Jack Brown Produce is recalling certain types of apples due to possible Listeria contamination. Courtesy photo.

Jack Brown Produce, Inc. of Sparta, Michigan, is recalling Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious apples processed and shipped by one of its suppliers, Nyblad Orchards, Inc., on December 11 through December 16, 2017, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms from Listeria such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recalled apples were distributed through retail stores in Michigan, Georgia, Missouri, Indiana and Ohio. The product at issue consists of the following types of apples sold or distributed by Jack Brown Produce, Inc. under the brand name “Apple Ridge” including:

1. Honeycrisp apples in two-pound clear plastic bags;
2. Gala, Fuji, and Golden Delicious apples in 3-pound clear plastic bags;
3. Fuji and Gala apples in 5-pound red-netted mesh bags; and
4. Gala, Fuji and Honeycrisp apples that were tray-packed/individually sold.

The potentially-affected product can be identified by the following lot numbers printed on the bag label and/or bag-closure clip:

Fuji: NOI 163, 165, 167, 169, 174

Honeycrisp: NOI 159, 160, 173 Golden Delicious: NOI 168 
Gala: NOI 164, 166 on either the product labels and/or bag-closure clip.

The recall was the result of a routine sampling program at the Nyblad Orchards, Inc. facility which revealed that finished products contained Listeria monocytogenes. Jack Brown Produce, Inc. has ceased the distribution of any further products processed at Nyblad Orchards as the FDA and the Company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Consumers who have purchased Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious Apples under the brand name “Apple Ridge” on or after December 11, 2017 are urged to destroy the product and contact Jack Brown Produce, Inc. for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 616-887-9568 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET) and ask for Lisa Ingalls.

Head Coach Nick Emery (far left) with the six Cedar Springs wrestlers that will be moving on to Regionals.

Two others placed second, and two more finished third

On Wednesday, February 8, Cedar Springs High School Wrestling hosted team Districts. Unfortunately, the Red Hawks fell short to Sparta with a final score, 33-38. Heavy Weight Patrick Depiazza, 125 Aaron Smith, 135 lb Jordan Andrus, 140 lb Jordan Ringler, 171 lb Xavier Anderson and 189 lb Ryan Ringler won their matches.

On Saturday, February 11, the Red Hawks traveled to Lowell for Individual Districts. District Champions are Heavy Weight Patrick Depiazza (41-0) and 171 lb Ryan Ringler (42-1). 135 lb Jordan Ringler (36-7) and 145 lb Lucus Pienton (31-7) finished in 2^nd Place. 125 lb Aaron Smith (35-11) and 160 lb Nate Patin (25-13) finished in 3^rd Place. Congratulations to these six individuals who will continue on to Regionals and the chance to compete at the State Finals.

The following individuals ended their season with Varsity wins as listed: 112 lb Nate Male, 18 wins; 119 lb Logan Hull, 26 wins; 125 lb Patrick Fliearman, 21 wins; 130 Jordan Andrus, 27 wins; 140 Anthony Brew, 14 wins; 140 Jacob Galinis, 24 wins; 152 lb Zak Schmid, 10 wins and 189 lb Chris Shaffer, 13 wins. Regionals will be held at Byron Center, Saturday, Feb. 18 if you would like to continue supporting your Red Hawks.

“The boys put together a memorable season,” said Head Coach Nick Emery.

“We came up just a hair short of our team goals but the heart and effort was there. We graduate two fantastic seniors, Patrick Fliearman and Jordan Andrus, who I will miss in the room everyday. But we will have six regional qualifiers returning. Now it’s time for the remaining wrestlers to focus on the Individual State Championship and bring home some medals.”

The Red Hawk Defense hard at work in Sparta. Photo By Kelly Alvesteffer.

Mother Nature proved to be the only thing that could slow down Coach Gus Kapolka’s Red Hawks football team on Friday night, Sept. 5, in Sparta. After a one-hour rain delay, the Red Hawk offense, led by senior Captain Zach Wamser, with two touchdowns and a solid game plan, proved to be too much for the Sparta Spartans, who managed a playoff run in the 2013 season. MavRick Cotton, Taylor VanDyke, Anthony Topolski and Connor Willits all found the end zone throughout the game, as the Red Hawks executed their strategy.

As the offense rolled and skies threatened more rain, the Red Hawk defense controlled the Spartans with a relentless stranglehold that was led by Anthony Topolski’s nine tackles and nine tackle assists, with 18 Red Hawk defenders registering at least one tackle in the stats column for the game, with five tackles for loss and two sacks being counted throughout the night, for the Cedar Springs D.

The special teams play, led by kicker Hunter Larsen, for the Red Hawks, also managed to keep the Spartans at bay, by only allowing 19 return yards, in six kick off opportunities.

