It’s not clear when Duchess Variety Store opened though the faded lettering on the brown brick exterior suggests it was decades ago The prices matched the frozen-in-time feel: about $2.50 for a bologna sandwich it seemed like the little deli at 4126 Old Columbia Pike in Ellicott City had just always been there The shop had been singlehandedly run by “Ms declining to be interviewed by a reporter several months ago Behind the beige formica counter of her deli The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one. Online records list the business’ owner as Magdolna Kovacs No one answered the door at her address or responded to a note left there The middle of the store was left empty to allow space for the often formidable lines that formed around lunchtime “She was very focused,” Winters said ”… but she wasn’t fast.” God help the person who tried to order for a crowd a commenter on the Howard County Eats Facebook page rebuked those who came in requesting 10 sandwiches and 5 milkshakes without ordering ahead “The line backup due to large orders is not fair to anyone including the owner,” she wrote The post received 200 likes and dozens of comments how she would slice a tomato while holding it in her hand “I would never let my cooks do that,” he laughed But she would occasionally open up to those who walked in the door a commenter on the Howard County Eats Facebook page urged residents to stop by and congratulate the owner on 50 years in business The selection of chips and cookies had dwindled in recent weeks customers recalled that the ice cream freezer broke down a while back Maggie refused offers from patrons to fundraise or buy her a new one Winters said he learned the shop closed last week after a coworker tried to stop by Duchess for lunch they “just fell apart.” A post about the closure on Facebook received hundreds of reactions The store “was a beloved fixture in Ellicott City loved by locals and those ‘in the know’ about this special shop,” wrote Kristi Simon president and CEO of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce In addition to its delicious sandwiches and milkshakes it was Maggie’s warmth and dedication that truly set it apart we’re grateful for years of delicious food and memories at the Duchess and hope Mrs Kovacs is enjoying a well-deserved retirement.” whom he calls “an absolute gift to the community.” On the Howard County Eats Facebook page he floated the idea of having a sendoff for her at the nearby VFW He checked in with firefighters at a fire station across the street to see if they knew where she was “It’s like she just closed the door and went home,” he said Christina Tkacik christina.tkacik@thebaltimorebanner.com Christina Tkacik is a food reporter for The Baltimore Banner Welcome to The Banner's subscriber-only commenting community. Please review our community guidelines Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policies The Baltimore Banner is a trademark registered in the U.S for The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism Statement from Executive Vice President and General Manager Eric DeCosta pic.twitter.com/TNQrqw3me2 Welcome to The Banner's subscriber-only commenting community. Please review our community guidelines Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policies Click here to view our Terms of Sale.\n \n Click here to learn more about supporting local journalism.\n Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes. If the problem persists, please contact customer service at 443-843-0043 or customercare@thebaltimorebanner.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Demonstration ScheduleDemonstrations take place in the demo area inside Meadowbrook Athletic Complex Inflatable Locations Last person allowed in line at 1:45pm The following vendors will be onsite selling food *Additional Parking and Shuttles will be available the day of event Shuttles will start at 10:30am and the last shuttles will depart the event venue at 2:30pm Historic Ellicott City will experience less parking availability than normal That's because Parking Lot B along Main Street will shut down for a prolonged period of time VIDEO: Ellicott City closing Lot B on Main Street through mid-2027 for Safe and Sound construction The closure is for construction by the North Tunnel related to the City's expanded Safe and Sound Plan MORE: Limiting flooding in Historic Ellicott City Work is expected to last mid-way through 2027 meaning Lot B won't open until at least then Signs will be posted alerting pedestrians and motorists of the closure the County is lifting two-hour parking restrictions on Maryland Avenue Its plaza — filled with family-style Asian restaurants — instantly takes me back to my high school days in Southern California when my friends and I would explore similar neighborhoods these eateries don’t rely on tiny portions or fancy plating to impress: They win you over with fresh ingredients and comforting I might treat myself to a cup of bubble tea or wander through HMart to check out what’s new That lingering sense of comfort and nostalgia always connects me to those carefree high school days which is probably why I love spending weekends here so here are my top restaurant recommendations — all within a 20–30 minute drive for Hopkins students Ye’s Seafood House: Cantonese seafood that delivers family-style comfort  The moment I stepped into Ye’s Seafood I noticed that most of the patrons were families — a great sign for any eatery Family diners often mean the food is reliable and satisfying enough to please both young and old my first chance to really try the food came on my second visit Even when I managed to avoid the peak hours this time the locals have given this place their stamp of approval There are no gimmicks or unnecessary flourishes —just seafood done right Housed in what used to be a Boston Market on Route 40 this newcomer has quickly built a loyal following The steamed fish is a masterclass in subtlety; gently cooked with ginger and scallions its silky flesh is tender yet holds together just enough The scrambled shrimp and eggs are equally refined a true comfort food that soothes my tired stomach and service that is attentive without being intrusive all contribute to an effortlessly enjoyable meal at Ye’s Seafood House UMI Sushi: Precision and comfort in equal measure This family-run, women-owned gem in Historic Ellicott City truly understands balance every dish feels thoughtfully curated rather than an afterthought the kind that doesn’t shout but reveals itself in every bite perfect for a quick lunch or a lingering dinner with fish so fresh and rice that has just the right amount of texture an impressive tea selection and the occasional night of live music UMI Sushi strikes that rare balance: relaxed but never careless It’s a place where a quick bite can effortlessly evolve into an unplanned evening all thanks to the subtle attention paid to every detail Chosun Hwaro: Tasty barbecue coupled with genuine hospitality Korean barbecue is as much about experience as it is about food. After countless visits with friends, Chosun Hwaro remains my go-to whenever I’m torn between options in Ellicott City the Chosun Hwaro Combo offers prime ribeye brisket point and Empress Galbi — each cut delivering its own unique taste experience But what makes Chosun Hwaro truly special isn’t just the food Every other restaurant had shut their doors but Chosun Hwaro was still open — just barely — closing at 11 p.m but the owner welcomed us in without hesitation The service was just as warm as during daytime hours but for the way it makes you feel taken care of and Chosun Hwaro aren’t just reliable favorites; they offer something for every occasion a celebratory meal or a late-night bite when everything else is closed thoughtful menus and standout dishes keep me coming back proving that Ellicott City is a true destination for food lovers Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The News-Letter Blasting is set to resume near Old Ellicott City next week as Howard County crews start digging a massive tunnel to redirect flood waters away from the historic mill town’s Main Street according to the Howard County Department of Public Works County spokeswoman Safa Hira confirmed Monday that underground blasting is set to resume at the site at 8800 Frederick Road on or around April 14 Hira said there will be a single blast every few days for the next several weeks Blasting will take place during daylight hours Residents in proximity to the tunnel site should anticipate hearing air horns prior to the blast Blasts are expected to sound like “a brief rumble of thunder” and may be accompanied by momentary vibration Crews are monitoring vibrations from the blasting with seismographs and are conducting pre- and post-construction inspections on all properties near the site Private property owners were notified of the inspections via certified mail Inspectors are documenting the condition of walks trim and external parts of the building or structure Gauges may be installed on some existing cracks with a property owner’s permission The county will use a tunnel-boring machine, which residents affectionately named “Rocky,” to dig the mile-long 18-foot-wide tunnel about 150 feet underground through rock from near Papillon Drive’s intersection with Frederick Road to the Patapsco River Rocky is expected to arrive from Ohio later this fall The blasting is necessary to clear solid rock to make way for the boring machine When the $141 million tunnel is completed around 2027 it will be the most expensive public infrastructure project in Howard County history It is the primary undertaking in the county’s sweeping plan called “Ellicott City Safe and Sound,” to mitigate deadly flash floods like the ones that devastated the town in 2016 and 2018 with the capacity to channel 26,000 gallons of water per second can absorb and redirect the brunt of such floods from intense storms that send runoff pouring down the steep sides of the valley where the town lies at the bottom The plan is behind schedule and over budget thanks to an expanded project scope the COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs for construction materials and labor it will position Ellicott City as a model for climate resiliency Lillian Reed lillian.reed@thebaltimorebanner.com Howard County receives more than $38 million in additional State funding for critical stormwater projects Through our ambitious Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan we are innovatively addressing flood mitigation head on with strategies that will preserve historic character and enhance the safety of our beloved Ellicott City Through collaboration with incredible partners we have made immense progress since 2019 in enhancing Ellicott City’s