Monday, November 17, 2014
The first phase of the W.W. Law photograph collection was opened to the public Monday morning at City Hall.
In March of this year, the City accepted the W. W. Law Collection as a donation from the W. W. Law Foundation in order to provide public access to the collection, representing the life and work of Westley Wallace “W. W.” Law (1923-2002), prominent Civil Rights leader and preservationist.
Phase I of the archival project included the cataloging and digitization of more than 1,000 visual items. The W. W. Law Photograph Collection includes photographs and images taken and collected by W. W. Law and his mother, Geneva Wallace Law. It is anticipated that the photograph collection will continue to grow as work on the larger collection continues.
Highlights of the collection include:
· Images of local NAACP meetings and events during the 1950s and 1960s;
· Views of historic local African American churches and structures;
· Documentation of restoration projects in Laurel Grove South Cemetery;
· Photographs documenting the establishment and activities of the Savannah-Yamacraw Branch of the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH), the King-Tisdell Cottage Museum, the Beach Institute African American Cultural Center, the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, and the Negro Heritage Trail Tour;
· Images of African American families and community leaders of the Savannah area.
The entire collection can be accessed online through the City’s Digital Image Catalog at www.savannahga.gov/Law.
In March of this year, the City accepted the W. W. Law Collection as a donation from the W. W. Law Foundation in order to provide public access to the collection, representing the life and work of Westley Wallace “W. W.” Law (1923-2002), prominent Civil Rights leader and preservationist.
Phase I of the archival project included the cataloging and digitization of more than 1,000 visual items. The W. W. Law Photograph Collection includes photographs and images taken and collected by W. W. Law and his mother, Geneva Wallace Law. It is anticipated that the photograph collection will continue to grow as work on the larger collection continues.
Highlights of the collection include:
· Images of local NAACP meetings and events during the 1950s and 1960s;
· Views of historic local African American churches and structures;
· Documentation of restoration projects in Laurel Grove South Cemetery;
· Photographs documenting the establishment and activities of the Savannah-Yamacraw Branch of the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH), the King-Tisdell Cottage Museum, the Beach Institute African American Cultural Center, the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, and the Negro Heritage Trail Tour;
· Images of African American families and community leaders of the Savannah area.
The entire collection can be accessed online through the City’s Digital Image Catalog at www.savannahga.gov/Law.
Tags: W.W. Law
The remaining members of Black Tusk today issued the following statement:
"We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the overwhelming amount of support received in the past week. Many of you have been inquiring about Athon's medical bills and how you can help. As of now, they are covered. However, we would still like you to contribute if you can. Athon was a very giving person, and he thoroughly enjoyed helping others with his endless skill sets. Athon played a very large role in the renovation of fellow bassist and friend Jason Statts' home after he was paralyzed from a gunshot wound, and he regularly checked in on Jason to listen to music, grill out, or just provide company. Athon and his friend Keith Kozel worked together over the last decade every October to prepare the Jinx bar for their annual Halloween extravaganza. Keith was recently diagnosed with a degenerative kidney disease, and he is in dire need of a transplant. While Athon's medical expenses have been covered, his girlfriend Emily's have not. She has undergone surgery and faces a long road to recovery both physically and emotionally. So in the spirit of Jonathan Athon, we ask that you contribute to this fund that will split the proceeds among Emily, Keith, and Jason. Help Athon keep helping people. We have set up a PayPal at [email protected] if you care to donate.
Thank you. TCBT forever."
"We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the overwhelming amount of support received in the past week. Many of you have been inquiring about Athon's medical bills and how you can help. As of now, they are covered. However, we would still like you to contribute if you can. Athon was a very giving person, and he thoroughly enjoyed helping others with his endless skill sets. Athon played a very large role in the renovation of fellow bassist and friend Jason Statts' home after he was paralyzed from a gunshot wound, and he regularly checked in on Jason to listen to music, grill out, or just provide company. Athon and his friend Keith Kozel worked together over the last decade every October to prepare the Jinx bar for their annual Halloween extravaganza. Keith was recently diagnosed with a degenerative kidney disease, and he is in dire need of a transplant. While Athon's medical expenses have been covered, his girlfriend Emily's have not. She has undergone surgery and faces a long road to recovery both physically and emotionally. So in the spirit of Jonathan Athon, we ask that you contribute to this fund that will split the proceeds among Emily, Keith, and Jason. Help Athon keep helping people. We have set up a PayPal at [email protected] if you care to donate.
