Hopatcong and Sparta saw snow, ice, and spring-like temperatures this week as we said goodbye to January. The news was similar to the weather, with varying issues and topics to report on. Let’s take a look at this week’s biggest stories.

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Solar Project Payment Dispute Lands in Federal Court

Cheaper electric power stemming from Hopatcong School District’s solar energy project has been tarnished by a legal battle, now with three different subcontractors going unpaid for work they provided more than a year ago.

Pope John Principal ‘Seriously Injured’ in Crash

School principal Gloria Shope was walking on Andover Road when she was struck by a vehicle, according to police. Shope sustained injuries to her shoulder and chest area, but they aren’t considered life-threatening, police said. The driver of the vehicle was an 18-year-old Stanhope man.

Drug-Dealing Student Had Pot, Knife at School, Cops Say

An 18-year-old Sparta High School student was arrested recently after showing up to school with a knife, marijuana, and thousands of dollars of cash with him. Eric Roberts was charged with distribution of narcotics on school property, among others.

Pub 199 Owner: ‘I’ll Be Back’ By Memorial Day

George Markou, owner of Mt. Arlington’s Pub 199, which was ravaged by a fire in January, said he’s already working on rebuilding the popular restaurant. The owner expects to be up and running before the unofficial summer kick-off weekend of Memorial Day.

‘Café Kids’ Mixes Learning With Real-Life Experience

With a $2,000 grant from ING, teachers Danielle Kovach and Patricia Pietrzak have begun turning a classroom into a “Café Kids” with the goal of using cooking, food service and all related duties as a way to enforce classroom studies through real-life activities.