SPARTA - Holiday preparations are well under way in Sparta and the chamber of commerce is working to make 2004 special.

Chamber Director Dave Hauskins said the Beautification Committee met recently with Councilwoman Marshal Schwartz, who said the city will contribute $3,000 toward the cost of an 18-foot artificial Christmas tree to be displayed probably at Broadway and Market streets. The chamber will pay $1,800 toward the tree cost.

The chamber will also donate $500 to the Sparta Fire Department which puts up community's Christmas decorations. Spartan Light Metal Products will be contributing $300 as part of the Christmas lighting contest prize money and the chamber is seeking contributors for the half of the prize money because Illinois Power, provider of the money in past years, was recently purchased by Ameren.

Local residents who wish to participate in the Christmas Lighting Contest may contact the Sparta News-Plaindealer at (618) 443-2145 to register.

Director Mike Springston announced Santa will arrive in Sparta Friday and his headquarters will be located at the Showtime 6 Cinema. Janet Gerlach's Sparta High School sociology class will be decorating.

Plans are also under way for the annual Sparta Chamber of Commerce Home Show set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 29 and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 30 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Parish Hall.

Booth rental is $95 for a 10-by-10-foot booth or $60 for chamber members. Wright's Do-It Center, The Gift Box Boutique and chamber will be offering a $1,000 home remodeling project grand prize. Other vendors may contribute to boost the grand prize or may provide other door prizes if desired. Springston said 13 spaces have already been rented for the home show and those who register by Dec. 6 will be listed on "early bird" promotion flyers for the show.

The chamber also recently discussed the World Shooting Complex. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has agreed to allow the chamber to use the complex logo for promotions and Director Deb Thies said Ron Schlimme has two trailers available for use and Robert Gordon said he could paint a truck for $600. The chamber decided to have Gordon redo a trailer decorated several years ago at a cost not to exceed $600.

Director Alan Dyke also said IDNR has sold out of spaces in the World Shooting Complex vendor buildings although other space is available on the ground. Sponsorship packages are also available for naming rights at the complex.

Chamber President Art Ashbrook told the chamber the Three 50's Garden Club had a landscaper decorate Sparta's west welcome sign at a cost of $660 and the project is now awaiting lighting bids from electricians.

Economic development was discussed as well, with Ashbrook reporting that Toyota is looking for a site in the Midwest for its seventh U.S. plant and Ed Crow, Randolph County Department of Economic Development Director, suggested the chamber support a regional approach to promote the area as a good site for the plant. Crow also said a non-profit corporation is looking to expand into Randolph County, particularly in the Sparta area.

Director Nathan Lee said the recent Homefest parade went well and the band show was a success. The Homefest Committee will be sponsoring a New Year's Eve program again, too.

Sparta Police Chief Tom Ashley warned chamber members that a local business received a huge phone bill after someone hacked into its telephone system and made thousands of dollars in phone calls to the Philippines. He said there have been similar problems in Pinckneyville and Carbondale. The calls are triggered through automated answering systems.

Sparta Community Hospital Marketing Director Peter Hertzing announced there will be an open house for the new hospital addition Dec. 6 and hopes are that the Illinois Department of Public Health can complete its inspection so the facility can be occupied Jan. 1.

In other business, Lee expressed concern that the storm sirens didn't sound Nov. 1 although the community suffered extensive storm damage.

Brandy's was selected as the chamber member of the month.

mathis5@hcis.net 618-357-8391