The Spartans managed a touchdown late in the game, with Nick Yeck breaking free in the fourth quarter to put up six points for Sparta.

This week, the Red Hawks will host Belding at 7:00 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12. Please come out to beautiful Red Hawk stadium and support your Red Hawks!

LET’S GET PHYSICAL—The Cedar Springs Red Hawks dominated the Spartans last Friday night in a 49-13 win.

By Kendra Coons

The Cedar Springs Red Hawks Varsity football team hosted the Sparta Spartans at Red Hawk Stadium on Friday, September 6. The Red Hawks achieved their second win of the season defeating the Spartans 49-13. The team is now 2-0 after defeating Tri-County and Sparta.

“We keep getting better and I’m pleased about that, but we have a long way to go,” commented Coach Kapolka.

Cedar Springs’ offensive line was strong against the Spartans. In the first quarter, Senior Cameron Link ran eight yards for a touchdown. Senior Jeff Newland also ran eight yards for a touchdown and in the second quarter, Junior Kaden Myers ran the ball nine yards for another touchdown. Sparta’s Shane Miedzielec also scored, on a 20-yeard pass from Christian Pangborn. The score at halftime was 28-7 in favor of the Red Hawks.

“I thought we played very well,” said Kapolka. “We talked about being physical and fast all week and I thought Friday night we went out and did that.”

In the third quarter, Cameron Link ran for a 51-yard touchdown and Jeff Newland followed with another six-yard touchdown run. Miedzielec scored again for Sparta, this time on a 58-yard run, but the extra kick was no good.

Cedar Springs scored again in the fourth quarter, when senior Jared Vodry dove into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown. The final score of the game was 49-13, in favor of the Red Hawks.

The Cedar Springs offense put up some impressive scoring numbers against the Spartans. In the first quarter they totaled 20 points, followed by 8 points in the second quarter, 14 points in the third quarter and 7 points in the final quarter.

The defensive line was also very strong for the Red Hawks. Kaden Myers intercepted a pass and scored a touchdown. Senior Cameron Klompstra led the defensive line with seven tackles and four assists, including a quarterback sack for 15 yards. Overall, the defense ended the night with 53 tackles, two quarterback sacks and two tackles, for a loss of four yards.

Being 2-0 is a great feeling for Cedar Springs, but what makes it even better for the team is that they defeated their rival the Sparta Spartans!

“It’s a rivalry I’m just beginning to understand,” says Kapolka. “The Sparta game is really important here and I’m glad we brought home a victory.”

On Friday, September 13, the Red Hawks take on Wayland Union at Wildcat stadium at 7 p.m. The team is looking for their third win of the season so come out and support your Cedar Springs Varsity football team!

By Kendra Coons

The Cedar Springs JV football team earned their second win of the season on Thursday, September 5, against their rival, the Sparta Spartans at Spartan stadium.

At halftime the score was 22-8 in favor of the Red Hawks. The Hawks fought hard throughout the whole game. The Hawk’s offense was strong, with Keenan Gosselin running a 98-yard touchdown. Anthony Topolski returned an onside kick for a touchdown and Collin Alvesteffer rushed for a pair of touchdowns. The defense was also on point with Lane Gott having a big defensive interception.

“The defense had another all-around great game holding Sparta to only 14 points,” commented Coach Streeter.

The final score of the game against Sparta was 44-14. After two games of the season the JV team is now 2-0.

“Our average right now is giving up 7 points and averaging 46 points through the first two games,” says Streeter. “We still have room to improve, but the team is looking forward to our conference games.”

The JV team was scheduled to travel to Holland Christian on Wednesday, September 11, because Wayland does not have a JV team. Watch for details in next week’s Post!

Women’s Shooting Discovery Day Sept. 29

The Department of Natural Resources will offer an opportunity for women to explore different types of shooting all in one day at the Women’s Shooting Discovery Day in Sparta on Saturday, Sept. 29.

Part of the DNR’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program, the class will take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Sparta Hunting & Fishing Club. This shooting clinic, for beginners as well as those who would like to sharpen their shooting skills, will provide certified, one-on-one instruction for archery, handgun shooting and trap shooting (shotgun).

The day will begin with a range safety orientation, and the class will then break up into three rotation groups, where each participant will have the opportunity to learn and practice each of the shooting activities throughout the day. All shooting activities will take place outdoors.

