The first few weeks of a new school year can be an exciting and anxious time for your student s Here are some tips to help you and your student s start the new school year strong Make Attendance a Priority Talk to your student s about the importance of showing up every day on time and ready to learn Check with the school about your student s attendance Encourage your student s to maintain daily routines such as finishing their homework before dinner and getting to bed on time Create an attendance plan with your student s Helping your Student s Stay Engaged Ask your student how they are feeling at school and encourage them to talk with trusted school staff if issues arise Stay on top of your student s social contacts Peer pressure can lead to increases in skipping school Communicate with the School If you have any concerns about your student s learning or if you have barriers getting your student s to school on time please let the school know we would LOVE to work with you and your family Communicate with your student s teachers and let them know the best way they can get in contact with you Ask your school about their policies and procedures Brandon Hassevoort Sparta High School Community School Coordinator Welcome back Spartans If you or your student s have any questions please feel free to reach out Phone 616 887 8213 ext 1006 Email brandon hassevoort spartaschools org