Thank you. TCBT forever."
Tags: Black Tusk , Jonathan Athon
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are investigating a shooting at 1450 W. Bay St. The shooting occurred just after 8:00 p.m. A male victim was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
A confidential Tip Line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
A confidential Tip Line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are investigating a homicide in the Hudson Hill neighborhood. A male subject was found deceased in a car on the 2200 block of Hudson Street from an apparent gunshot wound. The incident occurred just before 4 a.m.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward. A confidential Tip Line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Crimestoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward. A confidential Tip Line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Savannah City Council wrapped up its Budget Retreat on Thursday after a two-day review of City Manager Stephanie Cutter’s proposed 2015 Budget.
The proposed $347.5 million overall budget includes a $180.8 million General Fund, "and is fully balanced without a tax increase," a City spokesman says.
The City cites these as "highlights" of the proposed 2015 Budget:
· No increase in the property tax rate is being proposed. "The proposed rate of 12.48 mills maintains the lowest property tax rate in the City of Savannah since 1987, and represents a 28% reduction in the property tax rate over the past 17 years," the spokesman says.
· 2014 General Fund revenues are projected to come in 2% higher than what was budgeted this year due to higher than expected sales tax and property tax collections. "This, combined with a nearly $1 million savings realized through across-the-board expenditure reductions, means that the City will not have to draw $4.4 million from its sales tax stabilization fund as was budgeted this year," the spokesman says.
· The City will adopt an estimated $259 million in capital projects in 2015, including planning for a new SPLOST-funded arena and construction of a $27 million upgrade to the President Street Wastewater Treatment Plant to change the way bio-solids are processed.
· The 2015 Budget does not draw from the City’s two General Fund reserve funds – the fund balance and the sales tax stabilization fund — maintaining those unrestricted funds at 21.4% of expenditures.
· 2.5% general wage increase for City employees "to be more competitive with the private sector."
· Fourteen firefighter positions will be added to staff a new fire company in the Bradley Pointe area on Savannah’s southside. The addition will help Savannah Fire maintain its ISO 1 classification.
· Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s proposed $70.7 million budget includes funding for Operation Ceasefire, body cameras for all patrol officers, and deployment of new technology called ShotSpotter, which will help police target gunshots in the community.
· The residential sanitation rate – which pays for curbside garbage, recycling, yard waste and bulk item collections and disposal – is proposed to increase $1.50 per month, to $30.50 per month in 2015. "The increase is needed to pay for a $17 million expansion of the City’s landfill, a multi-year project expected to begin in 2015," the spokesman says.
First reading and public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 25. Second Reading and adoption is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 11. The 2015 Proposed Budget can be viewed at www.savannahga.gov/budget
The proposed $347.5 million overall budget includes a $180.8 million General Fund, "and is fully balanced without a tax increase," a City spokesman says.
The City cites these as "highlights" of the proposed 2015 Budget:
· No increase in the property tax rate is being proposed. "The proposed rate of 12.48 mills maintains the lowest property tax rate in the City of Savannah since 1987, and represents a 28% reduction in the property tax rate over the past 17 years," the spokesman says.
· 2014 General Fund revenues are projected to come in 2% higher than what was budgeted this year due to higher than expected sales tax and property tax collections. "This, combined with a nearly $1 million savings realized through across-the-board expenditure reductions, means that the City will not have to draw $4.4 million from its sales tax stabilization fund as was budgeted this year," the spokesman says.
· The City will adopt an estimated $259 million in capital projects in 2015, including planning for a new SPLOST-funded arena and construction of a $27 million upgrade to the President Street Wastewater Treatment Plant to change the way bio-solids are processed.
· The 2015 Budget does not draw from the City’s two General Fund reserve funds – the fund balance and the sales tax stabilization fund — maintaining those unrestricted funds at 21.4% of expenditures.
· 2.5% general wage increase for City employees "to be more competitive with the private sector."
