🍦Evening in the Stacks

Good morning, Columbia. We’re prepping for an ice cold winter storm. Animals in Rio de Janeiro’s BioParque Zoo are getting popsicles (some made of blood) because of extreme heat. Anyhow, have a good weekend!

In today’s Columbia Scoop:

County exec reveals rental housing initiative
Winter weather incoming
Electric vehicle fire on 95

Let’s get to it.

— Michelle Sinclair

THE DIGEST

Adoptable Dog of the Week: Meet Mateo

Mateo is 10 pounds of pure cuddle and curiosity. A Jack Russell–Papillon mix with the cutest ears this side of the Patuxent, he’s equal parts snuggle bug and sidewalk explorer. Mateo may start off shy, but give him a minute — once he warms up, he’s all tail wags and couch naps.

He’s 9 months old, house-trained, kid-friendly, and down for walkies or a Netflix binge. Other dogs? Loves ’em. Cats? TBD. Ears? Majestic.

Ready to meet your new best friend? Mateo’s waiting at Charm Rescue. But you must apply first.

Murray Hill Middle assistant principal gets huge honor

Dr. Rhoda Nuñez-Donnelly, assistant principal at Murray Hill Middle School, just earned a huge honor — National Assistant Principal of the Year for Middle Level from the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals. Dr. Nuñez-Donnelly is known for her strong leadership, equity-driven mindset, and deep care for students. HCPSS leaders praised her for transforming school culture and championing every student, especially those still finding their path.

She was surprised with the award at work last week, surrounded by students, staff, and district leaders.

Winter is coming in a big way ☃️ ☃️ ☃️

County officials are prepping for at least 6 inches of snow this weekend. It’s also going to be cold. Really really really cold. Emergency management recommends making an emergency kit with bottled water and non-perishable food, medications, pet food (if applicable), chargers and a power bank, a battery-operated radio, flashlight, and warm clothes and blankets. The best time to stock up at the grocery store was yesterday. ASAP is second best.

EV Fire Shuts Down I-95 near site of last week’s fatal accident

An electric vehicle fire shut down parts of I-95 near Route 100 for hours yesterday as crews battled flames that kept reigniting. No one was seriously hurt, but the EV’s battery made the fire tough to extinguish. Two people were evaluated for smoke inhalation, and one went to the hospital. Howard County Fire crews stayed on scene into the afternoon, testing for toxic runoff and smoke spread — thankfully, all clear. All lanes reopened around 1 PM. This marks the second major traffic incident in the area in a week — last Monday’s fatal crash involving a dump truck and an 18-wheeler closed all lanes during morning rush hour. ($)

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LOCAL BUSINESS

One week remains in Restaurant & Craft Beverage Weeks

Howard County Restaurant & Craft Beverages Weeks are in full swing through February 1st — and trust us, your taste buds don’t want to sit this one out. From cozy cafés to buzzy breweries, more than 30 local spots are serving up limited-time menus, creative pairings, and all at palatable prices. Whether you’re craving a three-course feast, a brew flight, or just an excuse not to cook, there’s something for every appetite (and budget).

Don’t wait for the weekend — go now, go hungry, and try something new.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

All aboard for an Evening in the Stacks

Evening in the Stacks, the Howard County Library System’s signature fundraiser, is happening Saturday, February 28 — and tickets just went on sale. Worth noting: they usually sell out pretty fast. This year’s theme turns the library into a luxe ocean liner, complete with Rouge Catering, drinks from The Wine Bin, live entertainment, casino games, dancing, and a sea of surprises around every corner.

Even better? Every ticket supports early childhood literacy programs right here in Howard County. So grab your crew, dress to impress, and get ready for a night of imagination, impact, and smooth sailing at the East Columbia Branch. 🎟️ Snag your tickets before Early Bird prices end on Jan 31.

What we’re up to this weekend

Assuming that is, we aren’t all snowed in drinking hot cocoa and watching rom-coms.
🎈 = family-friendly events 🙂

All week long
Rock of Ages @ Toby’s Dinner Theatre | Dinner and a show featuring the greatest hits of the 80s.

Thursday
3rd Annual Teen Hunger Games @ Elkridge Library | For teens ages 11–18

Saturday
Seed Drive @ Miller Library | Help stock the community seed library and learn about gardening. 🎈Lucky Strike Launch Party | Free bowling, $10 arcade cards, and complimentary snacks.

Sunday
Standup comedy @ Black Flag Brewing | First beer’s on the house with ticket (21+ only)

Trivia, Karaoke, Open mic nights, & Bingo

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

CIVIL NEWS

Howard County Launches LIVE Initiative to Address Housing Issues

Howard County has introduced a new housing stability effort called LIVE — short for Landlord Accountability, Investment in Quality, Victim Protection, and Eviction Prevention. County Executive Ball plans to propose new legislation giving renters at least 14 days’ written notice before eviction (up from 6), and adds penalties for landlords who don’t comply.

A related executive order expands the County’s response to habitability complaints, strengthens education for both tenants and landlords, and calls for better coordination across departments.

Roughly 30% of Howard County residents rent their homes. County data shows frequent complaints related to unsafe or unhealthy conditions, often handled by the Office of Consumer Protection and other agencies. The initiative also includes plans to increase funding for eviction prevention and add staff to enforcement and support teams in future budgets.

Liz Walsh Hits Milestone for Public Campaign Funds

Howard County Councilmember Liz Walsh has qualified for the Citizens’ Election Fund in her run for county executive. She’s reported that her campaign’s reached the required benchmarks to unlock public matching funds – 500 local donors and over $40,000 in small-dollar donations. If verified by the State Board of Elections, Walsh will be eligible for up to $838,190 in public funds. The system boosts donations under $150, with contributions up to $50 matched 7-to-1.

Walsh is one of four Democrats in the race. She, fellow councilmember Deb Jung, and Bob Cockey plan to use public financing. Vanessa Atterbeary does not. Howard County voters approved the fund in 2016 to reduce the influence of large donors and special interest groups in local elections. ($)

Council Holds Closed-Door Meeting on Inspector General Board

The Howard County Council met in closed session Tuesday to discuss the Inspector General Advisory Board, following an ethics complaint tied to the hiring of the county’s new inspector general, Kelly Madigan.

The complaint centers on board member Steven Quisenberry, who previously worked under Madigan in Baltimore County. It alleges a conflict of interest, noting Quisenberry stayed involved in the selection process despite the prior relationship. He did not vote on or interview Madigan, but the complaint argues his continued participation violated best practices.

Filed by an attorney representing another board member, the complaint calls for Madigan’s contract to be voided and Quisenberry’s removal from the board. The issue has been referred to the county’s Ethics Commission, which also met privately Tuesday. In the meantime, both Madigan and Quisenberry remain in their positions.

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WEATHER

Thursday
47 🌡️ 28 | 🌤️ | 10% ☔ | 💨 16 mph

Friday
40 🌡️ 11 | ☁️ | 10% ☔ | 💨 14 mph

Saturday
18 🌡️ 10 | ☁️ | 10% 🌨️ | 💨 8 mph

Sunday
20 🌡️ 14 | ☃️ | 75% 🌨️ | 💨 9 mph

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Columbia Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with the neighbor on your left. Unless you don’t have a neighbor on your left. Then share it with the neighbor across the street. Unless you don’t have one, in which case, keep this handy little email to yourself you hermit you.