Here's a look past at some of the top headlines across Howard County Patches:

School Board Votes to Delay Middle School Decision

The Board of Education on Thursday voted to delay its decision on the Howard County Public School System's proposed middle school changes. The proposal, which got off to a rocky start with the perception that school officials began rolling out the program before presenting it to the board, met with unified opposition from classroom teachers. Many parents believe they were left out of the communications loop as well.

The motion to approve the program changes failed on a 4-4 vote. On votes that include the student member, five votes are required for passage. Student member Tomi Williams voted against adoption of the plan. Dissenters pointed to compromises made over the past week as a sign that more compromise can occur to make the proposal a win-win situation for all parties.

School Board and Council Hope to Streamline Communication of Emergencies

Members of the Howard County Council brought forth concerns about emergency communication procedures, after three "gang-like" incidents in North Laurel, rock-throwing at a bus in Columbia and multiple reports of suspicious strangers near elementary schools in Elkridge and Ellicott City.

$10 Million Bullying Lawsuit Against Howard County Schools Dismissed

A $10 million federal lawsuit a couple filed against the Howard County school district that accused school officials of failing to protect their son from bullying at Patapsco Middle School has been dismissed.

Twins Discuss Decision to Close Jewelry Business

Sisters from Elkridge and Ellicott City who co-own a traveling sterling and gemstone business told Patch why closing up shop at the end of January 2012 is a "very happy time" for them.