Five Things You Need to Know About Ellicott City this Week

Today is Tax Day. Did you need those ? If you're the kind of person who really likes to cut it close, you may want to check out this list of tax preparers in Ellicott City.

In favor of ? Or does the thought of them make you think Big Brother? On Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Banneker Room at the George Howard building, the County Council will listen to your testimony at a public hearing dedicated to the issue. Sign up to speak or submit written testimony online.

Earth Day is Friday. Check out Live Green Howard for ways to lessen your impact (and save money).  For tips to keep waste to a minimum throughout spring, visit the Bureau of Environmental Service's Spring Tips website.

All county government offices will be closed Friday, April 22 for Good Friday. Trash and recycling will not be affected, and the landfill, Circuit and District Courts will be open for business, too. And you still have to pay for parking in metered spots.

The weather has been all over the place, recently. And this week won't be any different. The National Weather Service is forecasting a chance of rain and thunderstorms every day this week, except for Thursday. I'm expecting lots of May flowers.