News and Announcements
Please refer to the new Coronavirus page, for the many announcements, updates, closings, and cancellations. This page is updated frequently, so check in often for the latest information.
Announcements
Notice of Aerial Mosquito Larviciding
August 5 through August 7 between the hours of 5 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The Sussex County Office of Mosquito Control has scheduled an aerial application (by plane) on
8/5/2020 through 8/7/20 between the hours of 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. Areas to be treated are uninhabited, wetland areas located in the following municipalities: Wantage Township, Vernon Township, Hardyston Township, Sussex Borough, Borough of Hopatcong, Town of Newton, Hampton Township, Lafayette Township, and Andover Township. You may see a plane flying over residential areas; however no applications of this product are made over residential neighborhoods. The pilot is simply positioning the plane to approach the wetlands that will be treated.
The product being used is Vectobac GS EPA Reg # 73049-10 with an active ingredient of BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) a bacteria for the control of larval (immature, Aquatic state) mosquitoes.
Reference:
http://publichealth.valentbiosciences.com/docs/resources/vectobac-sup-sup-gs---specimen-label.pdf
This product is a solid, granular material (I.E. ground up corncob husks).
NOTE: THIS IS NOT A LIQUID OR AEROSOL SPRAY.
Nor is it directed at adult mosquitoes.
This application is to reduce future adult mosquito populations.
Please contact the Office of Mosquito Control at 973-948-4545 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, if you have any questions. For more information see website: www.sussex.nj.us/mosquito
Virtual Job Fair
The Sussex County Chamber of Commerce is hosting another virtual job fair on Thursday, August 6, from 10 to 11 a.m. There is no charge for job seekers to participate but pre-registration is required. To register or for more information go to the Chamber's website at http://www.sussexcountychamber.org Participating Employers to Date: All Ways Caring (Sparta), Alpine Roofing, Crystal Springs Resort, Express Employment Professionals, Newton Medical Center, NORWESCAP. Project Self Sufficiency and SCARC, Inc.
Notice about Unsolicited Seeds
The NJ Department of Agriculture has been receiving reports of people receiving seeds in the mail from China that they did not order. Sometimes the seeds are sent in packages stating that the contents are jewelry. Unsolicited seeds could be invasive, introduce diseases to local plants, or be harmful to livestock. Here's what to do if you receive unsolicited seeds from another country:
- DO NOT plant them and if they are in sealed packaging don't open the sealed package.
- Take a photo of the package and seeds and send the photos to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to joseph.zoltowski@ag.nj.gov and USDA SITC at SITC.Mail@aphis.usda.gov
Do not plant seeds. Take picture and send to AG and USDA. For more information go to nj.gov/agriculture/news/hottopics/topics200727.html
Scheduled Recreation Fall Events Have Been Canceled
Due to the many uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, including how the virus could affect our community and the uncertainty of restrictions placed by the government, the Recreation Committee has needed to reevaluate its upcoming programs. At this time, the Wantage Township 5K and the Wantage Day Fall Festival are canceled. We continue to discuss new ideas and hope to bring a few of them to you this year.
Wantage Township Plant Exchange
The Recreation Committee is excited to announce its newest event — The Wantage Township Plant Exchange — coming this fall! Are you looking to transplant and/or divide perennials in your yard? If you have a friend or neighbor who likes to garden, please share this exciting news. Continue to visit our website and social media pages for the latest up-to-date information on this event and others.
Roadwork Notice
Starting Monday, July 13th, there will be road construction on Coykendall Road.
Municipal Building Open to the Public
The Municipal Building reopened to the public on July 6. The public is required to wear a face mask and to maintain proper social distancing while inside. The number of people allowed inside at one time is 25, which includes employees.
SCMUA Resumes Special Events
The Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority has resumed its special events. Monthly Paper Shredding will be held on the third Friday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. See Paper Shred details. The next E-Waste Collection will be held on July 25 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. See E-Waste details.
A Reminder about Pools
Residential Pool Requirements – Please read the following important information regarding the installation of residential swimming pools (including the temporary small sold at retailers throughout our area.) We understand that as summer approaches and households are looking for ways to enjoy the summer and provide recreational opportunities during the current public health emergency and “stay at home” order they may be considering the installation of a pool; however please note that all state and local zoning and construction regulations still apply.
As a guideline for residential pools that require permits, please see the following:
- Zoning permits are required for seasonal as well as permanently installed pools.
- Any pool capable of holding 24″ of water requires a permit under the UCC (Uniform Construction Code)
- Any pool with less than 48″ high sidewalls require some other type of compliant barrier; fence, self-closing, latching gates and ladders etc.
- Electrical requirements for temporary and permanent pools must be strictly adhered to. Permit required.