Cost is $50 per person and includes lunch, served by the Sparta Hunting & Fishing Club membership, as well as all equipment, eye and ear protection and ammunition. The Sparta Hunting & Fishing Club is located at 13218 Long Lake Drive in Sparta. For more information about the club, visit www.spartahuntingandfishingclub.com. 
For registration forms and information on this and other BOW events, visit www.michigan.gov/bow, email dnr-outdoors-woman@michigan.gov or call 517-241-2225.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman helps women learn about and enjoy hunting, fishing, backpacking, shooting sports, canoeing and many other outdoor recreation activities. BOW specializes in beginners, but also offers a variety of programs that support a mix of skill levels. BOW is a noncompetitive program, designed to let each individual learn and gain confidence at her own pace. The program emphasizes the enjoyment, fun and camaraderie of outdoor activities, while sharing in one another’s success. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/bow.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

10 am to 2 pm:  Free Health Fair at Meadowlark Retirement Village, 65 Ida Red Ave.
3 pm to 7 pm:   Scholastic Book Fair at Sparta Library
4 pm to 9 pm:   Scouts Honor Kids Carnivale – Troop #704 in Rogers Park. Fun for kids age 3-10!
4 pm to 9 pm: Football Toss & Win! in Rogers Park.
5 pm: Carnival Rides Open in the Village Parking Lot.
5 pm to 7pm: Community Pig Roast at Sparta Civic Center. 7.00 (ages 10 and up) $4.00 (10 & under)
5 pm to 9 pm: Wacky, Wild, Wierd Hair in Roger’s Park. 5:30 to 6 pm Karate Demonstration in Roger’s Park
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm: Sparta Co-op Preschool Open House at Sparta Co-op Preschool, behind Sparta Civic Center.
6 pm: Opening Ceremony in Rogers Park.
6 pm: Pinecone Birdfeeders  in Rogers Park.
6 pm:  Coronation Ceremony in Rogers Park.
6 pm: Apple Dessert Bake-Off in Rogers Park.
6 pm:  Backyard Business Battle on the Beach in Roger’s Park
6:30 pm:  Concert in Rogers Park. Live Band:  West Side Soul Surfer.
7 pm to 8pm: Free Watermelon Social in Rogers Park.
8:00 pm Frozen T-Shirt Contest

Thursday, July 12, 2012

9 am to 4 pm:  Sidewalk Sales Downtown Sparta
9 am to 6 pm:  Second Best Sale Peace Lutheran Church, 1225 12 Mile Rd. Entrance just east of Burger King
11am to 3:30pm: HCNC Junior Naturalist Day 16190 Red Pine Dr., Kent City. in the Red Pine Interpretive Center.
10 am to 5pm: Railroad Depot Open House N. Union & Mark St.
1 pm to 4pm: Myers Schoolhouse Museum 13 Mile Rd. & Division.
1 pm to 5 pm:  Kid’s Bop N’ Bowl at Sparta Lanes.
3 pm to 7 pm:  Scholastic Book Fair at the Sparta Twp. Library, 80 N. Union
4pm – 7pm Scout’s Carnival-Troop #704 in Rogers Park.
4 pm to 9 pm:  Football Toss & Win! in Rogers Park
5 pm to 8 pm: Spaghetti & Homemade Meatballs at the Civic Center.
5 pm to Close: Carnival Rides in the Village Parking Lot.
5 pm: 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament in ChoiceOne Bank Parking lot (NEW LOCATION).
5 pm to 8 pm: Big Wheels! on N. Union Street.
5:30 pm to 8:00 pm: $1 Pony Rides in Rogers Park
6pm:  Duct Tape Contest in Rogers Park.
6 pm: Michigan Truck & Tractor Pull Presented by:  Merchant Automotive. ENTRANCE ON VINTON – south of 11 Mile!
5 pm- 8pm:  FREE Concert with local artists, The Vida Band Roger’s Park bandshell
7:30 pm:  “Double Yellow” HOT AIR BALLOON Launch Balyeat Field. Weather permitting.  Alternate date is Friday, July 13.