strength and resilience the Maryland Department of the Environment also awarded $18.1 million in low interest loans from its Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund which will further support the Extended North Tunnel Project Ellicott City has stood as a center of economic opportunity and community character,” said Ball we will demonstrate that building resilience for historic and flood prone areas is not only achievable but that it can be done in a way that preserves and uplifts communities We will continue to push these monumental projects forward until Ellicott City is the exemplar for our country.” ELICOTT CITY — A set of identical twins is bringing their lifelong passion for thrifting and antiques to Ellicott City with a shop that offers vintage treasures spanning more than a century founded by Ali Virden and Jordan Virden-Menefee features carefully curated items that connect visitors with pieces of history "We source everything from the 1900s all the way up to the 2000s filled with nostalgic items that each tell their own story Visitors can find everything from pottery and mid-century glass to unique decorative pieces "Everything from pottery to mid-century glass uranium glass…anything sparks joy or makes us smile or that we love," Virden-Menefee said For the identical twins (with Ali being "older by a minute" and taking full advantage of that fact) their passion for antiques was passed down through generations of women in their family "Jordan and I grew up antiquing and sourcing with my mom and my grandmother," Virden said The sisters' appreciation for sustainability and affordability began in childhood influenced by their grandmother's collection of global treasures "We were exposed to all of our grandmother Nonnie's treasures that she had a giant cabinet with anything that you could think of to look at," Virden-Menefee said "She had a big display case of all of her treasures she gathered from around the world," Virden said Some of those family treasures are now proudly displayed in the shop she would think she would re-purpose and reuse items and find new homes and new ways to use them," Virden-Menefee said The sisters hope to share their love of thrifting with the community and inspire younger generations to appreciate vintage items "A legacy of my mom and my grandmother and their love of showing us that you know older pieces can be beautiful and can be brought into modernity is something that we hope to show other generations especially the younger generations coming up," Virden-Menefee said Ali suggests giving yourself time to discover what speaks to you "I think everybody's just learning a little bit more about what you like and what colors and textures and bringing that into your home," Virden said the shop provides something equally valuable to the sisters – quality time together the harder it is to find these pockets of time to spend so this is a way naturally that we get to spend a lot of time together," Virden said Twin Thrift Vintage is located inside the Westwood Unique building near the kitchen area. To learn more or shop online, click here. This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy Yuan Shen never expected the Sichuan joint she opened in a former office space along Ellicott City’s Route 40 to be ranked among the best Chinese food in the country The announcement brought fanfare to the small spot at 10176 Baltimore National Pike and has also helped the other small Asian businesses in the development profit from their success Staff at neighboring Korean pub Rainpia and Korean barbecue joint Dae Jang Geum say they’ve seen a boost in traffic the last few months “We see time and time again when one business shines it helps elevate the entire business community,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball The eatery was a risk for her and her husband they opened Pepper House with no fanfare during the COVID-19 pandemic But the timing of the couple’s debut in the Howard County dining scene ended up being a prescient move. In 2021, the 5-mile stretch of Route 40 formerly referred to as “Korean Way” became an officially designated Koreatown. Home to 170 Korean businesses at the time the move was part of the county’s effort to capitalize on Ellicott City’s large Asian population and turn the area into an economic driver Unlike Ellicott City’s neighbors to the south in Columbia, the population continues to grow, in part because of an increasing amount of Asian people moving into the area, according to data from the Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey. During that period Ellicott City saw a more than 6% rise in its Asian population the largest of any other racial demographic media campaigns and a new website sought to turn the region from a stretch of beige strip malls to a tourist attraction In the years since Koreatown was established Shen and Liang are the first business owners there to see national acclaim Pepper House’s success also brings the county one step closer to one of its goals: turning into a sought-after “dining destination,” Ball said “People are coming from everywhere now,” Shen said of the Yelp boost People in Pennsylvania come and tell their friends Pepper House has hired more staff and continues to expand their menu Heavily inspired by Liang’s upbringing in Chongqing China — a center for Sichuan cuisine — the chef creates deftly seasoned meals ranging from hot pot and malatang soups to noodles and fish Citrus and vinegar balances out the heat of each dish which are doused in a Sichuan pepper fermented chili oil that the business also sells to customers by the jar Some highlights include fragrant bowls of Tianjiao noodles which are sunk into a garlicky beef or lamb broth and Singaporean stir-fried noodles battered with a curry seasoning and a choice of chicken Then there’s the pungent and crisp salt and pepper fish or rich Chengdu pork-filled dumplings and wontons coated in a sauce that never compromises spice for flavor Shen says they’re not taking their success for granted as they’ve watched the number of businesses in the Koreatown District ebb and flow over the years And though they’re thankful for all the supportive and loyal customers the area has not yet drawn the crowds one might expect of a “dining destination.” But Shen’s doing just fine Matti Gellman matti.gellman@thebaltimorebanner.com Matti Gellman is a Food Reporter for The Baltimore Banner the Ellicott City 50+ Center operates in two buildings It serves older adults in Howard County with varied life-long learning opportunities Recognized for its outstanding fitness classes and offerings the Center was named best Fitness Center by Baltimore Style Magazine in 2019.The state-of-the-art fitness equipment room dance and exercise studio and classroom are located in the 9411 building with a side entrance in the Administrative Building of the Howard County Library System Ellicot City 50+ Center also hosts the Connections Social Day Program a service for individuals with memory loss For those who prefer to maintain their our optimal health and wellness without leaving the comfort of home the Howard County Office on Aging & Independence will continue to offer virtual programs and virtual fitness pass classes in addition to in-person options to engage Check out the quarterly issues of the 50+ Center newsletters for a list of current virtual programs ​​​​​​Our GO50+ membership packages are designed to enhance the quality of life for the 50+ adult population that lives The basic membership is free and includes access to the Gary J Arthur and North Laurel Community Centers and all Howard County 50+ Centers The GO50+ Fitness membership adds use of the fitness rooms at 50+ centers plus access to the Roger Carter Recreation Center The GO50+ Pool membership includes all GO50+ benefits plus use of the Roger Carter Center pool Keep up to date on all activities occurring at this center by subscribing to the Ellicott City 50 + Center Newsletter Register for all classes being offered at the Ellicott City 50+ Center online The congregate meal program is resuming at most centers and will be offered one to two days per week depending on the site Howard County residents aged 60 and over and their spouses of any age are eligible to participate in this program and are asked to make a voluntary Congregate meals allow older adults to enjoy a well-balanced meal in a group setting offering the opportunity for social engagement All of the Howard County 50+ Centers serve meals that have been planned and approved by a registered dietitian sending floodwaters racing down Main Street of historic Ellicott City a similar flash flood left a National Guardsman dead who had been trying to rescue others VIDEO: Limiting flooding in Historic Ellicott City It’s an unsettling chapter in the town’s long history that locals It was devastating to watch,” said McGowan so to do our best to prevent that in the future is something we as citizens of the area want to see.” the county is showing citizens the progress it’s making in trying to cut down on the flooding by building a huge tunnel a mile long to divert water away from Main Street “The 18-foot-diameter structure will have the capacity to channel water at a rate of 26 thousand gallons per second,” explained Howard County Executive Calvin Ball The county also is building retention ponds that will keep tens of millions of gallons from racing down through the town The county has received commitments to provide every single dollar for the entire project whether it’s to our nonprofits or just federal funding overall and so we’re continuing to evaluate the impacts,” said Ball The hope for the money to complete the project is one shared by longtime residents mindful they remain at risk until the next big storm appears with little notice “We were just noticing there are some apartments over there right next to the river ‘I don’t know that I’d feel completely comfortable yet being right down here enjoy train models set up throughout the Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum including our year-round exhibit in the Freight House For all ages. Located at Baltimore and Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum. More info/hours of operation: www.howardcountymd.gov/ecborail  Neither solid granite nor federal funding uncertainty has stalled Howard County leaders’ plans to bore a mile-long tunnel under Old Ellicott City to the Patapsco River this fall From the edge of a manmade crater along Frederick Road where the tunnel is planned Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said Monday that the jurisdiction’s single largest public works project will move forward as planned in part thanks to $38.1 million in new financing from the state of Maryland A week ago, Ball seemed