The 53

Happy Hour to End Homelessness Moved

Due to the closures in downtown Ellicott City, today's happy hour has moved to Second Chance Saloon.

I have something at 6:30, so I can only be there for a short time.   Tom's got all the info on it on his blog here.

Today's train derailment

What went on late last night/early this morning in downtown Ellicott City is a serious matter.  For those of you who somehow don't know a CSX train carrying coal partially derailed.  So far two are known dead.

First, thoughts and prayers go out to the familieis of the victims.  Next, attention must be given to the cause of the accident and to getting Main Street and downtown Ellicott City open again as soon as possible.

Councilmember Courtney Watson just posted this as her Facebook update:

"Visited Main Street earlier. Ran into our County Exec who had been there all night. No hazardous materials, only coal on train. 21 cars derailed on 80 car train. Entire lower parking lot covered with train cars, burying parked cars. Will take at least 36 hours to remove all of the cars and repair track. Since heavy equipment needed, Main Street will likely remain closed between Old Columbia Road and county line for a day or two. NTSB on scene and taking control from local HC DFRS which did an amazing job securing scene and working with CSX to bring in necessary equipment to remove wreckage. Meeting will go on tonight on Historic Ellicott City improvements 7 p.m. George Howard Building. Update available to shop owners and residents at that time."

So there's the latest.  It's still too early to really know anything.

Was planning a personal appearance tonight at The Rumor Mill in downtown EC for HoCo Rising Guy's fete to end homelessness.  Not sure yet if it will happen there or will be moved.