Historical Springfield Central High School to be renovated, preserved
Special to the Herald
SPRINGFIELD – An important piece of the past is destined to play a key role in Effingham County’s future.
The former Springfield Central High School building is set to house the Elections & Registration and Facility Operations departments while also providing space for community events, record storage and a museum.
The museum will be used to preserve the school’s academic and athletic achievements.
Bids for the work at 434 Wallace Drive will be sought this summer.
Built in 1956, Springfield Central was used to educate Black students in grades 1-12 until it became an integrated middle school in 1970. Stemming from the Minimum Foundation Program created by Gov. Herman Talmadge in 1949, it was part of a statewide equalization effort to improve school buildings while maintaining racial segregation.
It was one of 500 such schools built in the state.
Springfield Central had the largest enrollment of all schools in Effingham County with nearly 700 students and still has an active alumni association. The cost-effective building, which remains structurally sound, featured red bricks and outdoor walkways that are an example of the International Style of architecture popular among schools at the time.
Once the renovations are complete, the walkways will allow residents to have shelter from the weather while waiting in line for early voting. Another advantage for voters is ample parking, which the current Elections & Registration Office at 284 Ga. Hwy 119 South lacks.
In addition, the school’s former cafeteria will eventually be transformed into an events facility.
The school’s gym will remain open during construction, which will include a renovation of the restrooms.
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Doggie Carnival set for Sunday, May 5 in Forsyth Park
Special to the Herald
SAVANNAH – The Humane Society for Greater Savannah (HSGS) announces the 22ndannual Humane Society Doggie Carnival presented by Woof Gang Bakery will take place on Sunday, May 5, 12-4 p.m. in Forsyth Park.
Doggie Carnival is a free, fun-filled carnival with local food, drinks, doggie derby races, dog obstacle courses, bounce houses, cotton candy, popcorn, ice cream and many dog- and kid-friendly games and activities. This family- (and canine!) friendly event is attended by more than 3,000 people each year. The main attraction of the event is the Doggie Derby races which have divisions for both large and small dogs and offer prizes for the winning canines.
“It’s great to see our community come out with their dogs and families and enjoy a day in the park for a good cause every year. We get a lot of visits from our HSGS alumni too which the our staff loves!” said HSGS Adoptions Manager Nina Schulze.
Funds raised from the Doggie Carnival support HSGS’ mission of bettering the lives of pets and people.
Tickets for games and activities can be purchased on the day of the event at the registration booth in front of the Forsyth Park fountain but admission to Doggie Carnival is free. Additional event details can be found at Doggie Carnival — Humane Society for Greater Savannah (humanesocietysav.org).
Sponsorships are a large contributor to the carnival’s success. Thank you to the 2024 Title Sponsor Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming. The event is also sponsored in part by The Horne Law Firm, VCA Greater Savannah, BankSouth, Gulfstream, Serhant, United Rentals, Atlantic Waste, and Service Brewing Company.
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Hodgeville Road set to be resurfaced beginning late May
Special to the Herald
SPRINGFIELD – One of Effingham County’s busiest thoroughfares is set to be upgraded soon.
McLendon Enterprises Inc. will resurface Hodgeville Road from Blue Jay Road to the Chatham County line starting on or around May 27. The date, a few days after the current school year ends, was selected to keep traffic interruptions at a minimum.
Two short segments of the 4.8-mile stretch will be left untouched until after the addition of roundabouts at the intersections with Goshen and Kolic Helmey roads. After the roundabouts are finished, new asphalt will be added around them.
The $1.637 million TSPLOST project, one of several coming this spring, also includes safety enhancements at the Hodgeville Road intersections with Forest Haven Drive and Scuffletown Road.