less certain. He named the Extended North Tunnel project a major focal point of his administration’s plan to reduce the risk of deadly flash flooding along historic Ellicott City’s Main Street as one of several critical infrastructure projects that could be affected by federal funding freezes or cuts under President Donald Trump Just days after Trump’s inauguration, the president ordered — and then rescinded — a federal spending hiatus that incited confusion within local governments like Howard County’s “We are hopeful that our partners at the federal level will continue along the promises and commitments that they’ve already made to move this project forward,” Ball said The flood mitigation plan is hugely consequential for Ellicott City which lies in a steep-sloped valley and suffered catastrophic flash floods in 2011 It’s also a major priority for the county executive who launched the plan in early 2019 during his first 30 days in office Ball has called the plan “aggressive” and believes it will make Ellicott City a model for climate resilience The mile-long tunnel will have an 18-foot diameter capable of funneling floodwaters away from Main Street to the Patapsco The tunnel will have the capacity to channel 26,000 gallons of water per second Other projects included in the Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan include five stormwater retention ponds a flash flood alert system and signage directing the public toward high ground Funding comes from a mix of local, state and federal sources. The tunnel project alone is expected to cost the county $141 million, including about $75 million from a federal low-interest loan awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. It’s unclear whether that might change under Trump’s administration. Meanwhile, Ball said, the new state funding will come in an $18.1 million low-interest loan from the Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund and a $20 million low-interest loan from the Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund. The latter will contribute $5 million each to the tunnel project, culverts on Maryland Avenue and two stormwater retention ponds. The county has already completed construction of two retention ponds at the interchange of Routes 29 and 40 and near Rogers Avenue and Patapsco River Road they have the capacity to hold 7.5 million gallons during a storm A third retention pond along Frederick Road just west of Route 29 is expected to become operational in the fall increasing stormwater retention capacity by 5.5 million gallons to a total of 13 million gallons That’s the equivalent of a football field filled 30 feet deep with water County crews broke ground on the tunnel project in June 2024. Later this fall, a tunnel boring machine, which Howard County residents voted to name “Rocky,” is scheduled to arrive from Ohio The machine will help crews excavate the tunnel about 150 feet underground through rock to reach the Patapsco River The county expects to cut the ribbon on the tunnel in fall 2027 Pursue an active and vital lifestyle through the many offerings at Howard County’s 50+ Centers The Office on Aging & Independence operates six 50+ Centers providing a wide variety of programs and services Howard County has six 50+ Centers spread across different parts of the County (see list below) The types of programming offered at the 50+ Centers includes: Read the 50+ Connection Newsletter OAI Digital Newsletter Register for Classes Whether you're looking to stay active with exercise and fitness classes expand your knowledge through educational opportunities or connect with others through social and recreational activities Discover a vibrant and welcoming community at any of our six locations Learn more about our programs and activities below Stay active and connected with the Office on Aging and Independence and Ellicott City offer a variety of classes enjoy even more in-person and virtual options across all six of our 50+ Centers The Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) facilities will make all reasonable attempts to open on time in the event of inclement weather All DCRS facilities will adhere to Howard County’s delayed opening/closing announcements as it relates to opening facilities during inclement weather A single registration is good for all Centers OAI provides a variety of nutrition programs for individuals age 60+ and their spouses of any age anonymous contributions are requested but not required for those age 60+ Individuals under age 60 may purchase a meal at its full cost Meals are designed by a registered dietitian registered participants and guests to enjoy the 50+ Center in safety and comfort Failure to abide by these rules may result in immediate removal and/or limitation or suspension of Center participation privileges Sign-up and Payment for Programs and Classes Payments for programs and classes can be made via cash credit card or a check made payable to Howard County Director of Finance Online registration can be done via the ActiveNet website Account must be established prior to registering for class Late registrations will be accepted if space is available We recognize that there are times when you may need to withdraw from a class All refund requests are subject to a 20% administrative fee and there are no refunds for missed classes Additional fees may be assessed to recover costs associated with the program All applicants must be at least 21 years of age Priority use is given to programs sponsored by Howard County Government For additional information on options and pricing, please contact the 50+ Center or David Irwin at dirwin@howardcountymd.gov Members are responsible for their transportation to and from the Center. One transportation resource available is through Regional Transit Agency (RTA Ride). To use this option, riders must be certified. For certification, reservations and cancellations please call the RTA Customer Service Line at 1-800-270-9553 or visit the RTA website at www.transitRTA.com for more information Volunteer opportunities are available at our 50+ Centers. If you’d like to share your time and talent, visit www.HoCoVolunteer.org to view opportunities and register You can also stop in at your closest 50+ Center to inquire and other services offered by the Department of Community Resources & Services Ellicott City, MD — A Maryland Lottery player who usually expects the “bare minimum” from his tickets walked away with a life-changing $1 million prize after scratching a $20 MONOPOLY X100 ticket purchased in Clarksville claimed his prize at Maryland Lottery headquarters on Monday saying the shock nearly caused him to have a heart attack He bought his winning ticket at 108 Liquors after seeing others ahead of him win smaller prizes on different MONOPOLY-themed games and matched the number 59 to reveal the $1 million prize The winner said he kept the victory private Plans for the money include helping friends who recently lost jobs and investing in his girlfriend’s new business He called the jackpot a once-in-a-lifetime blessing and said even with the huge win he has no plans to stop playing the lottery because he believes anything can happen The MONOPOLY X100 ticket started with six $1 million top prizes; four remain following this big win The MONOPOLY family of scratch-offs launched in January and includes six different games with second-chance promotions for non-winning tickets Players can enter non-winners into monthly drawings through July to win cash jackpots starting at $10,000 The $20 MONOPOLY X100 ticket remains a popular choice for players chasing the remaining million-dollar prizes © 2008-2025 - Shore News Media & Marketing Ltd Never mind the damage to properties and businesses When intense storms dumped more than 6 inches of rain in Ellicott City in July 2016 and again in May 2018 walls of water cascaded through the steep-sided valley into the old mill town flooding stores and restaurants and killing people Old Ellicott City’s streets are outfitted with a warning system connected to the National Weather Service to blare warnings of potential flash floods and with neon yellow signs pointing toward “HIGH GROUND.” Mitigating such floods in Ellicott City is a major priority for Howard County Executive Calvin Ball’s administration He spent his early days in office years back launching “Ellicott City Safe and Sound,” a plan to divert dangerous flooding away from the centuries-old mill town situated along the Tiber River a typically tranquil branch of the Patapsco River that quickly becomes overwhelmed in heavy rains due to runoff from upstream development includes multiple major infrastructure projects such as the construction of ponds culverts and a massive tunnel said to be the county’s single largest ever public works project county leaders now say “Safe and Sound” is costing more than expected and behind schedule thanks to an expanded project scope the COVID-19 pandemic and a “dramatic cost escalation” for construction materials and labor “This is the reality we’re now in,” said Brian Shepter deputy chief of staff for the Ball administration The infrastructure improvements needed to protect Old Ellicott City are complex Consultants warned county officials around 2021 that they would need to double the distance of the tunnel in order to mitigate flooding on a lower section of Main Street The 1,600-foot North Tunnel estimated to cost $77 million was reimagined as a milelong tunnel expected to cost $141 million alone The 18-foot diameter tunnel now starts on Papillon Drive just east of where Frederick Road passes under Route 29 and runs east around 130 feet underground until it dumps into the Patapsco River Rainwater drains into the tunnel at low spots at Rogers Avenue and Lot F behind Main Street Construction on the tunnel began last year and is expected to continue until 2027 with daily blasting deep underground starting soon to clear rock The county also spent $13 million to build three stormwater retention ponds pushing the tab for “Safe and Sound” to $154 million That figure now exceeds the cost of the county’s second biggest public project which was completed in 2021 and cost roughly $150 million And it does not include the design and construction costs for two more stormwater retention ponds and planned culverts along Maryland Avenue that the county has not yet begun Officials don’t have a new total cost estimate for the project but say they’re committed to seeing the plan through while acknowledging that state and federal funding sources are drying up Maryland lawmakers are grappling a $3 billion shortfall this budget cycle and President Donald Trump’s administration is making good on promises to cut federal spending and staff Funding for Ellicott City’s flood mitigation has come from