Credit Unions were big contributors to The Children’s Hospital at the 2014 CMN Telethon on May 31. GHFCU contributed $12,000 to The Children’s Hospital. Don Hill, President of the Coastal Empire Credit Union Chapter, presented the Chapter donation of $6,000. The two check presentations represented $18,000 that Savannah area Credit Unions raised in one year for the benefit of the local children’s hospital.

 Middle School students at Savannah Country Day recently presented a check totaling $1,100 to Tami Enright, the Executive Director of The Bee Cause Project. The donation will help to establish an observational honey bee hive in another local school. Country Day students in the Beekeeping Club have spent the past several years working with hives close to school and overseen by Science teacher Andrew Wiley. This year, Country Day welcomed a 25,000-colony classroom observational hive to the Middle School. Beekeeping Club students harvested honey from the hive and created homemade products such as soap and lip balm. Funds raised through the sale of these products help the students generate enough funds to donate to The Bee Cause Project to benefit other area students.

Dr. Sharon Weiser, vice president of academic affairs for Missouri Valley College, has announced the spring 2014 Dean’s List. The requirements for the Dean’s List are a 3.3 or higher grade point average; at least 12 graded hours for the semester and no “D,” “F,” or “Incomplete” grades for the semester.

The following student from the area were named to the Dean’s List: Taylor Peecksen of Savannah.  

In addition,  Taylor was also named to the Presidential Scholar List. Full-time students with a 3.9 or higher grade point average for both the fall and spring semesters are named to the Presidential Scholar List.

The Coastal Museum Association (CMA) held its first annual CMA Awards of Excellence on June 4 to recognize the exceptional educational and cultural programming delivered by local museums and cultural institutions during the 2013 calendar year.

The inaugural class of award winners by category are:

• Excellence in Education & Interpretation to James “Jamie” Burghardt, Horticultural Coordinator, Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (CGBG) for the development and instillation of interpretive signs at the CGBG to engage visitors to both the site’s horticultural and historical components. 
• Excellence in Education & Interpretation for the documentary film Yellow Fever: A Deadly Pestilence by Michael Jordan with Nathaniel Nauert, a Cosmos Mariner Production. The film was used for the Isaiah Davenport House interpretive program Dreadful Pestilence: Savannah’s Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1820.
• Excellence in Public History for creating new audiences for Savannah’s history with the publication of The First American Grand Prix: The Savannah Auto Races, 1908-1911 by Tanya Bailey Smith at the Great Savannah Auto Races Museum. 
• Excellence in Outreach & Collaboration for the Cluskey Embankment Stores Archaeology Project. Spearheaded by CMA member organization the City of Savannah, Research Library and Municipal Archives, this interdisciplinary project included partnerships with diverse organizations and a commitment to public engagement. 
• Excellence in Exhibition to the Telfair Museum for their exhibit Spanish Sojourns: Robert Henri and the Spirit of Spain. Developed over five years, this groundbreaking exhibit explored the paintings of Robert Henri (1865-1929), one of the most influential American artists of the early 20th century. 
• Two Individuals of Excellence awards were given for service excellence above-and-beyond to Bobby Hughes at the Ships of the Sea Museum and Katie Epps at the Heyward House Historic Center in Bluffton, SC. 
• A special award for Excellence in Dedicated Service was presented to Luciana Spracher for her years of dedicated service to the advancement of the Coastal Museum Association. Spracher has served on the CMA in several leadership positions including Board President, and most recently as chair of the membership committee. This award is given in deep appreciation from the CMA membership for Spracher’s continued willingness to volunteer her time and energy to CMA year after year. 

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston’s Miguel Andujar hit a home run and drove in two runs and Ian Clarkin and two relievers held Savannah to just four hits as the RiverDogs defeated the Sand Gnats 5-1 on Thursday night in the opener of a four-game set at Riley Park.

It was the second straight loss for Savannah, a New York Mets affiliate, and gave Charleston, a New York Yankees affiliate, a 5-4 advantage in the teams’ meetings this year.