Friday, July 13, 2012

9 am to 4 pm: Sidewalk Sales in Downtown Sparta
9 am to 6 pm:  Second Best Sale Peace Lutheran Church, 1225  12 Mile Rd., entrance just east of Burger King
9 am to 7pm Scholastic Book Fair at the Sparta Twp. Library, 80 N. Union
9 am to 7 pm: Visual Arts Exhibition at the Sparta Twp. Library, 80 N. Union St.
10am to 4pm:  “Where the Good Times Grow” Craft
at the Sparta Twp. Library, 80 N. Union (Youth Room)
10 am to 5 pm: Railroad Depot Open House  400 N. Union.
11 am: Kid’s Parade N. Union St. to Balyeat Field
11 am to 4 pm: Painting Flower Pots in Balyeat Field.
11 am: Youth Fitness Challenge in Balyeat Field.
11 am to 4 pm: Petting Zoo in Balyeat Field.
11 am to 5 pm: Myers Schoolhouse Museum at 13 Mile Rd. & Division
11 am to 8 pm: Wacky, Wild & Weird Hair in Balyeat Field
11am to 9 pm:  Football Toss & Win in Balyeat Field
11:30 am to 4:30 pm: “Apple-opolis” Kids Town in Balyeat Field
11:30 am to 1 pm: Bike Safety Rodeo in Balyeat Field
Noon:  “Once upon A Time” Interactive Theatre in Balyeat Field
Noon – 7 pm:  Scholastic Book Fair at Sparta Twp. Library, 80 N. Union
Noon to Close: Carnival Rides in the Village Parking Lot
1 pm:  Kindermusik in Balyeat Field
11 am to 5 pm: Myers Schoolhouse Museum at 13 Mile Rd. & Division
1 pm to 5 pm:  Old Fashioned Ice Cream & Root Beer Floats at Dollar ‘N More
2:30 pm:  “Once Upon A Time” Interactive Theatre in Balyeat Field
4 pm to 12:59 am: Entertainment (Beer) Tent-Alumni Night in Balyeat Field. 2012 Live music by UNION GUNS.
4:30 pm to 7 pm: Lion’s Chicken BBQ in the Sparta Civic Center
5 pm Teen Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament in Rogers Park
5 pm – 5:30 pm  – 6:00pm: Bale Toss Competition in Balyeat Field. Kids at 5:00 – Ladies at 5:30 – Men at 6:00.
5 pm:  Sky Lanterns in Balyeat Field
5:30 pm:  Once Upon a Child Interactive Theatre in Balyeat Field
6:30 pm: Dee Jay the Clown
in Balyeat Field
7 pm to Close:  North Kent Eagle’s Club 186 E. Division.
7:30 pm: Pedal Tractor Pull in Balyeat Field. Registration opens at 6:30.
9 pm to Midnight:  Ride the Bull in the Beer Tent (must be 21 to enter with valid photo id)

Saturday, July 14, 2012

8 am 22nd Annual Run/Walk Thru Sparta NEW Start and finish in Balyeat Field. Race morning registration begins at 6:30 a.m
8:40 am Children’s Fun Run (FREE Event) NEW Start/Finish in Balyeat Field. 12 years and younger.
8 am to 9 pm: Men’s Softball Tournament at Nash Field
9 am to 11am: Myers Schoolhouse Museum at 13 Mile Rd. & Division
9 am to 2pm: Scholastic Book Fair at the Sparta Twp. Library
9 am to 2 pm: Visual Arts Exhibition at the Sparta Twp. Library, 80 N. Union St.
9 am to 2 pm:  The Barkery Pet Expo in Rogers Park
9 am to 3 pm: Petting Zoo in Balyeat Field
9 am to 4 pm: Commercial Expo in Balyeat Field
9 am to 4 pm:  Craft Show in Balyeat Field
9 am to 6 pm: Wacky, Wild & Weird Hair in Balyeat Field
9 am to 7 pm:  Football Toss & Win! in Balyeat Field
10 am:  Dog Walk in Roger’s Park
10 am:   Beef & Dairy Cattle Show at Buth Field
10 am to 5 pm: Old Fashioned Ice Cream & Root Beer Floats at Dollar ‘N More
10 am to 5 pm: Railroad Depot Open House 400 N. Union
10:00 am until after parade:  Hospitality Area & Restrooms at Sparta Baptist Church the corner of State St. & Division.
11 am to 7 pm (closed during Parade): “Apple-opolis” Kids Town in Balyeat Field
11:30 am: 4th Annual Balyeat Bags in Balyeat Field
12:00 Noon:  PARADE! 2012 Grand Marshal: Mr. Tom Dupont. Commentated with bleacher seating at Union & Division.
12:00 Noon: Caleb Rebh Memorial Speed Horse Show Country View Stables, 3325 – 14 Mile Rd. NW
12:00 Noon to Close: Carnival Rides in the Village Parking Lot
Noon to 1 am: Entertainment Tent in Balyeat Field
1 pm:  Arm Wrestling Competition in Balyeat Field
1 pm to 4 pm: La Placita de los Niños in Balyeat Field
2:00 pm 6th Annual John Beuschel Memorial Antique Tractor Pull at the Sparta Airport, 9100 Vinton NW
2 pm:  “Firestorm” Karate Demo on S. State Street at Division
2 pm: Sparta Fire Dept. Extrication Demonstration in Balyeat Field
2 pm to 6pm:  Sky Lanterns in Balyeat Field
2 pm & 3:30 pm:   Fairy Tale Princess Show in Balyeat Field
2:30 pm: Soap Box Derby on Prospect Hill
2:30 pm:  Charity / Alumni Softball Game at Appleview Elementary
3 pm: Banana Split Eating Contest at Sparta Tasty Treat
3 pm:  Sparta Fire Dept. Waterball Contest in Balyeat Field
4 pm to 8 pm: Fatal Vision Drunk Driving Simulation in Balyeat Field
5 pm to 9 pm: 1st ANNUAL Evening CAR & TRUCK SHOW in Balyeat Field RAIN or SHINE
5 pm: Bike Giveaway at the Balyeat Field Bridge
5 pm: Garden Tractor Pulls in Balyeat Field
6 pm to Close: North Kent Eagles Club 186 E. Division. Open to the public
9 to 10 pm:  Sky Lanterns in Balyeat Field
9 pm to Midnight:  Ride the Bull in Balyeat Field

