1949

With Harry S. Truman as President of the United States, the Sparta division of the Muskegon Piston Ring Company is looking to donate $25,000 to the Sparta Community Foundation for the purpose of building a community building.  Building Committee chairperson, C. Laurence Johnson is working with Glenn Bradford, Roger Williams, John Feichtenbiner, Paul McFall, and Wm. A. Rogers on obtaining proposals for the new building.  The Building Committing will have a lot to consider to add to the building including large dining room, stage, foyer, and kitchen.  Sparta Rotary Club will be spearheading the fundraising efforts with the cooperation from other local clubs. 

Plans are being discussed that include the building costing approximately $75,000.  However after research of other community buildings and years of discussions, the decision is found that a building that expensive will not be practical. 

1955

The committee continues to consult with various architects and contractors, and in 1955, submits a plan costing between $30,000 and $35,000.  The committee members include Guy Curtis, Mrs. Joe Brooks, Mrs. Walter Ebers, Floyd Buege, and Robert Lee.  Private funds will most likely be raised from local businesses such as Extensole and private contributors.  If funds can be raised, construction may begin as early as the fall of 1955 by Gust Construction. 

Question have come up for the community for the policy and regulation of using the community building.  What will be the rental fee? Is the primary question on everyone’s mind.  Nominal charges will be expected to cover the cost of heat, light, and other expenses.  The maintenance and upkeep will be provided by rentals and the community foundation funds. 

Building will most likely be used by community groups such as the Ladies Literacy Club, Garden Club, Rotary Club, Senior Neighbors, Senior Meals Programs, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies, Girls Scouts, as well as benefit dances, receptions, and family reunions. 

Last weeks edition of the Sentinel Leader, the February 22, 1956 edition, mentioned the fund drive has gone “over the top”.  Work on the building is well along.  They are planning an open house on Tuesday, May 15^th and are expecting a crowd of over 300 community members.  Comments that people have made who have had a chance to see the building include, “The Terrazzo floor is beautiful and the room is attractively decorated.”  Finally, the new Civic Center is ready for use.

1965

The building is coming in handy for the kindergartners this year, according to the Sentinel leader edition printed on 10/13/1965.  Due to the overcrowding of kids at Central Elementary, Kindergarten classes will begin meeting at the Sparta Civic Center.

1984

An addition to the Sparta Civic Center on the West side of the building is proposed for the Sparta Cooperative Pre-School.  Financing for the addition may be donated by the Sparta American Post 107 in exchange for lifetime lease of meeting rooms on the north side.

2007

Plans are underway to utilize Community Block Grant Money to add new handicap accessible restroom facilities to the Sparta Civic Center.  Funding for the building is sought solely on donations, rentals, and grant money as the Sparta Community Foundation was no longer allowed to own property once it joined with the Grand Rapids Foundation. 

Today

The Sparta Civic Center runs with the dedication of volunteer board members including Gary Moody, Deb Simons, Terry Hartman, Jane Bosserd, Greta Heugel, Rachel Shangle, and George Brown.  With all the renovations over the past few years including the bathroom addition, renovated kitchen and new equipment, window replacement and facade improvements, the Sparta Civic Center is looking better than ever! 

Unfortunately Community Block Grant Money is no longer available to the Civic Center either.  Current and future construction and maintenance projects must all be funded by community donations and rental fees.  The Civic Center is striving to keep rentals at their low price to cover the cost of utilities and maintenance for the building -$125 for week days, and $400 for a weekend day.  Currently, however, this community Civic Center that was built by our community forefathers is in need of donations to stay open to the community groups that currently utilize the building such as the Sparta Little League, Faith’s Walk, Sparta Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Sparta Town & Country Days, and Lions Club to name a few.  Donations this year would cover the maintenance and repair of the parking lot, heating repairs, and roof repairs.  If you are interested in sending in a donation to the non-profit organization, the Sparta Civic Center to keep our community building available to community groups, please send donations to the Sparta Civic Center PO Box 403 Sparta, MI 49345.  Thank you for keeping our community building alive! 

The building is currently managed and cleaned by volunteers in the community, Terry & Diane Hartman.  If you are interested in renting the building please contact Terry or Diane Hartman at (616) 887-1224.  Support our community building by hosting a meeting, reunion, or shower at the hall!

