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The Current

The Current

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

  • SUPPORT LOCAL NEWS
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Donate
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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].

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

dutchess county government building
Posted inBeacon News

Dutchess Workers to Receive $1K Bonus

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 13, 2021November 13, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Also, legislature passes tax exemption on clothing, shoes

pete seeger stamp
Posted inBeacon News

Postal Service to Issue Pete Seeger Stamp

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 12, 2021April 21, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Folk musician, environmentalist was longtime Beacon resident

Louis Weber
Posted inPhilipstown News

Louis Weber Sentenced to 20 Years

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 12, 2021November 12, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Prosecutor says case about ‘greed’ and ‘revenge’

edie meeks in vietnam
Posted inArts & Leisure

Voices of Veterans

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 8, 2021November 6, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Garrison filmmaker, Beacon vet part of new PBS series

Ballot proposals
Posted inAround Town

Dutchess Voters Reject Smaller Legislature

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

Statewide voting reform, redistricting proposals voted down

marijuana leaf
Posted inAround Town

Board Approves Medical Home Grown

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 3, 2021October 29, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Allows up to 12 marijuana plants per residence

cold spring flooding
Posted inAround Town

Rain, Rain, Go Away Already

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

Ida produced second-wettest day in 13 years

Ballot proposals
Posted inAround Town

Quick Guide to Ballot Proposals

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks October 29, 2021October 31, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

A look at the back of the ballot

Dutchess Budget 2022
Posted inBeacon News

Molinaro Unveils ‘Historic’ Tax Cut

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks October 29, 2021November 8, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Proposal would cut Dutchess taxes by 10 percent

dar williams on tour
Posted inArts & Leisure

Dar Williams: Back On the Road

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks October 25, 2021October 22, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Cold Spring singer-songwriter tours after yearlong delay

Posted inPhilipstown News

Haldane to Receive More State Funding

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks October 23, 2021October 22, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

State agrees to pay billions to settle lawsuit

Patricia Miranda at work in her studio.
Posted inArts & Leisure

Lacing Together History

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks October 22, 2021October 22, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Artist weaves donated fabrics into ‘community’ project

St. Christopher's Inn
Posted inArts & Leisure

Words of Recovery

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks October 16, 2021October 22, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

New book features work by men at Garrison treatment center

Container ship
Posted inAround Town

Local Retailers Feel Supply Pinch

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks October 15, 2021November 8, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Shortages expected as holiday spending ramps up

George Taranto
Posted inPhilipstown News

Family Alleges Deputies Caused Death

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks October 9, 2021October 8, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Say they may revise lawsuit against Putnam County

Posted inAround Town

Big Bucks Coming from Opioid Settlement

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks October 9, 2021October 8, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Settlement money must be used for treatment and prevention 

Newburgh-Beacon_Bridge_2
Posted inBeacon News

Walking the Bridge at Night

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks October 9, 2021October 8, 2021 Why you can trust The Current

Newburgh-Beacon Bridge could open after dusk

Posted inAround Town

Postal Delivery Expected to Slow

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks October 8, 2021April 21, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

New mail standards will add one to two days

Posted in5 Questions

5 Questions: Deb Madsen

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks October 2, 2021December 23, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Traveling intensive-care unit nurse

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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.

HOW WE REPORT

The Current is a member of The Trust Project, a consortium of news outlets that has adopted standards to allow readers to more easily assess the credibility of their journalism. Our best practices, including our verification and correction policies, can be accessed here.

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Cold Spring, NY 10516
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