· Fourteen firefighter positions will be added to staff a new fire company in the Bradley Pointe area on Savannah’s southside. The addition will help Savannah Fire maintain its ISO 1 classification.
· Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s proposed $70.7 million budget includes funding for Operation Ceasefire, body cameras for all patrol officers, and deployment of new technology called ShotSpotter, which will help police target gunshots in the community.
· The residential sanitation rate – which pays for curbside garbage, recycling, yard waste and bulk item collections and disposal – is proposed to increase $1.50 per month, to $30.50 per month in 2015. "The increase is needed to pay for a $17 million expansion of the City’s landfill, a multi-year project expected to begin in 2015," the spokesman says.
First reading and public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 25. Second Reading and adoption is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 11. The 2015 Proposed Budget can be viewed at www.savannahga.gov/budget
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
The Pine Gardens Historic District, roughly bounded by Beech and Capitol streets and Goebel Avenue, is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The neighborhood was listed at the state level of significance because "it is the largest and most intact concentration of World War II defense industry housing in the state," according to a City of Savannah spokesperson.
The Pine Gardens neighborhood was developed by the consortium Pine Gardens, Inc. to provide housing for civilian shipyard workers employed at the nearby Southeastern Shipbuilding Corporation that had been established in 1942 along the Savannah River east of downtown Savannah.
As one of only 18 Liberty ship manufacturers in the United States, they produced 88 Liberty ships and 18 C-1-type ships by war’s end employing 15,000 workers at any given time.
After the war, Pine Gardens Annex was developed adjacent to the original subdivision to provide housing for returning veterans.
The Pine Gardens Historic District is significant for its examples of the American Small House, a type of house that was popular in the 1930s and 1940s in Georgia and that catered to the material shortages of World War II.
Constructing housing for workers was an integral part of the production of war materiel and the small houses enabled Southeastern Shipbuilding Corporation to efficiently house 500 workers and their families.
Pine Gardens is also important because it represents large-scale mobilization during World War II, which included the construction of military installations and the communities that housed the civilian defense workers, in accordance with President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 8632, Coordinating National Defense Housing, issued in 1941.
The neighborhood was listed at the state level of significance because "it is the largest and most intact concentration of World War II defense industry housing in the state," according to a City of Savannah spokesperson.
The Pine Gardens neighborhood was developed by the consortium Pine Gardens, Inc. to provide housing for civilian shipyard workers employed at the nearby Southeastern Shipbuilding Corporation that had been established in 1942 along the Savannah River east of downtown Savannah.
As one of only 18 Liberty ship manufacturers in the United States, they produced 88 Liberty ships and 18 C-1-type ships by war’s end employing 15,000 workers at any given time.
After the war, Pine Gardens Annex was developed adjacent to the original subdivision to provide housing for returning veterans.
The Pine Gardens Historic District is significant for its examples of the American Small House, a type of house that was popular in the 1930s and 1940s in Georgia and that catered to the material shortages of World War II.
Constructing housing for workers was an integral part of the production of war materiel and the small houses enabled Southeastern Shipbuilding Corporation to efficiently house 500 workers and their families.
Pine Gardens is also important because it represents large-scale mobilization during World War II, which included the construction of military installations and the communities that housed the civilian defense workers, in accordance with President Roosevelt’s Executive Order 8632, Coordinating National Defense Housing, issued in 1941.
The Georgia Historical Society and Live Oak Public Libraries will dedicate a new historical marker to the Colored Library Association of Savannah. The dedication will take place at 11 a.m., Thursday, November 13 in front of the Historic Carnegie Library, 537 East Henry Street.
Speakers will include Christian Kruse, Director of Live Oak Public Libraries, and Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society. The library will be open following the dedication and light refreshments will be served. The public is invited to attend.
The marker reads:
Colored Library Association of Savannah
In 1906, eleven African-American men formed the Colored Library Association of Savannah and established the Library for Colored Citizens. They acquired the original collection from personal libraries and public donations of books and periodicals. In 1913, the Association successfully petitioned the Carnegie Corporation of New York for funds to build a permanent home for the collection. The Carnegie grant program funded construction of thousands of public libraries worldwide. Dedicated in 1914 and completed in 1915, the library was designed by local architect Julian deBruyn Kops and is one of Savannah’s few examples of Prairie School architecture. One of only two Carnegie library projects for African Americans in Georgia, this was the home library to James Alan McPherson, Pulitzer Prize–winning short story writer and essayist and Clarence Thomas, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Erected by the Georgia Historical Society and Live Oak Public Libraries
Speakers will include Christian Kruse, Director of Live Oak Public Libraries, and Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society. The library will be open following the dedication and light refreshments will be served. The public is invited to attend.
