Marissa Yelenik

Marissa Yelenik is a Fall 2025 news intern reporting on Howard County. Contact her at myelenik@baltsun.com.

The Laguna family pose for a photo in their kitchen, the room that is the center of activity in their home, where they prepare meals as a family. Dinner tonight: pasta with pesto, salad and freshly homemade bread. Clockwise from left, Antonio, 19, who is also ambulatory with Rohhad Syndrome, Alejandro, 15, Candace, Frank, and Aunabella, 13. Not pictured is Allysium, 23, on active duty as a Navy Seabee. Frank and Candace Laguna received a new mortgage-free smart home, given by the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. Frank is a wounded veteran with a severe spinal injury, after serving 18 years in the Army and Marines. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff)

Wounded veteran moves into mortgage-free smart home in Mount Airy

November 10, 2025 at 9:18 p.m.

From wide hallways to a no-step shower, the Mount Airy home is entirely accessible, giving the veteran more independence.

Over 80 community members filled the seats at Thursday's Howard County Board of Education meeting to discuss the implications of the proposed redistricting plan, overflowing into the adjoining room. (Marissa Yelenik/Staff)

Howard County parents criticize rushed redistricting process, question data

November 7, 2025 at 4:50 p.m.

“You will split up communities and you will rip apart long-standing programs for our children,” said Centennial Lane PTA Secretary Victoria Ahn.

Horses chickens, cows, ducks and more animals can be found on the West Friendship farm. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff)

Howard hearing examiner sides with West Friendship neighbors in farm dispute

November 4, 2025 at 3:37 p.m.

A Howard County hearing examiner sided with neighbors of West Friendship's Here We Grow Stables and Agricultural Learning Center.

Buses are lined up for dismissal at Clemens Crossing Elementary School in Columbia. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff)

Howard parents doubt traffic fixes will make roads safe for kids to cross

November 5, 2025 at 9:55 a.m.

Some Columbia families say even a short walk to school can be risky for their children.

Carroll County staff held the first of a series of open houses on the update to the county's 2035 Master Plan Thursday at Carroll Community College. Residents and staff were be on hand to discuss the update with interactive displays on topics like housing, transportation and infrastructure, economic development, and maintaining our rural character. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff)

Carroll County sorts through priorities for 2035 Master Plan

November 3, 2025 at 4:49 p.m.

This Wednesday, the Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission will review agriculture, economy and housing ideas for the county's Master Plan.

Caplan's building in Old Ellicott City is set to reopen Nov. 1, after revitalization efforts. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff)

Old Ellicott City Caplan’s building to reopen Saturday as local marketplace

October 30, 2025 at 5:16 p.m.

After years of sitting empty following Ellicott City’s deadly floods, the iconic Caplan’s building is coming back to life.

A bus departs Thursday from Clemens Crossing Elementary School in Columbia. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff)

Howard officials question $100,000 bus routes for students 0.3 miles away

October 28, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Some Howard County students live less than half a mile from their schools — but still ride buses costing the district roughly $100,000 each per year, officials said. Board of...

Riding instructor, Allena Murphy, leads two of the horses into the barn. Neighbors in West Friendship believe Lexi Young, owner of We Grow Stables and Agricultural Learning Center, is violating the permitted use of her farm's permit for a farm stand and horse riding program and are appealing to the county's hearing examiner. The case was heard Tuesday evening. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff)

West Friendship farm in limbo after hearing on complaints of permit violations

October 22, 2025 at 5:59 p.m.

The Howard County hearing examiner did not issue a decision Tuesday on permits awarded to Here We Grow Stables and Agricultural Learning Center.

People tour Guilford Park High School during its grand opening celebration in August 2023. (Brian Krista/Staff)

Howard leaders ask: Could funds for 14th high school be better spent?

October 20, 2025 at 5:21 p.m.

A 14th high school in Elkridge has been in the plans for awhile. Some say it may not be needed after all.

Gyusan Japanese BBQ held its soft opening on Oct. 4. (Marissa Yelenik/Staff)

Japanese BBQ opens in Columbia’s Merriweather District

October 20, 2025 at 10:17 a.m.

Fresh sushi, handmade soba and premium wagyu offered in the Merriweather District.

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