Thursday, April 6, 2017
Savannah firefighters "battled wind-whipped flames at a structure fire near Forsyth Park Thursday afternoon," a spokesperson for Savannah Fire and Emergency Services says.
Firefighters were dispatched to the 100 block of West Park Avenue just after 2 p.m. and encountered heavy smoke and flames when they arrived.
"The fire was located in the back of the three-story structure at 117 W. Park Ave. With the aid of gusting winds, the flames had engulfed the entire top floor by the time firefighters were able to attack the blaze," the spokesperson says.
The structure, which houses four apartments, sustained extensive damage to the upper apartment on the back of the building. "The apartments on the front of the building did not sustain any fire damage but they did incur smoke and water damage. The two residences to the east of the building also sustained minor fire damage from windblown em bers," according to reports. .
Due to the wind and the proximity of neighboring structures, "on scene commanders called for a second alarm to bring additional personnel and apparatus resources to the scene to keep the blaze from extending to nearby structures," the spokesperso n says.
Eight residents were displaced from the apartments and American Red Cross volunteers responded to assist them. No injuries were reported and firefighters were able to rescue one dog from a downstairs apartment and return it to its owner.
Savannah Fire investigators also responded in an effort to determine the cause and point of origin of the fire.
Firefighters were dispatched to the 100 block of West Park Avenue just after 2 p.m. and encountered heavy smoke and flames when they arrived.
"The fire was located in the back of the three-story structure at 117 W. Park Ave. With the aid of gusting winds, the flames had engulfed the entire top floor by the time firefighters were able to attack the blaze," the spokesperson says.
The structure, which houses four apartments, sustained extensive damage to the upper apartment on the back of the building. "The apartments on the front of the building did not sustain any fire damage but they did incur smoke and water damage. The two residences to the east of the building also sustained minor fire damage from windblown em bers," according to reports. .
Due to the wind and the proximity of neighboring structures, "on scene commanders called for a second alarm to bring additional personnel and apparatus resources to the scene to keep the blaze from extending to nearby structures," the spokesperso n says.
Eight residents were displaced from the apartments and American Red Cross volunteers responded to assist them. No injuries were reported and firefighters were able to rescue one dog from a downstairs apartment and return it to its owner.
Savannah Fire investigators also responded in an effort to determine the cause and point of origin of the fire.
A Sheriff’s Deputy has been arrested and fired for having inappropriate sexual contact with an inmate.
Due to information being presented to Internal Affairs, a Sheriff's Office spokesperson says "Deputy Jermaine Minor, an employee for less than one year, has been terminated and arrested charged with four counts of violation of Georgia law by committing the offense of Sexual Assault by a person With Supervisory or Disciplinary Authority, which is a felony offense, one count of Violation of his Oath of Office and one count of Making False Statements and Writings."
The case and all of the information and evidence discovered will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office for charges and prosecution, the Sheriff's Office says.
Due to information being presented to Internal Affairs, a Sheriff's Office spokesperson says "Deputy Jermaine Minor, an employee for less than one year, has been terminated and arrested charged with four counts of violation of Georgia law by committing the offense of Sexual Assault by a person With Supervisory or Disciplinary Authority, which is a felony offense, one count of Violation of his Oath of Office and one count of Making False Statements and Writings."
The case and all of the information and evidence discovered will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office for charges and prosecution, the Sheriff's Office says.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are investigating a shooting that occurred near Sherman Avenue and O’Byrne Street Tuesday, Apr. 4.
"At around 10 p.m., Metro officers responded to St. Joseph’s Candler Hospital, finding shooting victim, Larry Hunter, 67. Hunter arrived in a privately owned vehicle, seeking care of a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Reportedly, Hunter was walking on Sherman Avenue when he was shot," police say.
The suspect’s identity and circumstances leading up to this shooting remain under investigation.
"At around 10 p.m., Metro officers responded to St. Joseph’s Candler Hospital, finding shooting victim, Larry Hunter, 67. Hunter arrived in a privately owned vehicle, seeking care of a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Reportedly, Hunter was walking on Sherman Avenue when he was shot," police say.
The suspect’s identity and circumstances leading up to this shooting remain under investigation.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police are investigating a shooting that occurred on Burroughs and West 39th streets on Tuesday, April 4. around 9:55 p.m.
"Metro officers responded to the 2000 block of Harden Street finding shooting victim, John Scott, 19. Reportedly, Scott was walking north on Burroughs Street when he was shot. He was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries," police report.
The suspect’s identity and circumstances leading up to this shooting remain under investigation.
