🍦What’s replacing the Snowden Square theater

Good morning, Columbia. Some say the statute of limitations on saying “Happy New Year!” has expired. But cheerful greetings are the HoCo way, so keep on keeping on.

In today’s Columbia Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Michelle Sinclair

When it comes to buying or selling your home, you deserve a realtor who knows the market and puts your needs first—Mike Sloan with Northrop Realty is that realtor. Mike brings local expertise, strong negotiation skills, and a dedication to making every client’s experience smooth and stress-free. He understands that real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about finding the right place to call home. With Northrop Realty’s resources and Mike’s personal touch, you’ll get unmatched service and results you can trust. Choose Mike Sloan, and make your next move with confidence. Your dream home is closer than you think!

It’s a good thing Superintendent Barnes used to be a math teacher because these are some big numbers. His FY2027 proposed operating budget is $1.278 billion – up about 5% from last year. Major increases include $52 million for employee comp and benefits, $11.4 million for special education, $5.5 million for buses, and $2.4 million for Blueprint full-day kindergarten. There’s no sugarcoating though. In the budget summary, Superintendent Barnes straight up says, “the budget reflects the reality that sufficient resources to meet all system needs will not be available in the coming fiscal year.” Though the budget creates 36 new full-time equivalent positions, it eliminates 40 for a net decrease of 4.

What’s next? A Board of Education work session on January 15 and a public hearing on January 29 en route to adoption on February 26. Then it goes to the County Executive and County Council before coming back to the Board of Education for final adoption on May 19.

Howard County Public Schools’ 22nd National History Day Competition is Saturday, March 21 and your help is needed. The district needs judges for five categories: historical paper, exhibit, documentary, performance, and website. The time commitment is roughly 8 AM – 1 PM on competition day. Depending on the category, you may get advance access to review materials. If this sounds like fun, apply here!

Two Howard County police officers had a scary shift on Wednesday. They say nothing good happens after midnight, but just before midnight on Wednesday, a GMC crossover hit two police cars in the middle of a traffic stop. Thankfully, nobody was seriously hurt but HCPD would like to remind everyone that the Mover Over law was expanded in 2022 to require drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching any stopped vehicle, not just emergency vehicles with flashy lights.

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Columbia’s Snowden movie theater is officially fading to black. After decades with Regal, 3 years with Cinemark, and about 7 months with Phoenix Theatres, the beloved cinema closed for good last Monday. Its replacement? Not quite as fun for date night. A 189,267-square-foot warehouse with 44 loading docks and 36-foot ceilings.

Sterling Organization, a Florida-based developer, bought the 11-acre site last year for $15.8 million and fast-tracked plans despite initial promises of a “multi-year contract” with Phoenix. The shutdown leaves AMC Columbia 14 as Howard County’s lone movie theater. And if you really loved ScreenX, you’ll have to drive to Hagerstown.

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.

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We all know the feeling — staring at the ceiling at 2 AM, counting sheep, wishing for just one good night’s rest. At Remedy Columbia, sleep isn’t just a dream — it’s our specialty. Our team offers natural, customized options to help you finally catch those Z’s and wake up feeling like yourself again.

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Looking for space, style, and a killer location? Aren’t we all? This 4-bed, 4-bath colonial in River Hill checks every box. Step into a two-story foyer with brand new flooring on all three levels. The renovated kitchen brings the wow — plank flooring, stainless appliances, tons of cabinets, and a great island for extra workspace. Cozy up in the family room by the fireplace or knock out your to-do list in the main-level office.

Upstairs? A dreamy primary suite with a step-down sitting area and a luxe custom shower. The walk-out basement offers rec room vibes, storage galore, and another half bath.

Outside, enjoy the massive enclosed porch (treehouse vibes), skylights, fan, and a party-ready deck. Plus there’s fresh paint everywhere and the garage floor was just refinished so everything’s in tip-top shape.

This is all yours for $949,000. Take a closer look inside!

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

Thursday
Jazzy New Year | HoCo Economic Development Authority’s annual event for entrepreneurs and business owners at the Blackwall Barn & Lodge.

Friday
Snowflake Ball Family Dance | Dance the winter blues away and enjoy refreshments, crafts, and ice cream sundaes. Ages 4–12.

Trivia, Karaoke, Open Mic Nights, and Bingo

Mark your calendar for Howard County’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration next Sunday, January 18th at Howard Community College’s Smith Theatre. The evening kicks off at 6 PM with a reception and live entertainment, followed by student contest awards, community performances, and a keynote from Gregory Yancey. Reserve your seat.

Then on Monday, January 19th, join the countywide Day of Service **— with volunteer opportunities from food drives to events at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. More info.

I hope you’re hungry (and maybe not doing Dry January) because Howard County Restaurant and Craft Beverage Weeks start in one week. 32 establishments are participating which means special 3-course prix fixe menus. We’re especially stoked about 18th and 21st’s slow braised short rib and duck confit, Cured’s roasted beets, Lib’s maple-glazed chicken, and of course. . . Medium Rare (steak frites!). And don’t even get us started on the dessert.

View all participating restaurants. Restaurant and Craft Beverage Weeks run January 19 – February 1.

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.

Looking for the perfect night out in Columbia, Maryland? Sonoma’s Bar and Grill is the go-to spot for unbeatable happy hour deals, mouthwatering food, and top-tier live entertainment since 1996. Whether you're catching the game, enjoying trivia night, or just kicking back with friends on our spacious patio, there’s always something happening at Sonoma’s. With a welcoming local vibe and a heart for community causes like Network Cure for Cancer, we’re more than just a sports bar—we’re your neighborhood favorite. Dine in, carry out, or call ahead—we’ll be ready to welcome you!*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

MONDAY
45 🌡️ 26 | 🌤️ | 2% | 💨 WSW 9 mph

TUESDAY
51 🌡️ 39 | 🌤️ | 3% | 💨 SSW 8 mph

WEDNESDAY
52 🌡️ 33 | ☁️ | 8% | 💨 SW 5 mph

THURSDAY
36 🌡️ 19 | ⛅ | 24% | 💨 NW 14 mph

Collective Encore | Bachelor Boys Band Showcase | 7 PM | Tickets

Cured 1821 | Bronson Hoover | 6 PM

Collective Encore | The Candy Rocks | 7:30 PM | Tickets
Cured 1821 | Bob Butta | 6 PM
Judge’s Bench | Rotating Irish band | 7 PM

Bare Bones | Gary Leigh Brown | 7 PM
Cured 1821 | Tim Young | 6 PM
Morgan Inn | 2 For the Road | 6 PM

Bare Bones | FireKite | 8 PM
Blackwall Barn & Lodge | Andrew Bell | 8 PM
Collective Encore | Ultimate Acoustic Rock Show | 8 PM | Tickets
The Common Kitchen | Eli Lev | 6:30 PM
Cured 1821 | Aiden Interrante | 6 PM
Looney’s Maple Lawn | Crushing Day | 9 PM
The Morgan Inn | Blondie Meets the Talking Heads | 6 PM
Oversea Distillery | Red 40, NFR War, The Upside, Sidequest, Scarlet Kiss | 4 PM | Tickets
Reckless Shepherd | HFS | 9 PM
Smashing Grapes | Cynthia Marie | 8 PM
Turf Valley Resort | The Fabulous Hubcaps | 7 PM | Tickets
Union Jack’s | My Chemical Bromance | 8 PM
White Oak Tavern | Meg Murray | 8 PM

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