Andujar, who turned 19 a month before the season started, smacked a two-run homer in the bottom of the first inning after the Gnats had taken a 1-0 lead in the top of the frame.

It was all the offensive support Clarkin needed. Clarkin (2-3) allowed just two hits and no runs after the first inning. Reliever Angel Rincon went 3 1/3 scoreless innings and Philip Walby recorded the final two outs for his second save,

Savannah’s Miller Diaz (5-1) gave all five runs (four earned) in 6 2/3 innings and picked up his first loss.

The Sand Gnats scored when Jeff McNeil singled, moved to second on a wild pitch and came around on a single by L.J. Mazzilli. Mazzilli finished with three of the team’s six hits.

The teams will be back in action tonight at 7:05.

Savannah returns home next Thursday for a doubleheader with the Augusta GreenJackets.

Savannah ab r h bi Charleston ab h r bi

Biondi rf 4 0 1 0 Wade dh 4 0 0 0

Cecchini dh 4 0 0 0 Rosario lf 2 2 0 0

McNeil 3b 4 1 1 0 Andujar 3b 4 2 2 2

Mazzilli 2b 4 0 3 1 Ford 1b 4 0 1 1

Smith 1b 4 0 0 0 Valera c 3 0 0 0

Rosario ss 4 0 0 0 Fowler rf 2 1 0 0

Sabol lf 4 0 0 0 Thomas cf 2 0 0 0

Stuart cf 3 0 1 0 Murphy ss 2 0 1 0

Plaia c 3 0 0 0 Katoh 2b 3 0 0 0

Totals 34 1 6 1 Totals 26 5 4 3

Savannah 100 000 000—1

Charleston 200 012 00x—5

E—Murphy, Rosario, Plaia, Biondi. LOB—Savannah 8, Charleston 2. 2B—Ford, Mazzilli. HR—Andujar (4). SB—Murphy, Mazzilli. CS—Murphy, Thomas, Biondi.

SAVANNAH IP H R ER BB SO

Diaz L,5-1 6 2/3 4 5 4 3 6

Peterson 1 1/3 0 0 0 0 1

CHARLESTON IP H R ER BB SO

Clarkin W,2-3 5 5 1 1 1 3

Rincon 3 1/3 1 0 0 0 5

Walby S,2 2/3 0 0 0 1 1

HBP—Rosario, Murphy (by Diaz). WP—Diaz, Clarkin. Balk—Diaz. T—2:38. A—5,479.

Seven people were displaced from their Thomas Square home early Thursday morning when fire raged through their duplex.

Firefighters responded to the blaze about 2:15 a.m. at 219 E. 38th St.

Heavy smoke and flames were visible at the two-story wood structure on the southeast corner of Lincoln and East 38th Streets, said Mark Keller, Savannah Fire & Emergency Services spokesman. Conditions at the scene prompted commanders to call for a second alarm, but the firefighters were able to gain control of the blaze and most of the second alarm companies were returned prior to their arrivals on scene.

The fire appears to have started at the back of the structure, inside a room connected to a porch, Keller said.

The flames spread quickly throughout the occupied side of the duplex at 219 E. 38th St., causing extensive damage to that side. The flames also extended into the attic, affecting the unoccupied side, which is undergoing renovations, causing damage to the attic area but leaving the living area of that side unaffected by fire, Keller said. The entire structure sustained heavy smoke and water damage.

All the residents were able to escape the home uninjured and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.

Savannah Fire investigators have examined the site and are continuing their investigation into the cause of the blaze, Keller said.

Reward up for info in fatal hit-and-run

A cash reward of up to $5,000 is available anonymously for new information that leads to an arrest in the hit-and-run wreck that took the life of a Savannah man May 3.

Jermaine Butler, 42, was struck and killed as he walked down Howard Foss Drive.

Savannah-Chatham police retrieved several parts from the vehicle believed to have struck Butler, and they announced the suspected automobile was likely a General Motors SUV or truck.

Investigators need help from the public identifying the vehicle and its driver, who did not stop at the scene of the wreck or report the incident to police, said Catherine Neal, spokeswoman for CrimeStoppers.