Sunday, July 15, 2012

7 am to 11 am: Sparta Airport Fly-In Pancake Breakfast
at the Paul C. Miller Airport, 9100 Vinton NW
10:30 am: Cowboy/Cowgirl Church Country View Stables, 3325 – 14 Mile Rd. N.W.
11 am: Sparta Speed Horse Show at Country View Stables, 3325 – 14 Mile Rd. NW
1 pm:  Inaugural ThingamaBOG (Mud Bogs)  NEW EVENT! at the Sparta Airport, 9100 Vinton NW
6 pm:  UPRISING! in Roger’s Park. Hosted by:  Sparta United Methodist Church. An evening of uplifting Christian music!
8 pm to 10 pm:  Sky Lanterns on the Sparta Middle School front lawn
10:15 pm: FIREWORKS launched from Ridgeview. Enter at 12 Mile ONLY. Rain Date: Friday, July 20, 2012

For complete details visit www.spartafair.com

The Cedar Springs girls tennis team defeated Sparta 5 matches to 3 on April 11. Winning were Anna Frausin and Kristen Bull at #2 and #3 singles, and #1 doubles Megan Brunett and Shannon Leal in straight sets. #2 Doubles Jessica Blackmer and Katie Schumann also won in straight sets, and #3 Doubles Molly VanSeggern and Bailey Wolfe in 3 sets.

The Red Hawks then took on Fremont on April 13, winning 8-0. Paige Gebhardt, Cedar’s #1, led the singles girls with a 6-0, 6-0 win against her Fremont opponent. Anna Frausin, Kristen Bull, and Samantha Alger the #2, 3, and 4 girls, also turned out good performances by defeating their opponets.

Cedar Spring also swept the doubles with Megan Brunett and Shannon Leal winning 6-2, 6-2 at #1, Jessica Blackmer and Katie Schumann, the #2 doubles winning 6-1, 6-1, the #3’s Bailey Wolfe and Molly VonSeggern besting their opponents 6-2, 6-2, and finally at #4 doubles, Julie Schut and Monica West winning 6-4, 6-3. After these wins, the team was 4-0.

The team participated in the Sparta Invitational on April 14, where they were edged out by one point by winner Coopersville. They played state champs Forest Hills Northern, on Tuesday, April 17, and were defeated 8-0.

If you are looking for some great family fun, a trip to Sparta Town and Country Days just might be the ticket. The annual fair will be held July 13-17 in various locations around Sparta.
Sparta may be a small town, but it has lots of events to choose from, including two new events—a soap box derby and duct tape contest. Other events include carnival rides, a community pig roast, sidewalk sales, a watermelon eating contest, banana split eating contest, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, football toss, pony rides, parade, pet expo, beer tent, music, lawn mower races and much more! See the schedule below, and check out their website at www.spartafair.com.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 Events

• 10 am –  2pm: Free Health Fair at Meadowlark Retirement Village, 65 Ida Red Ave.
• Scouts Honor Kids Carnivale – Troop #704 in Rogers Park.
• 5 pm: Carnival Rides Open in the Village Parking Lot.
• 5 pm to 7pm: Community Pig Roast at Sparta Civic Center.
• 5pm to 8pm Football Toss & Win! in Rogers Park. www.spartayouthfootball.org
• 6 pm: Opening Ceremony in Rogers Park.
• 6 pm to 8pm: Sparta Co-op Preschool Open House at Sparta Co-op Preschool, behind Sparta Civic Center.
• 6 pm: Pinecone Birdfeeders in the Park in Rogers Park.
• 6 pm Coronation Ceremony in Rogers Park-5th Annual Little Miss Apple Blossom & Young Johnny Appleseed Contest.  Pre-registered 5th Grade Finalists only.
• 6 pm Apple Dessert Bake-Off in Rogers ParkBring. Pre-registration required.  Forms available at spartafair.com or contact Elizabeth at 887-2454
• 6:30 pm Concert in the Park in Rogers Park
• 7 pm to 8pm: Free Watermelon Social in Rogers Park.

