Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Mayor Van Johnson this morning announced that despite a national candidate search that resulted in a visit from three qualified candidates for Savannah City Manager this past weekend, the whole process will have to return to square one due to division on City Council.
"At this point the Council could not reach a consensus on a singular candidate, so it appears we are at an impasse. We just couldn't get consensus on one candidate," Johnson said.
"I've sought a unanimous 9-0 vote at best, or an 8-1 vote or 7-2 vote at worst," he said. "Unfortunately we're nowhere near that. I believe this position is far too important.... for us to sacrifice expediency for comfort. We must get this right. We have to get this right."
Johnson said the Council will "discuss options and next steps in the coming days" about what to do next.
One source close to the situation tells Connect that the vote broke down to a 5-4 split.
Pat Monahan, current Interim City Manager, has expressed a desire to retire as soon as a qualified candidate is found and hired on to replace him.
The candidates were Caluha Barnes, Deputy City Manager of Modesto CA; Odie Donald II, City Manager of South Fulton; and John Pombier, Assistant City Manager of Mesa AZ.
"At this point the Council could not reach a consensus on a singular candidate, so it appears we are at an impasse. We just couldn't get consensus on one candidate," Johnson said.
"I've sought a unanimous 9-0 vote at best, or an 8-1 vote or 7-2 vote at worst," he said. "Unfortunately we're nowhere near that. I believe this position is far too important.... for us to sacrifice expediency for comfort. We must get this right. We have to get this right."
Johnson said the Council will "discuss options and next steps in the coming days" about what to do next.
One source close to the situation tells Connect that the vote broke down to a 5-4 split.
Pat Monahan, current Interim City Manager, has expressed a desire to retire as soon as a qualified candidate is found and hired on to replace him.
The candidates were Caluha Barnes, Deputy City Manager of Modesto CA; Odie Donald II, City Manager of South Fulton; and John Pombier, Assistant City Manager of Mesa AZ.
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
The Georgia Historical Society announces that the theme for the 2020-2021 Georgia History Festival is "Tear Down This Wall: Georgia in Cold War America."
This first-of-its-kind all-virtual fall program series will be hosted by Dr. Stan Deaton, the Dr. Elaine B. Andrews Distinguished Historian at GHS. Dr. Deaton will talk with some of the nation’s foremost scholars and leaders of the Cold War era in discussions focusing on presidential leadership, American diplomacy, the impact of the Cold War on the Civil Rights Movement, the cultural impact of the Cold War, and the continuing influence of that period on our world today.
On October 14, 2020, the series begins with a keynote interview entitled Tear Down This Wall: The Cold War at 75, A Conversation with Sam Nunn. Nunn served in the U.S. Senate for twenty-four years and was Chairman of the Armed Services Committee from 1987 until 1995.
The Georgia History Festival is "the signature K-12 educational program of the Georgia Historical Society that reaches 250,000 students and teachers in Georgia and provides enlightening opportunities for learners of all ages," a GHS spokesperson says.
In 2011, Senator Nunn was inducted as a Georgia Trustee by the Office of the Governor and the Georgia Historical Society.
"This will be a wide-ranging discussion on the impact of the Cold War on American foreign policy and national security with a man who worked with the leading Cold War warriors, from Henry Kissinger to Margaret Thatcher to Ronald Reagan to Mikhail Gorbachev," GHS says.
The program is free but registration is required. Go here to register.
This first-of-its-kind all-virtual fall program series will be hosted by Dr. Stan Deaton, the Dr. Elaine B. Andrews Distinguished Historian at GHS. Dr. Deaton will talk with some of the nation’s foremost scholars and leaders of the Cold War era in discussions focusing on presidential leadership, American diplomacy, the impact of the Cold War on the Civil Rights Movement, the cultural impact of the Cold War, and the continuing influence of that period on our world today.
On October 14, 2020, the series begins with a keynote interview entitled Tear Down This Wall: The Cold War at 75, A Conversation with Sam Nunn. Nunn served in the U.S. Senate for twenty-four years and was Chairman of the Armed Services Committee from 1987 until 1995.