"Metro officers responded to the 2000 block of Harden Street finding shooting victim, John Scott, 19. Reportedly, Scott was walking north on Burroughs Street when he was shot. He was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries," police report.
The suspect’s identity and circumstances leading up to this shooting remain under investigation.
After a long-running debacle involving months-late, often wrong bills due to a problematic software switch, the City of Savannah today announces that one of the long-running wishes of residents is finally coming to pass.
The City of Savannah is now offering online credit card payment for City-issued utility bills. Customers can access the online payment portal at www.savannahga.gov/utilitypay.
"Customers currently receive one bill every two months for water, sewer, and sanitation services. While automatic bank account drafts have been available for a number of years, this will be the first time that online credit card, debit card and eCHECK payments will be received," a City spokesperson says.
“We hope our customers find this new online bill payment portal to be a convenient and easy-to-use option for paying their utility bill,” said City of Savannah Revenue Director Cindy Landolt. “Online bill payment has been a long-requested feature, and we are happy to now offer it.”
To make a payment, customers will need their Account Number and Barcode located on the payment coupon of their bill. An email address is required for all online payments.
To pay using credit/debit cards, the payment amount must be under $300. There is a $3.50 transaction fee to use credit/debit cards. To pay using eCHECKS, the payment amount must be under $1,000. There is no fee to pay using eCHECKS. Customers wishing to pay by eCHECK will need their checking or savings routing number and account number including all zeros. The minimum payment amount is $10.
The City of Savannah is now offering online credit card payment for City-issued utility bills. Customers can access the online payment portal at www.savannahga.gov/utilitypay.
"Customers currently receive one bill every two months for water, sewer, and sanitation services. While automatic bank account drafts have been available for a number of years, this will be the first time that online credit card, debit card and eCHECK payments will be received," a City spokesperson says.
“We hope our customers find this new online bill payment portal to be a convenient and easy-to-use option for paying their utility bill,” said City of Savannah Revenue Director Cindy Landolt. “Online bill payment has been a long-requested feature, and we are happy to now offer it.”
To make a payment, customers will need their Account Number and Barcode located on the payment coupon of their bill. An email address is required for all online payments.
To pay using credit/debit cards, the payment amount must be under $300. There is a $3.50 transaction fee to use credit/debit cards. To pay using eCHECKS, the payment amount must be under $1,000. There is no fee to pay using eCHECKS. Customers wishing to pay by eCHECK will need their checking or savings routing number and account number including all zeros. The minimum payment amount is $10.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Reports indicate that a tornado touched down near Hwy 319 near Dublin as a storm system moving ENE at 35 mph continues its track. Chatham and surrounding counties are under a Tornado Watch until at least 8 p.m. this evening.
Remember, a Tornado Warning, if issued, means an active tornado has been confirmed in the area.
Remember, a Tornado Warning, if issued, means an active tornado has been confirmed in the area.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s West Chatham Precinct detectives ask the public’s help in identifying four individuals suspected of stealing items from a victim’s car Mar. 20.
Metro responded to a business on the 15000 block of Abercorn Street at around 9:45 a.m. Reportedly, three individuals walked into the business, while one other individual in the group entered the victim’s car in the parking lot.
"Upon exiting the building, the three individuals entered the victim’s car before leaving the scene, possibly in a white sedan," said Keturah Greene of the SCMPD Public Affairs Office.
One suspect is described as a black female in her late teens to early 20s. Her hair was styled in an afro, and she wore a black and grey stripped sweater, black jeans and glasses during the incident.
Three of the suspects are described as black males in their late teens to early 20s. During the incident, one suspect wore a long sleeve black shirt, black jeans and white shoes. Another suspect wore a green beanie hat, a white shirt, grey sweatpants and black shoes. The last suspect wore a long sleeve black shirt with black pants.
Anyone with information on the suspects’ identities should call 911 or the West Chatham Precinct detectives at (912) 652-6636.
Information may also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
Metro responded to a business on the 15000 block of Abercorn Street at around 9:45 a.m. Reportedly, three individuals walked into the business, while one other individual in the group entered the victim’s car in the parking lot.
"Upon exiting the building, the three individuals entered the victim’s car before leaving the scene, possibly in a white sedan," said Keturah Greene of the SCMPD Public Affairs Office.
One suspect is described as a black female in her late teens to early 20s. Her hair was styled in an afro, and she wore a black and grey stripped sweater, black jeans and glasses during the incident.
Three of the suspects are described as black males in their late teens to early 20s. During the incident, one suspect wore a long sleeve black shirt, black jeans and white shoes. Another suspect wore a green beanie hat, a white shirt, grey sweatpants and black shoes. The last suspect wore a long sleeve black shirt with black pants.