The incident is being investigated by the police department’s Major Accident Investigation Team.

Police ask anyone with information on the matter to call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020 before the message content. E-tips can also be submitted via www.SavannahChathamCrimeStoppers.org.

Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

Rabies clinic Saturday

The Animal Control division of the Savannah-Chatham police department will be providing rabies inoculations, nail trims and microchips for cats and dogs Saturday.

The rabies clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Animal Control shelter at 7211 Sallie Mood Drive behind the Humane Society for Greater Savannah on the southside.

Rabies vaccinations and nail trims are available for $10 each. Microchips, including lifetime registration, will be available for $20. Cash or checks will be accepted for payments, said department spokesman Julian Miller.

Animal Control officers will be on hand to help handle the cats and dogs.

All dogs brought to the clinic must be leashed or kenneled, and those prone to biting must be muzzled, Miller said.

Cats must be brought in carriers.

The center also will be open at 11 a.m. for pet adoptions.

Citizens Police Academy sign-ups available

Registration has begun for the Savannah-Chatham police department’s fall Citizens Police Academy, which gives Chatham County residents a forum to interact informally with members of the police department and the local criminal justice system.

The 14-week program is scheduled for Thursday nights from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sept. 11-Dec. 11. Participants will meet officers from each unit of the department, who will explain what they do, said Eunicia Baker, metro police spokeswoman.

Speakers also will be present from various agencies that partner with metro police.

The academy allows citizens to tour the 911 center and the Chatham County jail. Participants will experience firearms/tactical training, traffic stop scenarios through role playing, and ridealongs with officers, Baker said.

The department will provide certificates of completion to all graduates. Citizens Police Academy graduates interested in further supporting the department through volunteerism will be eligible to apply to the department’s Volunteers in Policing Program, Baker said.

All classes will begin at metro police headquarters at 201 Habersham St. A one-time registration fee of $10 is required via check or money order. No cash can be accepted, Baker said.

Applications are available at all metro police precincts or online at www.scmpd.org.

All applications need to be signed, notarized and returned to precincts or police headquarters. The application deadline is Sept. 5.

For more information, contact Citizens Police Academy coordinator Gianna Nelson at 912-651-2246.

Savannah-Chatham Metro police will be operating radar hot spots along Johnny Mercer Boulevard. 

Police remind drivers there is zero tolerance for speeding in school zones.

The 24-hour jail bookings for Savannah-Chatham County are now posted. Visit booked.savannahnow.com to view photos and information.

All information has been obtained from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department.

All individuals posted have not been convicted of a crime and are innocent until proven guilty.

Visit the obituary page.