Thursday, July 14, 2011 Events

•  9 am to 7 pm:  Scholastic Book Fair at the Sparta Twp. Library, 80 N. Union
• Junior Naturalist Day at the Red Pine Interpretive Center 16190 Red Pine Dr., Kent City. Call 616-675-3158 or visitlilysfrogpad.com
• 10 am to 5pm: Railroad Depot Open House at N. Union & Mark St.
• 11 am to 5pm: Myers Schoolhouse Museum – 13 Mile Rd. & Division
• 4 pm to 7pm: Visual Arts Exhibition at the Sparta Twp. Library, 80 N. Union St. Visit www.spartafair.com for entry information
• 4 pm to 7 pm: Scouts Honor Kids Carnivale-Troop #704 in Rogers Park for children age 3-12.
•  5 pm to 8 pm: Spaghetti & Homemade Meatballs at the Civic Center
• 5pm to 8pm:  Football Toss & Win! in Rogers Park
• 5 pm to Close: Carnival Rides in the Village Parking Lot Visit www.spartafair.com for Coupon
• 5 pm: 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament on Library Drive (NEW LOCATION)
• 5 pm to 8 pm: Big Wheels! on N. Union Street
• 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm: $1 Pony Rides in Rogers Park
• 6pm:  Duct Tape Contest in Rogers Park
• 6 pm: Farm Stock Tractor & Truck Pull at the Sparta Airport, 9100 Vinton NW. ENTRANCE ON VINTON – south of 11 Mile! Admission: $7 Adults, $5 Kids ages 4-12, 3 & Under FREE.  Concessions available.
• 6 pm: Live Concert featuring Nobody’s Business in Rogers Park

Friday, July 15, 2011 Events

• 9 am to 7pm Scholastic Book Fair at the Sparta Twp. Library, 80 N. Union
• 9 am to 7 pm: Visual Arts Exhibition at the Sparta Twp. Library, 80 N. Union St.Visit www.spartafair.com for Entry Information
• 9 am Sidewalk Sales in Downtown Sparta
• 10 am to 5 pm: Railroad Depot Open House at 400 N. Union
• 11 am: Kid’s Parade N. Union St. to Balyeat Field. Line up at Alma / N. Union
• 11 am to 4 pm: Painting Flower Pots in Balyeat Field
• 11 am to 4:30 pm: Petting Zoo in Balyeat Field
• 11 am to 5 pm: Myers Schoolhouse Museum at 13 Mile Rd. & Division
• 11 am to 8 pm: Wacky, Wild & Weird Hair in Balyeat Field
• 11:30 Little Dragons Karate Demo in Balyeat Field
• 11:30 am to 4:30 pm: Youth Fitness Challenge in Balyeat Field
• 11:30 am to 4:30 pm: “Apple-opolis” Kids Town in Balyeat Field
• 11:30 am to 1 pm: Bike Safety Rodeo in Balyeat Field. Kids 14 & under. Bring your bike & helmet to ride the safety course. Certificates & Awards. Helmets available for $10.
• Noon:  The Magic Fish Puppet Show in Balyeat Field
• Noon to Close: Carnival Rides in the Village Parking Lot. Kid’s Day Ride Special: Noon – 5pm: $1 per ride! Unlimited Ride Armband: 5pm-Close for $17.00
• 1:00 pm:  Ronald McDonald Friendship Adventure in Balyeat Field
• 1pm to 5pm:  Old Fashioned Ice Cream & Root Beer Floats at Dollar ‘N More
• 2:30 pm:  The Magic Fish Puppet Show in Balyeat Field
• 3:30 pm:  Jr. Karate Demo / Adult Karate Demo in Balyeat Field
• 4 pm to 11:59 pm: Entertainment (Beer) Tent-Alumni Night in Balyeat Field. $5.00 Cover. Only guests 21 & over with a valid photo ID will be admitted after 9:00 p.m.
• 4:30 pm to 7 pm: Lion’s Chicken BBQ in the Sparta Civic Center. $7.00 Dinner
• 5 pm Teen Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament in Rogers Park
• Football Toss & Win! in Balyeat Field
• 5 pm – 5:30  – 6:00pm: Bale Toss Competition in Balyeat Field. FREE registration at time of event. Kids at 5:00 – Ladies at 5:30 – Men at 6:00.
• 6 pm to 8 pm: 4th Sparta Pizza Challenge at the Masonic Temple
• 6:30 pm: Dee Jay the Clown in Balyeat Field
• 7 pm to Midnight:  North Kent Eagle’s Club, 186 E. Division.
• 7:30 pm: Pedal Tractor Pull in Balyeat Field (NEW LOCATION) Kids ages 9 & younger compete for trophies & ribbons. Registration opens at 6:30.
• Big Joe’s Game Extravaganza in Balyeat Field