Anyone with information on the suspects’ identities should call 911 or the West Chatham Precinct detectives at (912) 652-6636.
Information may also be forwarded to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s West Chatham Precinct detectives seek the public’s assistance in identifying two individuals suspected of theft and fraudulent usage of a stolen credit card.
The theft occurred on December 8, 2016 at the Peace of Mind monument business at 5548 Ogeechee Road. "The victim told police a young black male and older black female came into her business. The male distracted the victim while the female went in the back room and stolen the victim’s purse," police say.
Surveillance photos were obtained when the stolen credit card was used at a Savannah grocery store.
Anyone with any information about who these individuals are should contact West Chatham Precinct detectives at (912) 652-6668. Information may also be relayed to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipst ers remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
The theft occurred on December 8, 2016 at the Peace of Mind monument business at 5548 Ogeechee Road. "The victim told police a young black male and older black female came into her business. The male distracted the victim while the female went in the back room and stolen the victim’s purse," police say.
Surveillance photos were obtained when the stolen credit card was used at a Savannah grocery store.
Anyone with any information about who these individuals are should contact West Chatham Precinct detectives at (912) 652-6668. Information may also be relayed to CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020. Tipst ers remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
Friday, March 31, 2017
The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit arrested Byron Kenneth Gilland, 17, on Mar. 30 for reckless conduct.
"On Nov. 18, 2016, a 16-year-old male was at a friend’s house in the 900 block of Debbie Road. While there, Gilland’s actions led to the 16-year-old receiving second degree burns," police say.
Gilland turned himself in at SCMPD Headquarters on Mar. 30, and was charged with reckless conduct.
"On Nov. 18, 2016, a 16-year-old male was at a friend’s house in the 900 block of Debbie Road. While there, Gilland’s actions led to the 16-year-old receiving second degree burns," police say.
Gilland turned himself in at SCMPD Headquarters on Mar. 30, and was charged with reckless conduct.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
In a busy news day for local government, one development stands out as most controversial.
Tybee City Council voted 4-1 to ban most outdoor consumption of alcohol, including on the beach, for the weekends of April 14-16 and April 21-23. These dates coincide with the planned dates for Orange Crush, a predominantly African American and college-oriented event.
Councilman Barry Brown was the lone no vote.
The hours of the ban are 12:01 a.m. on Friday, April 14 to 2:56 a.m. on Sunday, April 16, with the same times in effect the following weekend.
In Savannah City Council news, the Council voted to postpone discussion of a much-anticipated possible moratorium on new hotel construction in the Historic District.
That issue is set to be taken up again at the next regular Council meeting in two weeks.
Council voted unanimously do deny a massive development proposal involving 120-acres off Jimmy DeLoach Parkway in the rapidly growing Highlands neighborhood of Godley Station, an area of West Chatham that is within Savannah city limits.
The area would have been set for light industrial warehouse development had the rezoning request passed.
Despite high-powered backing by the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) and the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) — the latter of which would profit from the increased truck traffic in port-oriented goods — concerns from residents outweighed the rezoning proposal.
"If I lived in Highlands, I'd think I was in the Alamo," said Alderman Brian Foster.
One resident speaking out against the proposal said, "We live in a ghetto of warehouses."
Tybee City Council voted 4-1 to ban most outdoor consumption of alcohol, including on the beach, for the weekends of April 14-16 and April 21-23. These dates coincide with the planned dates for Orange Crush, a predominantly African American and college-oriented event.
Councilman Barry Brown was the lone no vote.
The hours of the ban are 12:01 a.m. on Friday, April 14 to 2:56 a.m. on Sunday, April 16, with the same times in effect the following weekend.
In Savannah City Council news, the Council voted to postpone discussion of a much-anticipated possible moratorium on new hotel construction in the Historic District.
That issue is set to be taken up again at the next regular Council meeting in two weeks.
Council voted unanimously do deny a massive development proposal involving 120-acres off Jimmy DeLoach Parkway in the rapidly growing Highlands neighborhood of Godley Station, an area of West Chatham that is within Savannah city limits.
The area would have been set for light industrial warehouse development had the rezoning request passed.
Despite high-powered backing by the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA) and the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) — the latter of which would profit from the increased truck traffic in port-oriented goods — concerns from residents outweighed the rezoning proposal.
"If I lived in Highlands, I'd think I was in the Alamo," said Alderman Brian Foster.
One resident speaking out against the proposal said, "We live in a ghetto of warehouses."
