🌱 EV Training Program At STC + Chatham 4th In Trafficking Of Minors

Hey, everybody. It's Thursday in Savannah and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

A couple of heavy t-storms. High: 76 Low: 63.

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Here are the top three stories in Savannah today:

1. In case you missed it: Leaders from Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America and Savannah Technical College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a training partnership that kicked off this week. The first step in this partnership is the new Electric Vehicle Professional certificate that will be offered at Savannah Technical College starting next semester. Students who complete this program will be "preferred for employment" at Hyundai's facility. The certificate program is designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs in the manufacturing of electric vehicles. (Savannah Tribune)
2. According to the Outreach Coordinator of Tharros Place, Kate Templeton, out of Georgia's 159 counties, Chatham ranks fourth for the highest rates of minors who are victims of human trafficking. Tharros Place is a local organization that supports human trafficking survivors. Templeton said that some of Chatham's trafficking issue is likely due to Savannah's tourism industry, but Tharros Place also encounters situations where minors are trafficked by family members. She recommends that parents keep an eye out for expensive gifts their children may have received, such as phones or clothing, as signs of potential trafficking. If you are concerned that someone you know may be a victim of trafficking, you can call 1-866-END-HTGA. (WTOC)
3. Earlier this month, the City of Savannah purchased the Evergreen Cemetery, and Mayor Van Johnson is calling the effort to get the cemetery cleaned up a "monumental task." Evergreen Cemetery has been a dumping ground for furniture and household garbage, but city workers have begun the process to clear out the debris and overgrown vegetation. Johnson said the city will soon begin a process of surveying and documenting monuments and headstones in order to record specific gravesite locations with GPS. The city is requesting families to contact the cemetery office if they have any information on their loved one's plots at the cemetery. (WSAV)

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Today in Savannah:

• Art Start: Stroller And Toddler Tour At Jepson Center (10:30 AM)
• Tune In... At Tandem Coffee & Spirits (6:00 PM)
• Seth Glier At District Live At Plant Riverside District (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Savannah African Art Museum will be hosting a free outdoor jazz concert this Saturday, May 20. The concert will take place at the museum from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Attendees can enjoy world-renowned musician Teddy Adams and a sextet of local artists. (Savannah Tribune)
• Flavortown is coming to a restaurant in nearby Tybee Island! Sundae Cafe at Tybee announced that they will be appearing on an episode of Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" this Friday. The episode description hints that another Savannah restaurant will be included as well. (WSAV)
• The Savannah Stopover Music Festival shared some of the food trucks that will be at The Park at Eastern Wharf for today's festival. The options will include Latin Chicks, Rita's Italian Ice and Frozen Custard, and the 5 Spot Mobile. (Savannah Stopover Music Festival via Facebook)

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

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager 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.