Howard County’s innovative entrepreneur accelerator program, “HoCo Higher” ended last week with a pitch competition and three winners who will receive $21,000 in total funding. The 25 entrepreneurs that completed the inaugural class received $5,000 in seed money. HoCo Higher is a joint partnership between County Executive Calvin Ball, M&T Bank and Howard County Economic Development Authority.

Howard County Government offices, 50+ centers, courts, animal shelter, Recreation & Parks’ community and athletic centers, activity rooms and historic sites, and the Alpha Ridge Landfill will be closed on Thursday, November 25th in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. As there will be no curbside trash, recycling, yard trim or food scrap collection on Thanksgiving Day, the County’s holiday "slide” schedule will be in effect for the remainder of the week. County park gates will be open on the 25th; however, there will be no staff on duty. 

Last night, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball hosted a telephone town hall event with local officials to address questions and concerns about the recently approved children’s vaccine, booster shots, and mental health access. 

The pedestrian was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

What police will be doing -- and what you can do -- to ensure a safe holiday season.

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today appointed Gregory J. Der Chief of Police in Howard County.

Residents can sign-up to testify or give budget testimony online for Howard County Executive Ball 1st Fiscal Year 2023 Resident’s Budget Hearing on December 13th.  

Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and members of the Howard County Council participated in the official swearing-in ceremony for Fire Chief Louis Winston.

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and members of the Howard County Council participated in the official swearing-in ceremony for Fire Chief Louis Winston. Chief Winston was appointed as Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) Chief on September 7th. This afternoon, Chief Winston took his official oath of service surrounded by his family, friends, and colleagues. Photos of the event can be found here.

“Lou Winston is a long-time respected and admired member of our combination fire department, who has risen through the ranks during his 30-year career,” said Ball. “He is a collaborative leader who has the experience to carry on the traditions of our Department while shaping and preparing it for the future. I have complete confidence in his ability to lead a department that is a model and national standard for excellence.”

Chief Winston joined the department on February 12, 1990 and served under seven fire chiefs and six county executives, rising to the rank of Deputy Chief prior to his retirement in January 2020. Winston held a Chief Officer position for more than six years. During that time, he served as a field Battalion Chief and as an Assistant Chief where he managed the Administrative Services Bureau overseeing recruitment, human resources, and the department’s budget. He advocated for, and implemented, resource management principles as well as High Performance CPR initiatives. Winston is passionate about equitable rights and served for over 10 years as the President of the Phoenix Sentinels, an organization committed to improving career opportunities for minorities in the fire service.

“When I retired in January 2020, my commitment and dedication to HCDFRS was far from over,” said Fire Chief Louis Winston. “I’ve devoted 30 years to this department, and I’m grateful to County Executive Ball for the opportunity to continue to serve. I plan to maintain transparency, inclusion, and to enhance collaboration that will bring about new initiatives to keep our community safe. I look forward to increasing our ever-growing community engagement to ensure that a diverse range of voices are encouraged and supported.

Since serving as Fire Chief, Winston continues to prioritize safety within the community through programs such as the Mobile Integrated Community Health (MICH). MICH has been a vital part of Howard County’s vaccination efforts particularly in under serviced communities and for homebound residents. Winston values the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the fire service and remains committed to implementing those ideals.

For more information on Chief Winston or the swearing-in ceremony, please contact the Office of Community Outreach and Media Affairs, 410-313-6039.

The County’s Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Environmental Services’ Recycling Division and Tonal Vision LLC have been honored with a Public Service Announcement – Bronze TIVA Peer Award for its “Know Before You Throw: Shop Smarter for the Planet!” video. 

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today opened a newly finished Complete Streets project in Savage.

The 50th Anniversary of the Long Reach Village Center will be celebrated on Friday, October 15 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 16 from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Legislation releases County funding from contingency and utilizes American Rescue Plan funding to support program immediately.

Work to take place each night from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., beginning night of October 19th and ending morning of October 22nd.   

Howard County is one of seven Maryland jurisdictions to receive second round of funding from U.S. Treasury. 

At this year's award ceremony, the Human Rights Commission unveiled its new namesake awards, honoring several pioneers of human rights who lived, worked and served in Howard County.

Howard County’s Department of Public Works (DPW) will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, November 3rd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to present plans for a nearby bridge replacement project.

The new Board will establish critical independent oversight, makes misconduct complaints public.

Howard County has over 10 miles of stream restoration projects in design, underway, or completed.