The Sparta Chamber offers local businesses the opportunity to promote their business in the NEW Sparta TODAY Newspaper.  Find out how to advertise in the Sparta TODAY

To view the Sparta E-Today Newspaper, click below:

June/July/Aug Sparta E-TODAY Newspaper

Archived:

April/ May 2010 Sparta E-TODAY Newspaper

February 2010 Sparta E-TODAY Newspaper

Please contact the Sparta Chamber with any questions or comments regarding the editions.  If you would like to submit an article or photo for the next edition, contact us here.

2010 Monthly Editions      Ad Sales Deadline/ Article Deadline by:

 February Edition (Expo)                                              January 13, 2010

 March/ April Edition (Spring)                                  March 3, 2010

 May/ June (Pink Dress Run )                                        April 14, 2010

 July / August  (Town & Country Days)                   June 16, 2010

 September / October (Harvest on the Ridge)      August 18, 2010

 November/ December (Xmas Edition)                October 27, 2010

 Have a great story idea?  Have a business celebration: anniversary, re-grand opening, or special event?  Write an article and submit with a color photo to Elizabeth Gorski-Morse at ddadirector@spartami.org!  We are always searching for positive local stories to spread to our community.

Chamber Members receive an additional 10% off all ads! 

To advertise call Holly at 866-8300 or email at hbennett@staffordgroup.com.

 Thank you to our loyal supporters of the Sparta TODAY to date.  These advertisers have continued to make this local newspaper a success!

Film courtesy of Positivelymichigan.net. 

Police Officers  distributed the gifts to deserving kids in the Sparta Area.  Donations were accepted at: Sparta Village Hall, Mombers Pharmacy, Tesa Tape, Independent Bank, and ChoiceOne Bank. 

Santa Cop Informational Flier

Posted 10/27/09

The Sparta Police Department is working to identify families in need in the Sparta and surrounding areas.  The department is looking to reach out to the community by finding children that have had a major misfortune or hardship this year such as a parent losing a job or the loss of a parent.  “We want to make the holiday special for some children in our community.  A little boy or girl that may need a little joy and hope this time of year,” says Sparta Police Officer and Santa Cops organizer Rick Rafferty.  “This program is pretty unique for this area.  Many departments do their part to take kids shopping, but not many programs actually have officers pull up in a cruiser and drop off presents at their door.”  Sparta Police Officers will deliver toys, clothes, and gift cards to local Sparta area families.  The Sparta Police Department is calling out for donations for the program to be a success.  “This community is amazing,” says Rafferty, “pulling together to help each other.”  Donations of new and unwrapped clothes, toys, gift cards, and books can be dropped off at several locations throughout Sparta, including the Sparta Village Hall, Independent Bank, Mombers Pharmacy, ChoiceOne Bank, and other locations from Nov. 1 through Dec. 5.  “This program will directly benefit families in our community,” Rafferty adds.  “When you have the ability to give a child basic necessities like socks and mittens, or a winter coat, and their face lights up, it is worth all the work.”

Harvest on the Ridge Apple Festival: September 25 & 26, 2009

Sparta’s new Apple Festival, called Harvest on the Ridge is scheduled for the last weekend in September and organizers say there are more than just a few things for your family to enjoy. Friday, September 25th includes Kids Harvest Bouncers (large blow up play equipment), Michigan beer and Michigan wine tasting tent, Live Music entertainment, and more. On Saturday, the Sizzlin’ BBQ Contest held in downtown Sparta will be an attraction for locals and visitors alike to experience the sights and delicious smells of a semi-professional BBQ Contest! The Sparta Sizzlin’ BBQ Contest is a Michigan State Championship Site and Kansas City BBQ Society event.

The winner will be qualified to be invited to the Jack Daniels Invitational and The American Royal BBQ Contest. Everyone can try some of the professionally made BBQ’s as sandwiches and other BBQ food will be available for purchase. In addition to this mouth watering event, downtown Sparta will be the host of the Art in the Park Show, to purchase the handmade works of local artists. The Art Show is a place where one can sell their creative works or purchase a new piece of art in Rogers Park.

Live music will kick off Friday night and follow through starting on Saturday morning at 11 am with the Guinness Brothers Band featuring classic and popular rock-n-roll, oldies, and favorites. Special guest appearances will also be performing throughout the day.

An “Official” Apple Pie contest will also be underway in Balyeat Field. Registration details and rules for the Apple Pie competition can be found at www.spartachamber.com. Another new contest as part of the festival includes the Sparta Scarecrow Contest. The Scarecrow Contest will take place the weekend of the festival and awards announced on Saturday afternoon. Scarecrows will be hung downtown on light posts for everyone to see for the weekend. Pre-registration is required and details can be found at www.spartachamber.com.

