Ellicott City remembers victims one year after flood

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. - Ellicott City is commemorating three lives that were lost as a result of a tragic flood on its one-year anniversary Saturday.

The historic flood hit the city on July 30, 2016 claiming the lives of 35-year-old Jessica Watsula and 38-year-old Joseph Blevins.

A third victim, 67-year-old John Pacylowski died on September 9, 2016 after falling off scaffolding while repairing damage caused by the flood.

"We have an exciting weekend planned for the anniversary," said Ellicott City Partnership Executive Director Maureen Sweeney-Smith. "Some events will be reverent as we remember three lives lost and the severity of the flood. Some events will be joyful to celebrate our community's resilience and recovery."

Events include the Reflect and Remember Community Gathering, the Ellicott City Strong 5K Benefit Race, a farmers market, and an outdoor screening of "La La Land."

To ensure better preparation for future floods, improvement projects are expected to begin next year such as storm drain improvements along Frederick Road and three storm water retention facilities.