The marker reads:
Colored Library Association of Savannah
In 1906, eleven African-American men formed the Colored Library Association of Savannah and established the Library for Colored Citizens. They acquired the original collection from personal libraries and public donations of books and periodicals. In 1913, the Association successfully petitioned the Carnegie Corporation of New York for funds to build a permanent home for the collection. The Carnegie grant program funded construction of thousands of public libraries worldwide. Dedicated in 1914 and completed in 1915, the library was designed by local architect Julian deBruyn Kops and is one of Savannah’s few examples of Prairie School architecture. One of only two Carnegie library projects for African Americans in Georgia, this was the home library to James Alan McPherson, Pulitzer Prize–winning short story writer and essayist and Clarence Thomas, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Erected by the Georgia Historical Society and Live Oak Public Libraries
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Black Tusk bassist and beloved member of the SAV music scene, Jonathan Athon, passed away earlier today as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident Friday night. He was 32.
Black Tusk's label, Freeman Productions, issued the following email this Sunday afternoon:
"It is with deep regret and saddened hearts that we must tell you that Athon passed away this morning from injuries sustained from his motorcycle accident. Doctors told us that he suffered irreparable brain damage shortly after the accident. He has been in a coma and sustained by life support until now. As per his wishes, we removed Athon from his life support systems and his organs will be donated. His body will be cremated and a memorial is being planned for family and friends in Savannah. He was 32 years old and will be forever missed. Thank you all for your support during this devastating time for us, it would have made him proud."
According to Savannah/Chatham Metro PD:
"Jonathan Athon, 32, of the 900 block of East 37th Street, and Emily Boutwell, 26, of the 2100 block of Reynolds Street, were transported to Memorial University Medical Center after the 9:28 p.m. crash," a spokesman says.
"They were riding a 1981 Harley Davidson Sportster southbound on Price Street when the motorcycle crashed into the driver’s door of a 2014 Acura MDX driven east on Jones Street by an 85-year-old Savannah man."
Black Tusk's label, Freeman Productions, issued the following email this Sunday afternoon:
"It is with deep regret and saddened hearts that we must tell you that Athon passed away this morning from injuries sustained from his motorcycle accident. Doctors told us that he suffered irreparable brain damage shortly after the accident. He has been in a coma and sustained by life support until now. As per his wishes, we removed Athon from his life support systems and his organs will be donated. His body will be cremated and a memorial is being planned for family and friends in Savannah. He was 32 years old and will be forever missed. Thank you all for your support during this devastating time for us, it would have made him proud."
According to Savannah/Chatham Metro PD:
"Jonathan Athon, 32, of the 900 block of East 37th Street, and Emily Boutwell, 26, of the 2100 block of Reynolds Street, were transported to Memorial University Medical Center after the 9:28 p.m. crash," a spokesman says.
"They were riding a 1981 Harley Davidson Sportster southbound on Price Street when the motorcycle crashed into the driver’s door of a 2014 Acura MDX driven east on Jones Street by an 85-year-old Savannah man."
Tags: Black Tusk , Jonathan Athon
Friday, November 7, 2014
Following his successful 2014 “The Rant is Due Tour”; Lewis Black’s all New 2015 the Rant is Due Part Deux comes to Savannah Civic Center on March 13, 2015. Tickets on sale now at www.livenation.com.
Ticket price $59.50, $45, $35. Tickets also available at Savannah Civic Center Box Office or by phone at (912) 651-6556.
Ticket price $59.50, $45, $35. Tickets also available at Savannah Civic Center Box Office or by phone at (912) 651-6556.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Two people are in custody following a search warrant and the seizure of a large amount of heroin by the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT).