a mix of local The county received a $75 million low-interest loan from the Environmental Protection Agency in 2022 under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act The state also gave Howard County an $18.1 million low-interest loan from the Water Quality State Revolving Loan Fund and a $20 million low-interest loan from the Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund The latter will contribute $5 million each to the tunnel project culverts on Maryland Avenue and two stormwater retention ponds Howard officials have applied for a $2.6 million U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD grant for bicycle and pedestrian-related infrastructure planning around lower Main Street as well a $1 million Congressionally Directed Spending grant for the tunnel project “We’re cognizant of the investment that is being made here,” Shepter said “We’re taking every effort we can to control costs and we’ll continue to progress these projects as we’re able to secure funding for them.” The historic Howard County Courthouse stands high above Old Ellicott City on the valley’s steep north slope It was expanded nearly a century later and was used until 2021 when the courts moved to a modern building a couple of miles south The old courthouse has sat vacant since but soon will become a community gathering place once more The structure is being transformed into an 80,000-square-foot center for arts culture and history that will open sometime next year The county has secured more than $15 million for the project through a mix of federal That includes $400,000 that the county received last month through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s State Revitalization Programs which support redevelopment and revitalization projects state and federal level will ensure that the building is transformed into a vibrant and active arts and cultural hub in Historic Ellicott City,” said Safa Hira director of communications for County Executive Calvin Ball’s office Ball said in a statement last month that the funds “will allow us to continue forward in transforming our historic Circuit Courthouse in Old Ellicott City into a vibrant hub for arts and culture.” Ball announced the plans for the courthouse project in the fall of 2023 The county received some 600 comments about how the courthouse could be reimagined with responses overwhelmingly falling into the buckets of civic and community uses Plans were made to transform the courthouse into a shared space for the county’s first-ever Asian American and Pacific Island Cultural Center Roving Radish — a county program focused on promoting healthy farm-to-table eating habits — and a shared commercial kitchen space “A centerpiece of our treasured Old Ellicott City, our historic Circuit Courthouse stands as a pillar of history in Howard County that we must preserve and breathe new life into,” Ball said in a May statement. called the revitalization of the courthouse “fantastic.” “I think it will be great for the town,” Walsh said “It keeps foot traffic there and brings new people in Old Ellicott City who haven’t spent time here before.” Walsh is excited about the juxtaposition of the arts center and AAPI center as well as the melding of old and new The old courthouse dates to 1840, about 68 years after the mill town’s founding. Howard County purchased the land from a local tavern owner, according to the Library of Congress. The courthouse was completed three years later as the courthouse continued to outgrow itself Historic buildings are often converted into museums “That’s what’s so exciting about what they are doing with the courthouse They are not just breathing new life into the courthouse but into a whole section of Old Ellicott City,” said Nick Redding president and CEO of Preservation Maryland “Ellicott City is no stranger to revitalization of older buildings,” Redding said “General stores and artisans shops have transitioned to become restaurants It’s exciting to see the county make that investment and be forward thinking.” a nonprofit that works to protect historic buildings is working on its own Ellicott City project in partnership with the county next to the courthouse: the historic jail complex the historic jail was used until the early 1980s enslaved people attempting to escape or anyone charged with aiding such an escape were held in the jail The nonprofit is working to transform the jail into its new headquarters and an education center There also will be an outdoor commemorative landscape where visitors can learn about the jail’s history of incarceration and documented racial lynchings “The project at the jail is really serious about all of the history that transpired on the site,” said Redding adding that this history is currently unmarked County officials held a “wall-breaking” ceremony in the old courthouse in May kicking off the remodel by starting to tear down one of its interior walls “Although no longer serving Maryland’s judiciary system this new visionary community center will allow this historic building to gain new meaning as a mecca of the arts a cultural hub for Howard County’s Asian American and Pacific Islander community headquarters to our award-winning Roving Radish program and a community space that supports our budding culinary entrepreneurs,” Ball said at the time The Howard County Art Council currently manages the Howard County Center for the Arts in a former elementary school a couple of miles away across the Baltimore National Pike About 40,000 people visit the center each year The new space will transform former courtrooms into galleries a “black box theater” — a simple square room with black walls — and a dance studio Judges’ chambers and offices will become additional studios for resident art organizations The future Asian American and Pacific Island Cultural Center will serve an Asian population that Census figures show now comprises more than 20% of the county’s population The center will offer a dance and martial arts studio a lounge and social area as well as exhibit space It also will serve as a one-stop referral center for Asian residents a place where they can access social programs and get assistance with registering to vote and becoming citizens The third piece of the renovated courthouse will be the new headquarters for Roving Radish a county program that makes meal kits filled with locally and regionally grown foods The meal kits are available for purchase to anyone who lives package and sell meal kits but also provide space for the new Roving Radish Mobile Market This initiative will bring fresh produce and proteins to county residents at various stops weekly Roving Radish also will manage the center’s shared commercial kitchen providing opportunities for small businesses to rent kitchen space by the hour The shared kitchen space will include refrigerator and freezer storage and dry storage Cooking classes can take place in a new demonstration kitchen County officials expect to finish work on the new arts cultural and history center and have it fully occupied sometime in 2026 Jess Nocera jess.nocera@thebaltimorebanner.com Jess Nocera is a regional reporter covering Howard County 2025 at 12:39 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Officials gathered near the edge of a manmade crater along Frederick Road where the tunnel is planned Monday to highlight progress being made by the Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan and to announce an additional $38.1M in funding (Photo courtesy of the Howard County Government)HOWARD COUNTY MD — Leaders gathered Monday to update the community about progress being made with the Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan and to share that an additional $38.1 million in funding will be provided by the state to push along the landmark project Officials gathered near the edge of a manmade crater along Frederick Road where the tunnel is planned Howard County Executive Calvin Ball highlighted each component of the plan and its status which is nestled within a steep-sloped valley experienced two 1,000-year floods in 2016 and 2018 damaging dozens of businesses and killing three people “Through our ambitious Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan we are innovatively addressing flood mitigation head on with strategies that will preserve historic character and enhance the safety of our beloved Ellicott City,” Ball said “Through collaboration with incredible partners we have made immense progress since 2019 in enhancing Ellicott City’s strength and resilience.” Ball also announced two key funding commitments to help push projects through The Maryland Department of Emergency Management informed Howard County in December of a $20 million award from the Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund Maryland Avenue Culverts and the T-1 and NC-3 ponds will each receive another $5 million in low-interest financing from this program Ellicott City has stood as a center of economic opportunity and community character,” Ball added Stormwater Retention PondsA total of five stormwater retention ponds are included in the safe and sound plan These ponds are designed to gather and control the release of rainwater and runoff during intense storms located at the interchange of Routes 29 and 40 has the capacity to hold 4.24 million gallons of water in a heavy rain event located at the intersection of Rogers Avenue and Patapsco River Road has the capacity to hold 3.3 million gallons of stormwater Howard County broke ground on the H-4 pond project the H-4 pond will have the capacity to hold 5.5 million gallons of water once completed Construction of the H-4 pond is progressing on schedule and the pond is expected to be fully operational in Fall 2025 The combined stormwater capacity of the H-7 Quaker Mill and H-4 ponds will be more than 13 million gallons – roughly the equivalent of a football field filled 30 feet deep with water T-1Preliminary design of the T-1 pond began in September 2024 Located just west of historic Ellicott City T-1 will be the first such facility in the Tiber Branch Watershed The first phase of analysis is expected to be completed in fall 2025 the T-1 pond will have the capability to hold 22 million gallons of water more than doubling the total stormwater retention capacity in the Historic Ellicott City watershed will capture and hold stormwater on the New Cut branch of the watershed This 20.5-million-gallon capacity facility will feature a large dam NC-3 remains in the final design phase as the H-4 and T-1 projects advance Stormwater Conveyance ProjectsThe Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan features two key stormwater conveyance projects that reduce flood risks by facilitating the safe flow of stormwater around or through historic Ellicott