Metro Savannah’s unemployment rate for February was 5.3 percent, up one-tenth of a percentage point from 5.2 percent in January, the Georgia Department of Labor announced today.

The rate in February 2015 was 6 percent.

The rate rose as the number of unemployed residents increased by 264 as the labor force grew 2,545.

At the same time, the number of jobs in Savannah increased by 2,200, or 1.3 percent, to 174,700 from 172,500 in January. Most of the increase came in professional and business services, retail trade, leisure and hospitality, state and local government, and the goods-producing sector, which includes manufacturing and construction.

Over the year, Savannah gained 7,100 jobs, a 4.2 percent growth rate, up from 167,600 in February 2015. Most of the job gains came in professional and business services, trade, transportation and warehousing, leisure and hospitality, education and health services, manufacturing, and state and local government.

The number of initial claims for unemployment insurance decreased by 329, or 32.1 percent, to 697 in February. Most of the decrease came in manufacturing, accommodations and food services, trade, transportation and warehousing, and administrative and support services. Also, over the year, claims were down by 97, or 12.2 percent, from 794 in February 2015.

Metro Gainesville had the lowest area jobless rate at 4.6 percent, while the Heart of Georgia-Altamaha and River Valley regions had the highest at 7.1 percent.

Meanwhile, Georgia’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for February was 5.4 percent, unchanged from January. It was 6.2 percent in February 2015.

Jail bookings from Mar. 23–24 for Savannah-Chatham County are now posted.

Click through this slideshow to view photos and information obtained from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department.

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

Find previous jail bookings at savannahnow.com/booked.

The Georgia Department of Education announced March 24 the 151 graduating seniors who are being recognized as 2016 Georgia Scholars. Three Savannah Arts Academy students are among those named. Elle Cramer, Nick Flint and Christina Morrissey will each receive a seal recognizing the achievement for his or her diploma.

Through the Georgia Scholar program, the Georgia Department of Education identifies and honors high school seniors who have achieved excellence in school and community life. The program is coordinated by the Department’s Excellence Recognition Office and through local coordinators in each public school system and in private schools throughout the state.

Students eligible for Georgia Scholar recognition are high school seniors who exhibit excellence in all phases of school life, in community activities, and in the home. Georgia Scholars are students who have carried exemplary course loads during the four years of high school; who performed excellently in all courses; who successfully participated in interscholastic events at their schools and in their communities; and who have assumed active roles in extracurricular activities sponsored by their schools.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods states, “I offer my sincere congratulations to each of our 2016 Georgia Scholars. These students have worked extremely hard and have engaged with all aspects of the educational process, with the result that they are truly ready to learn, ready to live, and ready to lead. They have exemplary academic performance but they’ve also gained soft skills by taking on leadership roles within their schools and communities. I am confident we will hear great things about their accomplishments in the near future.”

Savannah-Chatham police are seeking the public's help in identifying a suspect captured on surveillance footage firing multiple gunshots at a SunTrust Bank ATM on March 9.

Metro responded to the bank, located on the 10000 block of Abercorn Street, once employees reported the damage the next morning.0000. No other structural damage or signs of forced entry were observed.

Surveillance footage also showed the suspect inserting a vacuum cleaner into the damaged ATM. 

Anyone with information on this suspect’s identity should call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

A confidential tip line also is open directly to investigators at 912-525-3124.

Bobby Dammarell is doing it all for the Savannah Steam. The 45-year-old Ellabell resident is coaching the indoor football team and is also the owner of the squad, which is set to play the South Carolina Ravens at the Savannah Civic Center at 7:05 p.m. Saturday.

Dammarell missed a team workout Thursday because he was busy laying down the artificial turf at the Civic Center in preparation for the American Indoor Football game.

“This is a little bit harder than I thought,” Dammarell said with a laugh when reached by phone Thursday.

But Dammarell is excited for his team to get a chance to play in the Civic Center after they spent last season playing outdoors because of scheduling conflicts.

The Steam went 6-2 but wasn’t able to compete in the playoffs because they didn’t have an indoor facility, Dammarell said.

They will get a chance Saturday with George Grant behind center. The graduate of Beach High works at the Savannah Candy Kitchen on River Street, Dammarell said.

“He was our backup last year, but he played the whole game in our last game and scored four touchdowns,” Dammarell said. “He has a good arm, and he can run the ball well.”

