Shelter Loses 100+ Animals, Tornado: Top Columbia Stories Of 2019

COLUMBIA — It won't be long now until 2019 rolls over to the New Year. Quite a bit has happened in Columbia and Howard County. From a destructive tornado to the biggest restaurant in Columbia opening up, Patch covered it. So which stories did Patch readers find the most interesting? Patch has rounded up the top 15 stories from 2019.

Tornado Confirmed In Columbia: National Weather Service: Multiple trees snapped and a roof was torn off after a tornado hit Howard County May 23.

Tornado Traveled 5.5 Miles From Clarksville To Columbia: A line of storms that originated near the Blue Ridge Mountains spawned an EF-1 tornado in Howard County.

Three New Restaurants Announced For Downtown Columbia: The Merriweather District in Columbia will welcome three new restaurants to its area: Matchbox, Dok Khao Thai Eatery and Clove and Cardamom.

Man Dies After Shooting Outside Columbia Village Center: A man was fatally shot outside the Harper's Choice Village Center in Columbia.

Columbia Restaurant Has One Of Best Sandwiches In America: Walrus Oyster & Ale House has gained national attention for its lobster roll.

Busboys And Poets To Open Biggest Restaurant Yet In Columbia: Columbia will be the eighth location for Busboys and Poets and its largest with 10,771 square feet and more than 400 seats.

Teen Threatens HCPSS Superintendent Over Redistricting: A 15-year-old student at River Hill threatened the Howard County Schools superintendent over his proposed redistricting plan.

THB Neighborhood Bagelry + Deli To Open In Columbia: THB Neighborhood Bagelry + Deli not only is celebrating its 20th anniversary, but opened a fifth location this winter in Columbia.

Rise Southern Biscuits Sets Opening Date In Columbia: Rise Southern Biscuits, specializing in chicken and biscuits, opened in Columbia. The restaurant operates in 15 locations, 10 of which are in North Carolina.

100-Plus Animals Removed From Nonprofit Shelter In Columbia: A nonprofit animal shelter in Columbia had more than 100 animals taken away due to conditions at the facility.

Body Of Woman Found Off Dobbin Road: There was no foul play suspected after a woman's body was found in Columbia near a wooded area.

ICE Presence In Long Reach Reported: The Howard County Police Department and Howard County executive said they are not supporting ICE activity in the community.

Columbia McDonald's Employee Stole Customers' Credit Info: A teen is charged after taking more than orders at the Cradlerock Way McDonald's.

Victorian Featured On MTV Cribs For Sale In Howard County: A home in Highland was once on the show "Cribs" on MTV. It is owned by the family of Ryan Pinkston, 31,who was on "Punk'd" in 2003 and has since been featured on episodes of "Will and Grace" and other programs.

Columbia Mom Charged With Murdering Newborn Released From Jail: The Columbia mom charged with murder in the death of her newborn son was released on bond.