Thursday, October 25, 2018
Embarking on its 12th season, the Savannah Book Festival announces the authors scheduled to present the Opening, Keynote and Closing Addresses for the 2019 Savannah Book Festival, February 14 – 17, 2019.
George Saunders, winner of the 2017 Man Booker prize for his first novel, a New York Times #1 Bestseller, Lincoln in the Bardo, will present the Opening Address on Thursday, February 14, with his debut novelist wife, Paula Saunders. They will be discussing their writing lives, processes and inspirations.
Daniel Krauthammer will present the Keynote Address on Friday, February 15, to discuss the last work of his father, Charles Krauthammer, The Point of it All: A Lifetime of Great Loves and Endeavors. The book explores Charles’ notable writings and speeches from his 30 years as a national columnist and philosopher.
New York Times bestselling author Lynn Vincent and documentary filmmaker Sara Vladic will present the Closing Address on Sunday, February 17 to discuss their book, Indianapolis, the definitive account of one of the most remarkable episodes in American history.
The Opening, Keynote and Closing Addresses will be presented at
the Historic Lucas Theatre for the Arts. Tickets are $20 and go on sale on January 10, 2019.
George Saunders, winner of the 2017 Man Booker prize for his first novel, a New York Times #1 Bestseller, Lincoln in the Bardo, will present the Opening Address on Thursday, February 14, with his debut novelist wife, Paula Saunders. They will be discussing their writing lives, processes and inspirations.
Daniel Krauthammer will present the Keynote Address on Friday, February 15, to discuss the last work of his father, Charles Krauthammer, The Point of it All: A Lifetime of Great Loves and Endeavors. The book explores Charles’ notable writings and speeches from his 30 years as a national columnist and philosopher.
New York Times bestselling author Lynn Vincent and documentary filmmaker Sara Vladic will present the Closing Address on Sunday, February 17 to discuss their book, Indianapolis, the definitive account of one of the most remarkable episodes in American history.
The Opening, Keynote and Closing Addresses will be presented at
Daniel Krauthammer
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
A doctor has been arrested following a joint investigation spearheaded by the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
"Earlier this month, CNT, DEA, and other state and federal agencies conducted an investigation at Consultants in Pain Medicine located at 2453 Highway 17, Richmond Hill, Georgia," CNT reports.
"During the investigation, agents located paperwork that suggested Doctor Amy Pearson was unlawfully operating the clinic by having an expired pain management license. As the investigation furthered, agents determined the license was expired by more than one year."
CNT arrested Dr. Pearson on October 23, 2018, at her residence without incident. Dr. Pearson was charged with Operating a Pain Management Clinic without a License, which is a felony in the state of Georgia. Dr. Pearson was booked into the Bryan County Detention Center and is currently out on bond. The pain management clinic is currently closed pending further investigation.
"Earlier this month, CNT, DEA, and other state and federal agencies conducted an investigation at Consultants in Pain Medicine located at 2453 Highway 17, Richmond Hill, Georgia," CNT reports.
"During the investigation, agents located paperwork that suggested Doctor Amy Pearson was unlawfully operating the clinic by having an expired pain management license. As the investigation furthered, agents determined the license was expired by more than one year."
CNT arrested Dr. Pearson on October 23, 2018, at her residence without incident. Dr. Pearson was charged with Operating a Pain Management Clinic without a License, which is a felony in the state of Georgia. Dr. Pearson was booked into the Bryan County Detention Center and is currently out on bond. The pain management clinic is currently closed pending further investigation.
The Delta Air Lines Foundation has awarded the Georgia Historical Society’s Next Century Initiative $500,000 "to propel the Society forward in anticipation of the next 100 years," GHS announced today.
The Delta gift is a response to a challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to help complete a $3.5 million capital campaign for renovation and expansion of the GHS Research Center in Savannah.
GHS recently received a $500,000 challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities—one of the first awards made under the NEH’s new Infrastructure and Capacity-Building Challenge Grant program.
The NEH grant requires GHS to raise matching funds totaling $1.5 million (three non-federal dollars for every dollar of federal funding) in order to receive the full value of the award from the NEH.
“We are grateful to Delta and The Delta Air Lines Foundation for their belief in the future of our state and their investment in history education,” said Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society. “Because of their generosity, GHS is well on its way to renovating our Research Center and expanding our educational mission across the state.”
The Delta Air Lines Foundation is a nonprofit corporation formed in 1968 to enhance Delta's charitable giving.
The Delta gift is a response to a challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to help complete a $3.5 million capital campaign for renovation and expansion of the GHS Research Center in Savannah.
