Tuesday, April 23, 2019
43rd Annual Savannah Scottish Games Brings Highland Style & Scottish Culture to Savannah May 4, 2019
In it’s 43rd year, the Savannah Scottish Games is back and promises a grand celebration of Scottish heritage complete with music, dancing, athletic games, children’s activities, food and fun for the entire family.
On Saturday, May 4, 2018, the Games will kick off on the historic grounds of Bethesda Academy, located at 9520 Ferguson Ave., and offer an exciting day of some annual favorites including the highly anticipated Heavy Athletics Competition.
Opens at 9 a.m. to the public | Closing ceremonies at 4:30 p.m.
Please visit www.savannahscottishgames.com for information on tickets and a full schedule of events.
Applications for the 2019-2020 Leadership Savannah Class are currently being accepted for the one-year class, which will be limited to 42 people. The selections committee is seeking representation from a cross-section of the community, including those active in business, education, the arts, religion, government, community-based organizations and ethnic and minority groups, and will reflect the diversity of the community. Applicants must have the full support of their organization or corporation they represent.
The programs for the year are being finalized but are expected to consist of monthly interactive sessions lead by top community experts within their fields. Sessions are expected to begin in September and conclude in June of 2020. Applicants will be expected to attend all of the sessions in order to graduate. All applicants must go through selections and full program fees will be $2,750, with a limited number of $1,000 scholarships available based on need.
Applicants must have approval from their supervisors. To apply, visit LeadershipSavannah.org and click on the apply button. The application period will close June 23.
For more information on the program, contact Margaret Mary Russell at [email protected] or 912-644-6432.
Savannah Police have charged a woman who claimed she was injured in a pedestrian-involved crash earlier today.
Around 11:10 a.m. officers responded to E. 67th Street and Waters Avenue for a hit and run resulting in an injury to a female. The Traffic Investigation Unit responded to the scene. Upon further investigation, video evidence showed that the female, who was identified as Rebecca Senecall, 28, falsely alleged serious injuries as a result of a hit-and-run crash.
Senecall was charged with false report of a crime.
As Earth Day is celebrated around the nation, the Savannah VOICE Festival is reminding fans near and far that this year’s festival, aptly themed “Heaven and Earth,” is shifting into high gear and moving full-speed ahead.
In keeping with the theme, the festival features two celestially-themed operas, Poulenc’s “Dialogues of the Carmelites” and Portman’s “The Little Prince.”
The festival’s pre-season phase kicks off with the official lineup announcement on May 1, followed by a Cinco de Mayo-themed Prelude event on May 5 at a home in The Landings. At that point, Prelude attendees and VOICE Society members will be able to purchase tickets to festival events.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 20. Prelude tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting savannahvoicefestival.org.
Friday, April 19, 2019
Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF) will lead the
observation of Preservation Month in May with four unique events that celebrate the art of
preservation and exhibit its significant impact on the past, present and future of Savannah.
visit www.myHSF.org. for more info of the event & to purchase tickets.
Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or patron for Preservation Month events can call Kim Newbold at 912-233-7787 or email [email protected]. Various volunteer opportunities are also available for Preservation Month events. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit http://www.myhsf.org/giving/become-a-volunteer/.
The Chatham County Police Department is investigating an early morning shooting that happened on Liberty Parkway near ACL Boulevard.
The male victim tells police he was walking in the area when he was shot just before 1 a.m. He had a gunshot wound to the leg, and was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
At this time, there is no description of a suspect.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Chatham County Police at 912-652-6920 or Crime Stoppers at 912-234-2020. Tipsters are anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
Friday, April 12, 2019
In an email to elected officials and City staff, Savannah City Manager Rob Hernandez said goodbye and announced his official resignation from the office after a controversial two and a half year tenure.
His resignation is effective June 30.
Excerpts from the letter:
"I joined the City on the heels of Hurricane Matthew on October 11, 2016, and since then we’ve weathered literal and figurative storms and overcame numerous obstacles in providing exceptional municipal services. We accomplished much during this time while simultaneously creating an organizational spirit focused on one simple concept: Forward," he writes.
"Forward is a fanatical passion for momentum, progress and achievement. It is an obsession with what is possible rather than the status quo. It is the driver behind our biggest accomplishment - SAVANNAH FORWARD, our guide to strategic policy-making and investments through 2025," Hernandez writes.
Hernandez went on to cite accomplishments including a budget surplus "approaching $13 million after one full budget year"; upgrading the City's bond rating to AA+; reestablishing the Savannah Police Department and lowering crime after a controversial de-merger; reducing the size of the City's workforce; expanding economic opportunities for city businesses "through new disadvantaged business enterprise, sheltered market, and local hire programs"; and "restricted hotel density in the landmark national historic district; and limited short- term vacation rentals."