City Maryland Avenue CulvertsThe Maryland Avenue Culverts project at Lower Main Street will create a new and expanded outlet for water from the Tiber-Hudson Branch to flow into the Patapsco River Two parallel pipes from the stream channel beneath the CSX rail line to the river will be installed Extended North TunnelThe Extended North Tunnel Project is the single largest public works project in Howard County’s history and is the focal point of the Safe and Sound plan The county broke ground on this project in June 2024 18-foot diameter structure will stretch from the West End to the Patapsco River protecting the town by funneling upland water flow away from Main Street directly to the river The tunnel will have the capacity to channel water at a rate of 26,000 gallons per second The 300-foot-long “Rocky” will excavate through solid granite about 150 feet below the surface all the way to the Patapsco River The county anticipates cutting the ribbon on this project in the fall of 2027 Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. — Shop Small with Stevie is checking out the Main Streets across Maryland and this week she is taking us to Old Ellicott City There are always events happening in Old Ellicott City — This week's Shop Small with Stevie takes us to Old Ellicott City and Backwater Books Alli and Matt Krist strive to make their shop a generalist store something that has a little bit of everything for young we were both teachers before that and quit our jobs and needed something that was educationally adjacent to that so here we are," said owner Backwater Booksis a place where you can slow down and explore the endless possibilities found in books or step into the shoes of your favorite characters "Romantasy is probably our biggest seller right now you can head upstairs to the Biblipub for a beverage "Our bookstore has a bar which is somewhat unique." It's all about bringing people on Main Street together "One of my favorite parts of this job is being a bartender they have a look of surprise on their faces when they see a full bar in a bookstore is kind of fun." They also feature local jazz and bluegrass musicians Alli and Matt have big plans to keep everyone "We are about to put on a literary festival at the Patapsco Female Institute in September We've partnered with friends at Patapsco Valley to do a little nature walk on the trolley trail with a little gift book called The Hike so kids can hike the trail and read the book as they go." You can keep up with the store and upcoming events by following Backwater Books on Instagram. Think of the DC area’s “Koreatown” and you might picture the veteran bulgogi houses of Annandale or the burgeoning scene in Centreville they make up one of the great Korean food destinations this side of Seoul or SoCal too: a constellation of strip-mall businesses along a stretch of Route 40 in Ellicott City a print-shop owner and well-connected local businessman says Koreans—some of whom had first made their living as shop owners in Baltimore—began moving to the Howard County town more than 25 years ago in search of better schools and affordable homes A Korean business district began to coalesce around a Lotte Plaza Korean supermarket and spread westward The neighborhood was recognized officially as Maryland’s Koreatown by governor Larry Hogan in 2021 fluorescent-lit mom-and-pop diners that serve burbling kimchi stews and rustic slices of housemade kimbap There are sleek barbecue halls that leave your shirt smelling like short-rib smoke for the rest of the night dimly lit Seoul-themed “pocha” bars—such as Micky’s Soju House (8540 Baltimore National Pike)—with K-pop on the stereo and pub food washed down with soju and ice-cold beer Here’s how to get the most out of Ellicott City’s Koreatown in one marathon day trip: has an additional snack specialty: jumeokbap rice balls rolled in nori and filled with what seems like the whole Korean pantry It’s time to get familiar with junghwa yori: Korean-Chinese food. Han Joong Kwan (9338 Baltimore National Pike) is one of the neighborhood stalwarts—the walls are pinned with children’s drawings and the welcome by your server will be friendly Its cooking is largely from the hybrid cuisine developed by ethnic Chinese living in Korea The heavy hitters are jajangmyeon (black-bean-sauce noodles) Order a combo and you can split any two of the three their fillings spiked with a burning-hot kimchi are another highlight from the exhaustive menu Owner Sean Kim’s slick bi-level galbi house, Chosun Hwaro (9446 Baltimore National Pike) is the strip’s preeminent Korean barbecue emporium with a walk-in fridge full of A5 Wagyu and Black Angus plus photos of minor celebrities adorning the walls of its spacious foyer Order one of the house combos and your server will immediately spark up the grill and begin laying down slices of short rib But take the time to savor the especially tasty banchan (side dishes) and the doenjang jjigae (soybean-paste stew) that comes with every combo For Koreans homesick for a certain kind of fare less commonly found in the US, there’s Siroo Juk Story (10176 Baltimore National Pike) tucked into the back corner of a strip mall on the western frontier of Koreatown The name comes from its two-barreled approach: First a specialist in festive rice cakes with another location in Annandale then tacked on a US franchise of Juk Story so you can find the hearty gruel topped with wild combinations including mushroom and perilla seed; bulgogi and octopus; or pollack and bean sprouts If you have any appetite left—or if this whole tour seems like a bit much and you have time for only one Korean meal in Ellicott City—visit Shin Chon (8801 Baltimore National Pike) which has occupied the same strip mall for more than 20 years The banchan here are numerous and wonderful The little plates might come bearing cabbage kimchi Barbecue is the most popular way to eat here—order samgyupsal (pork belly) and a server will sauté unsliced kimchi leaves to eat with it in a single juicy But the menu runs deep: Braised cod and monkfish stews sizzling meaty “casseroles,” and fried seafood pancakes are just as worthy of your attention This article appears in the March 2025 issue of Washingtonian 2025 at 3:48 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The Mall in Columbia offers photo sessions with the Easter bunny for both children and four-legged kids Schedule your session​ before the bunny hops away There are numerous egg hunts planned for this weekend across Howard County MD — Families looking for Easter egg hunts holiday activities and photo ops with the bunny have plenty of options across Howard County Once again, The Mall in Columbia offers photo sessions with the Easter bunny for both children and four-legged kids. Schedule your session before the bunny hops away The annual Kid's Fest April 19 offers games arts and crafts this holiday weekend at Meadowbrook Park in Ellicott City When the sun goes down, the fun begins during the Eggstreme Flashlight Egg Hunt for older kids April 26 starting at 7:45 p.m. at the Robinson Nature Center. The Spring Egg Hunt co-sponsored by the Elkridge Adult Athletic Association and the Howard County Recreation and Parks Department will be April 19 at Rockburn Elementary School Harvester Baptist Church will host an Easter egg hunt Saturday morning that's free and open to the public Bethany Church will hold its annual Easter Extravaganza complete with live animals to pet The 5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Mary's Land Farm will be Saturday with food trucks The Lime Springs Easter egg hunt will be Saturday at Brown Park Clark's Elioak Farm offers multiple Easter egg hunts through April 20 along with access to the petting farm Hope Assembly of God will host a community Easter egg hunt Hyper Kidz Columbia will host its annual family Easter egg hunt Sunday with a special appearance by the Easter bunny The populations of Howard County’s biggest places are trending in opposite directions Ellicott City grew in 2023; Columbia shrank new population counts released last week show bucking a trend seen in many places across Maryland where gains in the Hispanic population offset losses in white and Black populations The data comes from the Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey Ellicott City added about 1,400 white residents and 400 Black residents but lost around 900 Hispanic residents about 75,000 people lived in Ellicott City last year Communities of color are leaving some parts of Howard County for more affordable housing a Columbia-based nonprofit that helps immigrants from over 90 countries settle in Central Maryland it could be a move to communities with larger Hispanic populations A person’s decision whether to move to the county or not often boils down to housing affordability “It feels like we might be pricing people out,” Moreno said A needs assessment report issued every three years by the Community Action Council of Howard County found that housing — whether renting or owning — is much higher in Howard County than in the rest of Maryland The median gross rent in Howard County was $1,916 in December 2023 compared to $1,550 for the state as a whole Howard County also has some of the highest median home sale prices of any county in Maryland according to housing sales data from Maryland Realtors a member-directed association of Maryland-based Realtors The median value of a home sold in Howard County in July was $624,000 about $150,000 higher than Anne Arundel’s $475,000 July is the most recent month with available data Immigrants also flock to areas where their community is “You find yourself in spaces where you feel comfortable living,” he added Ellicott City’s Koreatown is a good example of this whether a potential resident is Korean or part of the Asian many will move there because they know it’s a place where they can access resources receive help and assistance and look like their neighbors The Asian population in Ellicott City grew in 2023 There were only 11 places in Maryland that met the 65,000 population threshold for this Census release Columbia was one of just three which lost population The other two were Baltimore City and Waldorf making it the fastest-shrinking large city in Maryland but fell below the 65,000 threshold in 2023 But just because the population overall was flat doesn’t mean nothing changed there Its population trends were more in line with Maryland and Howard County as a whole About 101,000 people lived in Columbia in 2023 No one race was a majority of the population it lost nearly 2,200 people from its white population It also lost a significant part of its Asian population Columbia’s Black and multiracial populations grew enough to mitigate those losses The multiracial population increased by 