Politics & Government

Top Howard County Government Stories of 2012

Patch mined the archives for the stories that grabbed the interest of readers.

In 2012, we learned that Wegmans would not have a liquor store, that county government would change how it offered sweetened beverages in its buildings and that a former teacher joined the school board.

These are just some of the stories that grabbed the attention of readers in 2012.

What Howard County government decision in 2012 made the biggest impact on you? Tell us in comments.

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

Ulman Says He Would Support Assault Weapons Ban

Howard County Executive said he'd also support restrictions on magazine size.

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

Beverage Board Votes Down Wegmans Liquor Store

Unanimous vote denies liquor license for proposed second-floor liquor store inside Wegmans.

Blandair Park Opens Saturday

Howard County officials cut the ribbon at Blandair Park in Columbia.

Sen. Ed Kasemeyer (D-Howard/Baltimore) said Thursday night he was more than 99 percent sure that a freight depot would not be built in Elkridge. 

County to Shift to New Sweetened Beverage Standards

New standards will be implemented in all county vending machines, events, programs and departments.

Former Teacher to Join Incumbents on School Board

Ann De Lacy will join Janet Siddiqui and Ellen Flynn Giles on the Howard County Board of Education.

Same-Sex Couples Can Now Obtain Marriage Licenses in Howard County

The licenses will become effective on Jan. 1, 2013.

Merchant Petitions Against Main Street Meters

More than 50 people have signed a petition to stop the implementation of a new parking meter program in Historic Ellicott City, according to the petition’s creator, but it is not clear what, if any effect that petition will have.

Peter Beilenson will head the state's first health care co-op while Maura Rossman steps into County health officer role.

BGE Reliability 'We Thought it was Just Us'

Residents testified about their experiences with power outages.

Liz Bobo Won't Return to General Assembly

The state delegate says her grandson, Zach Lederer, played a role in her decision.

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman spoke about safety Monday in the aftermath of the Colorado theater shooting.

Howard County Officials on Health Care Decision: ‘Hard Work Ahead’

‘We will be both the educator and the navigator for enrollment.’ - Dr. Peter Beilenson, Howard County Health Officer.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here