Farm Market Tours will be on Saturday at local markets including beginning at 9:00 am. A special highlight will be the tour of a packing-shed where the apples are sorted, weighed, washed, and packaged for sale at local grocery stores.

As Sparta is the hub of the apple growing ridge, it’s easy to see how the excitement of the festival has grown over the past few months. Organizer Dana Quick exclaims, “One thing led to another that led to another! The volunteers of the community are working together to show the Mid-west why Sparta is such as fabulous place to live!” The event has grown leaps and bounds, says Dana, but began as a small committee to help promote Sparta’s distinguishing factor, something that other communities are probably wishing they had right about now. “Agriculture”, Dana says, “and tourism are two of the three top industries in Michigan. We can promote our community through agri-tourism, one of few growing fields in Michigan.” The Sparta Chamber is working hard to promote the importance of supporting and eating Michigan grown produce as well as supporting local businesses in the community. “Without our local growers, our community would lose our identity and our uniqueness. The hay fields, corn fields, and apple orchards are what make our area so distinct and beautiful.” After many discussions with local community members, Dana remembers sitting at coffee one morning and imagining what the Harvest on the Ridge festival could be. “Local growers are excited, the community is excited, this is the perfect place and time to celebrate our agricultural roots and promote our community through the new festival.”

In addition to the activities listed above there are many other events taking place. A program will be printed and can be found in local stores or online at www.spartachamber.com.

Christmas in July (provided by www.positivelymichigan.net)

On Wednesday, July 29, Christmas came a little early this year, at least at the DeVos Children’s Hospital, when Santa and a large group of helpers swooped in with games, prizes, and lots of goodies.

Santa’s “helpers” consisted of Sparta Fire Chief Jerry Bolen, Lieutenants Steve Drent and Mary-Ann Meyer, Kent City Fire Chief Mike Rexford; helpers and Ice Cream from the Sparta Tasty Treat; volunteers from the Speedway Gas Station at Jupiter and Plainfield; Stephanie Stanton, Amy Drent, and her great family of volunteers, and oh yeah, Santa Claus!

Several months ago it was discovered that the hospital has several indoor “picnics” during the year with differing themes. The local fire departments wanted to do something for the young patients and when the hospital found out that the Sparta and Kent City Fire Departments had a direct line to Santa himself, they suggested a “Christmas in July” picnic. After involving Amy and Stephanie, two ladies with organizational skills that are second next to none, it was pretty much a done deal.

It was a great success and the departments were able to leave the hospital with left over prizes such as note books, coloring books, colored pencils, crayons, and more that they could give out to future child patients.

Kids:

1. Never put anything into an electrical outlet.
2. Never take apart or try to fix electrical things.
3. Don’t have anything that has a power cord near water (bathtub, sink, puddle).
4. Always let an adult plug and unplug electrical things, (Computer, TV, games).
5. Always tell a adult about a appliance that is smoking, smells funny or sparking.

When you are outside:

1. Never climb a power pole.
2. Never fly a kite near power lines.
3. After a thunder storm, stay out of puddles.  There might be a fallen power line in it.

Parents:

1. Do not overload electrical outlets.
2. Make sure electrical cords are in good working condition.
3. Never “fix” a frayed power cord.  Throw it away.
4. Never splice together power cords to make a longer one.
5. Never run a power cord under a rug to “hide” it.
6. Have safety caps inserted in outlets when small children are around.
7. Always have a working fire extinguisher in the house.  Know how to use it.

Electrical fires kill 500 people a year.  By taking precautions and educating our children in fire safety, we can all make our homes safer.

Lt. Mary-Ann Meyer

Sparta Fire Department

mary-annmeyer@charter.net

chiefbolen@aol.com

 It’s a warm Saturday morning on main street, and Sharkey Badgerow has just been murdered… again. He jolts and spins and clutches his chest, blood oozing from his wounds. He finally drops to the pavement and gives one last kick.

Several gang members throw him on the flatbed. The driver lashes the mules and the wagon speeds away. Murder in downtown Sparta is common occurrence since the Dirty Dingus Gang arrived. And the crowds love it.

 The Quasquicentennial

In 1971 Sparta celebrates its 125^th anniversary. It’s a big happening with many activities. Some of the village men grow beards as the event approaches. Then one day, they put together a real gang to promote the festivities.

 The Dirty Dingus Gang

The Dirty Dingus Gang is born, with 12 original members. Gary Delang, Dale May, Jerry Teasdale, Dick Greeno, Art Frisk, Dick McKinney, Sharkey Badgerow, Stub Vandenhout, Don Reed, Dale Rosel, Ted Anderson and Al Keck.