The applicable codes can be found at https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/ISPSC2018P3, which include the International Swimming Pool Code and International Residential Code. For any further information or guidance please call the Hardyston Construction Department at 973-823-7020 extension 9001.
2020 Wantage Pageants Canceled
Due to the recent pandemic affecting our country, it is with great disappointmen that we must cancel our Miss Wantage, Little Miss Wantage, and Little Mr. Wantage pageants for this year. It is for the safety and wellness of all of us, that we feel this is the best decision. The director and coordinator for the NJ State Fair/Sussex Co. Farm & Horse Show stated, “It is with great disappointment that we will not be holding a Queen of the Fair pageant this year (2020). We look forward to see you all in 2021 when we will be holding the pageants again!"
All three 2019 winners “happily” consented to “hold over” their titles for the year 2020! We are grateful for all three of them to do this for us; that way Wantage Township has representation. Congratulations to all! Wantage 2019 pageant winners agreeing to reign in 2020 as well:
Caroline Reese
Lea Lynn Gunther
Beau Yanish
Wednesdays To-Go Dinners
On May 20, The Wantage United Methodist Church began hosting free, to-go dinners on Wednesdays. The menu differs from week to week. The program will run as long as there is a need. Reservations are required and can be made by phoning Melissa at 973-997-1822. There will be no contact — dinners will be picked up in the parking lot. You will be given information and instructions when you make your reservation. There is no charge, but donations are welcome. All are welcome.
Public Meeeting: Berry Road Property
The Open Space Committee's public meeting to discuss options for the the Berry Road project will be rescheduled. It had been originally scheduled for April 27 at 7 p.m. but was canceled due to New Jersey's current restrictions.
Fraud Alert
The CDC wants to caution the public that it is not deploying teams of people to go door to door to conduct surveillance. If an individual claims to be from the CDC do not let them in your home or speak with them. They are imposters. Contact your local law enforcement if this activity is reported in your municipality. See Sussex County Coronavirus page.
Only Clean Dirt Wanted — Guard Your Yard
Wantage Township warns residents about clean fill that may not be so clean.
See flyer on how to guard your backyard. PDF icon.
Click here for the NJ offical Guard Your Backyard website.
Click here to read Ordinance #2019-04, "Wantage Township Soil Importing and Exporting."
Environmental Complaints
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has a toll-free telephone hotline number you can use to report environmental incidents, abuses, and complaints in New Jersey or impacting it. The 1-877-WARNDEP number can be used in the continental United States.
Food Drive
If you can, stuff the can! Non-perishable food is being collected to benefit the Sussex County Social Services food pantry. All the food collected in this food drive will provide emergency food assistance to residents of Sussex County. Donations may be dropped off at the Municipal Building; Look for the Champions for Charity can!
Wantage Township First Aid Squad Members Needed
Wantage Township Residents: If you are interested in joining the First Aid Squad, please contact the WTFAS today! Time committment is minimal and all training and drills to be certified will be provided. Drivers are needed as well as EMTs. The Wantage Township First Aid Squad is made up of volunteers—your neighbors—who provide emergency medical service in Wantage. For more information, please email wtfas.nj.recruitment@gmail.com
Virtual Events
Login information will be included with each event description. For a Zoom tutorial go to https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-Meeting
Wantage Works Out
Ongoing
Wantage Recreation is hosting a Wantage Works Out program for residents. All different types of activities and workouts will be posted on the Wantage Recreation Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/wantagerecreationandparks. To make this even more fun, you can get involved by posting youself doing your workout. It can be one that Wantage Rec posted or one of your own. Let's make this fun and interactive, and the best way to do that is through your input and sharing this with your friends and family.
In-Person Events
To submit your Wantage event, click here.
NOTICE: All programs and meetings that were scheduled to take place at the Library or our schools have been canceled until further notice. When/If the organizers of other events contact the website with updates, these updates will be posted. It is recommended that you contact the organizers of events before attending.
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
The Moving Wall
POSTPONED
September 10 through 14 at Woodbourne Park
A half-size replica of the Washington, DC, Vietnam Memorial Wall will be on display at Woodbourne Park. The Sussex Elks is looking for family members of those who lived in Sussex County and are listed on the wall. Volunteers for the event are also needed. Click here for more information.
Family Fun 5K Race
CANCELED
September 19 at Woodbourne Park
OCTOBER
Wantage Day Fall Festival
CANCELED
October 17, noon to 4 p.m. at Woodbourne Park
NOVEMBER
Household Hazardous Waste Collection
November 7, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at SCMUA
Dispose of household hazardous waste for free at SCMUS's household hazardous waste event. See the SCMUA website for more information New window icon. Link opens in a new window for this off-site link.
DECEMBER
ONGOING
Suspended until further noticeClick here to submit your event
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