🍦HoCo police chief retiring, says County Exec’s known for weeks

Good morning, Columbia. Humans are en route to the moon today for the first time in 54 years. Or for somewhere between 5 and 10% of America, the first time ever.

In today’s Columbia Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Michelle Sinclair

After nearly three decades of asking, North Laurel finally has a pool.

County Executive Calvin Ball cut the ribbon Monday on a nearly 23,000 square foot addition to the North Laurel Community Center (NLCC) at 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road. The $22 million project includes two indoor pools, two playgrounds, locker rooms, and six universal design restrooms with adult changing tables.

The county acquired the land in 1997. Planning started in 2000. A community committee first met in 2007. The original center opened in 2011. Ball hosted the groundbreaking for the pool addition in June 2024. And finally, it’s open.

The addition brings the NLCC's total footprint from about 62,000 to nearly 85,000 square feet. Both pools will offer swim lessons, open swim, exercise programs, and party rentals. More info here.

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HoCo Police Chief Gregory Der is retiring effective June 1.

Walsh cited two fatal police-involved incidents since the start of the year and two thirds of HCPD’s majors and captains leaving their posts.

The first incident on January 17 saw a 17-year-old girl die in a car crash as an unmarked HCPD cruiser tried to pull her over. The second, on March 1, saw officers shoot and kill 25-year-old Alex LaMorie who refused to drop a knife that had called to report an extortion scam. Since LaMorie’s death, HCPD has purchased hundreds of tasers for officers.

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🎈 = family-friendly events

🎈 🎤 Heritage Unplugged: Multicultural Open Mic - Celebrate identity and heritage through music, spoken word, rap, and more at this free, community-rooted event. All voices ages 16+ welcome. Registration required.

🎈 🏊 School's Out SplashDown - Spring break means the Columbia Swim Center's SplashDown is open to the public. Usual rates apply.

🍺 First Friday Release of Manorita at Manor Hill Brewing - Manor Hill's margarita-inspired Mexican-style lager is back for the season, with live music from Tears for Devere (5–8 PM). Tasting room open all weekend.

🎈 🌼 Annual Daffodil Day Celebration - A historic Ellicott City cemetery transformed by hundreds of daffodils and spring blooms. Free admission, plant sales, raffles, kids' activities, and an archaeology talk.

🎈 🐮 April Spring Preview Farmers Market - The Commons in Clarksville kicks off the market season with local produce, meats, baked goods, flowers, and handmade crafts. SNAP and FMNP benefits matched up to $20.

🎈 🐣 Easter EGGstravaganza at Mary's Land Farm - Egg hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny, a petting farm, princess meet-and-greets, a mega slide, trackless train, and food trucks on a gorgeous Ellicott City farm.

🎈 🐣 Easter Egg Hunt at Long Gate - Free egg hunt at 10:30 AM followed by Kids Eat Free lunch from 11–3. Bring your own basket.

🎈 🎪 Kid's Fest - Howard County Rec & Parks' annual spring bash at Meadowbrook Park. Sports instruction, games, inflatables, arts and crafts, and an egg hunt to close it out. Tickets $8 in advance.

🎈 💎 Chesapeake Gem and Mineral Society 35th Annual Show - Minerals, fossils, original jewelry, cut gemstones, silent auctions, and kid activities at the Howard County Fairgrounds. Free admission and free parking.

🎈 🐱 Hello Kitty Cafe Truck - The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck rolls into The Mall in Columbia (courtyard near Maggiano's) from 10 AM–7 PM. Supercute treats and merch while supplies last.

🎶 Jah Works "River of Life" Release Party - Jah Works celebrates the release of their 11th album with DJ Smally the Golden Touch spinning alongside.

Happy Easter!

🎈 🧙 Toby's Dinner Theatre Presents: The Wizard of Oz - There's no place like Toby's. Dinner and a show with Dorothy, Toto, and the whole gang in Columbia.

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💰 $432.6 million - County Executive Ball released his final capital budget – and he's not going out quietly. The FY27 proposal fully funds school construction for the fifth straight year, drops $34.4 million on the new Elkridge Community and 50+ Center, commits $37.2 million to keep Ellicott City Safe and Sound, and earmarks $3.5 million to design HoCo's first county-owned ice rinks at Meadowbrook. Public hearings are April 13 and May 7, with a final Council vote on May 20.

✝️ Long Weekend - HoCo Government offices, 50+ centers, and the animal shelter are closed Friday for Good Friday. Trash and recycling collection, county parks, community centers, and the Alpha Ridge Landfill stay open. Rec centers and facilities close Sunday for Easter. Also worth noting – Columbia Scoop is off Monday and back in your inbox Tuesday.

🐶 Dog of the Week: East - Don't let those big ears fool you like they did us. East is only 13 pounds of easy-going, tail-wagging sweetness. He's good with dogs, good with people, and his foster thinks he'd thrive just about anywhere. He's a little whiney in his crate, but honestly, who isn't? Meet him through Hatton Animal Rescue at hattonanimalrescue.org.

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59 🌡️ 46 | ☁️ | 23% | 💨 E 11 mph

80 🌡️ 62 | 🌥️ | 9% | 💨 SSW 12 mph

85 🌡️ 66 | ⛅ | 4% | 💨 S 10 mph

69 🌡️ 40 | 🌧️ | 92% | 💨 W 12 mph

VENUE | ARTIST | TIME | TICKETS

VENUE | ARTIST | TIME | TICKETS

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