Mrs. Lillie Mae Allen,Savannah,GA

Mr. Henry Arkwright, Savannah, GA

Mr. Bruce Ronald Burns, Springfield, GA

Mrs. Shirley Butler, Savannah, GA

Mrs. Ruth Clemons, Statesboro, GA

Mr. Thomas Coleman, Savannah, GA

Mrs. Sylvia H. Cooper, Savannah, GA

Mr. Ronald Cross, Savannah, GA

June Gold, Savannah, GA

Mr. Walter Rudolph Golec, Beaufort, SC

Mr. Carlos L. Hall, Norristown, GA

Ms. Earlene James, Bellville, GA

Era Lynn Gordon Johns, Ozark, AL

Mr. Eddie  Lee McCall Metter, GA

Mr. Henry R. McShane, Bluffton, SC

Mr. Hubert L. Mikel, Claxton, GA

Ms. Winnie Moore, Sylvania, GA

LaVerne Yeomans Myren, Washington, DC

Mr. Oscar Odum, Savannah, GA

Mr. L. T. Perkins, Statesboro, GA

Geraldine Thornburg Phillips, Savannah, GA

Earlene T. Rich, Sylvania, GA

Sis. Ethel Thorpe Roberts, Savannah, GA

Mrs. Gloria Grant Robinson, Anchorage, AL

Mrs. Rosalyn C. Robinson, Savannah, GA

Mr. Paul Scott, St. Helena Island, SC

Debra Shepard, Vidalia, GA

Louise Wood Smith, Savannah, GA

Unav Bradshaw Stroupe, Vidalia, GA

Myrtalee Flathmann Sustache, Jacksonville, FL

Mr. James Glen Teague, Lyons, GA

Mrs. Susie F. White, Savannah, GA

A U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules aircraft from the 165th Airlift Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, flies over the church square in Sainte Mère Eglise, France, as part of a four aircraft formation that marked the start of the 70th Anniversary D-Day ceremony at the Signal Monument in the first French town liberated from German Forces by U.S. Soldiers from the Army's 82d Airborne Division.

A replica of U.S. Army Pvt. John Steele is suspended by a parachute commemorating the 82d Airborne Division paratroopers and Pvt. Steele's two hour ordeal during the battle. 

Get an interactive look back at D-Day with stories from the Savannah Morning News 70 years ago, as well as photos, videos, maps and more.

A Savannah man this week was sentenced to 25 years in prison for transporting a girl for sex and making child pornography.

Steve Lavon Biggins, 33, had been found guilty by a federal jury after a two-day trial in Statesboro in December, said James Durham, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

Senior U.S. District Court Judge B. Avant Edenfield on Wednesday sentenced Biggins to 25 years in prison followed by supervised release for the rest of his life for transporting a minor with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, production of child pornography and transportation of child pornography, Durham said.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Biggins, a truck driver posing as a man in his 20s named “Rodney,” engaged in text and telephone communications with a girl younger than 16 with whom he initiated contact through the mobile application Tagged.com, Durham said. After developing an in-person relationship with the victim, and without the knowledge of the girl’s parents, in July 2013, Biggins took the girl on short-haul trips that spanned seven days, and included travel to South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina, before returning to Georgia.

While on the trip, he engaged in sexual conduct that violated the laws of each state he entered, and photographed the same, Durham said.

Upon his return trip through Millen, Georgia, Biggins was stopped and immediately arrested by law enforcement officers. He has remained in custody since that time.

The arrest in this case was accomplished through the combined efforts of Millen Police Department, Jenkins County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the FBI. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, which is a nationwide U.S. Department of Justice initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

“Crimes targeting children are reaching epidemic proportions,” said local U.S. Attorney Edward Tarver in a news release. “The protection of our children is, and should be, a priority to which the Department of Justice takes swift and aggressive enforcement action. This defendant met an underage girl online, lied to her to gain her trust, and engaged in illegal sex acts in violation of numerous federal laws. Lengthy sentences like the one handed down in this case help protect our children from predatory acts, and serve to deter others from engaging in similar conduct.”

St. Philip Monumental AME Church has made a change to its 149th anniversary celebration.

The visit from gubernatorial candidate Jason Carter has been cancelled.

But the congregation will host evening services, Youth Day and rededicate the church’s historical marker as previously scheduled.

Wednesday

• 7 p.m. St. Philip Monumental AME Church, 1112 Jefferson St.: Evening service

Thursday

• 7 p.m. St. Philip Monumental AME Church, 1112 Jefferson St.: Evening service

Saturday

• 10 a.m. St. Philip Monumental AME Church, 1112 Jefferson St.: Youth Day featuring food, fun, games, and a Bible lesson

Sunday

• 9 a.m. Turner and Fahm streets: Church marker rededication

• 10:30 a.m. St. Philip Monumental AME Church, 1112 Jefferson St.: Sunday morning worship service led by the Rev. Jeffery Cooper, the general secretary of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Over the past four months, the Armstrong State University Police Department collected nearly 500 pounds of unused prescription drugs. With the help of the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team, the drugs were transported to Florida to be incinerated.

The program, started by CNT, was spurred by the need to keep prescription drugs out of the water supply.

“Most people just flush the drugs down their toilets,” said Autumn Rahn, the coordinator of Armstrong’s prescription drug drop-off program. “This method leads to the drugs infiltrating the water supply, which is highly unhealthy. Instead, the drugs need to be destroyed completely.”