The Georgia History Festival is "the signature K-12 educational program of the Georgia Historical Society that reaches 250,000 students and teachers in Georgia and provides enlightening opportunities for learners of all ages," a GHS spokesperson says.
In 2011, Senator Nunn was inducted as a Georgia Trustee by the Office of the Governor and the Georgia Historical Society.
"This will be a wide-ranging discussion on the impact of the Cold War on American foreign policy and national security with a man who worked with the leading Cold War warriors, from Henry Kissinger to Margaret Thatcher to Ronald Reagan to Mikhail Gorbachev," GHS says.
The program is free but registration is required. Go here to register.
Chatham Area Transit has launched a new service "that allows customers to get CAT-related news texted directly to their cell phones," a CAT spokesperson says.
The texts will initially include notifications of major service alerts "that impact services for a day or longer, including schedule adjustments, bus stop closures and route changes," CAT says.
Subscribers can also sign up to be notified of upcoming public meetings and events.
Those who want to sign up for the service should text RIDECAT to 41411.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the importance of keeping the public informed, as we continuously implement new safety measures and service adjustments to protect employees and customers,” said CEO Bacarra S. Mauldin. “The text notification service helps us accomplish that goal.”
The launch marks the beginning of the first phase of the text alert service. CAT is in the process of having a new Intelligent Transportation System installed throughout its computer networks, facilities and vehicles. The total installation is expected to take place over the course of the next year.
The texts will initially include notifications of major service alerts "that impact services for a day or longer, including schedule adjustments, bus stop closures and route changes," CAT says.
Subscribers can also sign up to be notified of upcoming public meetings and events.
Those who want to sign up for the service should text RIDECAT to 41411.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the importance of keeping the public informed, as we continuously implement new safety measures and service adjustments to protect employees and customers,” said CEO Bacarra S. Mauldin. “The text notification service helps us accomplish that goal.”
The launch marks the beginning of the first phase of the text alert service. CAT is in the process of having a new Intelligent Transportation System installed throughout its computer networks, facilities and vehicles. The total installation is expected to take place over the course of the next year.
The Chatham County Police Department is learning more information about skeletal remains found in a wooded area on September 19, 2020.
"People walking to a pond discovered the remains in a wooded area off of Oriole Drive on Saturday. Preliminary analysis of the remains indicate they are human and likely those of a male," a spokesperson says.
"An examination revealed that the person had a previous serious head injury that they would have sought medical treatment for. The remains have been sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for further analysis. A positive identity and cause of death have not yet been determined."
Anyone with information can call Chatham County Police Department detectives at 912-651-4712 or CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous, and may qualify for a cash reward.
"People walking to a pond discovered the remains in a wooded area off of Oriole Drive on Saturday. Preliminary analysis of the remains indicate they are human and likely those of a male," a spokesperson says.
"An examination revealed that the person had a previous serious head injury that they would have sought medical treatment for. The remains have been sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for further analysis. A positive identity and cause of death have not yet been determined."
Anyone with information can call Chatham County Police Department detectives at 912-651-4712 or CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous, and may qualify for a cash reward.
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Saying that evidence includes "more than 9,000 child pornography images," the Chatham County Police Department has charged a Wilmington Island man with child molestation and aggravated sexual battery against one juvenile victim.
Chatham County Police Department detectives say 38-year-old Ross Dersch turned himself in to authorities earlier today.
"The investigation began in December 2019 after a juvenile reported being molested by Dersch, who was previously known to the victim. During the course of the investigation, a search warrant was executed on Dersch’s residence which uncovered more than 9,000 child pornography images. Dersch was arrested in March 2020 on a sexual exploitation of children charge for being in possession of the images," police say.
Those images were seized by police, and the subsequent investigation revealed further evidence used to obtain arrest warrants against Dersch for child molestation and aggravated sexual battery.
