Thursday, September 15, 2016
Home furnishings retailer West Elm held its official opening at 214 Drayton Street near Chippewa Square today, saying it has brought 30 jobs to the area.
"As part of West Elm’s LOCAL program, 10 Georgia-based makers and artisans will sell their products within the store’s fall assortment of modern furnishings and décor, and a complimentary Design Lab will offer services that support customers in their journey to express their personal style at home," says a West Elm spokesperson.
“We have long admired Savannah's rich historic legacy and successful preservation
efforts,” said West Elm president Jim Brett. "And we look forward to becoming part of its
diverse community by connecting with neighbors and local businesses, and supporting
the city’s unique architectural, arts and design culture.”
Within the former office building of the Georgia Department of Labor
Employment Security Agency, West Elm "conserved elements of the 1962 structure in
compliance with Savannah’s Historic District Zoning Ordinance," the company says.
The cornerstone monument, one of the building’s main features, was preserved and
incorporated into West Elm’s main entrance
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Savannah-Chatham Metro Police investigate two separate homicides that occurred Monday evening.
Police first responded to the 900 block of Garey Avenue at approximately 5 p.m., where they found Dominque Powell, 24, outside a residence in the Tatemville neighborhood suffering from a fatal gunshot wound.
Powell was recently the victim of an armed robbery on Sept. 7 in the area. Detectives are working to determine if the homicide is connected to the September 7th incident.
Police then responded to Meding and 61st Streets after reports of a vehicle driven by a shooting victim, later identified as Shawn March, 41, striking an unoccupied residence. March was transported to Memorial University Medical Center with life threatening injuries and succumbed soon after. No other injuries were reported.
Detectives are working to determine where the shooting occurred and the identities of any suspects. Circumstances leading up to this shooting remain under investigation.
Anyone with information about these two investigations 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.
Police first responded to the 900 block of Garey Avenue at approximately 5 p.m., where they found Dominque Powell, 24, outside a residence in the Tatemville neighborhood suffering from a fatal gunshot wound.
Powell was recently the victim of an armed robbery on Sept. 7 in the area. Detectives are working to determine if the homicide is connected to the September 7th incident.
Police then responded to Meding and 61st Streets after reports of a vehicle driven by a shooting victim, later identified as Shawn March, 41, striking an unoccupied residence. March was transported to Memorial University Medical Center with life threatening injuries and succumbed soon after. No other injuries were reported.
Detectives are working to determine where the shooting occurred and the identities of any suspects. Circumstances leading up to this shooting remain under investigation.
Anyone with information about these two investigations 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.
Friday, September 9, 2016
The Memorial Service for The Lady Chablis will be Saturday October 8, 4pm-6pm at the Lucas Theater in downtown Savannah.
Reception to follow at Club One Jefferson.
Reception to follow at Club One Jefferson.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Family and friends have announced that Lady Chablis, the world-famous Savannah performer who was a main character in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and also starred in the film adaptation, has passed away. She was 59.
She was a groundbreaking figure in the transgender world and admired for bringing attention to LGBT issues long before it was fashionable or widely accepted.
A statement from Club One, where she still performed until her last days, says in part:
"Just as The Book shined the spotlight on Savannah, so too did Chablis shine the spotlight on the gay scene, and especially on Club One. She was Club One’s very first entertainer, officiating our grand opening in 1988, and paving the way for female impersonation in Savannah. No one, however, could outshine the Grand Empress herself."
Funeral arrangements haven't been announced as of this writing.
Another famous figure from 'The Book,' Nancy Hillis — renamed "Mandy" in John Berendt's novel — passed away last month.
She was a groundbreaking figure in the transgender world and admired for bringing attention to LGBT issues long before it was fashionable or widely accepted.
A statement from Club One, where she still performed until her last days, says in part:
"Just as The Book shined the spotlight on Savannah, so too did Chablis shine the spotlight on the gay scene, and especially on Club One. She was Club One’s very first entertainer, officiating our grand opening in 1988, and paving the way for female impersonation in Savannah. No one, however, could outshine the Grand Empress herself."
Funeral arrangements haven't been announced as of this writing.
Another famous figure from 'The Book,' Nancy Hillis — renamed "Mandy" in John Berendt's novel — passed away last month.
Tags: Lady Chablis , Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
A food truck roll-out meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 14 at 6 p.m. in the Traub Room at the Savannah Civic Center.
