Thursday, May 11, 2017
ACCG, Georgia’s county association, recently awarded Savannah Alderman Van R. Johnson II (District 1) with the 2017 Civic and Community Engagement Advocate of the Year Award.
Each year, ACCG uses its Awards and Recognition Program to honor individuals, businesses and organizations that work to further the mission of county government, ACCG, or both. Johnson accepted the award on April 29th at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center during the 2017 ACCG Annual Conference.
“Alderman Johnson is everything we look for in regards to civic and community engagement,” said ACCG Executive Director Ross King. “From giving back to his local community, to mentoring the youth of Coastal Georgia, to helping create one of the nation’s leading youth commission programs, Van has long been a voice for civic engagement in Georgia.”
“I am unbelievably blessed and honored to have my efforts recognized in such a big way,” says Alderman Johnson. He adds, “We are fortunate for the relationship that Chatham County and the City of Savannah shares with ACCG & the visionary leadership Dr. Priscilla Thomas & the Chatham County Commission has shown for over 25 years. But in the final analysis, it is all about your young people!”
Each year, ACCG uses its Awards and Recognition Program to honor individuals, businesses and organizations that work to further the mission of county government, ACCG, or both. Johnson accepted the award on April 29th at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center during the 2017 ACCG Annual Conference.
“Alderman Johnson is everything we look for in regards to civic and community engagement,” said ACCG Executive Director Ross King. “From giving back to his local community, to mentoring the youth of Coastal Georgia, to helping create one of the nation’s leading youth commission programs, Van has long been a voice for civic engagement in Georgia.”
“I am unbelievably blessed and honored to have my efforts recognized in such a big way,” says Alderman Johnson. He adds, “We are fortunate for the relationship that Chatham County and the City of Savannah shares with ACCG & the visionary leadership Dr. Priscilla Thomas & the Chatham County Commission has shown for over 25 years. But in the final analysis, it is all about your young people!”
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Around 8 p.m. on Saturday May 6, 2017, SCMPD responded to a report of a suspicious package on the top floor of the State Street parking garage.
"Officers located a suspicious package with a cell phone and wires on top of it on the top floor of the parking garage. As a precaution the garage was evacuated and neighboring streets were shut down," police reported Sunday.
The SCMPD Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team was contacted and responded to the scene. "EOD rendered the package safe and determined that the package was not a bomb," police say.
"The package may have been a film prop from a movie that had filmed in the area," police report.
"Officers located a suspicious package with a cell phone and wires on top of it on the top floor of the parking garage. As a precaution the garage was evacuated and neighboring streets were shut down," police reported Sunday.
The SCMPD Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team was contacted and responded to the scene. "EOD rendered the package safe and determined that the package was not a bomb," police say.
"The package may have been a film prop from a movie that had filmed in the area," police report.
SCMPD responded to a residence in the 600 block of 31st Street on a report of woman who had been shot.
"The woman had been out with friends at Nettie’s Lounge, 800 Paulsen Street. After hearing a loud pop the woman noticed blood on her dress and shoes. She realized she had been shot and returned home to contact police," police report.
The female was transported to a local hospital with a non-life threatening injury.
There is no suspect description at this time and the investigation is ongoing.
"The woman had been out with friends at Nettie’s Lounge, 800 Paulsen Street. After hearing a loud pop the woman noticed blood on her dress and shoes. She realized she had been shot and returned home to contact police," police report.
The female was transported to a local hospital with a non-life threatening injury.
There is no suspect description at this time and the investigation is ongoing.
Saturday, May 6, 2017
The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department responded to a shooting at the intersection of Georgia Ave. and Mississippi Ave.
"At 10:55 p.m. on Friday May 5, 2017, SCMPD responded to a report of two men who had been shot at the intersection of Georgia Ave. and Mississippi Ave. One male was deceased at the scene, the second was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries," police say.
There is no suspect description at this time. The shooting does not appear to be random. The investigation is ongoing.
"At 10:55 p.m. on Friday May 5, 2017, SCMPD responded to a report of two men who had been shot at the intersection of Georgia Ave. and Mississippi Ave. One male was deceased at the scene, the second was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries," police say.
There is no suspect description at this time. The shooting does not appear to be random. The investigation is ongoing.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department responded to a barricaded gunman situation in the Henderson Golf Course Community on May 2.
At 8:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a person with a gun in the 100 block of Brown Thrush Road. The armed suspect was identified as William Pipkorn, 53. Pipkorn had threatened neighbors and then barricaded himself in his residence.
"Patrol officers attempted to speak to Pipkorn, who continued to refuse to exit the residence. After several threats were made to responding officers, SWAT and the Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) were called to the scene," says Corporal Hillary Nielsen.
After several hours of negotiations, SCMPD SWAT deployed tear gas into the residence. Pipkorn was taken into custody with the assistance of SCMPD K-9. No shots were fired during the incident.
One SWAT officer suffered minor injuries during the response.
Pipkorn is charged with felony obstruction, criminal trespass, and two counts of terroristic threats. He was taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Anyone with information on this incident can contact the SCMPD tip line by dialing (912) 525-3124.
Information may also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
At 8:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a person with a gun in the 100 block of Brown Thrush Road. The armed suspect was identified as William Pipkorn, 53. Pipkorn had threatened neighbors and then barricaded himself in his residence.
"Patrol officers attempted to speak to Pipkorn, who continued to refuse to exit the residence. After several threats were made to responding officers, SWAT and the Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) were called to the scene," says Corporal Hillary Nielsen.