The team’s top receiver is Kelvin Irving, a solid route runner with good hands, Dammarell said.

Lee Dorsey, stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, is another talented receiver. The Steam’s top defensive players include Reginald Givens, who played at Savannah State, and Nate Scola, a linebacker who played at Wabash College, Dammarell said.

Dammarell hasn’t seen much film on South Carolina but thinks his team will be ready for action.

Bubba Sparxxx and Chad Mac are set to provide halftime entertainment. Dammarell said he would be happy with a crowd of a few thousand.

For information on tickts and team merchandise, call 912-963-7013 or go to savannahsteam.com.

Senior Citizens, Inc. is celebrating Meals on Wheels of America’s 14th Annual March for Meals, and Savannah Mayor Eddie DeLoach joined Patti Lyons, the organization’s executive director, to deliver the first meal of the day Wednesday.

They were joined by members of SCI’s board of directors, staff and community volunteers.

“My mother was a Meals on Wheels volunteer,” DeLoach said. “She loved the relationships she formed while making deliveries and was so honored to help these people live independently for as long as they can. Thank you to all Meals on Wheels volunteers for giving up your time to help our seniors.”

SCI prepares and delivers more than 9,000 meals each week in Chatham, Effingham, Bryan and Liberty counties.

“I have had many opportunities to volunteer at various organizations, but the Meals on Wheels program is one of the best,” said Tim Moore, a member of SCI’s board of directors and Meals on Wheels volunteer. “We want our parents and everyone to age successfully and Senior Citizens helps to provide the necessary independence for older adults to do just that.

“But what’s more important for others to understand is that the Meals on Wheels program is volunteer-driven and we rely on the community’s help and our volunteers to continue to make this program a success.”

Lyons said SCI also helps supply clients with pet food.

“We’ve learned over the years that clients will feed their pets before they feed themselves,” she said. “Providing pet food has become a very important part of our Meals on Wheels program.”

For more information, call 912-236-0363.

JONESBORO, Ark. — the Georgia Southern baseball team opened its three-game series at Arkansas State with an 8-3 win on Thursday night.

Georgia Southern picked up its fifth-straight road win to improve to 14-7 and 5-2 in league play behind a career-high 10 strikeouts from starting pitcher Evan Challenger. The Trojans fell to 10-11 on the year and 2-5 in Sun Belt play. Game 2 of the series is set for tonight at 7 p.m.

Thursday’s game featured a 20 mph breeze blowing out to left field to make it a rare hitter’s day at Tomlison Stadium in Jonesboro.

WOMEN’S TENNIS

WESTERN CAROLINA 7,

SAVANNAH STATE 0

Savannah State University (0-19) fell to Western Carolina (9-5) in the Lady Tigers’ home finale.

The Lady Tigers finish the season in Statesboro next weekend, and face the University of Louisiana at Monroe on April 2 at 2:30 p.m. and Georgia Southern on April 3 at noon.

WCU 7, SSU 0

Singles

Nicole Nielly def. Rachida Kateb 6-2, 6-2

Alex Webb def. Jennyfer Vivas 6-2, 6-4

Gaby Hurt def. Bria Burrows 6-0, 6-0

Montse Mesalles def. Tiffany Williams 6-1, 6-1

Elizabeth Ansari by default

Erin Maguire by default

Doubles

Savannah Taronto/Montse Mesalles def. Rachida Kateb/Jennyfer Vivas 6-1

Erin Maguire/Gaby Hurt def. Bria Burrows/Tiffany Williams 6-0

Elizabeth Ansari/Alex Webb by default

SOFTBALL

Pirates’ games today rescheduled

Armstrong State University’s scheduled softball doubleheader today against USC Aiken has been postponed due to expected inclement weather in the area.

The Pirates and the Pacers will now play their Peach Belt Conference doubleheader April 6 at 2 p.m. at the Armstrong State softball field.

Armstrong’s scheduled Saturday doubleheader against Lander at 1 p.m. has not been altered.

Savannah Christian won its eighth straight baseball game, beating Treutlen 12-2 on Thursday and setting up a critical region matchup against visiting Calvary Day next Thursday.

