Elkridge Today: We Want to Pay You $500

There’s a chance of rain today in Elkridge, according to the National Weather Service, which forecast a high of 57 degrees and a low of 44. 

Rain is likely after 1 p.m. (50 percent chance) and before 10 p.m. (20 percent chance), said the weather service.

Luckily, Santa is waterproof. He will be out tonight, riding a sleigh that resembles a firetruck through Elkridge neighborhoods. He was out Tuesday and Wednesday, but Patch didn’t get a glimpse! Have you seen him?

If you're worried about your electric bill because of all those Christmas lights, we want to wipe that worry off your list. Take a picture of your home in all its holiday glory and post it to our “Deck the House” contest page. You will automatically be entered to win $500 off your December electric bill, and 800 people will be selected based on how many votes they get. (You can vote for your house and rate your neighbors' houses too.) So far, nobody from Elkridge has entered, so your chances are looking good! Come on, Elkridge—help us help you.

Tonight there is a meeting in Howard County about green infrastructure. Don't know what that is? Find out at this public workshop from 7–9 p.m. at the George Howard Building (3430 Court House Drive) in Ellicott City.

The United States is holding a ceremony in Baghdad today marking the departure of American troops from Iraq, said President Barack Obama in this address from the Associated Press.

Is someone special to you coming home from Iraq? Tell us in the comments or email me at elizabeth.janney@patch.com.