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The Current

The Current

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

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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].

covid-mask
Posted inAround Town

Omicron Waning

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 28, 2022December 19, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Cases plummet; hospitalizations, deaths expected to follow

Maya Fasulo sits at her mother’s bedside
Posted inAround Town

Devastated By COVID

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

Beacon native loses mother, grandmother

Galef
Posted inPhilipstown News

Galef Says She Plans to Retire From Assembly (Updated)

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 14, 2022January 21, 2022 Why you can trust The Current

Representative has held seat for nearly 30 years

Tropical Storm Isaias power line
Posted inAround Town

Should Power Lines Be Buried?

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 14, 2022January 21, 2022 Why you can trust The Current

Governor signs bill to study the matter

Posted inAround Town

Probe Finds Prisons Used Faulty Drug Tests

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 8, 2022January 7, 2022 Why you can trust The Current

Inmates punished with solitary confinement

Central Hudson Square Logo
Posted inAround Town

Problems Plague New Central Hudson System

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 7, 2022January 14, 2022 Why you can trust The Current

Customers surprised by large, delayed bills

Putnam Hospital Center
Posted inAround Town

Hospitals See Influx of COVID-19 Patients

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 7, 2022April 30, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Two administrators expect peak lies ahead

COVID testing
Posted inAround Town

Being Tested

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 31, 2021April 30, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Residents scramble for appointments, home kits

Sprout Brook Road bridge
Posted inAround Town

The State of Highlands Bridges

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 26, 2021December 24, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Inspections give generally solid marks to local spans

zade matthews
Posted inPhilipstown News

Haldane Student Wins Vaccination Scholarship

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 26, 2021April 30, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Award covers tuition, room, board at SUNY or CUNY schools

Lewis & Pine
Posted inAround Town

No Vax, No Mask, No Service

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 24, 2021April 30, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Local businesses enforce new mandate 

Posted inPhilipstown News

Brewster Officer Accused of Protecting Sex Traffickers

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 23, 2021December 30, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Prosecutors allege he was bribed with sex

Jim Rooney
Posted in5 Questions

5 Questions: Jim Rooney

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 18, 2021December 23, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Ex-priest runs Beacon bed-and-breakfast

Woman wearing mask
Posted inAround Town

Dutchess, Putnam Will Not Enforce Mask Mandate

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 17, 2021April 30, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Serino also criticizes state order as COVID-19 cases rise

Kingston-Rhinecliff_Bridge
Posted inBeacon News

Dutchess Ethics Chair Faulted

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 11, 2021December 11, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Ordered spy cam while head of Bridge Authority

Hospital sign
Posted inAround Town

Hospitals Brace for Two Unwelcome Visitors

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 10, 2021April 30, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

COVID-19 cases climb as the flu re-emerges

dutchess county government building
Posted inBeacon News

Dutchess Legislature Approves $533 Million Budget

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 5, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Property tax rate falls by 10 percent

beacon 248
Posted inBeacon News

Lease — and Land — Divides Beacon Developers

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 4, 2021December 3, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Lawsuit centers on 99-year agreement

Fanny Fay house
Posted inBeacon News

Longtime Beacon Scout House May Be Sold

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 3, 2021December 3, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Built as Civilian Conservation Corps barracks

HVSF tent
Posted inPhilipstown News

HVSF Gets $2 Million State Grant

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 26, 2021December 10, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Also applies for ‘special-events’ permit for next two seasons

Posted inAround Town

State Approves New Central Hudson Rate Plan

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 20, 2021November 20, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Electric, gas bills to increase under three-year agreement

Bridge work
Posted inBeacon News

Decking Half Complete for Newburgh-Beacon Bridge

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 20, 2021November 20, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Crews finish left lane of westbound span

fair street parking lot
Posted inPhilipstown News

Cold Spring Project Eyes Village Lot for Parking

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 19, 2021November 19, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Former gallery may become retail, office space

Kevin Byrne
Posted inPhilipstown News

State Legislator to Run for Putnam Executive

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 19, 2021March 29, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Byrne supports Constitutional County resolution

New York marijuana legalization
Posted inAround Town

State Issues Marijuana Guidance for Employers

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 19, 2021April 8, 2022 Why you can trust The Current

Draft regulations on home growing released

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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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