Community Corner

Top October Stories in Howard County

Enchanted Forest site being cleared, officer shot in North Laurel, and a body found in one of Columbia's man-made lakes. Top stories from Howard County Patch websites in October.


Former Enchanted Forest Site Being Cleared

Another part of the former theme park site is being developed.

Police: Suspect Attempted to Test Drive Car Before Shooting Officer

The suspect, Stephon Prather, is charged with three counts of first-degree attempted murder and eleven other charges.

First Store to Open in Columbia Mall's New Wing Nov. 1

The lingerie store will be the first to open at The Mall in Columbia's 70,000 square-foot new expansion.

Grille 620 Opens at Turf Valley Towne Square

One of the owners of the restaurant is a Super Bowl champion while the other three draw from their experience working in steak houses.


Judge in Deaf Abuse Case Forbids Facial Gestures, Sign Language in Courtroom

The Howard County Circuit Judge instated the rule after realizing it was possible that spectators were sending trial participants messages.

A Year After Sandy, Wastewater Plant Power Upgrades Announced

Last year 20 million gallons of wastewater flowed into the Little Patuxent River after a power outage at the county's wastewater plant.

Columbia Nonprofit Challenges Coca-Cola in TV Ads: Obesity Comes in a Red Can

The local health nonprofit's new ads feature the slogan, "Happiness doesn't come in a red can. Obesity does."

Kittleman to Submit Legislation to Repeal State 'Rain Tax'

The state senator who is also running for Howard County executive said the legislation puts the burden on business owners and is unnecessary.

Four Vehicle Smash and Grabs Prompt Another Police Warning

Police said four smash and grabs at daycare facilities and a gym happened in mid-October, prompting a warning from police asking residents to never leave valuables in unattended vehicles.

CrunchDaddy's Business is Popping

Dan Bazis, of Columbia, is going full-time into the gourmet popcorn industry.

UPDATE: Body Found in Lake Elkhorn Identified

A citizen discovered the body in one of Columbia's man-made lakes on Oct. 8.


1,000 Births for Columbia Midwife: ‘It’s All Such a Miracle’

A Columbia nurse midwife has for more than a decade helped deliver babies in cars and homes -- wherever the little ones decided to be born, including a son of the author's.

Find out what's happening in Ellicott Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Marijuana Growing Operation Found Inside Licensed Child Care Center

Police said the Howard County home was actively being used as a child care center while a Savage man operated a marijuana growing and distribution operation inside.


Stink Bugs Rejoice at Government Shutdown

Just as a mass movement of stink bugs into homes begins, scientists working on controlling the problem are furloughed.

Find out what's happening in Ellicott Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

County School Buses Being Outfitted with New Digital Cameras

The cameras will be used as a tool for school administrators to review incidents on county buses, said school officials.

Suspect in Police Shooting Shot at Family in 2006

Stephon Prather, the suspect in a police shooting in North Laurel, shot at a family, including three children, in Prince George's County in 2006.


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