The Armstrong Police Department has the only 24-hour prescription drug drop-off box in Chatham County, so the amount collected can be substantial. People can anonymously drop medication off at any time, but the pickup by CNT only occurs when a large volume is accumulated.

The prescription drug take-back service has proven beneficial to the community in several ways, from ensuring a clean water supply to keeping drugs out of the wrong hands. Additionally, family and friends of cancer patients benefit from this service.

Rahn explains that people with severe illnesses often require multiple medications, and when those individuals die, their relatives can be left with massive amounts of prescription drugs. Armstrong’s take-back system helps them rid their homes of dangerous drugs and, possibly, ease their grief.

“It touches everyone whether they realize it or not,” she said.

Armstrong’s prescription drug drop-off box is open to the public and is always confidential. For additional information, please call the Armstrong Police Department at 912-344-3333.

The Savannah Morning News and savannahnow.com took the top award in general excellence and for investigative reporting at the 2014 Georgia Press Better News Awards on Friday.

Reporter Mary Landers, along with former reporter Lesley Conn, were recognized for their in-depth work on the city’s cruise terminal study, the cruise industry impact in other cities and the players involved.

The list of 27 awards for the Savannah Morning News and savannahnow.com included top honors for Best Serious Column for Tom Barton and Best Online News Project for staff work on Savannah Film Festival. The newspaper also swept all three places in the Lifestyle Reporting category.

Reporter Corey Dickstein was recognized as the state’s top young journalist, winning the Georgia Press Emerging Journalist Award.

“We are pleased to be honored by the Georgia Press Association for the work of our journalists across the many print and digital platforms where we deliver news and information,” said Michael Traynor, publisher of the Savannah Morning News and savannahnow.com. “We continue to produce the most comprehensive news report in the Coastal Empire while growing current and new audiences with our talented team.”

The newspaper and website competed in a category comprised of the largest news organizations in the state. Work entered in the competition was published in 2013. The awards ceremony took place at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

“I’m extremely proud of the work our reporters and editors do every day,” said Susan Catron, executive editor of Savannah Morning News/savannahnow.com. “It’s a dedicated team who focus on getting the news right and first, in that order.”

AWARDS

First Place

• General Excellence

• Investigative Reporting, Mary Landers and Lesley Conn

• Emerging Journalist Award, Corey Dickstein

• Local News Coverage

• Best Online News Project, Savannah Film Festival, staff

• Lifestyle Coverage

• Informational Graphic, Heather Henley

• Page One

• Magazine Product, Savannah Magazine

• Serious Column, Tom Barton

• Editorial Page

Second Place

• Local News Coverage

• Sports Column, Don Heath

• Spot News Photo, Deann Komanecky

• Lifestyle Coverage

• Religion Coverage, Jane Kahn

• Community Service, Coverage of the use of taxpayer money

• Special issue, Our Savannah

• Editorial Writing

Third place

• Education Coverage, Jenel Few

• Hard News Writing, Jan Skutch

• Lifestyle Coverage

• Business coverage

• News Photo, Richard Burkhart

• Layout and Design

• Humor Column, Tom Barton

• Editorial Cartoonist, Mark Streeter

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The teams combined for 27 hits, but the Savannah Sand Gnats had the large majority of runs in a 10-4 victory over the Charleston RiverDogs on Friday night in Class A South Atlantic League action.

L.J. Mazzilli hit his team-high seventh homer for Savannah, while Amed Rosario — who entered 1 for 13 in three games — clubbed his first. Jeff McNeil (.345 batting average) went 3 for 4 with a double and a sacrifice fly.

Savannah (39-19) never trailed Charleston (28-33), which outhit the Sand Gnats 15-12.

The Gnats, an affiliate of the New York Mets, led 2-0 in the opening frame on McNeil’s single and Mazzilli’s homer.

The RiverDogs, an affiliate of the New York Yankees, tied it with single runs in the first and second innings. Savannah starter Robert Gsellman got out of trouble in the first on a double-play grounder, and in the second by picking off baserunner Gosuke Katoh.

