The Sparta Independent | The local newspaper for Sparta, NJ

A drag performer at the Sussex County Pride celebration Saturday, June 14 in Newton. (Photos by Maria Kovic)

NEWTON. More than 1,000 people gather for the eighth annual celebration.

Sussex County Pride celebration grows

18 Jun 2025 | 07:13

Embraced by an abundance of performances and an assortment of vendors, more than 1,000 people gathered for Sussex County Pride’s eighth annual celebration Saturday afternoon, June 14.

Despite the on-and-off rain, the event at Brooks Plaza in Newton featured performances by musical performers, drag artists...

Entertainment

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Jorma Kaukonen performs Sunday night at the Newton Theatre. (Photo by Scotty Hall)

Welcome summer with live music

17 Jun 2025 | 10:41

John Murphy brings a solo set to the Lafayette House, 75 Route 15, starting at 6 p.m.

Local News

Residents march through Newton after a ‘No Kings’ protest Saturday, June 14 at the Newton Green. (Photos by Maria Kovic)

Speaker at ‘No Kings’ rally: ‘We believe in hope’

18 Jun 2025 | 12:22

As millions of people did at hundreds of similar events nationwide, residents assembled for a “No Kings”...

Sports

SL1 Mendham battles through a tight Sparta defense to fire off a shot in the first half of the NJSIAA North Jersey, Group 2 championship game Tuesday, June 10. The Spartans defeated Mendham, 8-4, then lost to Allentown, 6-5, in the Group 2 final Friday, June 13. (Photo by Lauren Clark)

Spartans edged out in group final

16 Jun 2025 | 11:15

The Sparta High School girls lacrosse team came up just short of claiming its first state title as it...

Entertainment

<b>In front row are Maria Varela and Sabrina Smith. In middle row are Levi Kaplan Skolnik and Quinton Sheneman. In back row are Ella Simmons and Dominic Chiocchi. (Photos provided)</b>

In front row are Maria Varela and Sabrina Smith. In middle row are Levi Kaplan Skolnik and Quinton Sheneman. In back row are Ella Simmons and Dominic Chiocchi. (Photos provided)

‘Ride the Cyclone’ opens Friday

15 Jun 2025 | 03:50

The North Star Theater Company will present “Ride the Cyclone,” a darkly comedic cult musical that asks:...

Entertainment

‘Repo! The Genetic Opera!’ onstage Friday

15 Jun 2025 | 03:49

Drama Geek Studios will present “Repo! The Genetic Opera!” with a shadow cast in an audience-interactive...

Entertainment

<b>The cast of ‘Mile 59’ in rehearsal. From left are Phil Cocilovo, Fenrir Lewin, Stephen Burke, Benjamin Smith, Leo Watson and Gavin Bermingham. (Photo provided)</b>

The cast of ‘Mile 59’ in rehearsal. From left are Phil Cocilovo, Fenrir Lewin, Stephen Burke, Benjamin Smith, Leo Watson and Gavin Bermingham. (Photo provided)

Ognibene’s play in NYC festival

07 Jun 2025 | 09:50

An original play by Sparta resident Allison Ognibene will be featured in the New York Theater Festival’s...

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NEWTON. More than 1,000 people gather for the eighth annual celebration.

Sussex County Pride celebration grows

Welcome summer with live music

Speaker at ‘No Kings’ rally: ‘We believe in hope’

Spartans edged out in group final

‘Ride the Cyclone’ opens Friday

‘Repo! The Genetic Opera!’ onstage Friday

Ognibene’s play in NYC festival

Juneteenth Celebration will be Saturday

Carnival at the Pond open through Sunday

A Big Dill: 4 Reasons to Join the Y’s Pickleball Craze

Classic blast from the past

N.J. lifts drought warning

New lawyers advising council, Planning Board