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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].

Beacon City Hall
Posted inBeacon News

Four Beacon Council Members Leaving

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks February 21, 2025March 7, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Democrats endorse newcomers for seats

Putnam County Courthouse
Posted inPhilipstown News

Former Counsel Sues Putnam

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks February 21, 2025February 21, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Attorney challenges end of Legislature contract

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

Central Hudson Faces Audit

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks February 21, 2025February 21, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

State to probe executive pay at 13 utilities

Beacon firefighter David Brewer Photo by L. Sparks
Posted inAround Town

First Responders Sound Alarm

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks February 14, 2025March 7, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Survey highlights mental health challenges

Posted inAround Town

Home Insurance Rates on the Rise

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks February 7, 2025March 7, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Extreme storms, flooding contribute to jumps

Elizabeth Schroeder
Posted in5 Questions

5 Questions: Elizabeth Schroeder

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks February 7, 2025February 7, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Sexuality educator who lives in Philipstown

Castle Point VA Medical Center
Posted inAround Town

Castle Point Temporarily Closes Unit

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks February 5, 2025February 6, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Officials to evaluate staffing needs

ICE badges
Posted inAround Town

Preparing for ICE: Law Enforcement

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 31, 2025March 28, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

The role of local police in immigration policy

Putnam County Courthouse
Posted inPhilipstown News

Putnam Legal Spending Criticized

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 31, 2025January 31, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

County executive lawsuit cost $52,300

A rendering of the 32 housing units Hudson Valley Shakespeare plans to build on its 98-acre parcel in Philipstown.
Posted inPhilipstown News

Shakespeare Housing Approved

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 24, 2025March 7, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Project entails 32 units for performers

Nancy Montgomery
Posted inPhilipstown News

Putnam Approves New Rules

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 17, 2025March 7, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Montgomery again excluded from committees

Fishkill Creek runs for 33.5 miles on its way to the Hudson River.
Posted inAround Town

Group Seeks Funds for Fishkill Creek

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 17, 2025March 7, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Alliance backs designation as ‘inland waterway’

During an appearance on Newsmax in November, Putnam Executive Kevin Byrne said that the county is not a “sancutary” for immigrants.
Posted inAround Town

Deportation Pressure Begins

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 10, 2025March 7, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Putnam, Dutchess receive warnings from legal group

Jocelyn Apicello Photo provided
Posted inPhilipstown News

Philipstown Farmer Removed from Ag Board

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 10, 2025January 17, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Spoke out against Putnam Legislature decision

The New York State Capitol building in Albany
Posted inAround Town

New Laws for 2025

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 3, 2025January 11, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Include prenatal, health care benefits 

The home at 112 Washington before, and after, renovations. Factioned
Posted inBeacon News, Real Estate

Flipping Beacon

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 3, 2025March 7, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Investors update older homes, and their prices

A sketch of the depot theater’s proposed facility
Posted inPhilipstown News

Depot Theatre Seeks Project on Town Site

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 27, 2024December 27, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

Would house costumes, sets and theater classes

Putnam County courthouse
Posted inPhilipstown News

Farmer Sues Putnam County over Ag District

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 27, 2024January 3, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Also: Byrne drops lawsuit against Legislature

Theresa Timmons
Posted inPhilipstown News

A Life Renewed

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 20, 2024January 11, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Haldane student continues recovery from horrific crash

Loaded Syringe and Pills, drugs, opioids, needle
Posted inBeacon News

Overdose Deaths Plummet in Dutchess

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 20, 2024January 11, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Officials credit policing, public health initiatives

Dust rises from the property of Century Aggregates, which is building a new entrance on Route 9 for its mining operation. Photo by L. Sparks
Posted inPhilipstown News

Concrete Plant Proposed for Route 9

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 20, 2024December 20, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

Century Aggregates runs gravel, sand mine

Spring and Main in Nelsonville
Posted inPhilipstown News

Nelsonville Bans Parking on Spring Street

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 20, 2024December 20, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

Village board also raises permit fees

Byrne
Posted inPhilipstown News

Putnam Executive Sues Legislature

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 13, 2024December 23, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

State court hits lawmakers with injunction

Philipstown Town Hall
Posted inPhilipstown News

Philipstown May Expand Tax Breaks

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 13, 2024December 13, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

Proposals raise income limits for seniors, disabled

Dutchess Budget 2022
Posted inBeacon News

Dutchess Legislature Approves Budget

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 13, 2024December 13, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

Boosts spending, lowers tax rate

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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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