Thursday, August 20, 2020
Massie Heritage Center, a museum of Savannah history and architecture administered by the local public school system, will be open to the public once again.
Hours of operation will be Monday-Friday 10 am-4 pm.
"All COVID-19 safety procedures will be adhered to and enforced. Tour groups will be capped at a maximum of 10 individuals," a spokesperson says.
"Historic interpreters will be on hand to ensure proper social distancing, traffic flow, and mask compliance. The Massie gift shop will be open for sales but all patrons who shop must wear gloves. Massie staff will work to ensure that all facilities are properly sanitized."
Part of the Savannah Chatham County Public School System, the Heritage Center is housed in the Massie Common School building that dates back to 1856.
Hours of operation will be Monday-Friday 10 am-4 pm.
"All COVID-19 safety procedures will be adhered to and enforced. Tour groups will be capped at a maximum of 10 individuals," a spokesperson says.
"Historic interpreters will be on hand to ensure proper social distancing, traffic flow, and mask compliance. The Massie gift shop will be open for sales but all patrons who shop must wear gloves. Massie staff will work to ensure that all facilities are properly sanitized."
Part of the Savannah Chatham County Public School System, the Heritage Center is housed in the Massie Common School building that dates back to 1856.
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
The SCAD Savannah Film Festival returns in its 23rd year as an "all-virtual presentation Oct. 24–31," a university spokesperson says.
"Audiences can connect with cinephiles worldwide as they experience live film premieres and unique, interactive programming from the comfort and safety of their homes," the university says.
Aligning with the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "the 2020 virtual presentation will continue the festival’s legacy of excellence with plans for gala premiere screenings, spotlights, competitions, events, and forums, including the Docs to Watch and Wonder Women series, as well as exclusive video messages from filmmakers, live Q&A events, and other original content."
Ticket sales begin Thursday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m. ET, when the full schedule of programming is released.
"Audiences can connect with cinephiles worldwide as they experience live film premieres and unique, interactive programming from the comfort and safety of their homes," the university says.
Aligning with the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "the 2020 virtual presentation will continue the festival’s legacy of excellence with plans for gala premiere screenings, spotlights, competitions, events, and forums, including the Docs to Watch and Wonder Women series, as well as exclusive video messages from filmmakers, live Q&A events, and other original content."
Ticket sales begin Thursday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m. ET, when the full schedule of programming is released.
The Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will not happen this year, organizers say.
"With the health and safety of our community being an utmost priority, and based on the mandate from the State of Georgia in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & ½ Marathon originally scheduled for November 7-8 cannot take place in 2020 and will return on November 6-7, 2021," a spokesperson said in a statement today.
"All registered participants of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & ½ Marathon will be receiving an email with further information. We thank our participants for their commitment and look forward to providing them with an exceptional race experience in the future."
"With the health and safety of our community being an utmost priority, and based on the mandate from the State of Georgia in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & ½ Marathon originally scheduled for November 7-8 cannot take place in 2020 and will return on November 6-7, 2021," a spokesperson said in a statement today.
"All registered participants of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Marathon & ½ Marathon will be receiving an email with further information. We thank our participants for their commitment and look forward to providing them with an exceptional race experience in the future."
Friday, August 14, 2020
Crime Stoppers of Savannah-Chatham County is offering a cash reward up to $2,500 for information "leading to the arrest of the individual(s) who vandalized a Confederate monument in Savannah’s Laurel Grove Cemetery in early July," a spokesperson says.
“Silence- No More” was spray-painted on the Silence Memorial that was erected in 1878 to commemorate Confederate soldiers at the Battle of Gettysburg.
"The Savannah Police Department is currently investigating the vandalism. While no arrests have been made at this time, a hidden security camera captured what appears to be two white suspects breaking and spray-painting the statue," Crime Stoppers says.
Information about this crime can be reported anonymously by calling the Crime Stoppers, 24/7 tip-line at 912.234.2020 or by going online to savannahcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters will not be asked for their name, phone number or any other identifiable information at any time.
“Silence- No More” was spray-painted on the Silence Memorial that was erected in 1878 to commemorate Confederate soldiers at the Battle of Gettysburg.
"The Savannah Police Department is currently investigating the vandalism. While no arrests have been made at this time, a hidden security camera captured what appears to be two white suspects breaking and spray-painting the statue," Crime Stoppers says.
Information about this crime can be reported anonymously by calling the Crime Stoppers, 24/7 tip-line at 912.234.2020 or by going online to savannahcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters will not be asked for their name, phone number or any other identifiable information at any time.
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Two veteran Savannah Police officers have been fired and now will face a grand jury for possible criminal charges stemming from a case of mistaken identity in April that reportedly turned violent.
