🍦Howard County's actually cutting the budget

Good morning, Columbia. There’s a burning question going around the Internet: Who would win in a fight, 100 men or a single gorilla? People. . . if a gorilla went to Gold’s gym it could bench a literal ton, squat a Toyota camry, and crush a coconut like we pop bubble wrap. My money’s on the gorilla.

In today’s Columbia Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Michelle Sinclair

Hard work doesn’t just pay off — it makes history.

Bucknell commit Patrick Curtin didn’t just dominate this season — he rewrote the record books. After dropping 29.5 points per game and racking up 2,294 career points, Curtin shattered Howard County’s high school boys basketball all-time scoring record.

The previous record? 2,153 points by Mt. Hebron’s Barry Young — a mark that once stood as Maryland’s state record.

Curtin’s rise wasn’t smooth sailing. After a stellar freshman year at Marriotts Ridge, where he led the Mustangs to their first (and only) county and regional titles, he transferred to Glenelg Country School and quickly realized private school hoops were a whole new beast.

Curtin transformed himself from layups and threes into a full-blown scoring machine. He spent two years building a lethal mid-range jumper, becoming a nightmare for defenders and a dream for highlight reels.

In his three years with Glenelg Country, he scored 1,806 points. Add in his freshman season with the Mustangs, and Curtin walks off the high school hardwood with 2,294 points — more than anyone in county history.

The accolades followed:

Curtin credits his success to a work ethic inspired by his idols — LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant — and an understanding that in basketball, “the best player is going to play.”

Turns out for the last 4 years, that player was him.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball just unveiled a $2.3 billion budget for FY26 — down 1.6% from last year. Even with a tighter belt, the proposal keeps core services intact without raising taxes. The big bucks? $800 million for public schools, $163 million each for police and fire, $10.7 million for housing and homelessness prevention, and $5 million to turn the old Flier Building into a community hub called The Source. Now, it’s in the County Council’s hands. They’ll hold public hearings and work sessions before approving the final budget by the end of May. Want to weigh in? This is your shot — once June hits, the budget’s locked and loaded.

Want to read the full 437-page budget? Be our guest.

Did you know fish don’t have eyelids so night time is actually the best time to fish? Good thing Howard County Rec & Parks is letting us fish Centennial Lake at night this summer. It’s $5 a person (cash on-site), and you’ve gotta check in by 7 PM at the Centennial Park South Boat Launch. Kids under 16 need an adult fishing buddy.

After two deadly teen shootings near Columbia Mall, HCPD has launched 24/7 patrols downtown. A new satellite office inside the mall anchors this full-time presence, with officers on foot, bikes, and patrol cars – no Segways, though. Since launching in February, gun-related incidents have dropped, and arrests for theft and disorderly conduct are up. The plan also includes youth outreach with the Department of Juvenile Services.

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Big news. Canada’s Dunkin’ is coming to Howard County. Tim Horton’s, the biggest quick-serve food chain from our northern neighbors, is opening 10 stores in Howard and Carroll Counties. We don’t know where yet but they’re seeking prime real estate, ideally free standing buildings with drive-thru capability. Want one near you and know the perfect spot? Let us know and we’ll pass your suggestions to our friends at Hyatt Commercial Real Estate.

After 10 years, Nalley Fresh on Dobbin Road has permanently closed. The sign on the door says it all: “Nalley Fresh don’t open no more.” If you’re craving healthy eats, check out nearby Cava or sweetgreen (not a typo, they prefer the brand in lowercase). Fresh options for sure, but we’ll miss Nalley’s build-your-own bowls.

There’s a new wonderland for little ones in Columbia — and it’s all about adventure. Play Street Museum, a national chain with a spot in nearby Severna Park, just opened a new location at 8865 Stanford Blvd., Suite 113. The Great Outdoors–themed space is built for kids ages 1–8, with a slime lab, mini cabins, general store, and even an RV — all scaled down for pint-sized play. Franchise owner (and local dad) Adam Walker also runs Breakout Games Escape Rooms. Reservations encouraged, walk-ins welcome. More info here. ($)

Here’s the pour: Boyd Cru Wines — the Black-owned, MoCo-based brand is uncorking its first tasting room this May at Savage Mill. The 2,000-square-foot spot is half wine bar, half retail incubator for 12 rotating small businesses. Founded in 2023 by power couple Jon’ll and Matthew Boyd, the brand raised $125K through crowdfunding and has already hit Target shelves. Now, they’re blending bold flavors with community vibes — and yes, future vineyard dreams are very real.

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.

This week’s featured event. . .

Calling all book lovers! On Saturday, May 10th, Books in Bloom is back at Color Burst Park in the Merriweather District. It’s free, it’s fabulous, and it runs from 10 AM to 4 PM. Highlights you’ll want to bookmark:

Expect outdoor bookstores, creative activities, and plenty of food and drink. This is the kind of festival where you can sip, snack, and stack new books.

Big news, music lovers — All Things Go just dropped its 2025 lineup, and it’s stacked. Noah Kahan, The Marías, Clairo, Kesha, DJO, and Lucy Dacus are all headed to Merriweather Post Pavilion September 26–28. That’s three days, 50+ artists, and pure indie-pop bliss. Tickets go on sale this Friday (May 2) at 10 AM. Pro tip: They will sell out fast.

This Sunday, May 4th, from 1–2:30 PM, grab your lightsabers and leash your Wookiees because the Force is taking over downtown Ellicott City. This family-friendly, pet-approved Star Wars parade blasts off from the Log House and lands at the B&O Museum. It’s free to join, but pre-register you must.

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.

80 🌡️ 56 | ☀ | 20% | 💨 W/NW 4-10 mph

83 🌡️ 66 | ⛅ | 5% | 💨 N/NE 5-13 mph

76 🌡️ 60 | 🌧 | 60% | 💨 NE/E 5-11 mph

65 🌡️ 57 | 🌧 | 65% | 💨 NE/E 5-8 mph

67 🌡️ 54 | 🌧 | 45% | 💨 SW/W 7-10 mph

69 🌡️ 55 | 🌧 | 55% | 💨 W/NW 6-10 mph

71 🌡️ 57 | ☀ | 0% | 💨 SW/S 6-9 mph

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