Chatham County Police Department detectives say 38-year-old Ross Dersch turned himself in to authorities earlier today.
"The investigation began in December 2019 after a juvenile reported being molested by Dersch, who was previously known to the victim. During the course of the investigation, a search warrant was executed on Dersch’s residence which uncovered more than 9,000 child pornography images. Dersch was arrested in March 2020 on a sexual exploitation of children charge for being in possession of the images," police say.
Those images were seized by police, and the subsequent investigation revealed further evidence used to obtain arrest warrants against Dersch for child molestation and aggravated sexual battery.
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Today, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson announced the city council narrowed a pool of 110 applicants for Savannah City Manager to three finalists.
“The City Council and I have selected three highly-qualified candidates as the finalists to be Savannah’s next city manager,” said Johnson.
“This is the most important decision we will make for the future of our city, and I am excited to welcome the finalists to Savannah in the coming weeks.”
The finalists are:
Caluha Barnes, Deputy City Manager of Modesto, Calif.
Caluha Barnes has served as deputy city manager of Modesto since January 2019. She is responsible for the city’s internal services, including budget, finance, human resources, information technology, innovation and performance management, which manages special projects like the city’s strategic planning initiative and homelessness. The City of Modesto serves a population of 215,000. She previously worked as the community engagement director for the City of Santa Rosa, Calif. for two years and as the director of the Department of Health Services and as an administrative analyst in Sonoma County for six years. She is a native Georgian who previously worked for the Georgia Secretary of State as the director of administration and as a manager with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). She earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma and her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.
Odie Donald, II, City Manager of South Fulton, Ga.
Odie Donald, II, has served as city manager of South Fulton since March 2018. The City of South Fulton, created in May 2017, ranks as Georgia’s fifth-largest municipality, serving a population of 100,000. The city has 600 employees, a $69 million operating budget and a $40 million capital budget. South Fulton’s 11 departments include police, fire, community development, municipal courts, human resources, finance, public works, economic development, parks and recreation and IT. Donald previously served as the director of the Department of Employment Services for the District of Columbia and as executive director of the DC Workforce Investment Council. He also worked for the Georgia Department of Economic Development as the Workforce Services director and served as executive director of Coastal Workforce Services in Savannah from July 2013 to March 2015. He received his Master of Business Administration and his bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University.
John Pombier, Assistant City Manager of Mesa, Ariz.
John Pombier has served as assistant city manager of Mesa since January 2011. The city serves a population of 510,000. He is responsible for $300 million in operational budgets and more than 2,200 employees in police, fire, court, environmental management, innovation and technology, and human resources. An attorney by education, he is a former city prosecutor and served as deputy counsel to the Arizona Governor’s Office. He graduated from Arizona State University School of Law and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan School of Business.
The candidates will be in Savannah on Sept. 18 and 19 to participate in interview sessions with community panels.
“The City Council and I have selected three highly-qualified candidates as the finalists to be Savannah’s next city manager,” said Johnson.
“This is the most important decision we will make for the future of our city, and I am excited to welcome the finalists to Savannah in the coming weeks.”
The finalists are:
Caluha Barnes, Deputy City Manager of Modesto, Calif.
Caluha Barnes has served as deputy city manager of Modesto since January 2019. She is responsible for the city’s internal services, including budget, finance, human resources, information technology, innovation and performance management, which manages special projects like the city’s strategic planning initiative and homelessness. The City of Modesto serves a population of 215,000. She previously worked as the community engagement director for the City of Santa Rosa, Calif. for two years and as the director of the Department of Health Services and as an administrative analyst in Sonoma County for six years. She is a native Georgian who previously worked for the Georgia Secretary of State as the director of administration and as a manager with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). She earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma and her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.
Odie Donald, II, City Manager of South Fulton, Ga.