Shortly after 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, CNT in partnership with the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD), SCMPD SWAT and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, conducted both search and felony arrest warrants at a residence in the 1100 block of East 58th Street and a storage unit on Abercorn Street.
"Upon making entry into the residence, SWAT was shot at by persons inside. SWAT was able to successfully take all persons in custody without returning fire," a spokesman says. "SCMPD Violent Crimes and Forensic detectives responded to investigate the shooting incident; the shooting investigation remains ongoing by SCMPD."
A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of large amounts of heroin, marijuana, Oxycodone, items commonly associated with the distribution of controlled substances and more than $1,200 in U.S. currency. A loaded firearm was also located inside the residence. A search of the storage unit resulted in the seizure of additional heroin. One vehicle was also seized during the operation.
CNT arrested 26-year-old Marion “Skee” Simuel and 21-year-old Fatimah Polite, both of Savannah, on various felony drug charges. Simuel was treated and released for a medical complaint at a local hospital. Both Simuel and Polite are being held at the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and are expected to be arraigned Thursday in the Recorder’s Court of Chatham County, Georgia.
Wednesday’s arrest of Simuel "marks his 6th booking in Chatham County, third drug arrest and his second arrest by CNT," a spokesman says. Simuel was on parole for a drug conviction at the time of Wednesday’s arrest.
In June 2014, CNT received information Simuel was selling various controlled substances to include heroin. CNT agents, working in an undercover capacity, were able to purchase heroin from Simuel on several occasions.
During the course of the investigation, CNT identified Simuel’s residence on East 58th Street and the storage unit on Abercorn Street. CNT obtained search warrants for the two locations, as well as arrest warrants for drug sales involving Simuel.
"Every day CNT agents and other law enforcement personnel risk their lives when they go to work," said CNT Director, Everette Ragan. "We see stories across the country of law enforcement officers losing their lives in the line of duty. Our agents and officers have a dangerous job, especially when conducting search warrants because they never truly know what they are walking into. I'm thankful no one was injured during this latest search warrant and it serves as a reminder that our law enforcement personnel must never take their own safety for granted."
Shortly after 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, CNT in partnership with the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department (SCMPD), SCMPD SWAT and the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, conducted both search and felony arrest warrants at a residence in the 1100 block of East 58th Street and a storage unit on Abercorn Street.
"Upon making entry into the residence, SWAT was shot at by persons inside. SWAT was able to successfully take all persons in custody without returning fire," a spokesman says. "SCMPD Violent Crimes and Forensic detectives responded to investigate the shooting incident; the shooting investigation remains ongoing by SCMPD."
A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of large amounts of heroin, marijuana, Oxycodone, items commonly associated with the distribution of controlled substances and more than $1,200 in U.S. currency. A loaded firearm was also located inside the residence. A search of the storage unit resulted in the seizure of additional heroin. One vehicle was also seized during the operation.
CNT arrested 26-year-old Marion “Skee” Simuel and 21-year-old Fatimah Polite, both of Savannah, on various felony drug charges. Simuel was treated and released for a medical complaint at a local hospital. Both Simuel and Polite are being held at the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center and are expected to be arraigned Thursday in the Recorder’s Court of Chatham County, Georgia.
Wednesday’s arrest of Simuel "marks his 6th booking in Chatham County, third drug arrest and his second arrest by CNT," a spokesman says. Simuel was on parole for a drug conviction at the time of Wednesday’s arrest.
In June 2014, CNT received information Simuel was selling various controlled substances to include heroin. CNT agents, working in an undercover capacity, were able to purchase heroin from Simuel on several occasions.
During the course of the investigation, CNT identified Simuel’s residence on East 58th Street and the storage unit on Abercorn Street. CNT obtained search warrants for the two locations, as well as arrest warrants for drug sales involving Simuel.
"Every day CNT agents and other law enforcement personnel risk their lives when they go to work," said CNT Director, Everette Ragan. "We see stories across the country of law enforcement officers losing their lives in the line of duty. Our agents and officers have a dangerous job, especially when conducting search warrants because they never truly know what they are walking into. I'm thankful no one was injured during this latest search warrant and it serves as a reminder that our law enforcement personnel must never take their own safety for granted."
Tags: crime , drugs , CNT , Counter Narcotics Team
