Good Morning, Columbia! Things To Know: 7/7

The Weather

From the National Weather Service

“A slight chance of showers, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.”

Event Not to Miss Today

- from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays at the , 6600 Cradlerock Way.

Question of the day

Who is the best volunteer you know? Howard County is hosting a contest for Volunteer of the Year and is seeking nominations. Nomination forms can be accessed here. , an Ellicott City resident and president of the breast cancer fundraising event Ride Across Maryland, was named Howard County Volunteer of the Year.

Featured reader comment

“I think summer swim team represents what Columbia is all about. Both my kids and I are participating in a activity that promotes teamwork, fun with not too much stress. It fosters community spirit and causes neighbors to get to know each other... Very early in the morning.” – Reader “Michelle” on ’s … through going to early morning swimming practices.  

Tip of the Day

You can find out how much energy your electrical device is using by plugging it into something called a “Kill A Watt.” According to a Howard County government release, here’s how it works: “you plug it into a standard outlet and then plug the electric device into the 'Kill A Watt.' The [device] indicates electricity usage in watts, kilowatt-hours, costs and other measures.” These devices are now available to loan for all Howard County Library system card holders.

By the Numbers

Last year, 30,000 people attended the Fourth of July celebration at the Lakefront. This year, an estimated 42,000 showed up for the fireworks. And 18 people overall were arrested for DUI over the Fourth of July weekend in Howard County.

Rewind the Headlines: What you may have missed 7/6