Howard County Reporter

Kiersten Hacker

Kiersten Hacker covers Howard County with a focus on education, as well as a wide range of community issues, including zoning battles, local government, crime, and public safety. Before joining the Howard County beat, she worked as an intern on The Baltimore Sun's emerging news desk, covering breaking news across Baltimore. A native of New York, she moved to Maryland to attend the University of Maryland, College Park, where she studied journalism. When she's not reporting, she loves spending time outdoors and making art. Email her from khacker@baltsun.com.

Howard Community College President Daria J. Willis

Howard Community College faculty blame high turnover on President Daria J. Willis

November 11, 2025 at 4:52 p.m.

Howard Community College faculty say President Daria J. Willis has created a hostile work environment there.

Howard County Board of Appeals granted a Highland dad the right to keep the go-kart track he built for his son. (April Santana/Staff

3 members of influential Howard land-use board resign, citing political pressure, mistreatment

November 10, 2025 at 5:24 p.m.

Three members of the Howard County board that decides high-profile land-use and zoning cases have resigned, citing political pressures and mistreatment.

Billie Eilish is caught mid jump in this performance photo, in which she is wearing a basketball jersey and loose shorts

Billie Eilish donates thousands of dollars to Howard County Conservancy

November 4, 2025 at 5:10 p.m.

Grammy- and Oscar-winning singer Billie Eilish has donated millions to organizations focused on addressing climate change.

Howard County Department of Education facade. (Kiersten Hacker/Staff)

Maryland Report Card: Howard has fewer 5-star schools in 2024-25

November 5, 2025 at 1:56 p.m.

The number of five-star schools in Howard County dropped; a total of nine schools lost stars.

Chef and owner Michel Tersiguel, left, and chef Nathan Sowers pose for a portrait at Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant in Ellicott City. (Haldan Kirsch/Freelance)

French touch to continue as Tersiguel’s transitions to pizzeria bistro in Ellicott City

November 3, 2025 at 5:05 p.m.

After more than 40 years in the restaurant business, Michel Tersiguel will hand over his Ellicott City space to a longtime friend.

The Howard County Food Bank, run by the Community Action Council of Howard County, was busy with shoppers Thursday ahead of SNAP suspending on Nov. 1 due to the federal government shutdown. (Kiersten Hacker/Staff)

Worried about SNAP uncertainty, more Howard residents seek help

November 3, 2025 at 7:33 p.m.

Community organizations in Howard County are working to meet an increased demand while anticipating more ahead now that the SNAP funding deadline has passed.

Brick House Farm at 4600 block of Sheppard Lane. The property holds a water bottling plant as well as a cottage, apartments, etc. and is going to auction as part of Taro Investment Corporation's Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan. (Jeffrey F. Bill/Staff)

Ellicott City’s Brick House Farm, former water bottling plant to be auctioned

November 3, 2025 at 1:24 p.m.

The land where historic Brick House Farm sits will be auctioned as Taro Investment Corporation sells its assets in a bankruptcy case.

Howard County Police Cpl. Moxley assisted the goats back home. Passersby and Howard County Police officers helped safely reunite two lost goats and their owner in Ellicott City on Oct. 25. (Screenshot from Howard County Police bodycam)

2 lost goats wander Ellicott City’s Main Street

October 31, 2025 at 4:25 p.m.

Two goats were found roaming Ellicott City's Main Street. The Howard County Police Department helped them have a safe trip home.

Howard County officials unveiled a new sculpture at the COVID-19 Memorial in Ellicott City's Meadowbrook Park Monday. (Howard County Government/Courtesy)

Howard’s COVID-19 Memorial sculpture unveiled

October 27, 2025 at 3:54 p.m.

The COVID-19 memorial sculpture "ensures that we never forget those we lost, never take for granted those who stepped up and never stop striving for a future that honors both,”...

Centennial Lane Elementary parents filled the front seats at Thursday’s Howard County Board of Education meeting, wearing shirts urging the board not to move Polygon 173. (Kiersten Hacker/Staff)

3 new Howard Schools redistricting plans proposed before final vote

October 24, 2025 at 4:31 p.m.

Three additional concepts for redistricting were presented to the Howard County Board of Education on Thursday as it nears the final vote in less than a month.