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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].

Nancy Montgomery
Posted inPhilipstown News

No Committees for Montgomery

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 26, 2024December 29, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

Putnam sidelines Legislature’s sole Democrat

This is 32 Dorn Road in Beckman in 2022, when Dutchess County sold it for $165,000.
Posted inAround Town

County Tax Sales in Limbo

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 26, 2024February 16, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

Proceeds most now go to previous owners

Garrison Landing
Posted inPhilipstown News

Spring Forecast for Landing’s Water Connect

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 19, 2024February 16, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

New well awaits link to Garrison treatment plant

This building will soon house the Star of Bethlehem Church and Fareground. File photo
Posted inBeacon News

Beacon Church Approved for Move

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 19, 2024February 16, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

Fareground will use former restaurant

Grinder pump
Posted inPhilipstown News

Nelsonville Gets Sewer Options

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 19, 2024February 16, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

Feasibility study outlines funding challenges

Wastewater from the Beacon treatment plant is being tested for the virus that causes COVID-19.
Posted inAround Town

Local Sewage Tests High for COVID Virus

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 12, 2024March 3, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Beacon, Cold Spring collecting samples for state

Man handing cash
Posted inAround Town

By the Numbers

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 12, 2024July 11, 2025 Why you can trust The Current

Comparing county salaries

The New York State Capitol building in Albany
Posted inAround Town

New Laws Take Effect

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 5, 2024January 21, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

Early voting, insurance coverage among changes

Posted inPhilipstown News

Putnam Disbands Response Team

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 5, 2024February 16, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

Legislature never approved tactical unit

Tom Angell
Posted in5 Questions

5 Questions: Tom Angell

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks January 5, 2024January 5, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

Retired Dec. 31 after 34 years with the Dutchess County Public Defender’s Office

Stella Hlad’s’ new digs are a “tiny house” built in the backyard of her son’s home. 
 Photo by L. Sparks
Posted inBeacon News

Affordable Housing — in the Backyard

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 29, 2023February 16, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

Beacon residents find benefits in ‘accessory dwelling units’

aryeh siegel
Posted in5 Questions

5 Questions: Aryeh Siegel

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 29, 2023December 29, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Architect whose designs include The Roundhouse, The Beacon

The Red Roof Inn on Route 9 is lodging 86 asylum-seekers from New York City.
Posted inBeacon News

Dutchess Wins Lawsuit Over Migrants

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 22, 2023December 29, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

New York City gets six months to clear Poughkeepsie hotel

congress17
Posted inAround Town

Highlands Districts to be Redrawn

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 15, 2023February 22, 2024 Why you can trust The Current

Court ruling affects Lawler, Ryan, Rolison

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

Retail Pot Coming to Newburgh

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

State reviewing other Highlands applications

Philipstown Town Hall
Posted inPhilipstown News

Town Freezes Approvals of Oil Tanks

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Route 9 project among those raising concerns

New York City traffic
Posted inAround Town

$15 Toll for Lower Manhattan

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 8, 2023December 8, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

‘Congestion pricing’ expected to begin in spring 

Posted inPhilipstown News

Putnam Awards Opioid Settlement Funds

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 8, 2023December 8, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Money to benefit three Philipstown agencies

2024 budget
Posted inBeacon News

Dutchess Passes Contentious Budget

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 8, 2023December 15, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Elected officials to receive large pay boosts

Clove Creek
Posted inPhilipstown News

Philipstown Proposes Freeze on Large Oil Tanks

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 1, 2023December 8, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Environmental concerns drive call for moratorium 

This is a rendering of the view from inside the open-air theater.
Posted inArts & Leisure

Shakespeare Festival Unveils Theater Design

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks December 1, 2023December 1, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Groundbreaking expected in 2024

HVSF this year hopes to encourage more picnicking before the shows.
Posted inPhilipstown News

Shakespeare Festival Completes Review

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 24, 2023November 27, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Planning Board approves environmental remedies

Jason Tramm
Posted inArts & Leisure

Interview With a Maestro

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 24, 2023November 27, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Q&A with the new conductor of the Putnam Chorale

lethal dose
Posted inSpecial Reports

Opioid Update: Overdose Deaths Worsen

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 17, 2023December 23, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Dutchess on pace to double 2019 total

Posted inSpecial Reports

Counties Deploy Settlement Funds

Leonard Sparks by Leonard Sparks November 17, 2023December 23, 2023 Why you can trust The Current

Money prioritizes harm reduction, treatment

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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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