GHS recently received a $500,000 challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities—one of the first awards made under the NEH’s new Infrastructure and Capacity-Building Challenge Grant program.
The NEH grant requires GHS to raise matching funds totaling $1.5 million (three non-federal dollars for every dollar of federal funding) in order to receive the full value of the award from the NEH.
“We are grateful to Delta and The Delta Air Lines Foundation for their belief in the future of our state and their investment in history education,” said Dr. W. Todd Groce, President and CEO of the Georgia Historical Society. “Because of their generosity, GHS is well on its way to renovating our Research Center and expanding our educational mission across the state.”
The Delta Air Lines Foundation is a nonprofit corporation formed in 1968 to enhance Delta's charitable giving.
Multiple people are under arrest following an investigation conducted by the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team (CNT) on Oct. 23.
"Yesterday, CNT conducted an undercover drug operation following information crystal methamphetamine (meth) was being sold from various rooms at hotel located in the 11000 block of Abercorn Street on Savannah’s Southside," a CNT spokesperson says.
"After observing a large amount of foot traffic and activity consistent with drug sales, CNT obtained a search warrant for two hotel rooms. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of various amounts of crystal meth, items commonly used in the distribution and use of controlled substances, and one vehicle."
CNT arrested 34-year-old Raymond Gibson, 33-year-old Brooke Carey, 31-year-old Emily Figueroa, all of Savannah, and 31-year-old Katie Kirkpatrick of Rincon. Gibson, Figueroa, and Kirkpatrick were all charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and remain in the Chatham County Detention Center. Carey was charged with a misdemeanor drug offense and has since been released.
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.
"Yesterday, CNT conducted an undercover drug operation following information crystal methamphetamine (meth) was being sold from various rooms at hotel located in the 11000 block of Abercorn Street on Savannah’s Southside," a CNT spokesperson says.
"After observing a large amount of foot traffic and activity consistent with drug sales, CNT obtained a search warrant for two hotel rooms. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of various amounts of crystal meth, items commonly used in the distribution and use of controlled substances, and one vehicle."
CNT arrested 34-year-old Raymond Gibson, 33-year-old Brooke Carey, 31-year-old Emily Figueroa, all of Savannah, and 31-year-old Katie Kirkpatrick of Rincon. Gibson, Figueroa, and Kirkpatrick were all charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute and remain in the Chatham County Detention Center. Carey was charged with a misdemeanor drug offense and has since been released.
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.
Monday, October 15, 2018
Three members of City Council are hosting Town Hall meetings this week with the intent of gathering public input on taxpayer-funded projects.
Each meeting will last approximately 90 minutes. The focus is to obtain public feedback to help “shape” the controversial new Savannah Arena and to discuss what type of projects citizens would like to see funded if SPLOST 7 is approved by voters next year.
SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) is the one percent sales tax used to fund new construction projects in Chatham County. It is voted on by referendum.
District 2 Alderman Bill Durrence Town Hall Meeting
When: Monday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Savannah Civic Center Ballroom, 301 W. Oglethorpe St.
District 4 Alderman Julian Miller Town Hall Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 16 at 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Calvary Baptist Temple Chapel, 4625 Waters Avenue
District 1 Alderman Van Johnson Town Hall Meeting
When: Wednesday, October 17 at 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Temple of Glory Community Church Sanctuary, 1105 Stiles Avenue
Each meeting will last approximately 90 minutes. The focus is to obtain public feedback to help “shape” the controversial new Savannah Arena and to discuss what type of projects citizens would like to see funded if SPLOST 7 is approved by voters next year.
SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) is the one percent sales tax used to fund new construction projects in Chatham County. It is voted on by referendum.
District 2 Alderman Bill Durrence Town Hall Meeting
When: Monday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Savannah Civic Center Ballroom, 301 W. Oglethorpe St.
District 4 Alderman Julian Miller Town Hall Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 16 at 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Calvary Baptist Temple Chapel, 4625 Waters Avenue
District 1 Alderman Van Johnson Town Hall Meeting
When: Wednesday, October 17 at 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Temple of Glory Community Church Sanctuary, 1105 Stiles Avenue
Thursday, October 11, 2018
At today's City Council meeting, Council opted to delay a vote to officially name the new cultural arts center the "Savannah Cultural Arts Center."
Alderman Van Johnson indicated "this is the only opportunity" to name the building, and perhaps the public might want some input into the name.
Alderman Tony Thomas agreed — suggesting that the City might even generate revenue by selling the naming rights in a sponsorship deal.
The theatre inside the center is already scheduled to be named for the late Savannah jazz great Ben Tucker.
Alderman Bill Durrence said if they were considering selling the naming rights, it would be best to come up with a protocol for that since "this is going to come up again."