Saturday, July 16, 2011 Events

•  7 am to 11 am: Pancake Breakfast at the Civic Center
• 8 am 20th Annual Run/Walk Thru Sparta. Starts and finishes behind Sparta Middle School. Register online at goracego.com. Contact Margeurite at 887-1116.
• 8:40 am Children’s Fun Run FREE Event at the Sparta High School Track. 12 years and younger.  Register online at www.runthrusparta.com or on location Fri 5-7 pm and race morning 6:30-7:45 am.  Contact Margeurite at 887-1116.
• 8 am to 9 pm: Men’s Softball Tournament at Nash Field.      Class D and below contact Hank Bolt 887-0151.
• 9 am to 4pm: Scholastic Book Fair at the Sparta Twp. Library
•  9 am to Noon: Myers Schoolhouse Museum at 13 Mile Rd. & Division. Sparta Township history books will be available for $21.99
•  9 am to 4 pm: Visual Arts Exhibition at the Sparta Twp. Library, 80 N. Union St.
•  9 am to 2 pm: 12th ANNUAL CAR & TRUCK SHOW  in Balyeat Field RAIN or SHINE. $1 Vote for Top 3 Best of Show to benefit Indian Trails Camp. 100 dash plaques. $10 Registration Fee 9 am – 11 am. Live Radio Broadcast and door prizes. Call Darrel (616) 307-9604.
•  9:30 am: Soap Box Derby (NEW EVENT) on Prospect Hill. Registration at 9:00 am.  Race homemade cars down the Prospect hill. Ages 8 & up.  See “Entry Details” for more info at www.spartafair.com.
• The Barkery Pet Expo in Rogers Park. Booths, exhibits and demonstrations.  Your pet can win prizes at the dog duck pond.  Pamper your pet at the nail polishing booth.  Microchipping 12:30-2:30.
• 10 am Dog Walk in Rogers Park. Registration at 9:30.
• 10 am Beef & Dairy Cattle Show at Buth Field. 9 am registration.
• 10 am to 5 pm: Old Fashioned Ice Cream & Root Beer Floats at Dollar ‘N More
• 10 am to 5 pm: Scouting Rummage Sale at Sparta Civic Center. All profits go to Sparta Cub Scout Pack 3280.
• 10 am to 5 pm: Railroad Depot Open House, 400 N. Union.
• 10 am to 2:30 pm: Petting Zoo  in Balyeat Field
• 10:30 am until after parade: Hospitality Area & Restrooms at Sparta Baptist Church. Free refreshments and hot dogs.
• 11:00 am:  Backyard Business Battle on the Beach at Rogers Park
• 11 am to 3 pm: La Placita de los Niños in Balyeat Field
• 11 am to 5 pm: Commercial Expo on E. Division St.
• 11 am to 5 pm: Craft Show in Momber’s Pharmacy Parking Lot
• 11 am to 7 pm (closed during Parade): “Apple-opolis” Kids Town in Balyeat Field
• 11:30 am: 3rd Annual Balyeat Bags in Balyeat Field. Complete registration information at www.spartacornhole.com. Contact Ryan at 262-2885 or spartacornhole@gmail.com
• Noon: Caleb Rebh Memorial Speed Horse Show at Country View Stables, 3325 – 14 Mile Rd. NW
• Noon to 6 pm: Wacky, Wild & Weird Hair in Balyeat Field
• Noon to Close: Carnival Rides in the Village Parking Lot
Unlimited Ride Armband 5p-Close for $17.
• Noon to 11:59 pm: Entertainment Tent in Balyeat Field. No Cover Charge. $2 beers Noon-6! Only guests 21 & over will be admitted after 8:00 p.m with a valid photo ID. Live Music in Balyeat Field. Live Music starts at 4:30 pm with Mr. Whooha. Next at 6:30 pm is Union Guns. The evening ends with Common Ground!
• Noon: 5th Annual John Beuschel Memorial Antique Tractor Pull at the Sparta Airport, 9100 Vinton NW. ENTRANCE ON VINTON south of 11 Mile! Call Harvey at (616) 642-6239 for registration info.Admission: $4.00 12 yrs. old and up, $1.00 for ages 11 and under. Concessions available.
• 1 pm:  “Firestorm” Karate Demo on S. State Street at Division
• 1 pm: Arm Wrestling Competition in Balyeat Field.Weigh-ins -10 am to Noon. Parent signature if under 18. Trophies for all divisions. Call Matt & Tara (616) 893-8081 or visit Michiganarms.com.
• 2:30 pm: PARADE. Grand Marshal: Bob Beardsley
• After Parade:  Banana Split Eating Contest at Sparta Tasty Treat
• 4 pm to 8 pm: Fatal Vision Drunk Driving Simulation in Balyeat Field
• 4:15 pm: Sparta Fire Dept. Extrication Demonstration in Balyeat Field
• 5 pm: Sparta Fire Dept. Waterball Contest in Balyeat Field
• 5 pm: Bike Giveaway at the Balyeat Field Bridge. One boys bike and one girls bike will be given away.
• 5 pm: Garden Tractor Pulls in Balyeat Field. Entry information at judgementdaypullers.com or call Chad Smith at 616-636-4976.
• 5 pm: USLMRA National Lawn Mower Races at the Sparta Airport, Entrance on Division Rain or shine. Admission $5.00 per person 12+. Pit pass $5.00. www.letsmow.com.
• 6 pm to Midnight: North Kent Eagles Club Vegas Nite, 186 E. Division. Open to the public.