Freshman shortstop Jarrett Brown went 4 for 4 with a double and an RBI, Ben Jackson was 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI and Jacob Rhodes had a double and two RBIs for the Raiders, who improved to 11-4 and 5-0 in region play. Zack Brockman picked up his sixth win of the year by giving up three hits and two earned runs over six innings

SC 110 028 - 12 11 0

T 000 020 - 2 3 4

W-Zack Brockman (6-2). L-Christian Cone. Leading hitters-SC, Jarrett Brown 4-4, 2B, RBI, 2 runs; Ben Jackson 2-4, 2B, RBI; Jacob Rhodes 1-2, 2 RBIs, 2 runs, 2B. Record-SCPS 11-4, 5-0 in Region.

CALVARY 13, ECI 6

Chris Bashlor continued to swin a red hot bat for Calvary Day Thursday as the senior went 2 for 2 with a home run, two RBIs and three runs scored. Bashlor entered the game hitting .667 on the year.

CD 531 202 0 - 13 16 4

ECI 100 301 1 - 6 8 2

W-Bryson Smeltzer (5-1). L—David Durden. Leading hitters—CD, Chris Bashlor 2-2, HR, 2 RBI, 3 runs; Tristan Triplett 3-4, RBI, 2R; Thomas Wells 2-4, RBI; Harrison Bocook 2-4, 2 RBI; Matt Culberson 1-2, RBI; Rudy Amaya 2-5, RBI; Tyler Aaron 1-3, HR, 2 RBI. ECI, Hunter Henry 2-3; David Durden 2-5, 2R; Peyton Mercer 1-3, 2 RBI.

Records—CD 12-3, 6-1 in Region 3-A (East). ECI 6-8, 3-3

BRYAN COUNTY 4,

VIDALIA 3 (8 innings)

Vidalia 000 021 00 — 3 7 1

Bryan 010 010 11 — 4 8 2

W—Dahlson Brown (4-0) 6 1/3 IP, 2 BB, 5 K, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER. L—Hall Graham 0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K. Leading hitters-Bryan, A.J. Wiley 2-4, RBI. Records—Vidalia 5-9, 2-2 Region 2-AA; BC 11-5, 3-2.

BENEDICTINE 10,

MCINTOSH CO. 0

DARIEN—Seth Shellhamer and Michael Maguire combined on a no-hitter over five innings as Benedictine beat host McIntosh Academy. Shellhamer earned his fourth win of the year by striking out eight over four innings, and Maguire pitched a perfect inning. Chase Marini had a double and three RBIs and Ryan Woiwode went 2 for 3 with an RBI to pace the Cadet offense.

BC 134 11 - 10 9 0

MC 000 00 - 0 0 4

W-Seth Shellhamer (4-0). L-McLaine. Leading hitters-BC, Chase Marini 1-3, 2B, 3 RBIs; Ryan Woiwode 2-3, RBI. Record-BC 11-4, 6-0 in Region 2-AA.

TOOMBS CO. 17,

SWAINSBORO 8

TC 521 070 2 - 17 7 1

S 140 011 1 - 8 7 5

W-Austin Williams. L-Hunter Hogan. Leading hitters-TC, George Luecke 2-3, RBI; Logan McGovern 2-3, 2 runs, RBI; Williams 1-3, 3 RBIs. S, Brock Hook 2-2, HR, 2 RBIs. Record-S 5-11.

THOMSON 3-6,

LIBERTY CO. 1-2

Game 1

THOMSON 3, LCHS 1

THS 101 100 0 – 3 9 0

LC 000 010 0 – 1 3 4

W—Morgan Hyde (4-0) 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 BB. L—Colby Rhea (4-2) 6 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7K. Leading hitters—Thomson, Adonis Kendricks 2-3; LC, Dylan Gamble 1-2.

Game 2

THOMSON 6, LCHS 2

LC 000 110 0 – 2 4 1

THS 310 110 x – 6 9 1

W—Cody Brown (2-0) 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 12 K. L—Jacari Roberts (0-2) 5 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 6 K. 2 HBP. Leading hitters—LC, Rhea 2-3, RBI; THS, Hunter Norman 3-4. Records— THS 11-4, 4-0 Region 3-AAAA; LC 4-5, 0-4 region.

