Ellicott City has been named one of the top 25 "most uniquely American" communities in the country by Newsmax magazine.

Peter Greenberg, an author and travel editor of NBC's "Today" show, compiled the list, which looked at cities and towns that "embody America's core values." Ellicott City was ranked 17th and was the only city in Maryland on the list.

"Ellicott City strikes a balance between metropolitan convenience and small-town living, complete with the Main Street, lined with antique shops and family-owned stores," the article states.

The ranking praises Ellicott City for its "conservation efforts, education and affordable health care" as well as the local library and its Choose Civility program. Wichita, Kan., was the No. 1 city on the list.

"This is a great place to live," County Executive Kenneth Ulman said in a statement. "Our library is second-to-none and the Choose Civility program is a national model we are all very proud of."

-- Derek Simmonsen

Disability issues group seeks award nominees

The Howard County Commission on Disability Issues is seeking nominations for its annual awards program.

The awards, which will be given out during an Oct. 1 ceremony, recognize "outstanding efforts in advancing full participation in community life for all citizens," as well as promoting the spirit and intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act and honoring people who achieve personal goals while living with a disability.

The categories are: employer, service provider, educator, access through universal design, access through community, and individual achievements by adults and youth. Nominees can be a business, a building, an individual or an agency, but all nominees must live, work, be located or provide services in Howard County.

Nominations are due by July 31. Nomination forms and more information on the categories can be found at www.howardcountymd.gov/DS or by calling 410-313-6402.

-- Derek Simmonsen

New applications being accepted for program

The county is accepting new applications for its Agricultural Land Preservation Program, which offers land owners money for placing a permanent easement on their property.

Applications will be accepted through July 31 as part of "Batch 14" of the program, which will be the 14th enrollment period since the program began. In the previous batch period in 2006, the county bought easements on two farms.

Under the program, the land can continue to be farmed on, but it may never be developed, even if the property is later sold.

The county's general plan calls for preserving 30,000 acres in the rural west, out of which about 25,000 should be agricultural easements. The county currently has about 20,500 acres of agricultural easements, according to the Department of Planning and Zoning.

"Preserving our farmland goes hand-in-hand with protecting the quality of life in Howard County," County Executive Kenneth Ulman said in a statement. "This is a great opportunity for landowners interested in preserving their land for future generations to find out how the program may benefit them."

Property owners can receive a maximum of $40,000 per acre for easements and the county estimates the average offer will be between $25,000 to $35,000 per acre. The money is paid out in installments.

The land must be 50 acres or larger, unless it is next to already protected land, in which case it must be at least 20 acres. Eligible landowners will have their land scored on a system that considers size, soil capability and productivity and whether it is adjacent to other previously preserved parcels.

To get an application or learn more, contact Joy Levy at 410-313-5407 or e-mail her at jlevy@howardcountymd.gov. Information can also be found at www.howardcountymd.gov/DPZ/agriculture.htm.

-- Derek Simmonsen

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