Sunday, July 17, 2011 Events

• 7 am to 11 am: Sparta Airport Fly-In Pancake Breakfast at the Paul C. Miller Airport, 9100 Vinton NW
• 10:30 am: Cowboy/Cowgirl Church. Country View Stables, 3325 – 14 Mile Rd. N.W. A 45 minute, Non-denominational church service out in the arena. All are welcome.
• 11 am: Sparta Speed Horse Show at Country View Stables, 3325 – 14 Mile Rd. NW
• 1 pm: USLMRA National Lawn Mower Races at the Sparta Airport (entrance on Division) Racing rain or shine. Admission $5.00 per person over age 12. Pit pass $5.00 www.letsmow.com
• 10:15 pm: FIREWORKS. Fireworks launched from Ridgeview. Enter at 12 Mile ONLY. VIP Spectator parking is available at the High School for a $5 donation per car. Pre-fireworks festivities: Music and Bounce House included with parking donation. Donations will also be collected in the crowd by Sparta Town & Country Days volunteers. Rain Date: Friday, July 22. Be sure to watch WZZM 13 and WOOD TV 8 or check www.spartafair.com for the latest schedule details!

A head-on accident near Sparta sent two people to the hospital last Thursday.

Kent County Sheriff Deputies believe alcohol was involved in a head-on crash that sent two Sparta residents to the hospital last week.

Police were dispatched to an accident on 13 Mile Road, east of N. Division, just after 7 p.m., on Thursday, March 3. According to a witness at the scene, a black Pontiac Grand Prix, driven by Jesus Junior Gonzalez, 24, of Sparta, crossed the centerline while traveling eastbound on 13 Mile Rd. The witness was traveling westbound on 13 Mile and swerved to avoid the Pontiac. Gonzalez continued traveling westbound in the eastbound lane, and collided head-on with a westbound 2007 Toyota Camry, driven by Frances Marie Blake, 64, of Sparta.

Both drivers were pinned in their vehicles and extricated by Sparta Fire and Rescue and both suffered multiple fractures. Gonzalez was transported to Butterworth Hospital by Aeromed, and Blake was transported to Butterworth by Rockford Ambulance.

Police believe Gonzalez been drinking prior to the accident.

The Sparta Police Department also assisted at the scene.

Juan Carlos Morejon

Sparta police put out a bulletin at the end of January that they were looking for an older couple that used a stolen credit card to make several purchases in the Village of Sparta on January 7, including groceries and gas. They were caught on surveillance tape at the Sparta Family Fare, and media outlets, including the Post, published a photo of the couple on their websites asking people to identify them.
According to Sparta Chief of Police Andrew Milanowski, they received numerous calls telling them who the couple was, and Officer Cook made contact with them. On February 9, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Juan Carlos Morejon, 57. He was arrested and lodged in t he Kent County Jail on February 10, and arraigned on February 11 on one charge of fraud—illegal use of a credit card. Bond was set at $4,000 cash or surety bond. At press time, he was still in custody.

A 20-year-old Sparta man died last Friday morning, January 14, when the car he was driving slid into another vehicle.
Michael Ponne, 20, of Sparta, had reportedly been visiting his girlfriend on East Sternberg Road in Fruitport Township, and was driving east to his job at a Sparta bank about 7:50 a.m. when his Mercury sedan went into a slide, crossed the centerline and collided with a westbound Chevy Impala driven by David Lane, 34, also of Sparta.
Ponne was reportedly pinned in the wreckage, and pronounced dead at the scene.
Lane suffered a minor leg injury.
Both men were reportedly wearing their seatbelts.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 21, 3:30 p.m. at the Sparta High School Auditorium with Rev. Nate Wagner officiating. Interment in Blythefield Memory Gardens. Friends may meet the family at the Hessel-Cheslek Funeral Home on Wednesday, 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Friday at the High School one hour prior to the service.