Savannah went up 3-2 in the third on a walk to Gavin Cecchini, singles by McNeil and Mazzilli for bases loaded, and Dominic Smith’s RBI groundout.

The Gnats expanded the margin to 7-2 with four runs in the fourth. Rosario led off with a homer, Patrick Biondi and Jeff Glenn walked, Champ Stuart sacrifice bunted, Cecchini delivered a two-run single and he later scored on McNeil’s double.

Savannah added three runs in the top of the ninth on three singles, one walk, a fielding error and McNeil’s sacrifice fly. Eight of nine Gnats had at least one hit for the game.

Dario Alvarez (4-0, 1.26 ERA) earned the win as the first reliever out of the bullpen for Savannah. Charleston starter Caleb Smith (4-5, 3.25 ERA) took the loss.

Savannah ab r h bi Charleston ab h r bi

Stuart cf 4 1 1 0 O’Neill lf 5 1 3 1

Cecchini ss 4 3 1 1 Wade ss 4 0 0 0

McNeil dh 4 1 3 2 Judge rf 4 0 2 0

Mazzilli 2b 5 1 2 2 Ford dh 1 0 1 1

D.Smith 1b 5 0 2 1 Mrphy pr-dh 3 0 0 0

Rivero rf 5 0 1 1 Andujar 3b 5 1 2 0

Rosario 3b 5 1 1 1 Valera 1b 5 1 3 1

Biondi lf 3 1 1 0 Fowler cf 3 1 1 0

Glenn c 2 2 0 0 de Oleo c 4 0 2 1

Katoh 2b 4 0 1 0

Totals 37 10 12 8 Totals 38 4 15 4

Savannah 201 400 003—10

Charleston 110 110 000—4

E—D.Smith, C.Smith, Judge de Oleo, Andujar. DP—Savannah 2, Charleston 1. LOB—Savannah 6, Charleston 13. 2B—Smith, McNeil, Valera, Ford. HR—Mazzilli (7), Rosario (1). SAC—Stuart, Fowler. SF—McNeil, Ford. SB—Cecchini. CS—Katoh.

SAVANNAH IP H R ER BB SO

Gsellman 4 2/3 10 4 4 4 1

Alvarez W,4-0 2 1/3 2 0 0 0 6

Morris 1 1 0 0 0 2

Vanderheiden 1 2 0 0 0 0

CHARLESTON IP H R ER BB SO

C.Smith L,4-5 3 7 6 6 3 4

Ruth 3 2 1 1 0 5

Rutckyj 2 0 0 0 0 3

Gallegos 1 3 3 1 1 2

WP—Gsellman. T—3:24. A—3,638.

Here is the obituary list for Saturday, June 7, 2014. Visit the obituary page.

Mr. Willie Henry Ayers, Sr.,Hinesville,GA

James S. Barrowman III, Thunderbolt, GA

Mr. George E. Bowen, Sr.,Statesboro,GA

Virginia McGrath Carlisle,Savannah,GA

Mr. Thomas Coleman,Savannah,GA

Mr. Hugh Dorsey Duke,Statesboro,GA

Infant Jakayla Ellison,Savannah,GA

Mrs. Ruby Lee Gilder,Rincon,GA

Evelyn Morris Gray,Summerville,SC

Margaret Jane Iocovozzi,Savannah,GA

Mr. Wayne O. Kieft,Savannah,GA

Mr. Ray Kynerd, Jr., Collins, GA

Margaret Strickland Lamb,Anderson,SC

Mr. Robert Earnest Lee,Guyton,GA

Mrs. Winnie Moore,Sylvania,GA

Geraldine Thornburg Phillips,Savannah,GA

Mrs. Earlene T. Rich,Sylvania,GA

Mrs. Verdenia Richardson,Savannah,GA

Mrs. Martha Ricks,Savannah,GA

Mrs. Gloria Grant Robinson,Anchorage,AL

Mrs. Rosalyn C. Robinson,Savannah,GA

Cecelia Gunn Seiler,Savannah,GA

Ms. Joyce Jean Stevenson,Rincon,GA

Mrs. Gwendolyn V. Steward,Hinesville,GA

Mrs. Shirley A. Sumner,Dublin,GA

Mr. Herbert Lee Taylor,Savannah,GA

Lois Teague Tyre,Jesup,GA

Mr. Floyd Wallace,Springfield,GA

Jvanna R. Washington, Statesboro,GA

The 24-hour jail bookings for Savannah-Chatham County are now posted. Visit booked.savannahnow.com to view photos and information.

