Main Street Hotel Closes; Fly Fishing Project Planned: Today in Howard County

Today in Howard County - a roundup of news briefs and local links.

Cold Front Moving In - There's talk of snow flurries, but the chances of that are slim. However, the National Weather Service predicts it will be cold over the next two days. Today the high is expected to reach 39 degrees with a low dipping to 25 degrees. Tomorrow's weather will be a little warmer, sunny with a high of 43 and a low around 24 degrees.

Deaf Abuse Trial Verdict Expected - The 38-year-old Baltimore County man charged with seven counts of child abuse for allegedly inappropriately touching seven girls at the Columbia campus of the Maryland School for the Deaf is expected to learn his fate today. On Friday, the last day of the trial, Clarence Taylor denied any wrongdoing in the case. The jury is now in the midst of deliberations. We'll have updates if a verdict comes today. Read more here.

Another Main Street Business Closes - This year it seems there are far more businesses closing on Ellicott City's Main Street than opening. The latest is the Obladi Hotel, the Beatles-themed micro hotel's owners officially closed on Oct. 31 and turned the large purple building on Main Street into a private residence, according to a Howard County Times report. 

It's the latest in a string of businesses that have closed this year. Mumbles and Squeaks toy shop closed in the spring after its owners decided to retire. Taylor's Antique Mall is scheduled to close in December. The 'I Love Theatre Gift Shop' is also scheduled to close at the end of the year. The last new business to open on Main Street was LaLa's Ice Cream, which opened in June.

County Executive Ulman Announces New Fly Fishing Project - A new fishing trail and platform is planned for the Patuxent River near Haviland Mill Park in Clarksville. Howard County Executive Ken Ulman announced the $250,000 project on Veteran's Day. The project is a partnership with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing and Trout Unlimited, a group that supports disabled veterans. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2014, after plans are finalized.

HowChow Blog Helping You Put Together a Local Gift Basket - HowChow, the food blog, is helping you support local businesses this holiday season by providing a list of local food items to make up a holiday gift basket. He recommends CrunchDaddy Popcorn, sugar cookies from Touche Touchet, barbecue sauce from Kloby's smokehouse, and so much more. Check it out - HowChow Blog.