The public is invited to attend the meeting to learn about the application process, rules and regulations surrounding the new Food Truck Program.
Applications for Site Approval will be accepted starting September 16 at the City of Savannah’s Zoning Department, 5515 Abercorn Street.
For more information, please call Shane Corbin, City Zoning Administrator, at (912) 651-6530.
The public is invited to attend the meeting to learn about the application process, rules and regulations surrounding the new Food Truck Program.
Applications for Site Approval will be accepted starting September 16 at the City of Savannah’s Zoning Department, 5515 Abercorn Street.
For more information, please call Shane Corbin, City Zoning Administrator, at (912) 651-6530.
From September 11 through October 9, several changes will take place on Bay Street from East Broad to Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. "as part of a pilot program to test certain measures in an effort to improve traffic flow and increase pedestrian safety," a City spokesperson says.
Temporary changes you can expect to see during the pilot:
The Liberty Street Parking Garage free shuttle will expand its service to include this lot, and the hours of the shuttle will be extended to run continuously between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Parking will also be free in all City garages after 5 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday during the month-long pilot.
As part of the pilot program, truck traffic will be prohibited from traveling on Bay from September 25 to October 9, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Temporary changes you can expect to see during the pilot:
- Street parking prohibited on Bay
- Travel lanes widened to standard width
- Installation of temporary bollards and chains on sidewalks
- Installation of traffic barrels in roadway to mark proposed medians
- Alternative Parking
The Liberty Street Parking Garage free shuttle will expand its service to include this lot, and the hours of the shuttle will be extended to run continuously between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Parking will also be free in all City garages after 5 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday during the month-long pilot.
As part of the pilot program, truck traffic will be prohibited from traveling on Bay from September 25 to October 9, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Here is a detailed timeline of all shooting incidents in the jurisdiction of Savannah-Chatham Metro Police over the Labor Day weekend, with the victims highlighted in bold. Savannah now has 39 homicides so far in 2016.
SEPT. 3 — At about 10 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to reports of shots fired near Ash and Anderson streets. After reports of a gunshot victim nearby on the 1300 block of East Bolton Street, officers located shooting victim Antonio Jackson, 35, in a vehicle on Ash and Anderson. Officers waited with Jackson until EMS arrived, taking him to Memorial University Medical Center for care of non-life-threatening injuries. Reportedly, Jackson was walking east on Bolton Street when he was shot by an unknown suspect.
SEPT. 3 — A short while later that Saturday night while investigating the first case, officers were advised of a second shooting victim a block away at a residence on the 1200 block of East Bolton Street. Responding officers arrived finding Troy Antwan Black, 35, dead of his injuries.
SEPT. 4 — At about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Metro officers responded to Memorial University Medical Center where Ahmad Canty, 17, arrived in a private vehicle seeking care of a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Reportedly, Canty was walking on Bull Street when he was shot by an unknown suspect.
SEPT. 4 – Between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. Sunday night, there was a residential burglary and shooting on the 6800 block of Waters Avenue. Metro officers responded after reports that an unknown male entered the dark home without the homeowner’s knowledge or consent. The suspect reportedly sustained a bullet wound during an exchange of gunfire with the homeowner. The injured suspect fled in an unknown direction. The uninjured home owner fled to safety, then notified police.
SEPT. 4 – At about 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Metro officers responded to Memorial University Medical Center, where Jerrell Thompson, 29, arrived in a privately owned vehicle seeking care of a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Reportedly, Thompson was walking near Waldburg and Harmon when he was shot by an unknown suspect who attempted to rob him.
SEPT. 5 – Just after 11 a.m. Labor Day morning, a shooting at a house on the 1200 block of East 41st Street critically injured a 16-year-old male. Metro officers responded to the residence finding the critically injured victim. The victim was transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center.
SEPT. 5 – About 3:45 p.m. Labor Day afternoon, officers responded to the 200 block of West 42nd Street. David Green, 35, and another unidentified adult male were both shot. The victims were transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center. Green sustained non-life threatening injuries. The unidentified victim’s injuries resulted in his death soon after. Detectives are looking for a black older model SUV, last seen traveling west on 41st Street. One suspect is described as a black male, 5-8 to 5-10, with an Afro with faded sides.