All information has been obtained from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department.

All individuals posted have not been convicted of a crime and are innocent until proven guilty.

Professional Skimboarder Austin Keen teaches skimboarding at the Skim Tybee Summer Camp. Find out more about Keen and the camp in Monday's Savannah Morning News.

Check out these great photos now by Savannah Morning News photographer Steve Bisson. 

Savannah and the rest of the Coastal Empire is under a severe thunderstorm warning until 9 p.m.

The National Weather Service placed Chatham, Bryan and Effingham counties under the warning after Charleston, S.C.-based meteorologists detected severe thunderstorms along a line 8 miles northeast of Guyton moving south at 15 mph just before 8 p.m.

Winds in excess of 60 mph and hail up to quarter-size are possible, according to the Weather Service.

Residents are advised to stay inside.

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Savannah native John Michael Gant pitched seven scoreless innings, and L.J. Mazzilli continued his hot hitting with three hits and two runs batted in to lead the Savannah Sand Gnats to a 4-0 victory over the Charleston RiverDogs on Saturday night at Riley Park.

Gant (6-2) allowed just three hits while walking one and striking five to lower his earned run average to 2.36.

Mazzilli has eight hits in 13 at bats in the series to raise his batting average to .299. Mazzilli’s two-out single in the first inning scored Gavin Cecchini with the Gnats’ first run.

Patrick Biondi, Jeff McNeil and Mazzilli had run-scoring hits in Savannah’s three-run fifth inning.

Biondi, McNeil and Dominic Smith each had two hits as the Gnats produced 12 hits for the second straight night.

Gant didn’t need much help. He retired nine straight RiverDogs between the third and sixth innings and never let the hosts get past second base.

Tim Peterson and Robert Coles pitched one scoreless inning apiece to complete the shutout.

Savannah and Charleston conclude their four-game series today at 5:05 p.m.

The Gnats have a three-game series at Kannapolis before returning home Thursday for a doubleheader with Augusta.

Savannah ab r h bi Charleston ab h r bi

Biondi cf 5 0 2 1 O’Neill lf 4 0 0 0

Cecchini ss 5 1 1 0 Wade ss 3 0 0 0

McNeil 3b 5 1 2 1 Judge rf 4 0 1 0

Mazzilli 2b 4 0 3 2 Andujar 3b 4 0 0 0

D.Smith 1b 4 0 2 0 Valera 1b 3 0 0 0

Rivero rf 5 0 0 0 de Oleo c 3 0 1 0

Rosario dh 3 0 0 0 Fowler dh 3 0 0 0

Sabol lf 2 1 1 0 Thomas cf 2 0 0 0

Plaia c 4 1 1 0 Katoh 2b 3 0 2 0

Totals 37 4 12 4 Totals 29 0 4 0

Savannah 100 030 000—4

Charleston 000 000 000—0

DP—Savannah 1, Charleston 1. LOB—Savannah 11, Charleston 4. 2B—Cecchini, McNeil, Judge, Katoh. SB—Mazzilli. CS—Biondi, Thomas.

SAVANNAH IP H R ER BB SO

Gant W,6-2 7 3 0 0 1 5

Peterson 1 1 0 0 0 0

Coles 1 0 0 0 0 0

CHARLESTON IP H R ER BB SO

Lail L,7-3 5 9 4 4 1 5

Luis 2 1 0 0 3 1

Bautista 2 2 0 0 1 2

HBP—Thomas (by Gant). WP—Lail, Luis. T—2:46. A—4,458.