Hey folks in Atholton and Howard County, it’s a busy week here with school buzz, safety alerts, and community moves keeping everyone talking. From high school prep to recent crimes, here’s your roundup of Atholton local headlines to stay in the loop.
School Scoop at Atholton High
Atholton High School is gearing up for big things in 2026. The Class of 2026 just had their senior meeting on January 7, covering graduation orders from Jostens, educator nominations, and speaker auditions due by February 13. Drama kids are prepping a spring musical after a strong winter showcase, while a new peer tutoring program in the media center helps with math and languages.
Track stars shone at January regionals, with many hitting personal bests and state qualifiers. Sports schedules are live online, and PTSA fundraisers like restaurant nights support the Class of 2026.
Crime Watch Updates
Howard County Police shared their latest crime bulletins, showing vehicle break-ins and thefts as top worries near Atholton. On February 5-6, burglars hit Rehoboth Ethiopian Cafe in Columbia by smashing the door, and Music & Arts plus Cherry’s Liquor in Laurel lost a safe, cash, and booze. Atholton News
Car thefts popped up too: a black Acura RDX from Elkridge and a white Kia Sportage from Ellicott City. Locals saw tire thefts on Otterbein Lane and tags swiped in Jessup—stay vigilant with locks and alarms.
| Date | Incident Type | Location (Near Atholton) | Details |
| Feb 5-6 | Commercial Burglary | Columbia 21045, Laurel 20723 | Glass doors broken; safe, cash, alcohol stolen |
| Feb 4-5 | Vehicle Theft | Elkridge 21075 | 2020 black Acura RDX taken |
| Feb 3-4 | Theft from Vehicle | Elkridge 21075 | Tools stolen from Washington Blvd |
| Feb 2-3 | Vehicle Theft | Elkridge 21075 | 2021 black Acura ILX and Lexus RX 350 gone |
| Jan 31-Feb 2 | Theft from Vehicle | Ellicott City 21043 | Tires and items from multiple spots |
County Government Actions
County Executive Calvin Ball signed emergency bill CB16-2026 this week, blocking private ICE detention centers after a swift council vote on February 5. Public hearing packed the chamber, with support from Gov. Wes Moore and Sen. Chris Van Hollen against federal overreach.
This follows revoked building permits and aims to protect locals. Ball’s FY2026 school budget hit $1.257 billion, funding staffing like athletic trainers.
Community and Events Buzz
Atholton Adventist Academy plans its 2nd Annual 5K on March 29—register for the certified course or fun run, get a T-shirt, and support the school. Church VBS “True North” was a hit last June; watch for more family events.
Howard County news includes a dump truck crash on I-95 and wrong-way collisions—drive safe out there. Weather’s mild this February 2026, perfect for outdoor walks, but check for updates on wildfires or droughts from nearby areas.
Sports and Youth Wins
Raiders athletics heat up with indoor track successes feeding into states. JROTC, music, theatre, and clubs like LGBTQIA+ keep student life vibrant at Atholton High.
Football recaps from last season show rivals shutting out teams, but spring sports loom large. Booster orgs fund it all—join PTSA for fundraisers.
Looking Ahead
This week’s Atholton local headlines mix excitement with caution—seniors planning futures, police tackling thefts, and leaders standing firm. Keep eyes on hcpss.org for school calendars and howardcountymd.gov for bulletins. What’s your take on these stories? Share below!