Odie Donald, II, has served as city manager of South Fulton since March 2018. The City of South Fulton, created in May 2017, ranks as Georgia’s fifth-largest municipality, serving a population of 100,000. The city has 600 employees, a $69 million operating budget and a $40 million capital budget. South Fulton’s 11 departments include police, fire, community development, municipal courts, human resources, finance, public works, economic development, parks and recreation and IT. Donald previously served as the director of the Department of Employment Services for the District of Columbia and as executive director of the DC Workforce Investment Council. He also worked for the Georgia Department of Economic Development as the Workforce Services director and served as executive director of Coastal Workforce Services in Savannah from July 2013 to March 2015. He received his Master of Business Administration and his bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University.
John Pombier, Assistant City Manager of Mesa, Ariz.
John Pombier has served as assistant city manager of Mesa since January 2011. The city serves a population of 510,000. He is responsible for $300 million in operational budgets and more than 2,200 employees in police, fire, court, environmental management, innovation and technology, and human resources. An attorney by education, he is a former city prosecutor and served as deputy counsel to the Arizona Governor’s Office. He graduated from Arizona State University School of Law and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan School of Business.
The candidates will be in Savannah on Sept. 18 and 19 to participate in interview sessions with community panels.
SAFE SHELTER ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER WITH FABULOUS EQUINOX ORCHESTRA OCT 8 AT 7PM
(SAVANNAH, GA) SAFE Shelter Center for Domestic Violence Services is inviting the community to participate in a virtual party featuring the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra.
"Set to premiere Thursday, October 8th at 7pm the organizers hope to raise funds needed to serve the growing number of victims of domestic violence in the Chatham County area due to the COVID pandemic," a spokesperson for SAFE Shelter says.
The organization is currently facing a 15 percent reduction of funding from across-the-board cuts in state aid, coupled with the cancellation of its traditional fundraising event.
“While funding has dropped since March, domestic violence calls have risen nearly 20 percent due to the COVID-19 virus," said Cheryl Branch, executive director. “For victims of domestic violence, quarantine means there’s nowhere to go.”
Since SAFE Shelter’s annual giving gala had to be canceled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the organization reached out to the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra for a different kind of virtual fundraiser.
“This exciting band has a great following, they are exciting to watch and they play great music that all can enjoy,” said SPD MAJ Rob Gavin, president of Safe Shelter’s Board of Directors.
For those planning a watch party for the event, SAFE Shelter is also coordinating a special gourmet dinner package delivery through Cohen’s Retreat on Skidaway Road with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to SAFE Shelter.
The band is additionally offering its ticketing system to collect funds and donations towards this event. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by the law.
For more information, tickets and sponsorship details, visit
https://events.ticketprinting.com/event/Safe-Shelter-Center-For-Domestic-Violence-44635
(SAVANNAH, GA) SAFE Shelter Center for Domestic Violence Services is inviting the community to participate in a virtual party featuring the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra.
"Set to premiere Thursday, October 8th at 7pm the organizers hope to raise funds needed to serve the growing number of victims of domestic violence in the Chatham County area due to the COVID pandemic," a spokesperson for SAFE Shelter says.
The organization is currently facing a 15 percent reduction of funding from across-the-board cuts in state aid, coupled with the cancellation of its traditional fundraising event.
“While funding has dropped since March, domestic violence calls have risen nearly 20 percent due to the COVID-19 virus," said Cheryl Branch, executive director. “For victims of domestic violence, quarantine means there’s nowhere to go.”
Since SAFE Shelter’s annual giving gala had to be canceled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the organization reached out to the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra for a different kind of virtual fundraiser.
“This exciting band has a great following, they are exciting to watch and they play great music that all can enjoy,” said SPD MAJ Rob Gavin, president of Safe Shelter’s Board of Directors.
For those planning a watch party for the event, SAFE Shelter is also coordinating a special gourmet dinner package delivery through Cohen’s Retreat on Skidaway Road with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to SAFE Shelter.
The band is additionally offering its ticketing system to collect funds and donations towards this event. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by the law.
For more information, tickets and sponsorship details, visit
https://events.ticketprinting.com/event/Safe-Shelter-Center-For-Domestic-Violence-44635