43% This release has a relatively large margin of error for population estimates especially for geographies with fewer people The Census Bureau reports 90% confidence that the estimates fall within their margin of error figures but in some cases those ranges can be quite wide and exact numbers shouldn’t be taken as hard and fast population counts the figures represent long-standing trends in population change in Maryland Correction: This story has been updated to correct a median home price for Anne Arundel County Its growth was different than many other parts of Maryland Source: U.S. Census Bureau • Ramsey Archibald/The Baltimore Banner Black and multiracial population growth mitigated the losses — Some changes are proposed to a plan for a major redevelopment of a historic mill on the Patapsco River The Ellicott Mill project was first introduced several years ago, to transform the 108-year-old, eight-story flour mill in Oella into a mix of "apartments The project was originally expected to be done in 2023 has also remodeled two historic North Baltimore mills: Mill No the project was up before Baltimore County's development review committee because the developer wants to make changes that include requests to "update unit mix while maintaining total unit count; revise size of restaurant and historic display; revise floorplans; modify the parking lot layouts to increase total number of spaces; move the pedestrian bridge to align with the building; and revise [stormwater management] and utilities per layout changes." A representative for the project said they're not proposing any density changes The project would also have more parking than proposed before The changes include more retail space (3,678 square feet doubling the size of the historical display and more space for apartments (151,103 square feet versus 148,028) - and moving the pedestrian bridge to "better align with the building." Senior planner Lloyd Moxley said at the development meeting that the plans significantly change the concept of the project "This should have, at minimum, a spirit-and-intent letter, because it doesn't match what the board originally approved," he said Inside the highly coveted Gaither Hunt community the home has been recently updated with modern lighting Everything has been taken care of — all you need to do is move in The home opens to a two-story foyer with a grand staircase French doors lead to a private home office Across the hall is a formal living room and dining room The gourmet kitchen is a highlight of the home quartz countertops and high-end stainless steel appliances A large breakfast area is flooded with natural light The kitchen flows effortlessly to a bright family room with a fireplace and access to the rear deck A powder room and laundry room complete the main level The primary suite features vaulted ceilings a massive walk-in closet and a beautifully appointed en suite bathroom A finished lower level offers a large recreation room with a wet bar It also provides walkout access to the backyard conveniently located off the kitchen and family room There’s also an attached three-car garage with an EV charger and a large Enjoy close proximity to area shops and restaurants Downtown Baltimore is about 30 minutes away Jason Freeman Jason Freeman writes about real estate and historic homes around Baltimore 2025 at 6:47 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Two Howard County businesses also reported thefts including the Exxon in Columbia and All Saints Liquors in Laurel MD — Two businesses reported thefts while several residents informed police of break-ins according to the Howard County Police Department A store employee at the Exxon located in the 7100 block of Minstrel Way in Columbia reported to police that three suspects with their faces partially covered entered the store pulled out a gun and stole cash and tobacco products before leaving All Saints Liquors located in the 9100 block of All Saints Road in Laurel reported a suspect broke the front glass door of the business and stole lottery tickets in the overnight Feb Several homes were broken into as well Jan 2025 at 11:58 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Units were dispatched around 12:15 p.m Wednesday and found the single-family house with flames shooting out of the back of the home The fire spread from the basement to the second floor and took approximately 45 minutes for firefighters to extinguish (Photo courtesy of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services)ELLICOTT CITY MD — Firefighters were called to a home in the 4500 block of Mustering Drum Wednesday afternoon for a report of a house fire and found the single-family house with flames shooting out of the back of the home No injuries were reported and assistance from the Red Cross was declined The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire 2025 at 5:19 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The community can weigh in on Howard County officials' plans for Dorchester Way that involves a traffic calming device at a meeting planned for Wednesday MD — Dorchester Way is the next stretch of road under consideration for a traffic calming device The community can weigh in on the county's plans for that road at a meeting planned for Wednesday The open house will start at 5 p.m. in the media center at Waverly Elementary School where attendees will hear the traffic calming plans for that stretch of road. Proposed strategies come from the Howard County Neighborhood Traffic Calming Policy which is designed to combat excessive vehicle speeds along roads The Howard County Neighborhood Traffic Calming Policy was updated in 2024 and covers roads that are owned and maintained by Howard County government Traffic calming measures generally have features associated with horizontal deflection vertical deflection or geometrical modification The following factors are taken into consideration when looking at a stretch of road that could benefit from a traffic calming measure Recent dam removals on the Patapsco River ease their path American eels get a little help from some Maryland Conservation Corps members to complete their epic migration from the Sargasso Sea A thousand or so miles into their migration some American eels find themselves in the bottom of a bucket a Maryland Conservation Corps crew took a net to the holding tank at the top of Daniels Dam on the border of Baltimore and Howard counties and throughout the migration season they continue monitoring it for new eels After counting and weighing the squirming mass—13 eels at a combined 18 grams—the team releases them off the upper side of the dam where they can continue their journey for miles ahead “I’ve kind of come to love them,” Jett Clarke an MCC member who worked at Patapsco State Park over the summer said of the eels as they slithered away among the rocks in the riverbed Four hundred and fifty feet of stone masonry that cuts straight across the waterway Daniels Dam has slowed the passage of the Patapsco River a few miles from Ellicott City since the 1830s when it powered mills for producing canvas and denim the nonprofit American Rivers began a feasibility study for the possible removal of the dam supported American Rivers’ application to fund the study They’re an often-caught and slimy inconvenience for many anglers But American eels are a critical part of the freshwater ecosystem a vital piece of the food web and a transportation system for freshwater mussels several eel species are in decline or imperiled in part because of dams that sever large areas of habitat And because of their epic migration and mysterious life cycle eels have also beguiled scientists and the public for hundreds of years the Daniels Dam ladder offers a chance for eels to access a vast stretch of otherwise largely inaccessible upriver habitat the ladder could also be a model for easy eel passage with a low price tag There’s been an eel ladder at Daniels Dam since 2014 allowing tens of thousands of eels to pass over the structure But with the original ladder in disrepair—and the possibility that the dam won’t be here too much longer—Jim Thompson a biologist and the fish passage coordinator for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources He and DNR biologist William Harbold wanted to see if a “more homemade design” could be effective The new eel ladder cost less than $600 and is made from equipment bought at a hardware store The team of MCC members put it in place in less than a day “If we can pass 30,000 eels in the next five years “Especially for the low cost of 600 bucks.” The new eel ladder (at left) is a modest PVC pipe that spans about 43 feet up the edge of Daniels Dam It has a few openings on the top along its length for upkeep The previous ladder had already operated beyond its intended lifetime the former model also required more maintenance Thompson said it could be a model for other ladders that could be put in place at low cost and still provide substantial benefits to eels which are structures that allow fish like salmon shad and herring to cross obstructions in the water and some can even scale the bare face of the 27-foot-high dam though the ladder allows for many more crossings Named for its function rather than its form the eel ladder at Daniels doesn’t resemble a step ladder It’s more of a simple tube—or a kind of eely waterslide—that stretches from the top of the dam to the water below where it runs a few feet under the surface and provides an attraction flow that interests eels The bottom of the pipe is covered with substrate netting that gives the eels enough purchase for their ascent There had been a fish ladder on the Daniels Dam as well but it was closed after the invasive species Chesapeake Channa Channa are present both upstream and downstream which has influenced the discussion around removing Daniels Dam Eels are somewhat underappreciated in the U.S. a natural resources biologist who runs the eel monitoring program at the Department of Natural Resources Americans tend to overlook the eel in its contributions to the ecosystem and its fascinating lifecycle American eels are a top predator in streams and food source for many species in the river ecosystem They’re a host for the larvae of the Eastern elliptio Lab studies have shown that they are the primary host for the glochidia—young mussel larvae—of this species in the Chesapeake Bay drainage basin and older sub-adult eels help the spread of these mussels in rivers Mussels are ecologically important for their ability to filter water and provide resources to other stream life has sharply declined in recent years due to a drop in demand The remaining fishery either exports eels or sells them as bait The International Union for Conservation of Nature considers the