Council agreed to take the next month to solicit more public input on the naming process.
In other business, a show-cause hearing for a controversial longtime bar owner resulted in the granting of a new alcohol license for a new location.
Jaqueline Somesso, former owner of Club Oz and Club Ice, is opening Liquid Cafe on the Southside near Tibet Avenue. While it would open ostensibly as a restaurant, Mayor Eddie DeLoach expressed skepticism that it would stay that way, worrying openly that it was likely to morph into a club catering to underage clientele.
DeLoach said that Somesso at one point ran a "shot house," i.e. an illegal alcohol establishment.
Though Council was briefed on the many dozens of police calls to Somesso's former clubs while they were in operation — including shootings, carjackings, and assaults as well as noise violations and underage drinking — in the end her attorney Steven Scheer's appeal that those incidents mostly took place over ten years ago won the day.
Oddly, Scheer twice cited Somesso's "in-kind contributions" to the local Democratic Party specifically as reasons for Council to approve the alcohol license.
Despite City staff and the Revenue Department recommending denial of the license, Somesso won her license in a unanimous vote following over an hour of debate, with Alderman Thomas saying "I'm begging you" to live up to her promise that there would be no trouble at the new club.
The controversial purchase of the former Fire Station on Henry Street was delayed for staff review.
Alderman Van Johnson indicated "this is the only opportunity" to name the building, and perhaps the public might want some input into the name.
Alderman Tony Thomas agreed — suggesting that the City might even generate revenue by selling the naming rights in a sponsorship deal.
The theatre inside the center is already scheduled to be named for the late Savannah jazz great Ben Tucker.
Alderman Bill Durrence said if they were considering selling the naming rights, it would be best to come up with a protocol for that since "this is going to come up again."
Council agreed to take the next month to solicit more public input on the naming process.
In other business, a show-cause hearing for a controversial longtime bar owner resulted in the granting of a new alcohol license for a new location.
Jaqueline Somesso, former owner of Club Oz and Club Ice, is opening Liquid Cafe on the Southside near Tibet Avenue. While it would open ostensibly as a restaurant, Mayor Eddie DeLoach expressed skepticism that it would stay that way, worrying openly that it was likely to morph into a club catering to underage clientele.
DeLoach said that Somesso at one point ran a "shot house," i.e. an illegal alcohol establishment.
Though Council was briefed on the many dozens of police calls to Somesso's former clubs while they were in operation — including shootings, carjackings, and assaults as well as noise violations and underage drinking — in the end her attorney Steven Scheer's appeal that those incidents mostly took place over ten years ago won the day.
Oddly, Scheer twice cited Somesso's "in-kind contributions" to the local Democratic Party specifically as reasons for Council to approve the alcohol license.
Despite City staff and the Revenue Department recommending denial of the license, Somesso won her license in a unanimous vote following over an hour of debate, with Alderman Thomas saying "I'm begging you" to live up to her promise that there would be no trouble at the new club.
The controversial purchase of the former Fire Station on Henry Street was delayed for staff review.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
As Hurricane Michael approaches, Savannah Chatham County Public Schools announce that there will be no school Thursday. There will also be no City trash pickup in scheduled areas for Thursday. Trash collection for Thursday’s route will take place on Friday, Oct. 12.
Chatham Emergency Management Agency announces a Tornado Watch for this area until 2 a.m.
Other developments:
· The City of Savannah will delay opening until noon Thursday. That means City buildings will be closed and City services will be suspended until noon. The regular City Council meeting will take place as scheduled at 2 p.m. However the usual City Council workshop prior has been canceled. Public Safety and Public Works operations will continue to operate during the storm.
· The City’s Adult Day Care and Senior Centers will be CLOSED Thursday, October 11. The Community Centers are scheduled to open at their regular time tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m.
· Parking Garages will be OPEN tomorrow. Parking enforcement in the garages and on the street will not begin until noon tomorrow.
· Recorder’s Court’s traffic court and felony hearings have been CANCELLED. Recorder’s Court will send out new court dates and times by mail to everyone scheduled for tomorrow’s docket.
· Chatham County offices will have a delayed opening on Thursday and will resume normal operations at 12:00pm. Those having business with the Chatham County Court System should call the Court to determine the status of any court cases.
· Savannah Tech is closed today and will remain closed Thursday.
Chatham Emergency Management Agency announces a Tornado Watch for this area until 2 a.m.
Other developments:
· The City of Savannah will delay opening until noon Thursday. That means City buildings will be closed and City services will be suspended until noon. The regular City Council meeting will take place as scheduled at 2 p.m. However the usual City Council workshop prior has been canceled. Public Safety and Public Works operations will continue to operate during the storm.