Perhaps controversially, Hernandez also referenced that during his tenure the City "Shed obsolete real estate and relocated employees into healthier, more productive work environments."
One such deal, the sale of the iconic Gamble Building, fell through even as employees are set to take up new, leased offices.
His resignation is effective June 30.
Excerpts from the letter:
"I joined the City on the heels of Hurricane Matthew on October 11, 2016, and since then we’ve weathered literal and figurative storms and overcame numerous obstacles in providing exceptional municipal services. We accomplished much during this time while simultaneously creating an organizational spirit focused on one simple concept: Forward," he writes.
"Forward is a fanatical passion for momentum, progress and achievement. It is an obsession with what is possible rather than the status quo. It is the driver behind our biggest accomplishment - SAVANNAH FORWARD, our guide to strategic policy-making and investments through 2025," Hernandez writes.
Hernandez went on to cite accomplishments including a budget surplus "approaching $13 million after one full budget year"; upgrading the City's bond rating to AA+; reestablishing the Savannah Police Department and lowering crime after a controversial de-merger; reducing the size of the City's workforce; expanding economic opportunities for city businesses "through new disadvantaged business enterprise, sheltered market, and local hire programs"; and "restricted hotel density in the landmark national historic district; and limited short- term vacation rentals."
Perhaps controversially, Hernandez also referenced that during his tenure the City "Shed obsolete real estate and relocated employees into healthier, more productive work environments."
One such deal, the sale of the iconic Gamble Building, fell through even as employees are set to take up new, leased offices.
Officers with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs (IA) Division arrested a woman on April 11 for allegedly smuggling contraband to inmates at the Chatham County Detention Center.
Shelley Weins was arrested in Effingham County and is charged with two felony counts of items prohibited by possession for inmates.
"According to Internal Affairs officers, they began investigating Weins after they were alerted that she was taking money off of multiple inmate accounts. For more than two weeks, investigators listened to recorded phone calls, monitored email activity and listened to video visitation calls between her and multiple inmates housed in the jail," the Sheriff's Dept. reports.
The Dept. says "surveillance revealed that Weins was dropping off contraband at the Sheriff’s Office training facility located adjacent to the jail next to the range. Inmates who worked in and around the facility were then obtaining that contraband and taking it into the jail. A cell phone, which was a part of one of the two contraband drops, has been confiscated by investigators."
Shelley Weins was arrested in Effingham County and is charged with two felony counts of items prohibited by possession for inmates.
"According to Internal Affairs officers, they began investigating Weins after they were alerted that she was taking money off of multiple inmate accounts. For more than two weeks, investigators listened to recorded phone calls, monitored email activity and listened to video visitation calls between her and multiple inmates housed in the jail," the Sheriff's Dept. reports.
The Dept. says "surveillance revealed that Weins was dropping off contraband at the Sheriff’s Office training facility located adjacent to the jail next to the range. Inmates who worked in and around the facility were then obtaining that contraband and taking it into the jail. A cell phone, which was a part of one of the two contraband drops, has been confiscated by investigators."
Thursday, April 11, 2019
"Three independent drug investigations conducted by the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) lead to search warrants resulting in large drug and money seizures," CNT reports.
Early Tuesday afternoon, April 9, CNT conducted a search warrant of a residence located in the 300 block of Woodley Road in Savannah.
"A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of a large amount of cocaine, marijuana, and items commonly associated with the distribution of controlled substances. A stolen firearm and nearly $20,000 were also seized," CNT reports.
CNT arrested 43-year-old Okemi “Kimmie” Lawton of Savannah. Lawton was charged with a slew of felony charges to include Trafficking Cocaine and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Lawton was on federal release at the time of his arrest and has a long criminal history to include a conviction for Voluntary Manslaughter in Chatham County.
In a separate drug investigation, CNT arrested 40-year-old Jennifer Schuman of Ellabell late Tuesday night at a hotel located within the city limits of Pooler.
"During a search of Schuman’s hotel room, a large amount of methamphetamine and items commonly associated with the distribution and use of controlled substances were located. Also seized were two BB handguns that resembled actual firearms. Schuman was wanted by CNT for Trafficking Methamphetamine at the time of her arrest. Schuman’s warrant was connected to CNT’s arrest of Jason Barker who was arrested by CNT on March 22. During that investigation, Barker was found to be in possession of a large amount of methamphetamine and cocaine," CNT reports.
In another separate investigation, CNT arrested 37-year-old Thomas “T.J.” Johnson of Savannah.
"During the early morning hours of Monday, April 8, CNT executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence located in the 300 block of Noble Oaks Drive in Savannah. A search of Johnson’s residence resulted in a large seizure of marijuana, items commonly associated with the distribution of controlled substances, and more than $18,000," CNT says.