American eel endangered due to global declines Fish and Wildlife has twice found that the species does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act Park said eel populations in the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay are currently at a healthy level Eels demonstrate their tendency to climb while waiting to be weighed which means they spend most of their lives in freshwater and migrate into the ocean to spawn (unlike anadromous fish dams and the elimination of habitat is a major factor in the coastwide decline of eels who previously ran the department’s eel monitoring program said eels are some of the “most fascinating creatures on earth” because of their unique life cycle Every American eel—as well as every European eel—begins its life in the Sargasso Sea a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean east of Bermuda Questions of their origins have long plagued scientists and Whiteford said the mysteries around eel reproduction and population make the field both exciting and challenging Young eels are swept by winds and current to the rivers up and down the east coast the eel takes on a new name and new characteristics which can fetch $2,000 per pound to seed the aquaculture industry (Harvest of glass eels and elvers is illegal in Maryland.) This is their resident phase in which they’ll spend most of their lives in freshwater or estuarine environments and after spending six to 12 years in this phase All their energy goes to the further development of their sex organs and to power their  return journey to the Sargasso Sea and teaming little threads of the next generation of eels set off for rivers and streams up and down the coast from Newfoundland to Venezuela to the creeks of Maryland backyards there’s a high chance the little stream behind your house has an eel,” Whiteford said “There are these creatures that travel thousands of miles to get there there was a nearly tenfold increase in eels: less than 40 eels crossed the Daniels ladder each year from 2014 to 2018 Last year saw 38,683 eels pass through the ladder In addition to the removal of Bloede Dam allowing for more eels to reach the Daniels Dam ladder the 2021 closure of the fish ladder at Daniels Dam also likely contributed to the greater passage the DNR biologist who worked with Thompson on the new ladder The department doesn’t know how many eels had been using the fish ladder and more eels likely started using the eel ladder when the other route for possible passage was shut Thompson expected the number to be lower this year as eels adjust to the new design and because of the dry summer and it was inoperable for part of the summer due to vandalism Thompson said the passage in future years will determine the effectiveness of the ladder but he’s still glad that the homegrown model is helping thousands of eels reach more habitat which MCC members check throughout the migration from May to October In May, the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration awarded $1.78 million to the nonprofit American Rivers to begin exploring and planning for the possible removal of Daniels Dam It would be the fourth dam removed on the Patapsco River and the last major impediment to fish and eel passage Dam removals are becoming increasingly common in the U.S and across the world as methods to benefit river ecosystems and reconnect habitat for fish species Daniels Dam would be the fourth and final dam on the main stem of Patapsco to be removed Though fish and eel ladders provide passage for some fish while a dam is present it’s no comparison to the effectiveness of removing a dam entirely much higher passage numbers,” Thompson said science writer with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Maryland.gov Ellicott City native Anii Harris has played the CIAA tournament in Baltimore before she took a longer trip to get to the competition Harris is seeking a title with Virginia State at this year’s tournament after transferring from Bowie State this past season a CIAA title and a potential semifinal clash with her former teammates at Bowie State all on the line Harris is ready to embrace the bright lights one final time in her collegiate career I have a lot of friends and family in the area,” Harris said “Getting to go up to Baltimore for this tournament is probably the highlight of the season for me.” Harris helped Virginia State set themselves up well for the tournament beating rival Virginia Union in their regular season finale to secure the top seed marking her fourth straight game with at least 18 points Harris led the Trojans in scoring with 15.4 points per game on 43% shooting Harris’s game is far more than just her shooting stroke The senior guard is tied for the team lead in steals with 47 leading a stifling defense that averaged over 11 steals per contest And while her per-game rebound and assist averages aren’t high Harris is more than willing to step into a facilitator role and spark the Trojan offense in other ways Virginia State needed that version of Harris to put away a pesky Lincoln squad that refused to go away in their quarterfinal clash While Harris couldn’t get her shot going consistently she was still one of the most active players on the court Her early-game energy was palpable and infectious for Virginia State which raced to a 20-10 lead after one quarter Harris grabbed four rebounds and notched three steals while dishing four assists She ceded much of the scoring to teammate Amesha Miller who poured in 34 points in the Trojans’ 67-59 victory Harris’ willingness to fill whatever role the Trojans need on a given night is one of her best assets If Amesha’s having a tough game someone else steps up,” Harris said Emotions may rise as the tournament goes on and Harris and Virginia State inch closer to securing a title particularly with the potential of a semifinal clash with Bowie State Harris played three seasons with the Bulldogs, averaging over 30 minutes per game in her final two seasons and scoring 19.5 points per game in her junior season. Harris goes way back with Bowie State guard Destiny Ryles “I played with Destiny as far back as rec ball,” Harris said But Harris and head coach Nadine Domond have nothing but confidence in their team’s ability to handle the moment Harris and others has been an honor …we have the opportunity to do something special.” and expressed her confidence in the Trojans’ ability to take down anyone in the field “When we’re playing well there’s no reason we can’t beat anyone,” she said Harris and the Trojans enter the tournament with six straight wins the final two coming against title contenders Bowie State and Virginia Union by a combined 37 points Buoyed by the support of her family and hometown friends she’ll look to end her collegiate career in style in her hometown “To watch her grow and develop has been a wonderful thing and I think she’s excited to get back and play at home and Find out more information about 50+ fitness with #HocoAging Stay active and healthy with our well-equipped fitness centers and free weights—everything you need for a complete workout In partnership with the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks seven fitness equipment centers are available for use The Office on Aging and Independence operates four locations exclusively for older adults at the Bain The Office on Aging & Independence offers classes for older adults with Arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and a history of stroke or balance limitations. In-person and virtual exercise classes may help to improve mobility and reduce fall risks associated with chronic conditions. To learn more or to register, contact Rachel Filar at rfilar@howardcountymd.gov or call 410-313-6073 (voice/relay) Explore the #HoCoAging video library to learn about our equipment and discover exercises you can do at home or virtually The suspect was taken into custody at the scene 2025 at 3:50 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Manor Hill Tavern in Ellicott City has been named the most charming restaurant in Maryland (Shutterstock / Cruimeadiu)MARYLAND — Manor Hill Tavern in Ellicott City has been named the most charming restaurant in Maryland Food writers at Lovefood curated a list of the most charming restaurants in each state from restaurants housed within stunning historic buildings to spots offering breathtaking views The list features eateries perfect for many occasions family dinners or spots to grab a relaxing meal for one Located in the historic Taylor’s Row in Old Ellicott City Manor Hill Tavern is one in an iconic series of buildings that initially served the livery trade of the area The bar and dining areas feature original architectural elements such as exposed stone walls and local artwork hangs throughout the tavern’s many rooms The writers at Lovefood mentioned the eatery's historic architecture noting their love for the restaurant's "rustic feel." "There's a menu of inventive brick oven pizzas goat's cheese and honey-roasted red onion," Lovefood wrote "The restaurant also serves sandwiches and salads." 2025 at 11:45 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A fire broke out at an Ellicott City home Jan The fire extended from the first floor down to the ceiling of the basement It took firefighters from three department approximately 30 minutes to gain control of the fire a fire broke out on the first floor of an Ellicott City home Firefighters arrived at the home located in the 3500 block of Kingston Court to find the single-family home with fire showing from the front of the building They discovered that the fire extended from the first floor down to the ceiling of the basement according to the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services No injuries were reported but three residents were displaced The fire is being investigated by the Maryland State Office of the Fire Marshal The single largest public works project in Howard County’s history ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today broke ground on his Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan’s highly anticipated North Tunnel stormwater conveyance project. This is the largest public works project in Howard County’s history. Pictures from the event can be found here We worked tirelessly with our partners to create and implement an effective transparent plan for Ellicott City that will keep people safe and preserve the historic nature of our beloved town One of seven major public works projects that comprise our Ellicott City Safe and Sound flood mitigation plan this transformational tunnel will not only enhance our historic town’s resiliency and the community’s protection but it will also be the single largest public works project in Howard County’s history The North Tunnel