🌱 Grandmother Of Deceased Toddler Arrested + $7.8M SPD Renovations

Hello all. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Savannah Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy and milder. High: 68 Low: 63.

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Here are the top three stories today in Savannah:

1. Billie Jo Howell, the 45-year-old grandmother of a Georgia toddler whose remains were found in a Savannah landfill last month, was arrested on unrelated charges on Monday, according to officials. Though Howell did have custody of Quinton Simon at the time of his death, the boy's mother, 21-year-old Leilani Simon, was arrested for his death and disappearance on Nov. 21. Police would not disclose the holding charge against Howell, claiming it would "affect a fair trial or hearing." There is currently no bond set. (WSAV)
2. Erin Frasier, who has worked on "Saturday Night Live" and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", has been named director of Savannah Film Commission. Savannah Economic Development Authority President and CEO Trip Tollison said, “We are excited to have Erin Fraser join us as the new Savannah Regional Film Commission Executive Director. She is a seasoned veteran whose experience and connections will be beneficial in leading the Savannah Regional Film Commission and grow the entertainment production industry in our region.” Frasier will begin her position in January. (Savannah Morning News)
3. The Savannah Police Department headquarters, which is the oldest continually operating police headquarters in the country, will be receiving a $7.8 million refresh. The repairs will include window replacement, a new AC system, IT upgrades, fresh paint, and new flooring. Part of the project, which was approved last week, will be partly funded with money from SPLOST 7. (WSAV-TV)

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Today in Savannah:

• Music & Movement At Southwest Library (10:30 AM)
• Fireside Stories With Santa At The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, St. Simons Island (5:00 PM)
• 12 Days of Christmas Dog Happy Hour At The DeSoto (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a new home? There are a handful of new houses available in and around Savannah. We particularly liked the classic charm of the Port Street apartment. (Savannah Patch)
• The "Black Nativity" musical has returned to Savannah for the holiday season. You can catch the show on Dec. 16, 17, or 18. (WSAV-TV)
• Kid favorite, Bluey, is coming to the Johnny Mercer Theatre on Jul. 19 and Jul. 20. Tickets go on sale Dec. 16. (Savannah Civic Center via Instagram)
• The Tybee Island City Council will again be discussing the legality of dogs on the beach. The proposed rules would allow dogs on the beach on Wednesdays during the off-season. The council will resume discussions in January. (WTOC)

That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.