Upon viewing bodycam footage of the incident, Chatham County District Attorney Meg Heap said Wednesday afternoon that "I was sufficiently concerned to the point that I decided to immediately schedule a grand jury" to look into a possible criminal indictment of the officers.
Sgt. Octavio "Mike" Arango, a 15-year veteran of the force, sustained a total of seven Savannah Police Department violations, including use of force violations and violations of policy on use of body-worn cameras.
Corporal Daniel Kang, an 8-year veteran of SPD, is accused of three departmental violations.
They face a grand jury on Sept. 14, Heap said, to determine whether criminal charges will move forward.
"If you look around this country, people are demanding justice. The best way I can guarantee justice is to get this in front of a grand jury."
"During this investigation, two members of the squad reportedly violated several policies," and were immediately placed on leave, Savannah Police Chief Roy Minter said.
Minter says he quickly decided to move forward with firing the officers.
"My decision was appealed to the city manager who upheld my decision," Minter said.
The officers were formally terminated on July 30.
Sgt. Arango and Cpl. Kang lead a team that had a warrant for a violent offender's arrest. They responded to a Southside apartment complex on Abercorn Street seeking the offender.
The incident reportedly got out of control when they mistakenly detained a man who wasn't the alleged perpetrator.
"I believe that the conduct of two members of SPD during this particular incident was totally unacceptable and egregious behavior," Chief Minter said.
"I do not believe their behavior in this incident is in line with our core values in this department... I do not believe this behavior is what we expect of Savannah Police officers," Minter said.
Mayor Van Johnson said, "If you want to change culture you have to do things differently. I you want to do things differently, you have to do things intentionally."
"I was horrified," Johnson said of viewing the incident footage. "I felt personally that was absolutely inappropriate. The chief's actions were absolutely appropriate. I agree with the recommendation" to charge the officers, he said.
The bodycam footage is by law not required to be released during an active investigation, and was not displayed at the press conference Wednesday afternoon.
Upon viewing bodycam footage of the incident, Chatham County District Attorney Meg Heap said Wednesday afternoon that "I was sufficiently concerned to the point that I decided to immediately schedule a grand jury" to look into a possible criminal indictment of the officers.
Sgt. Octavio "Mike" Arango, a 15-year veteran of the force, sustained a total of seven Savannah Police Department violations, including use of force violations and violations of policy on use of body-worn cameras.
Corporal Daniel Kang, an 8-year veteran of SPD, is accused of three departmental violations.
They face a grand jury on Sept. 14, Heap said, to determine whether criminal charges will move forward.
"If you look around this country, people are demanding justice. The best way I can guarantee justice is to get this in front of a grand jury."
"During this investigation, two members of the squad reportedly violated several policies," and were immediately placed on leave, Savannah Police Chief Roy Minter said.
Minter says he quickly decided to move forward with firing the officers.
"My decision was appealed to the city manager who upheld my decision," Minter said.
The officers were formally terminated on July 30.
Sgt. Arango and Cpl. Kang lead a team that had a warrant for a violent offender's arrest. They responded to a Southside apartment complex on Abercorn Street seeking the offender.
The incident reportedly got out of control when they mistakenly detained a man who wasn't the alleged perpetrator.
"I believe that the conduct of two members of SPD during this particular incident was totally unacceptable and egregious behavior," Chief Minter said.
"I do not believe their behavior in this incident is in line with our core values in this department... I do not believe this behavior is what we expect of Savannah Police officers," Minter said.
Mayor Van Johnson said, "If you want to change culture you have to do things differently. I you want to do things differently, you have to do things intentionally."
"I was horrified," Johnson said of viewing the incident footage. "I felt personally that was absolutely inappropriate. The chief's actions were absolutely appropriate. I agree with the recommendation" to charge the officers, he said.
The bodycam footage is by law not required to be released during an active investigation, and was not displayed at the press conference Wednesday afternoon.
Friday, August 7, 2020
An expected battle on Savannah City Council over whether to keep property taxes the same or adopt a "rollback" millage rate seems to have been averted, at least for now, due to a last-minute infusion of federal dollars which would keep current funding intact — and help alleviate eviction pressures on residents.
Connect Savannah has obtained documents indicating that the City of Savannah has just received federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act funds, passed through the state of Georgia, of over $2 million, with much more on the way.
The documents show Interim City Manager Pat Monahan informing Council that, "On Thursday, the City received $2,268,707 as the Phase 1 allocation (30%) of $7,562,356 from the State of Georgia’s share of the federal CARES Act Section 5001. The state distributed funds to local governments based on per capita population (except that local governments with population of 500,000 or more received direct allocation from federal government). Future distributions will be based on reimbursements."
While the City has waited several weeks for the first distribution, Monahan goes on, "funding can only be used for 'qualified purposes' and must be spent (by receipt or cashed check) by September 1, 2020."