project is an integral part of County Executive Ball’s Safe and Sound flood mitigation plan which serves as a model for future climate sustainability efforts Today’s groundbreaking is a testament to the resilience of the Old Ellicott City community and the commitment of federal state and local partners to ensuring a vibrant future for this historic district for years to come “With climate change contributing to a greater frequency and intensity of severe storms and floods the North Tunnel project is a key mitigation strategy that Howard County has chosen to implement and the Department is grateful to oversee” said Yosef Kebede approximately one-mile-long subterranean North Tunnel will have the ability to move 26,000 gallons of water per second from the West End area of Ellicott City The tunnel will reduce the risk of flash flooding by intercepting water and diverting it underground and away from Main Street "Today marks a pivotal moment for Ellicott City This groundbreaking for the Ellicott City North Tunnel underscores the importance of proactive mitigation efforts in preserving our historic towns and the power of federal and local partnerships,” said Russell Strickland Maryland Department of Emergency Management The work will be executed primarily using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) that is roughly 300 feet in length and can carve through solid granite The TBM will be overseen by a joint venture between Kiewit and Traylor Bros. “Our Kiewit-Traylor team is proud to partner with Howard County to bring our breadth of resources and tunneling expertise to construct the North Tunnel and realize the vision of the Safe and Sound Program for the Ellicott City community and future generations,” said Matt Swinton Senior Vice President and District Manager Also, as is tradition and good luck to name a TBM, much like a sailing vessel, Ball hosted a naming campaign for Howard County’s TBM earlier this year polling the public to choose from the following six names: Ellicott Drills Ball announced that the public has spoken and with nearly 800 votes cast in total Rocky is expected to have the North Tunnel excavated and substantially completed by the fall of 2027 “As we break ground on the Extended North Tunnel Flood Project we are reminded of Maryland's leadership in climate change mitigation and resilience We are the second most vulnerable state to climate change impacts after Florida and Maryland has set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions But fighting climate change is not just about mitigation It also requires investments in resilience This crucial project was made possible through $27 million in state grants and $28.5 million in state loans I am especially proud because these loans were made possible because of the Resiliency and Revolving Loan program more resilient future for Ellicott City and all of Maryland,” said Maryland State Senator Katie Fry Hester “The North Tunnel will be an integral piece of the county’s Safe and Sound Project to mitigate future flooding in Ellicott City 18-foot tunnel will be transformational in moving tens of thousands of gallons of rainwater away from Main Street directly into the Patapsco River we look forward to continuing to work with county leaders to ensure that this project has the resources and support it needs to safeguard the future of Ellicott City,” said Maryland State Senator and Howard County Delegation Co-Chair Clarence Lam “The North Tunnel is a game changer for the safety of the Historic Ellicott City community,” said Maryland State Delegate Courtney Watson Ball and Governor Moore for being partners in the funding of this tunnel which will ensure the longevity of this historic town for generations to come.” “This milestone North Tunnel project carries with it the hopes and high expectations of the people of this old town,” said Liz Walsh “Today is an important step toward delivering on the promises made — and trust restored as well as to the taxpayers of Howard County and the state of Maryland for funding this effort Shortly after taking office in December of 2018 Ball unveiled his Ellicott City Safe and Sound flood mitigation plan designed to provide a comprehensive solution for flood control in historic Ellicott City following recent catastrophic floods in 2011 Ball tasked his administration with identifying creative funding options that leverage strong local Ball’s plan calls for five stormwater retention ponds (H-7 the Maryland Avenue Culverts water conveyance project enhanced stream inspections and debris removal following storms and drainage improvements throughout the watershed the H-7 and Quaker Mill ponds have been completed enhanced stream inspections and debris removal are initiated following each storm and the Outdoor Tone Alert System and high-ground signage and access points have been installed the H-7 and Quaker Mill ponds have the capacity to collect and control the release of seven and a half million gallons of water during a storm Upon the completion of the H-4 Pond in fall of 2025 the pond will add another five and a half million gallons of water capacity The three ponds together will have the ability to retain approximately 13 million gallons of water during severe storms which is equivalent to a football field filled with water The NC-3 Pond is currently in the final design and permitting stage the T-1 Pond is in the planning and preliminary design stage and the Maryland Avenue Culverts project is in final design “BGE is proud to support Ellicott City's Tunnel Project – a key part of Howard County Executive Calvin Ball's Safe and Sound flood mitigation plan This project is a great example of the strong partnership between BGE and Howard County,” said Carim Khouzami “Through this collaboration with the County and Century Engineering we will improve Ellicott City for both residents and visitors.” “The North Tunnel Project is a vital investment in the resilience and safety of our community By diverting floodwaters away from Main Street we can significantly reduce the risk of the types of devastating floods that have plagued the area for years,” said Julia Sanger “The Phoenix has served this community since 1979 and the building at 8049 Main has stood and evolved for over 150 years,” said Mark Hemmis “The floods served to remind me that my fundamental obligation to this community is predicated upon providing a safe environment for our team and our community We could no longer do that at our original location And the Phoenix does not exist without this community that we serve We are grateful for the opportunity to remain on Main Street and support the extraordinary measures being taken to ensure our community continues to remain safe for this generation and for the generations that will come after to love Ellicott City as we have.” Father John Riccardo and the Acts XXIX Team will be the featured speakers during a Feb 11 “evening of renewal and worship” beginning at 7 p.m at Church of the Resurrection in Ellicott City “I am excited to share with you an opportunity to reignite your enthusiasm for sharing your love of the Lord and His Church and invite you to a spirited evening with nationally recognized Fr John Riccardo and the Acts XXIX Team,” Archbishop William E Lori wrote in a message to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore “They will lead an experience focusing on the core mysteries of our faith – specifically the meaning of Christ’s Incarnation and its fulfillment through His Passion Father Riccardo was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1996 ACTS XXIX is a nonprofit Catholic ministry Father Riccardo founded in 2019 to engage people more in the Gospel “He is somebody who brings his own personal story and a real-life perspective on how people can follow Jesus,” said Father Andy Aaron Paul and Church of the Resurrection in Ellicott City.  had participated in Father Riccardo’s Rescue Project a series of video sessions and questions over several weeks followed by a half-day retreat “It was serendipity that he was coming,” Father Aaron said is planning to host the program again during this upcoming Lenten season The archbishop encouraged parishioners to invite family members neighbors or anyone “who would benefit from this uplifting message.” The event is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Institute for Evangelization Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org Copyright © 2025 Catholic Review Media  Print Catholic Review Media communicates the Gospel and its impact on people’s lives in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and beyond Catholic Review Media provides intergenerational communications that inform inspire and engage Catholics and all of good will in the mission of Christ through diverse forms of media Catholic Media Assocation Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association The Associated Church Press Health Care Heroes Community meeting set to discuss planned tunnel blasting in Ellicott City State Republicans laud a House vote to block California from banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035,[...] President Donald Trump said in a new interview that he does not know whether U.S State officials are pushing to showcase Maryland as an attractive home for businesses in what Gov Most of President Donald Trump’s top nominees have sailed through the Senate President Donald Trump's 2026 budget plan would slash non-defense domestic spending by $163 billion while incr[...] President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to slash public subsidies to PBS and NPR as he alleged[...] Sign up for your daily digest of Maryland news Supporting small businesses is an investment in Maryland’s prosperity – one that drives growth a[...] Listen to this article As I write this shortly after Earth Day 2025 I have on my desk a 46-page pub[...] Listen to this article Based on recent data provided by the U.S there was [...] I took the oath prescribed in Maryland Business Occupations[...] Listen to this article Maryland has a lot to celebrate when it comes to climate action but also muc[...] Lawmakers in Annapolis have passed hastily considered extended [...] Listen to this article In the past decade employers who sponsor pension plans have been subject to [...] Submit an entry for the business calendar The Daily Record is a digital-first daily news media company focused on law Get our free e-alerts & breaking news notifications Subscribe for access to the latest digital and special editions Click here for information about plaques permissions and reprints of previous editions Javascript is disabled in your web browser You can't access site without javascript so please enable it for your seamless and unintruppted user experience of our website