'Historic' storm never comes, but Sparta still digs out

BY ROSE SGARLATO
SPARTA — With the weekend to plan for the impending snow storm, Sparta residents were prepped and relaxed about what was to come. As it turned out, the snowfall was lighter than forecasted and in general people found cleanup to be hassle-free.

First-time homeowners and Dover elementary school teachers Andrew and Heather Lazar had early dismissal on Monday, just in time to get a jumpstart on shoveling out their Lake Mohawk driveway.

“It’s not so bad, but it would be nice if we had a snow blower,” Heather said.

According to the National Weather Service's snow depth observations, some areas of the county saw eight inches fall from the storm.

With a State of Emergency declared and a travel ban imposed, by Tuesday afternoon both were lifted.

The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center deactivated at noon, Tuesday.

In Sparta, there were 24 road crews deployed on the streets from the township's Department of Public Works throughout the day Monday and overnight, according to department head James Zepp.

Sparta Police Sgt. Dennis Proctor said their great work helped keep the number of accidents down.

The police department handled six vehicle accidents throughout the storm, none of which were serious, Proctor said.

"Everyone pretty much heeded the [travel ban]," Proctor said.

After 8 p.m., Monday, the accidents had stopped and Sparta was 'like a ghost town,' Proctor said.

There were also 12 vehicles that had to be towed off the roads for various reasons.

"The Department of Public Works did a terrific job keeping the roads clear," Proctor said.

Even so, Sparta was still left to dig out on Tuesday.

Landscaper Dave Peterson, of Peterson’s Landscapes, was pleased with his progress Tuesday morning having already removed snow from many houses by 10 a.m..

“It’s a piece of cake. I thought it was supposed to be a big one,” Peterson said.

Lake Mohawk resident Bob Kay echoed Peterson’s reaction.

“A lot less than we expected,” Kay said. “I am having no trouble shoveling and will go out later.”

Most local businesses in Sparta closed by late afternoon on Monday and reopened on Tuesday.

With Sparta schools being closed Monday and Tuesday, kids of all ages enjoyed an extended weekend. With a good foundation of snow from last Saturday’s snow, many families took advantage of sledding and local skiing during their time off.

Zepp said the department of public works had plenty of time to prepare for the snow and that all things ran smoothly.