Columbia|News|
Howard County Police to Increase Patrols Near Schools After Connecticut Shooting
Police recently concluded an in-service training of their "active shooter plan."

I was born in Ohio, grew up in Rhode Island and have recently fallen in love with Howard County.
I graduated from Boston University in May of 2010 with degrees in Political Science and Journalism. After a brief stint as a Congressional intern in D.C., I returned to my home in Northern Rhode Island to begin working as a journalist.
I spent 6 months working for Patch in Rhode Island covering a wide range of community news. In August of 2011, I moved back to the D.C. area and began guest editing for a number of Patches, including Greenbelt, Bethesda, Hyattsville and finally, Columbia.
At Boston University, I served as a columnist for the award-winning school newspaper, The Daily Free Press.
I am a passionate Boston sports fan (go Sox) and enjoy following both local and national politics. My hobbies include photography, cooking and skiing.
I enjoy chasing down a good story and meeting new people. Please, never hesitate to send me a comment, tip or story idea.
Police recently concluded an in-service training of their "active shooter plan."

Xavier Trevon Bates pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in September.
The man pictured stole the package about 12 minutes after UPS dropped it off, according to police.
The following information was supplied by the Howard County Police Department. Arrests do not indicate convictions.
The following information was supplied by the Howard County Police Department. Arrests do not indicate convictions.
The following information was supplied by the Howard County Police Department. Arrests do not indicate convictions.
Currently, residents receiving a Howard County speed ticket are unable to figure out how fast they were traveling based on photographs.
Currently, residents receiving a Howard County speed ticket are unable to figure out how fast they were traveling based on photographs.
Howard County Sheriff's Office says leads dried up after investigating "kind of a flophouse" in Dundalk.
Sheriff's Office says leads dried up after investigating "kind of a flophouse."
Construction to begin on or about Dec. 17.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
New standards will be implemented in all county vending machines, events, programs and departments.
The Ale House Columbia officially opened to the public on Dec. 11, check out Patch's photos from opening day.
After losing to a wager Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker, Ken Ulman says he'll be picking up trash on Baker's home turf.
After losing a bet, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman said he'd be picking up trash in Prince George's wearing a Redskins jersey.
A state delegate wants speeding tickets dismissed in cases where it's unclear the motorist was in violation.
The founder and CEO of TriColumbia had a significant impact in the world of triathlon.
Top headlines from news in Howard County during the week from Dec. 2 to Dec. 7, 2012.
The following information was supplied by the Howard County Police Department. Arrests do not indicate convictions.