Qualified purposes include community uses related to hardships from COVID-19 (eviction assistance, mortgage assistance, rent assistance, utility payment assistance and small business loans/grants) as well as reimbursement to local governments for COVID-19 related expenditures, such as PPE (personal protective equipment), testing, and dedicated staff time.
"The Sept. 1 deadline places pressure on the City to distribute the federal funding as quickly as practical," Monahan says.
With help from community agencies such as The United Way and the Small Business Assistance Program, Monahan will unveil a plan to rapidly distribute the funding, even before a full vote of Council.
"I plan to execute necessary agreements on Monday to begin the distribution and especially to assist with 50 pending eviction cases in Magistrate’s Court," Monahan says.
"With time pressing, waiting until after approval Thursday from Council would mean a loss of four days to begin the task of distributing needed relief funds to those in our community who need the money the most."
The funding likely halts — or at least postpones — an increasingly bitter battle on Council over whether to keep the City property tax millage rate the same — which would result in an increase in total payments on some residents due to an increase in assessed property values — or adopt a so-called "rollback" rate which would essentially keep citizen payments the same as they are now.
If the rollback rate had been adopted, the City would likely have to cut at least $600,000 in programs and services — cuts which are less likely now given the new infusion of funds.
The money clears the way for the City to adopt the rollback rate without cutting funds.
However, as one City official tells us, "this probably only delays that fight until next year," when the City budget is expected to really feel the toll of the pandemic-induced recession.
Connect Savannah has obtained documents indicating that the City of Savannah has just received federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act funds, passed through the state of Georgia, of over $2 million, with much more on the way.
The documents show Interim City Manager Pat Monahan informing Council that, "On Thursday, the City received $2,268,707 as the Phase 1 allocation (30%) of $7,562,356 from the State of Georgia’s share of the federal CARES Act Section 5001. The state distributed funds to local governments based on per capita population (except that local governments with population of 500,000 or more received direct allocation from federal government). Future distributions will be based on reimbursements."
While the City has waited several weeks for the first distribution, Monahan goes on, "funding can only be used for 'qualified purposes' and must be spent (by receipt or cashed check) by September 1, 2020."
Qualified purposes include community uses related to hardships from COVID-19 (eviction assistance, mortgage assistance, rent assistance, utility payment assistance and small business loans/grants) as well as reimbursement to local governments for COVID-19 related expenditures, such as PPE (personal protective equipment), testing, and dedicated staff time.
"The Sept. 1 deadline places pressure on the City to distribute the federal funding as quickly as practical," Monahan says.
With help from community agencies such as The United Way and the Small Business Assistance Program, Monahan will unveil a plan to rapidly distribute the funding, even before a full vote of Council.
"I plan to execute necessary agreements on Monday to begin the distribution and especially to assist with 50 pending eviction cases in Magistrate’s Court," Monahan says.
"With time pressing, waiting until after approval Thursday from Council would mean a loss of four days to begin the task of distributing needed relief funds to those in our community who need the money the most."
The funding likely halts — or at least postpones — an increasingly bitter battle on Council over whether to keep the City property tax millage rate the same — which would result in an increase in total payments on some residents due to an increase in assessed property values — or adopt a so-called "rollback" rate which would essentially keep citizen payments the same as they are now.
If the rollback rate had been adopted, the City would likely have to cut at least $600,000 in programs and services — cuts which are less likely now given the new infusion of funds.
The money clears the way for the City to adopt the rollback rate without cutting funds.
However, as one City official tells us, "this probably only delays that fight until next year," when the City budget is expected to really feel the toll of the pandemic-induced recession.
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
For the ninth straight year, Memorial Health has earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s (AHA) 'Get With The Guidelines' Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.
This award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.
Memorial also won the 2020 AHA Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll awards.
Get With The Guidelines is the AHA’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with tools and resources to increase adherence to the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 6 million patients since 2001.
“These awards demonstrate our team’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality care for stroke patients,” said Dr. Joseph Hogan, emergency room physician. “This quality initiative helps us measure our success in meeting clinical guidelines that improve outcomes for our stroke patients.”
This award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.
Memorial also won the 2020 AHA Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll awards.
Get With The Guidelines is the AHA’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with tools and resources to increase adherence to the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than 6 million patients since 2001.
“These awards demonstrate our team’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality care for stroke patients,” said Dr. Joseph Hogan, emergency room physician. “This quality initiative helps us measure our success in meeting clinical guidelines that improve outcomes for our stroke patients.”
Omega Construction’s Georgia Division has just completed construction on its latest project, the new Corporate Headquarters and STEM Center of the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. The building at 535 East Liberty Street was completely renovated for its new tenants.
“We’re thrilled to have a new space for people to come and experience Girl Scouts,” said Sue Else, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia.