SEPT. 5 – About 9 p.m. Monday night, a passenger was shot in a car on Dieter and 33rd streets. Metro responded to the scene after reports of shots fired into a vehicle with multiple occupants and striking one male. Minutes later, Metro was advised that the victim, identified as Joseph Wright, 20, had been driven to Memorial University Medical Center with serious injuries. Reportedly, at least one male suspect fired into the vehicle during a robbery attempt. The suspect then fled on foot in an unknown direction.
A statement from SCMPD says:
"Preliminary investigations suggest that most of these weekend shootings were not random acts of violence. Several of these shootings involved acquaintances and known to known individuals, while others involved risky behavior, youth(s) illegally possessing a firearm(s) or repeat gun violators. Most of these acts of gun violence allegedly happened in areas where SCMPD historical data reveals greater occurrences of violent crime as compared to the overall jurisdiction."
In addition to the shootings, there was a fatal hit and run on Labor Day which potentially will be ruled a vehicular homicide. At about 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of Meding Street and McKenzie Place, Dyquan Glover, 19, was riding a red motor scooter southbound on Meding Street when he was struck from behind and killed by an unknown driver in a white Chevrolet Silverado traveling the same direction. The suspect vehicle was later located abandoned at East 57th Street and Guatemala Street.
SEPT. 3 — At about 10 p.m. Saturday, officers responded to reports of shots fired near Ash and Anderson streets. After reports of a gunshot victim nearby on the 1300 block of East Bolton Street, officers located shooting victim Antonio Jackson, 35, in a vehicle on Ash and Anderson. Officers waited with Jackson until EMS arrived, taking him to Memorial University Medical Center for care of non-life-threatening injuries. Reportedly, Jackson was walking east on Bolton Street when he was shot by an unknown suspect.
SEPT. 3 — A short while later that Saturday night while investigating the first case, officers were advised of a second shooting victim a block away at a residence on the 1200 block of East Bolton Street. Responding officers arrived finding Troy Antwan Black, 35, dead of his injuries.
SEPT. 4 — At about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Metro officers responded to Memorial University Medical Center where Ahmad Canty, 17, arrived in a private vehicle seeking care of a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Reportedly, Canty was walking on Bull Street when he was shot by an unknown suspect.
SEPT. 4 – Between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. Sunday night, there was a residential burglary and shooting on the 6800 block of Waters Avenue. Metro officers responded after reports that an unknown male entered the dark home without the homeowner’s knowledge or consent. The suspect reportedly sustained a bullet wound during an exchange of gunfire with the homeowner. The injured suspect fled in an unknown direction. The uninjured home owner fled to safety, then notified police.
SEPT. 4 – At about 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Metro officers responded to Memorial University Medical Center, where Jerrell Thompson, 29, arrived in a privately owned vehicle seeking care of a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Reportedly, Thompson was walking near Waldburg and Harmon when he was shot by an unknown suspect who attempted to rob him.
SEPT. 5 – Just after 11 a.m. Labor Day morning, a shooting at a house on the 1200 block of East 41st Street critically injured a 16-year-old male. Metro officers responded to the residence finding the critically injured victim. The victim was transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center.
SEPT. 5 – About 3:45 p.m. Labor Day afternoon, officers responded to the 200 block of West 42nd Street. David Green, 35, and another unidentified adult male were both shot. The victims were transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center. Green sustained non-life threatening injuries. The unidentified victim’s injuries resulted in his death soon after. Detectives are looking for a black older model SUV, last seen traveling west on 41st Street. One suspect is described as a black male, 5-8 to 5-10, with an Afro with faded sides.
SEPT. 5 – About 9 p.m. Monday night, a passenger was shot in a car on Dieter and 33rd streets. Metro responded to the scene after reports of shots fired into a vehicle with multiple occupants and striking one male. Minutes later, Metro was advised that the victim, identified as Joseph Wright, 20, had been driven to Memorial University Medical Center with serious injuries. Reportedly, at least one male suspect fired into the vehicle during a robbery attempt. The suspect then fled on foot in an unknown direction.
A statement from SCMPD says:
"Preliminary investigations suggest that most of these weekend shootings were not random acts of violence. Several of these shootings involved acquaintances and known to known individuals, while others involved risky behavior, youth(s) illegally possessing a firearm(s) or repeat gun violators. Most of these acts of gun violence allegedly happened in areas where SCMPD historical data reveals greater occurrences of violent crime as compared to the overall jurisdiction."
