🍦Zaxby’s is Coming to Ellicott City?!

Good morning, Columbia.

In today’s Columbia Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Michelle Sinclair

Two years after Howard County announced its bold $144 million plan for a new Columbia lakefront library, progress has slowed to a crawl. The state committed $10 million, and Howard Hughes Corp. pledged the land, but questions over land ownership, cost, parking, and process have stalled momentum. Councilmembers like Liz Walsh and Christiana Rigby have called for the county to simply buy the land outright. County Executive Calvin Ball remains optimistic, pushing $5 million toward design and planning. The project still faces community debate, with some residents preferring a rebuild at the current Little Patuxent Parkway site. Stay tuned.

Looking for a real estate agent who listens, strategizes, and delivers? Meet Mike Sloan of Northrop Realty, a seasoned professional with over 18 years of full-time experience, 1,200+ homes sold, and $500 million+ in sales. Named one of The Wall Street Journal’s Top Agents, Mike’s a competitor who thrives on challenges and relationships. A Howard County native and family man, Mike’s ready to put his expertise to work for you. Reach out to Mike to see how he can help.

Columbia’s got an unexpected shopper — a young black bear! Residents have spotted the furry wanderer from Ellicott City to Target off Snowden River Parkway. DNR says it’s just looking for a new home. It’s cute, yes, but give it space — and maybe don’t leave snacks outside.

Luke Noblezada, a 12-year-old Burleigh Manor Middle School whiz, is headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee after clinching the county title. Luke, who’s been spelling since age two, will now represent Howard County at National Harbor next week.

Howard County Police are still searching for 18-year-old William Thomas Marshall III, charged with first-degree murder in the July 2024 shooting of 17-year-old Angelo Little at The Mall in Columbia’s food court. Nearly 10 months later, Marshall remains on the run. Police are offering a $30,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

For the 10th consecutive year, the Howard County Public School System has been named a Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation (NAMM).

The award recognizes efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who’ve made music education part of a well-rounded education. Districts and schools that demonstrate an “exceptionally high commitment and access to music education” are honored. Bravo, HCPSS!

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📸 @jojofoodieexperience | 📍Pub Dog Pizza and Drafthouse

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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Ellicott City’s Koreatown corridor is the perfect place to celebrate. Grab BBQ at Honey Pig, seafood at Ye’s, a pastry from Tous Les Jours or Shilla, and sushi at Niko. Don’t skip the mochi donuts—or the bubble tea. ($)

Zaxby’s is flying north! The beloved Georgia-based fried chicken chain is eyeing its first Maryland locations—Ellicott City included. Through a deal with the Lattakia Group, four spots are planned across the Baltimore region. No official sites yet, but Ellicott City is on the shortlist. Get your dipping sauce ready! ($)

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.

Founded by two proud Columbia residents, Remedy Columbia is your neighborhood dispensary offering premium cannabis products and a personalized shopping experience. Whether you're seeking relief, relaxation, or inspiration, our curated selection and knowledgeable team are here to help. At Remedy, we believe in supporting our community, celebrating local culture, and making every visit feel like coming home.

Visit Remedy Columbia—Where Healing Meets Home

This week’s featured event. . . Holi Fun Run/Festival/Dance Party Sunday June 1st

Sunday, June 1st at 1030am, kick off Holi—the Festival of Colors—with a 1-mile untimed run or walk through clouds of bright, beautiful powder at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods. Afterward, stick around for community performances and a joyful dance party at the Chrysalis stage.

Lakefront Live Summer Kickoff Block Party
Summer kicks off Sat, May 31 at Columbia Lakefront! From 4–7 pm, enjoy free kids’

Lakefront Live Summer Kickoff Block Party
Summer kicks off Sat, May 31 at Columbia Lakefront! From 4–7 pm, enjoy free kids’ activities (registration required), food trucks, a community beer garden, and free ice cream while supplies last. At 7 pm, New Orleans’ own Shamarr Allen brings the funk, jazz, and soul. Don’t miss this Lakefront Live season opener!

Wine Bin Movie Night
Set your phasers to fun! In Ellicott City, The Wine Bin’s outdoor movie series continues this Saturday at 7pm with Star Trek (2009). Bring your chairs, grab a drink, and enjoy live music before the show. See you there, Captain!

Dave Matthews Band @ Merriweather Post
Dave Matthews Band takes the Merriweather Post Pavilion stage Saturday night! 🎶 Expect an unforgettable night filled with iconic hits, jams, and good vibes. Gates open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. 🎸

Mark your calendar for Paint It! Ellicott City, returning June 5–8! Juried and open-air artists will scatter through historic Ellicott City, capturing its charm on canvas. Watch them work, then swing by the free reception June 9 at the Howard County Center for the Arts for live music, juror awards, and a first look at the stunning exhibit.

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.

Sterling Logistics Properties just acquired 9161 Commerce Center Drive in Columbia—nearly 57,000 square feet on 11+ acres. The site will be redeveloped into a 185,000-square-foot Neighborhood Fulfillment Center, tapping into the I-95 corridor’s booming logistics market.

Howard County residents, it’s tree time! Thanks to a partnership between Howard Hughes Holdings and the Arbor Day Foundation, 300 free trees are up for grabs. This is part of the Community Canopy program, designed to cut energy costs, soak up stormwater, and beautify neighborhoods. Each household can reserve up to two trees—just pick the perfect spot using a handy online tool, plant them, and keep them growing. Trees will be shipped straight to your door, no cost, no catch—Do it before they are gone!

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77 🌡️ 58 | 🌨️ | 50% | 💨 E-NE 4-16 mph

75 🌡️ 60 | 🌨️ | 65% | 💨 E-NE 3-16 mph

67 🌡️ 55 | 🌨️ | 75% | 💨 E-SE 7-28 mph

69 🌡️ 49 | ⛅️ | 0% | 💨 E-SE 3-21 mph

Cured 1821 | Rodney Kelly 6pm
Collective Encore | Screaming Orphans 730pm

Looney’s Maple Lawn | Crushing Day
Reckless Shepherd | Reckless Rave II 1030pm
Looney’s Maple Lawn | Crushing Day
Cured 1821 | Aidan Interrante 6pm
Collective Encore | I Draw Slow 8pm

Merriweather Post Pavilion | Dave Matthews Band 6pm
Looney’s Maple Lawn | Fantasm
Cured 1821 | Gene Okonski 6pm

Cured 1821 | Sidestreet Duo 5pm

Thanks for reading Columbia Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with somebody who wants to try Zaxby’s.