GIRLS SOCCER
CDS 11, CLAXTON 0

Goals—Reagan Glisson 3, Jessica Lanier 3, Kelley Black, Jessica Arnsdorff, Rhyleigh Kennedy, Cathy Willoughby, Sara Slingluff, Assists—Reagan Glisson 2, Nicole Crowley 2. Saves—CD, CD, Alex Taylor 1, Claxton, Miriam Esquivel 8. Records—CD 10-1, 3-0 in Area 1-A.

BOYS SOCCER

CALVARY 2, CLAXTON 2

Calvary wins on penalty kicks

Goals—CD, Luke Baham 2. Claxton, Jonathan Delgado and Manuel Cabrere. Assists—CD, Ret Weeks 2. Saves—CD, Jake Hamilton 6. Claxton, Alfredo Vicente 12. Records—CD 3-4-1, 2-0 in Area 1-A. Claxton 2-5, 0-2 in Area 0-2.

BENEDICTINE 5,

JEFF DAVIS 0

Goals—BC, Tyrese Bennett 2, Ross Monson 2, Todd Norman. Assists—Drew Lisicia 1, Ross Monson 2, Zach Tate. Saves-BC, Tio Giambruno 1. JD, Moises Briceno 3.

GIRLS TENNIS

SAVANNAH ARTS 3,

PIERCE CO. 2

Singles—McKenzie Collins (SA) d. Liza Hurst 6-1, 6-3; Sara Putman (SA) d. Meagan Wright 6-0, 6-2; Ariel Lipat (SA) d. Deanna Jones 6-3, 6-4

Doubles—Serena Strickland/Haleigh Theius (PC) d. Peyton Vacala/Emily Daugherty 6-4, 2-6, 6-2; Regan Sikes/Sadie Marfil (PC) d. Sarah Copenhaver/Sarah Iocovozzi 6-0, 6-0.

Record—SA 11-0.

ISLANDS 3, TATTNALL CO. 2

Singles-Catie Moye (I) d. Sarah Morgan 6-1, 6-1; Chelsey Odom (TC) d. J’Lyn Brown 6-2, 6-2; Dyanna Valez (TC) d. Paine Froistad 6-4, 6-3

Doubles-Carleigh Buchan/Maddie Bell (I) d. Jamie Tripp/Bryna Durrence 6-1, 6-3; Camille Kim/Brittany Walker (I) Ruby Gonzalez/Natalie Mack 6-2, 6-3

Record-Islands 7-5, 4-3

Read the obituaries.

Susan Lea Aenchbacker, Lilburn, GA

Ms. Catherine Arnett, Sylvania, GA

Mrs. Shirley Newton Ashley, Guyton, GA

Mr. Johnnie Baxter, Savannah, GA

Mr. Thomas Cleveland Blitch, Claxton, GA

Mr. Thomas J. Carlton, Savannah, GA

Mr. Ernest Carroll, Vidalia, GA

Lula Clark, Yemassee, SC

Eddy Freeman Denison, Jesup/Mt. Pleasant

Beulah Mae Meadows Dillon, Thunderbolt, GA

Mr. Arthur S. Duff, Rincon, GA

Ms. Dean Flett, Vidalia, GA

Marian Brannen Gardner, Waycross, GA

Mr. Roy Hugh Gillis, Hazlehurst, GA

Ahkil L. Heyward, Savannah, GA

Mr. James B. Holmes, Savannah, GA

Mr. Tommy Hooks, Twin City, GA

Mr. Carlton Howard, Jr., Savannah, GA

Mrs. Geraldine O. Jackson, Savannah, GA

Mrs. Eloise D. Jones, Savannah, GA

Mrs. Elease Lawton, Savannah, GA

Mr. Jermaine Lewis, Sylvania, GA

Michelle L. McGahee, St. Simons Island, GA

Mrs. Sandy Miller, Sr., Garfield, GA

Infant Amiya Pelote, Savannah, GA

Ms. Dorothy H. Purnell-Lopez, Savannah, GA

Mr. Howard Sams, Savannah, GA

Janice Marie Smith, Metter, GA

Mr. Samuel Smith, Folkston, GA

Ms. Elease Spencer, Sylvania, GA

Mary Lean Wingate Wasdin, Jesup, GA

Constance F. Weathers, Savannah, GA

Mr. Thomas E. White, Sr., Savannah, GA

Mr. Jackie Wicks, Savannah, GA

Ms. Marsha C. Wilkins, Savannah, GA

Ms. Constance E. Williams, Savannah, GA

Ms. Dassie Lee Williams, Sylvania, GA

Mrs. Lillian B. Williams, Savannah, GA

Mrs. Mary A. Williams, Savannah, GA

Mrs. Josie Mae Williams-Boyd, Columbia, SC

Mrs. Ruth Wright, Savannah, GA 

Savannah-Chatham Metro police will be operating radar hot spots along Fort Argyle Road.