“The STEM Center will be unlike anything we’ve had before at GSHG, and we are more than ready to give our Girl Scouts another fun, educational, and collaborative environment in Savannah. The center will host programs and be open to every Girl Scout. It will also be a place to relax and shop while experiencing Savannah’s many attractions.” said Else.
Omega remodeled the building’s interior space to accommodate the needs of the Girl Scouts including full interior demolition and new construction of customized offices, bathrooms, public spaces and a retail space featuring modern interior design and finishes.
Future plans for the space include a new rock-climbing wall and a fully interactive retail space for the Girl Scouts to utilize.
Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, the Girl Scouts still attracts thousands of girls to Savannah for QuestFest, the organization’s annual Girl Scout-themed scavenger hunt and festival, as well as to visit the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. Other popular Girl Scout landmarks include Juliette Gordon Low’s grave at Laurel Grove Cemetery North and the Girl Scouts’ First Headquarters on Drayton Street.
The new Girl Scout center will be opening soon. For more information about Girl Scouts, visit www.gshg.org.
Chatham County has an easier way for residents to request services from the County. The new app and mobile website called, My Chatham, is a new way to request services like these right from your phone, mobile devices or computer:
· reporting an abandoned vehicle
· requesting bulk trash pick-up
· reporting drainage problems
· reporting illegal dumping
· reporting excessive mosquitoes,
· reporting if a street light is out
Additionally My Chatham allows the use of photos or files in the service request. Residents can create an account with My Chatham to receive updates on their requests.
To download the app, search for “My Chatham” on the Apple App Store or Google Play. To find My Chatham online, visit: mychatham.chathamcountyga.gov
· reporting an abandoned vehicle
· requesting bulk trash pick-up
· reporting drainage problems
· reporting illegal dumping
· reporting excessive mosquitoes,
· reporting if a street light is out
Additionally My Chatham allows the use of photos or files in the service request. Residents can create an account with My Chatham to receive updates on their requests.
To download the app, search for “My Chatham” on the Apple App Store or Google Play. To find My Chatham online, visit: mychatham.chathamcountyga.gov
The Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH) has announced its 2020 Executive Committee with John Miller serving as Board Chair. Joining him as officers are Julian Miller, Vice Chair; Josua Rine, Secretary; Janet Kniss, Treasurer; and Toby Browne, Past Chair.
John Miller is the former Executive Director of Southernmost Homeless Assistance League and has many years of experience with Continuums of Care in Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida. He was Executive Director of a HUD housing organization and has managed several other nonprofits and for profit companies.
Miller moved to Savannah in 2005 to become publisher of the Savannah Morning News. After retirement from the newspaper industry in 2008, he started a group of real estate management companies, served five years as Public Affairs Director of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, and served as Savannah City Council Alderman, 4th District 2016 – 2020.
Josua Rine, LPC, CPCS, was the Director of Operations for Union Mission 2013 – 2019 and is currently the Program Director at Recovery Place, Inc. He is a U.S. Army Veteran, recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for combat service in Operation Iraqi Freedom V, and is an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer, as well as a 2019 TedX Savannah speaker.
Janet Kniss, CPA, is the Controller for BRW Construction Group, LLC and has over 20 years experience in financial and tax accounting, as well as expertise in controls and operational improvements for real estate development and construction.
Toby Browne owns Comprehensive Business Partners, LLC, a business consulting firm that offers corporate planning and tax services.
Three new members were also appointed to the board including Vernon Jones; Linda Wilder - Bryan, Savannah City Council Alderwoman, 3rd District; and Kurtis Purtee, Savannah City Council Alderman, 6th District.
John Miller is the former Executive Director of Southernmost Homeless Assistance League and has many years of experience with Continuums of Care in Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida. He was Executive Director of a HUD housing organization and has managed several other nonprofits and for profit companies.
Miller moved to Savannah in 2005 to become publisher of the Savannah Morning News. After retirement from the newspaper industry in 2008, he started a group of real estate management companies, served five years as Public Affairs Director of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, and served as Savannah City Council Alderman, 4th District 2016 – 2020.
Josua Rine, LPC, CPCS, was the Director of Operations for Union Mission 2013 – 2019 and is currently the Program Director at Recovery Place, Inc. He is a U.S. Army Veteran, recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for combat service in Operation Iraqi Freedom V, and is an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer, as well as a 2019 TedX Savannah speaker.
Janet Kniss, CPA, is the Controller for BRW Construction Group, LLC and has over 20 years experience in financial and tax accounting, as well as expertise in controls and operational improvements for real estate development and construction.
Toby Browne owns Comprehensive Business Partners, LLC, a business consulting firm that offers corporate planning and tax services.
Three new members were also appointed to the board including Vernon Jones; Linda Wilder - Bryan, Savannah City Council Alderwoman, 3rd District; and Kurtis Purtee, Savannah City Council Alderman, 6th District.
