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The Current

The Current

News for Philipstown (Cold Spring, Nelsonville, Garrison) and Beacon, New York

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  • July 12, 2025
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Leonard Sparks

Leonard Sparks

Leonard Sparks has been reporting for The Current since 2020. The Peekskill resident holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Morgan State University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland and previously covered Sullivan County and Newburgh for The Times Herald-Record in Middletown. He can be reached at [email protected].

This undated photo shows discarded boxes and bottles of xylazine seized in a police raid.
Posted inAround Town

The Rise of ‘Tranq Dope’

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 20, 2023April 21, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Animal sedative mixed with opioids causes gruesome wounds 

Posted inPhilipstown News

Haldane Sees Surge in College Applications

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 20, 2023January 20, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

SAT change, SUNY fee waiver fuel growth

Pharmacies such as Drug World in Cold Spring are struggling to keep shelves stocked with cold and flu medicines amid a spike in cases. (Photo by L. Sparks)
Posted inAround Town

Cold, Flu Medicines Vanish

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 13, 2023April 21, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Demand from outbreaks fuels shortages

A drawing of the proposed bridge, which would be constructed just north of the Breakneck Tunnel
Posted inAround Town

Phase 1 of Fjord Trail Gets OK

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 6, 2023April 28, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

State finds no adverse environmental impact

Child Vaccinated. Cute Little Girl pointing finger at adhesive plaster bandage on her arm after Being Injected Covid-19 Vaccine, light blue studio background. Children immunization. Health pass
Posted inPhilipstown News

Putnam to Prioritize Immunizations

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 6, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Polio vaccine rates lowest in Cold Spring, Garrison

Putnam Valley Elementary
Posted inPhilipstown News

Putnam School District Sues Over Pollution

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 30, 2022January 12, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Chemicals found in well that supplies elementary

The state attorney general accused a Long Island pet store of selling this sick puppy.
Posted inAround Town

State Bans ‘Puppy Mill’ Sales

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 30, 2022April 21, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Advocates say breeders harm pets, consumers

Jean-Marie Niebuhr of the Dutchess County’shealthdepartment Photoprovided
Posted inAround Town

Therapy Prescribed for Mental Health System

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 23, 2022April 21, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

New programs aim to reverse worker shortage

Power lines on background of sky close-up. Electric hub on pole in monochrome. Electricity equipment with copy space. Wires of high voltage in sky. Electricity industry. Sepia tone.
Posted inAround Town

State Considers Fine for Central Hudson

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 16, 2022December 16, 2022 Why you can trust The Current

Report says employees warned of ‘major’ billing issues

NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital
Posted inAround Town

Beds Refill at Local Hospitals

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 16, 2022March 6, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

COVID, flu spike follows Thanksgiving

proposed-assembly-94
Posted inAround Town

Plan Would Move Highlands to New Assembly District

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 9, 2022April 21, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

State proposal released for 2024 election

Metro North train
Posted inAround Town

Metro-North Plans To Resume Fare Hikes

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 9, 2022April 21, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

MTA chair says system faces ‘existential crisis’

The power line will pass the Highlands underneath the Hudson River.
Posted inAround Town

Work Begins On New Power Line

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 9, 2022December 14, 2022 Why you can trust The Current

Route passes Highlands under Hudson River 

Members of Defense of Democracy, which formed in response to the conservative group Moms for Liberty, march in this year's Spirit of Beacon Day parade.
Posted inAround Town

Local Moms Push Back

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 2, 2022April 21, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Group mobilizes for LGBTQ, diversity 

Man smokes a joint. Medical marijuana use and legalization of the cannabis, light drugs concept
Posted inAround Town

What’s That Smell?

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 2, 2022December 2, 2022 Why you can trust The Current

Public marijuana use rises with legalization

Nonna
Posted inPhilipstown News

Nonna’s Drops Suit Against Homestyle

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 2, 2022December 2, 2022 Why you can trust The Current

Owner of shuttered pizzeria sought $800,000

Woman with flu
Posted inAround Town

Officials Warn of Triple Threat

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 25, 2022December 19, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

COVID rates steady but flu and RSV on rise

Glynwood is raising 200 turkeys this year, rather than the more typical 30 to 50.
Posted inAround Town

Gobbling Up Local Meats

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 18, 2022November 24, 2022 Why you can trust The Current

Small farms meet holiday demand as costs rise

Posted inAround Town

Ruling Delays Cannabis Shops

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 18, 2022April 21, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Court order affects Beacon, Cold Spring and other areas

Dutchess election workers process absentee ballots
Posted inAround Town

New Law Quickens Results

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 11, 2022November 19, 2022 Why you can trust The Current

Republicans fail in bid to stop early counting

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell presented her budget to the Legislature on Oct. 7. Photo provided
Posted inPhilipstown News

Putnam Approves $179 Million Budget

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 11, 2022November 11, 2022 Why you can trust The Current

Philipstown legislator cites raises in voting ‘no’

Photo by Nancy LeVine
Posted in5 Questions

5 Questions: Anthony Lassiter

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 11, 2022December 23, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Veteran and volunteer receives Beacons of History award

Molinaro
Posted inBeacon News

Dutchess: Molinaro Proposes $560 Million Budget

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 11, 2022April 21, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Plan cuts taxes, spends on housing and mental health 

The lockbar (foreground) was removed to gain access to the grease vat behind One More Bite. Photo provided
Posted inAround Town

Grease Thieves

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 4, 2022April 21, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Bandits target restaurants for biodiesel ingredient

Gregg Zuman
Posted in5 Questions

5 Questions: Gregg Zuman

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 4, 2022December 23, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Beacon resident is founder of Revolution Rickshaws

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ABOUT THE CURRENT

We are a reader-funded, nonprofit media organization that serves the communities of Beacon and Philipstown (Cold Spring, Nelsonville, Garrison, North Highlands and Continental Village) in the Hudson Highlands of New York.

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Cold Spring, NY 10516
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