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

Boundary Street between Jones and Gwinnett streets is closed due to a small oil spill, according to the Chatham Emergency Management Agency.

Motorists should avoid the area.

Police say they’ve charged a teenager in an armed robbery and shooting earlier this month on Savannah’s east side.

On Thursday, the 15-year-old male suspect was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, criminal attempted armed robbery and illegal firearm possession, said Eunicia Baker, Savannah-Chatham police spokeswoman.

The suspect himself had been injured in the shooting, and had been in treatment at a local hospital, Baker said. Now he’s in juvenile jail.

The other victim, an 18-year-old man, was reported to be in an apartment in the 700 block of Waters Avenue on March 16 when the shooting occurred. The 15-year-old suspect was also there, and he reportedly left the apartment but came back with a gun in an attempt to rob the others.

Detectives think gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and at least one other person, Baker said.

The case remains under investigation.

Police ask anyone with information on the case to call the anonymous CrimeStoppers service at 912-234-2020.

According to the Chatham County Emergency Management Agency, all eastbound River Street traffic is being routed up Drayton Ramp due to a cooking oil spill.

A sizeable grease spill was caused by a private hauler at the Abercorn Ramp, and the Abercorn and Bull ramps have been closed as well, said Bret Bell, city of Savannah spokesman.

The estimated cleanup time is about 5 hours.

Avoid River Street if possible.

Jail bookings from Mar. 24–25 for Savannah-Chatham County are now posted.

Click through this slideshow to view photos and information obtained from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department.

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

Find previous jail bookings at savannahnow.com/booked.

Savannah-Chatham police are investigating an attempted kidnapping of a 16-year-old girl Thursday evening.

The teen was walking near Johnson High School  about 6 p.m. when an unknown male in a vehicle began following her. Reportedly, when the teen approached the intersection of Skidaway Road and LaRoche Avenue, the male was spotted sitting at a business in the Skidaway Square plaza.

The male began to follow the teen again as she walked down LaRoche Avenue near Savannah State University. At some point the male parked his vehicle and ran toward the victim, grabbing her and attempting to force her into the vehicle. The victim was able to get away, and the suspect fled westbound on Laroche Avenue.

A similar incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. Aug. 14 on Skidaway Road and Sunset Boulevard. The suspect grabbed a 14-year-old girl’s wrist, but the teen was able to break free of the man’s grasp and run away unharmed.

The suspect is described as a black male with a bald head who is possibly in his 30s. During the incident he wore a lime green construction vest with orange stripes. The suspect’s vehicle is described as an early 90s model gold Honda Accord with silver after-market rims. In the August incident, the suspect had similar features and also donned a construction vest and wore a white construction hat.

“It’s important to walk in groups if at all possible," Metro SVU Sgt. Tiffany Manuel said. "Take the bus or get a trusted ride, especially after dark.”

Police also urge citizens to be aware of surroundings and to call the police immediately if you notice any strange activity or someone following you, Manuel said.

Anyone with information on this suspect’s identity should call CrimeStoppers at 912-234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

A confidential tip line also is open directly to investigators at 912-525-3124.

The prime minister of Estonia visited Fort Stewart on Thursday with a whirlwind aerial tour and a meet-and-greet with 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team soldiers of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division.

Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas’ visit was meant to highlight the growing relationship between Estonia and the United States.

"It has been my great honor to visit the 3rd Infantry Division, or as I learned today, the Rock of the Marne,” Rõivas said.  

Brig. Gen. Douglas Crissman, 3rd ID’s deputy commanding general for support, greeted and escorted the Estonian delegation on behalf of 3rd ID commander Maj. Gen. Jim Rainey.

 For more than a year the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team “Raiders” has served as the Regionally Allocated Force for the U.S. European Command.

This means that some of the Raider Soldiers are now preparing to embark on their third six-month-long deployment to Estonia as a part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

As part of his visit, Rõivas received an aerial tour of the ranges at Fort Stewart, met with 3rd ID leadership, and toured the base’s Virtual Training Complex and the Warriors Walk.