· The City’s Adult Day Care and Senior Centers will be CLOSED Thursday, October 11. The Community Centers are scheduled to open at their regular time tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m.
· Parking Garages will be OPEN tomorrow. Parking enforcement in the garages and on the street will not begin until noon tomorrow.
· Recorder’s Court’s traffic court and felony hearings have been CANCELLED. Recorder’s Court will send out new court dates and times by mail to everyone scheduled for tomorrow’s docket.
· Chatham County offices will have a delayed opening on Thursday and will resume normal operations at 12:00pm. Those having business with the Chatham County Court System should call the Court to determine the status of any court cases.
· Savannah Tech is closed today and will remain closed Thursday.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) anticipates some local impact from Hurricane Michael — expected to be a Tropical Storm by the time it reaches here — but "less than what we anticipated earlier this morning."
CEMA Director Dennis Jones says right now the anticipated impacts include 25-35 mph winds with possible 45 mph gusts and rain impacts from 2-4 inches throughout today and tomorrow.
Jones says "Tornadoes are possible with this system" and communities that normally experience flooding in a heavy rain event can expect the same.
Jones says the sustained winds will "knock more limbs down," and that there is "a potential for power outages."
Currently there are no plans to open any storm shelters. Homeless camps are in contact with social service agencies for sheltering.
Jones said to secure Halloween decorations and any other potential items which might become windborne hazards.
The Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools will remain OPEN Wednesday, with a determination about any potential closure Thursday to happen tomorrow morning.
The Armstrong Campus of Georgia Southern University has already announced all classes are cancelled for Wednesday.
CEMA Director Dennis Jones says right now the anticipated impacts include 25-35 mph winds with possible 45 mph gusts and rain impacts from 2-4 inches throughout today and tomorrow.
Jones says "Tornadoes are possible with this system" and communities that normally experience flooding in a heavy rain event can expect the same.
Jones says the sustained winds will "knock more limbs down," and that there is "a potential for power outages."
Currently there are no plans to open any storm shelters. Homeless camps are in contact with social service agencies for sheltering.
Jones said to secure Halloween decorations and any other potential items which might become windborne hazards.
The Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools will remain OPEN Wednesday, with a determination about any potential closure Thursday to happen tomorrow morning.
The Armstrong Campus of Georgia Southern University has already announced all classes are cancelled for Wednesday.
Though Ga. Gov. Nathan Deal has declared a state of emergency for 92 counties in Georgia, including Chatham County, local officials stress that this is procedural and doesn't mean there will be any evacuations of any kind.
Hurricane Michael is expected to deteriorate to a Tropical Storm as it comes through middle/south Georgia sometime Thursday. It will likely bring heavy winds, likely power outages, and some risk of low-lying tidal flooding in coastal areas.
Chatham Emergency Management Agency has entered what it calls Operating Condition 3, the mobilization phase preparing for expected impacts. They will brief the public at 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon on storm preparation and forecast.
Hurricane Michael is expected to deteriorate to a Tropical Storm as it comes through middle/south Georgia sometime Thursday. It will likely bring heavy winds, likely power outages, and some risk of low-lying tidal flooding in coastal areas.
Chatham Emergency Management Agency has entered what it calls Operating Condition 3, the mobilization phase preparing for expected impacts. They will brief the public at 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon on storm preparation and forecast.
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Tybee Island officials say that they are continuing to address the issue of bee deaths this past spring, which seems to be at least in part due to pesticide spraying by Chatham County.
"In May, earlier this year, there was a problem, still of indeterminate nature, which resulted in the death of a large number of bees and damage to hives on Tybee Island," a Tybee City spokesperson says. "The City is continuing to address the matter and is exploring steps to promote a vibrant bee population on the island. The City is investigating the use of different organic methods for both weed and ant control."
The Tybee Island Department of Public Works is currently using natural weed and ant control solutions rather than pesticides and continues to explore methods of natural controls.
"In addition, a pollinator garden has been planted at Jaycee park, and landscaping around the fire station will be replaced with pollinator plantings to promote our population of beneficial insects," the City of Tybee says.
The City of Tybee is also working with its insurance coverage group to try to assist in mitigating losses.
"The unfortunate loss of bees was unexpected by the City as it relies on those educated in the field in matters relating to treatments. The Department of Agriculture analyzed samples relating to the incident in June and has released a report which is available on the City’s website. The interpretation of the findings is best left to the Department," the City of Tybee says.
The Dept. of Agriculture report indicates that the bees were killed by the same pesticide used by Chatham County Mosquito Control, but concludes:
"The responsibility for the health and welfare of bees rests ultimately with the beekeepers," the state says.