In addition to the shootings, there was a fatal hit and run on Labor Day which potentially will be ruled a vehicular homicide. At about 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of Meding Street and McKenzie Place, Dyquan Glover, 19, was riding a red motor scooter southbound on Meding Street when he was struck from behind and killed by an unknown driver in a white Chevrolet Silverado traveling the same direction. The suspect vehicle was later located abandoned at East 57th Street and Guatemala Street.
Monday, September 5, 2016
Three people were shot in three separate incidents over the last 24 hours this Labor Day weekend in Savannah.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Robbery Unit is investigating reports of an armed robbery and shooting near Waldburg and Harmon streets on Sunday, Sept. 4.
At about 8:30 p.m. officers responded to Memorial University Medical Center, "where Jerrell Thompson arrived in a privately owned vehicle seeking care of a non-life threatening gunshot wound," police say.
"Reportedly, Thompson was walking near Waldburg and Harmon when he was shot by an unknown suspect who attempted to rob him. Metro officers are working to confirm the location of the shooting," police say.
Police are investigating reports of a residential burglary and shooting on the 6800 block of Waters Avenue that occurred Sunday, Sept. 4 between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.
"Metro officers responded after reports that an unknown male subject entered the dark home without the homeowner’s knowledge or consent," police say.
"The subject reportedly sustained a bullet wound during an exchange of gunfire with the homeowner. The injured suspect fled in an unknown direction. The uninjured home owner also fled to safety, then notified police."
Detectives are investigating a shooting at a house on the 1200 block of East 41st Street, that critically injured a 16-year-old male on Monday, Sept. 5 just after 11 a.m.
Metro officers responded to the residence finding the critically injured victim. The victim was transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center.
"Circumstances surrounding this shooting remain under investigation. Detectives are, however, actively following leads and encourage citizens with knowledge of this shooting to come forward," police say.
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department’s Robbery Unit is investigating reports of an armed robbery and shooting near Waldburg and Harmon streets on Sunday, Sept. 4.
At about 8:30 p.m. officers responded to Memorial University Medical Center, "where Jerrell Thompson arrived in a privately owned vehicle seeking care of a non-life threatening gunshot wound," police say.
"Reportedly, Thompson was walking near Waldburg and Harmon when he was shot by an unknown suspect who attempted to rob him. Metro officers are working to confirm the location of the shooting," police say.
Police are investigating reports of a residential burglary and shooting on the 6800 block of Waters Avenue that occurred Sunday, Sept. 4 between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.
"Metro officers responded after reports that an unknown male subject entered the dark home without the homeowner’s knowledge or consent," police say.
"The subject reportedly sustained a bullet wound during an exchange of gunfire with the homeowner. The injured suspect fled in an unknown direction. The uninjured home owner also fled to safety, then notified police."
Detectives are investigating a shooting at a house on the 1200 block of East 41st Street, that critically injured a 16-year-old male on Monday, Sept. 5 just after 11 a.m.
Metro officers responded to the residence finding the critically injured victim. The victim was transported by ambulance to Memorial University Medical Center.
"Circumstances surrounding this shooting remain under investigation. Detectives are, however, actively following leads and encourage citizens with knowledge of this shooting to come forward," police say.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, Armstrong State University, Savannah State University, and SCAD are closed tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 2 in anticipation of heavy rain and winds due to Tropical Storm Hermine.
The First Friday Art March has also been cancelled.
The Savannah Belles Ferry will shut down tonight at 10:00 PM and remain closed through 8:00 PM Friday, September 2, 2016. The opening at 8:00 PM tomorrow is subject to change depending on weather conditions improving.
The Savannah Waterfront Association has made some schedule changes to BaconFest.
The new dates and hours are Saturday, September 3, 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm and Sunday, September 4, 11:00 am- 8:00 pm.
Thrill-seekers headed to Ft. Pulaski should know the National Monument will close today at 1 p.m. and remain closed Friday as well, with plans to reopen on Saturday.
Georgia Ports Authority has shut down all activity for Friday.
The City of Savannah is currently preparing for tropical storm Hermine, which is expected to bring strong wind and heavy rain to Chatham County on Friday.
Residents should be aware that yard waste will not be collected on Friday, but postponed until Saturday. The River Street parking lots will be closed Friday due to the threat of storm surge.