 The gang arm themselves with muzzle loaders, shotguns and rifles from the local VFW. Their team of mules gallops through town during various events and the gang shoot it up with blank ammo. It’s a crowd pleaser.   

 The Badgerows  

One of the stars is Sharkey Badgerow. His grandfather, Charles, is of French descent and grows up in the Upper Peninsula. Charles and two brothers serve in the Civil War. The brother’s die in Libby prison in Confederate Virginia.

 Later, Charles arrives in Sparta and opens a billiard hall on main street. Not an establishment of the highest repute, according to Sharkey. Charles later opens a grocery store on the corner of Gardner and State.

 Sharkey

Two generations later, Sharkey is one of five grandsons born in the family house on the corner of Centennial and Union. In 1942 he is drafted into the U.S. Army where he participates in the liberation of North Africa. In 1945, he meets his wife, Lunita from Mississippi.

 Business, horology and gemology

Sharkey majors in business administration and horology, the science and repair of time keeping instruments, at Ferris. He also gets a degree in gemology. Back in Sparta, he and an uncle open a jewelry store on Gardner street.

 Later the business moves to main street, where it is still located. No merchant has been active on main street longer than Sharkey. For 60 years he as been a real milestone known for his pleasant disposition and comic antics.

 Summer of ‘71

Summer of 1971. “Knock Three Times” by Dawn is the top hit. “All in the Family” is the most popular TV show. Intel introduces the microprocessor, an invention that revolutionizes our lives. George Harrison organizes Concert for Bangladesh.

 In Sparta many activities are organized for the centennial, including a theatrical production on the high school football field involving hundreds of residents. A special memorial magazine features opening words by President Nixon.

 The President has more on his mind. Vietnam veteran John Kerry makes a plea in a Senate hearing to end the war. George Wallace, Governor of Alabama, rides a wave of anti-busing sentiment to become presidential candidate.

 The magnificent victim

In 1971 Sharkey is a founding member of the Dirty Dingus Gang. He has a special role: the victim. He appears out of the crowd wearing a big hat and long white coat. He shakes his fist and shouts at the gang. They respond with blazing guns. Sharkey dies magnificently in the street.  

 The gang are popular. They are invited to other towns for celebrations. Proceeds go to the Sparta Ambulance Fund. They also organize the first beer tent during Town and Country Days, a slightly rowdy tradition that continues in Sparta today.

Sharkey Badgerow lives with his wife Lunita in the family home on West Averill street. They have 4 children and 10 grand children. He still runs the family jewelry business at 169 East Division street.

 This Milestones on Main Street article was produced for Sparta Today. Input and contributions to this column are welcome. Please send your ideas to Dean Lettinga at hlet@hetnet.nl or contact Joan Lettinga at ‘Round Again in Sparta, 887-2414.

E-waste Day will be held at the Sparta ChoiceOne Bank parking lot at the corner of Division and Union St. on Saturday, March 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There is no limit on the number of items for disposal, and the only charge is $10 per TV.

Almost anything that has a cord or battery will be accepted such as laptops, monitors (any size at no fee), computer accessories and cables, memory sticks, printers, VCRs, radios, microwaves, dehumidifiers, and electric power tools! A basic data wipe of computer hard drives is included. Large appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners are not accepted.

Call Comprenew at (616) 451-4400, option 1, or e-mail recycle@comprenew.org with questions about accepted electronic items. Please contact the Howard Christensen Nature Center at (616) 675-3158, or hcnc@kentconservation.org to make arrangements for large quantities, or to inquire about other dates for disposal.

Thanks to a matching federal Transportation Enhancement Grant administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation, Downtown Sparta will begin a Streetscape Project in April. This project is an initiative of the Downtown Development Authority in partnership with the Village of Sparta. Sparta is one of only seven municipalities in Michigan to receive the grant in 2009. With $376,500 in Transportation Enhancement Grant funds, the improvements include pedestrian safety measures including brick crosswalks and lighting, benches, trees, shrubs, and landscaping in an effort to slow traffic down. Project limits are on Division Avenue from State Street to the Nash Creek Bridge and along N. Union. Additional funding is through Kent County, Sparta DDA, and the Village of Sparta.

For a few years, the DDA and Village have been budgeting funds in anticipation of this project, which means taxes will not be increased and special assessments will not happen for this project. The DDA captures a percentage of tax dollars from the taxing jurisdictions on specific DDA parcels as passed by State Legislation to work on development projects. The project is anticipated for competition in early July.

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