The Prime Minister was especially interested in Fort Stewart’s training facilities because the Estonian government is discussing upgrading their existing training infrastructure. Having a more extensive training capability in Estonia could prove a valuable asset to not just Estonians but the 3rd ID as well.

In Estonia, the Raiders have focused on interoperability while living and training side-by-side with their Estonian allies. It has also provided the opportunity for the brigade to demonstrate its potential firepower, as it was the first unit to fire the M1A2 Abrams Tank and the M109A6 Paladin in Estonia.

 “Estonia has been a proven ally to the United States and to NATO,” said Col. Phil Brooks, the Raiders' commander. “We remain committed to the success and security of the Balkans and look forward to building off the relationships developed over the last year and strengthening our partnership.”

Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police have obtained surveillance images and are asking the public’s help in identifying two suspects who robbed a woman on March 22 in her hotel room on Savannah’s southside, spokesperson Eunicia Baker said.

The robbery took place on the 7500 block of Abercorn Street. The victim invited a female acquaintance to her hotel room after picking up the woman from the 4100 block of Heard Street. With both women in the room, the suspect knocked on the door than forced it open once the victim unlocked it. The suspect punched the victim multiple times while demanding her possessions. The victim complied. The suspect and the victim’s acquaintance fled from the hotel room together.

Both suspects appear to be in their late teens to early 20s. The first suspect is described as a black female with a medium brown complexion and an average height and build.

During the robbery she wore a pink spaghetti-strap top and blue sweatpants. The male suspect also has a medium brown skin tone and is of an average height and weight. During the incident he wore an LRG brand shirt, sweat pants and tan Timberland boots. Both suspects fled, heading north on Abercorn Street in a white Lexus or Acura sedan.

They may have ties to the Liberty City area.  

Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

A tip line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124 and most area clergy have agreed to serve as liaisons for anyone who would like to share information with police anonymously.

UPDATE:

Violent Crimes detectives of Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department have launched an investigation into the suspicious death of an unidentified person found just beyond the wood line on Entellmann Street and Fenwick Avenue on Friday, March 25, according to spokesperson Eunicia Baker.

SCMPD arrived at the scene at about 6:38 p.m. after a citizen’s report of finding the decedent. Metro’s Patrol Division, Violent Crimes detectives and Forensics Unit responded. An autopsy at the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Crime Lab will be scheduled at a later date to determine cause of death.

Circumstances leading up to this death remain under investigation.

Anyone with information on this case or the deceased person’s identity should call CrimeStoppers at (912) 234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637) using the keyword CSTOP2020. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

A confidential tip line also is open directly to investigators at (912) 525-3124.

From Earlier:

The Savannah-Chatham police say they have launched a suspicious death investigation after a body was found near Entelmann Street and Fenwick Avenue around 7 p.m. on Friday. 

The intersection was partially blocked as police investigated. 

Police said a body was found in a wooded area near the road after a neighbor called to report something suspicious.

No other details were available. Check back to savannahnow.com for updates.

Savannah-Chatham police report that River Street is now open after a cooking grease spill earlier in the afternoon. The incident occurred about 12:30 p.m.

From Earlier:

River Street is closed from Martin Luther King Boulevard to Abercorn Street after cooking oil spill occured when a hose snapped from a truck around 12:30 p.m.

All traffic moving east from MLK Boulevard to the Drayton Ramp will be rerouted. Vehicles specifically affected will include trolley cars, tour buses, and large delivery trucks to which access to River Street is restricted, said Sonny Cohrs, Savannah-Chatham police spokesman. Savannah Fire and clean-up crews are currently on scene, Cohrs said.

Metro police officers are on standby to direct vehicular traffic and ensure pedestrian safety. The road closure and cleanup is expected to last approximately another three hours. Motorists should avoid the area until the roadway is safe for travel.

Earlier:

According to the Chatham County Emergency Management Agency, all eastbound River Street traffic is being routed up Drayton Ramp due to a cooking oil spill.

A sizeable grease spill was caused by a private hauler at the Abercorn Ramp, and the Abercorn and Bull ramps have been closed as well, said Bret Bell, city of Savannah spokesman.

The estimated cleanup time is about 5 hours.

Avoid River Street if possible.