The three independent investigations lead to a combined drug seizure with an estimated street value of up to $227,000. Lawton and Schuman remain in the Chatham County Detention Center. Johnson is currently out on bond. All three investigations are ongoing and additional charges and arrests are possible.
Early Tuesday afternoon, April 9, CNT conducted a search warrant of a residence located in the 300 block of Woodley Road in Savannah.
"A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of a large amount of cocaine, marijuana, and items commonly associated with the distribution of controlled substances. A stolen firearm and nearly $20,000 were also seized," CNT reports.
CNT arrested 43-year-old Okemi “Kimmie” Lawton of Savannah. Lawton was charged with a slew of felony charges to include Trafficking Cocaine and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Lawton was on federal release at the time of his arrest and has a long criminal history to include a conviction for Voluntary Manslaughter in Chatham County.
In a separate drug investigation, CNT arrested 40-year-old Jennifer Schuman of Ellabell late Tuesday night at a hotel located within the city limits of Pooler.
"During a search of Schuman’s hotel room, a large amount of methamphetamine and items commonly associated with the distribution and use of controlled substances were located. Also seized were two BB handguns that resembled actual firearms. Schuman was wanted by CNT for Trafficking Methamphetamine at the time of her arrest. Schuman’s warrant was connected to CNT’s arrest of Jason Barker who was arrested by CNT on March 22. During that investigation, Barker was found to be in possession of a large amount of methamphetamine and cocaine," CNT reports.
In another separate investigation, CNT arrested 37-year-old Thomas “T.J.” Johnson of Savannah.
"During the early morning hours of Monday, April 8, CNT executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence located in the 300 block of Noble Oaks Drive in Savannah. A search of Johnson’s residence resulted in a large seizure of marijuana, items commonly associated with the distribution of controlled substances, and more than $18,000," CNT says.
The three independent investigations lead to a combined drug seizure with an estimated street value of up to $227,000. Lawton and Schuman remain in the Chatham County Detention Center. Johnson is currently out on bond. All three investigations are ongoing and additional charges and arrests are possible.
Trafficking Cocaine Arrest for SPD
"A traffic stop for speeding led to Savannah Police Task Force officers arresting a Savannah man with marijuana, cocaine and more than $6,000 in cash," police report today.
Around 1 p.m. April 9, Violent Crimes Task Force officers were conducting enforcement "when they initiated a traffic stop at Cloverdale Drive and Eleanor Street for speeding. The driver, Herbert Biggins, 26, was found to be in possession of 2.5 lbs. of marijuana, 67 grams of crack cocaine, 5 grams of THC oil, $6,800, and other drug paraphernalia," police report.
Biggins was transported to the Chatham County Detention Center on charges of possession of THC oil, possession of marijuana more than 1 oz., possession of a controlled substance (crack cocaine), possession with intent to distribute (crack cocaine), possession with intent to distribute marijuana, trafficking cocaine, possession of a drug-related object and speeding.
"Since Dec. 15, the Violent Crimes Task Force has made 273 felony arrests and 156 misdemeanor arrests. The task force has seized 152 guns, $57,654.87, $1,800 in counterfeit currency, nearly 32 lbs. of marijuana, 27.5 grams of heroin, 269.64 grams of crack cocaine, 68.4 grams of crystal meth, 4,121 Ecstasy pills, 57.5 Xanax bars, 113.1 grams of cocaine, 161.5 Xanax pills and two morphine pills," police say.
"A traffic stop for speeding led to Savannah Police Task Force officers arresting a Savannah man with marijuana, cocaine and more than $6,000 in cash," police report today.
Around 1 p.m. April 9, Violent Crimes Task Force officers were conducting enforcement "when they initiated a traffic stop at Cloverdale Drive and Eleanor Street for speeding. The driver, Herbert Biggins, 26, was found to be in possession of 2.5 lbs. of marijuana, 67 grams of crack cocaine, 5 grams of THC oil, $6,800, and other drug paraphernalia," police report.
Biggins was transported to the Chatham County Detention Center on charges of possession of THC oil, possession of marijuana more than 1 oz., possession of a controlled substance (crack cocaine), possession with intent to distribute (crack cocaine), possession with intent to distribute marijuana, trafficking cocaine, possession of a drug-related object and speeding.
"Since Dec. 15, the Violent Crimes Task Force has made 273 felony arrests and 156 misdemeanor arrests. The task force has seized 152 guns, $57,654.87, $1,800 in counterfeit currency, nearly 32 lbs. of marijuana, 27.5 grams of heroin, 269.64 grams of crack cocaine, 68.4 grams of crystal meth, 4,121 Ecstasy pills, 57.5 Xanax bars, 113.1 grams of cocaine, 161.5 Xanax pills and two morphine pills," police say.