After several hours of negotiations, SCMPD SWAT deployed tear gas into the residence. Pipkorn was taken into custody with the assistance of SCMPD K-9. No shots were fired during the incident.
One SWAT officer suffered minor injuries during the response.
Pipkorn is charged with felony obstruction, criminal trespass, and two counts of terroristic threats. He was taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Anyone with information on this incident can contact the SCMPD tip line by dialing (912) 525-3124.
Information may also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Teri Schell, executive director of the Forsyth Farmers' Market for the past ten years, has resigned from her position.
"We have grown so much over the past 9 market seasons and I've been proud to have a hand in creating a place that not only connects farmers, food producers and eaters but also serves as a positive community space for people to connect, share recipes/stories and support local," Schell commented.
Schell and her husband, Christopher, will move to Birmingham, AL, this summer.
The Forsyth Farmers' Market is now looking for a new Executive Director. To apply for the position, email a resume and cover letter to [email protected].
"We have grown so much over the past 9 market seasons and I've been proud to have a hand in creating a place that not only connects farmers, food producers and eaters but also serves as a positive community space for people to connect, share recipes/stories and support local," Schell commented.
Schell and her husband, Christopher, will move to Birmingham, AL, this summer.
The Forsyth Farmers' Market is now looking for a new Executive Director. To apply for the position, email a resume and cover letter to [email protected].
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are investigating the shooting of Alesha Boles-Johnson, 20, on Sunday, Apr. 30.
At about 1:00 a.m., Boles-Johnson arrived at the hospital in a private vehicle with non-life-threatening injuries. Purportedly, the incident occurred on Truman Parkway, between Victory Drive and Eisenhower Drive.
"The actual circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation. Investigators do not believe this to be a random shooting," says Cpl. Hillary Nielsen.
Anyone with information on this case should contact the SCMPD tip line by dialing (912) 525-3124.
Information may also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
At about 1:00 a.m., Boles-Johnson arrived at the hospital in a private vehicle with non-life-threatening injuries. Purportedly, the incident occurred on Truman Parkway, between Victory Drive and Eisenhower Drive.
"The actual circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation. Investigators do not believe this to be a random shooting," says Cpl. Hillary Nielsen.
Anyone with information on this case should contact the SCMPD tip line by dialing (912) 525-3124.
Information may also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
Monday, May 1, 2017
The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a shooting in Feiler Park.
At 10:10 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, police responded to a report of a shooting in the area of 57th Street and Crane Street.
"Officers located an adult male who had been shot and was suffering serious, life threatening injuries," says Sgt. Jason Pagliaro of the SCMPD Special Operations Division.
The victim, 37 year old Carlton “Cotton” Frazier, succumbed to his injuries at Memorial Medical Health University.
SCMPD Homicide Detectives and Forensics remain on scene and this incident remains under investigation.
Anyone with information on this incident should call 911, or contact the SCMPD tip line by dialing (912) 525-3124.
Information may also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
At 10:10 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, police responded to a report of a shooting in the area of 57th Street and Crane Street.
"Officers located an adult male who had been shot and was suffering serious, life threatening injuries," says Sgt. Jason Pagliaro of the SCMPD Special Operations Division.
The victim, 37 year old Carlton “Cotton” Frazier, succumbed to his injuries at Memorial Medical Health University.
SCMPD Homicide Detectives and Forensics remain on scene and this incident remains under investigation.
Anyone with information on this incident should call 911, or contact the SCMPD tip line by dialing (912) 525-3124.
Information may also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
Friday, April 28, 2017
The City of Savannah is in the process of developing a Tourism Management Plan "with the goal of balancing resident needs with industry interests while preserving the authenticity of Savannah’s historic district," said a spokesperson for the City.
To engage the community and receive input from all stakeholders, the City is launching an online survey. The survey is available at www.savannahga.gov/tourismmanagementplan and closes on May 14, 2017.
The Tourism Management Plan represents a unique partnership with the Downtown Neighborhood Association, Visit Savannah and Historic Savannah Foundation who each contributed $5,000 while the Tourism Leadership Council provided $1,500.
The City provided $16,900 to the project and secured a $10,000 competitive grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation.
To engage the community and receive input from all stakeholders, the City is launching an online survey. The survey is available at www.savannahga.gov/tourismmanagementplan and closes on May 14, 2017.
The Tourism Management Plan represents a unique partnership with the Downtown Neighborhood Association, Visit Savannah and Historic Savannah Foundation who each contributed $5,000 while the Tourism Leadership Council provided $1,500.
The City provided $16,900 to the project and secured a $10,000 competitive grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are investigating the shooting of Raynard Williams, 19, on Tuesday April 25 in the area of 38th and Bulloch Streets.
"At about midnight, Williams was found on a porch in the 2200 block of Ogeechee Road. Investigators spoke to Williams and he provided little information about the shooting," police say.
Williams injuries are non-life threatening.
"There were several ShotSpotter calls in the area and a possible crime scene was located near 38th and Bulloch streets," police report. "This does not appear to be a random shooting."
"At about midnight, Williams was found on a porch in the 2200 block of Ogeechee Road. Investigators spoke to Williams and he provided little information about the shooting," police say.
Williams injuries are non-life threatening.
"There were several ShotSpotter calls in the area and a possible crime scene was located near 38th and Bulloch streets," police report. "This does not appear to be a random shooting."