The City of Savannah is urging residents to prepare for the effects of Tropical Storm Hermine, which is expected to impact Savannah beginning Friday morning, and to use caution during and after the storm event:
· Build an emergency kit – including food, water and supplies – and make a family communications plan.
· Secure outside items that could be vulnerable to the strong winds we’re expecting. This includes securing your trash and recycling carts.
· Don’t drive through standing water. In addition to the risk to your safety, wake from your car will push water from the streets into surrounding property, increasing the chance of structural flooding.
Tropical Storm Hermine is forecasted to produce high winds and 4 to 8 inches of rainfall in southeast Georgia, with a total of 10 inches expected through Saturday.
The First Friday Art March has also been cancelled.
The Savannah Belles Ferry will shut down tonight at 10:00 PM and remain closed through 8:00 PM Friday, September 2, 2016. The opening at 8:00 PM tomorrow is subject to change depending on weather conditions improving.
The Savannah Waterfront Association has made some schedule changes to BaconFest.
The new dates and hours are Saturday, September 3, 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm and Sunday, September 4, 11:00 am- 8:00 pm.
Thrill-seekers headed to Ft. Pulaski should know the National Monument will close today at 1 p.m. and remain closed Friday as well, with plans to reopen on Saturday.
Georgia Ports Authority has shut down all activity for Friday.
The City of Savannah is currently preparing for tropical storm Hermine, which is expected to bring strong wind and heavy rain to Chatham County on Friday.
Residents should be aware that yard waste will not be collected on Friday, but postponed until Saturday. The River Street parking lots will be closed Friday due to the threat of storm surge.
The City of Savannah is urging residents to prepare for the effects of Tropical Storm Hermine, which is expected to impact Savannah beginning Friday morning, and to use caution during and after the storm event:
· Build an emergency kit – including food, water and supplies – and make a family communications plan.
· Secure outside items that could be vulnerable to the strong winds we’re expecting. This includes securing your trash and recycling carts.
· Don’t drive through standing water. In addition to the risk to your safety, wake from your car will push water from the streets into surrounding property, increasing the chance of structural flooding.
Tropical Storm Hermine is forecasted to produce high winds and 4 to 8 inches of rainfall in southeast Georgia, with a total of 10 inches expected through Saturday.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
The Coastal Jazz Association today announced the headliners for this year's jazz festival: Dave Stryker, Peter Fish Group, King Solomon Hicks, Yotam Silberstein, and Don Braden.
Hicks was the lead guitarist at the Cotton Club with a 13-piece band since he was 13 years old and has played with legendary acts such as Tony Bennett and the B.B. King Blues Band. He performs Thursday evening
Friday night's lineup includes Fish, Silberstein and Braden. Six-time Emmy award-winning composer and keyboard player Peter Fish has put together an ensemble that delivers funky jazz sounds akin to Herbie Hancock in the '70s.
In Silberstein's eleven years in America, he has collaborated with such jazz luminaries as James Moody, Paquito D’Rivera, Roy Hargrove, and the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All Stars.
Braden has served as sideman for jazz greats including Betty Carter and Wynton Marsalis among many others, and he is the Director of the renowned Litchfield Jazz Camp.
Stryker's recording, "Messing With Mister T," was picked by 'Downbeat Magazine' as one of the top CDs of 2014. He performs Saturday night.
Headliners will all perform at Forsyth Park. For more information and the full festival lineup, visit savannahjazzfestival.org.
Hicks was the lead guitarist at the Cotton Club with a 13-piece band since he was 13 years old and has played with legendary acts such as Tony Bennett and the B.B. King Blues Band. He performs Thursday evening
Friday night's lineup includes Fish, Silberstein and Braden. Six-time Emmy award-winning composer and keyboard player Peter Fish has put together an ensemble that delivers funky jazz sounds akin to Herbie Hancock in the '70s.
In Silberstein's eleven years in America, he has collaborated with such jazz luminaries as James Moody, Paquito D’Rivera, Roy Hargrove, and the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All Stars.
Braden has served as sideman for jazz greats including Betty Carter and Wynton Marsalis among many others, and he is the Director of the renowned Litchfield Jazz Camp.
Stryker's recording, "Messing With Mister T," was picked by 'Downbeat Magazine' as one of the top CDs of 2014. He performs Saturday night.
Headliners will all perform at Forsyth Park. For more information and the full festival lineup, visit savannahjazzfestival.org.
