Simone McKenny

Reporter at WTOC-TV (Savannah, GA)

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Articles

GSU history professor discusses significance of pope born in the U.S.

5 days ago | wtoc.com | Simone McKenny

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) - History was made this week as the Catholic Church elected its first American Pope. People around the country are sharing their excitement to have some sort of connection to the Pontiff. Whether it is his love for baseball, Chicago roots or Villanova University, experts say to be able to humanize such a renowned and powerful leader is very important. “You feel kind of a relationship with the leader of your church.
Chatham Parkway Bridge Project to open travel lane

6 days ago | wtoc.com | Simone McKenny

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Georgia Department of Transportation reports they will be removing the barrier wall on the Chatham Parkway Bridge over I-16 to open up the second northbound travel lane heading toward U.S. 80, Thursday night. Officials say phase one of the project has been completed. The first phase involved repairs on the east side of the bridge which was damaged last summer after an excavator struck the Chatham Parkway bridge. Phase two is scheduled to begin next week.
South Carolina House Judiciary Committee gives liquor liability bill favorable report

1 week ago | wtoc.com | Simone McKenny

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WTOC) - Some changes could be coming in South Carolina impacting places that serve liquor. Bars and restaurants owners in the state have been concerned with the price of insurance for quite some time.
Georgia DNR raising awareness around invasive tegu species

1 week ago | wctv.tv | Simone McKenny

TOOMBS COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is raising awareness around an invasive species that has made its way into Georgia. The tegu is native to South America and is known to eat the eggs of several species including turkeys and alligators. These terrestrial lizards are usually found close to the ground. They are strong swimmers and tend to stay in forest clearings, fence rows and roadsides.
CASA organizers working to fund foster programs

2 weeks ago | wtoc.com | Simone McKenny

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Organizers with Court Appointed Special Advocates, better know as CASA, are trying to fill in the gap of more than a $100,000 in funding after federal grants were cut from the United States Office of Justice. Experts said the cuts have impacted organizations across the country that deal with crime victims. CASA works with children who have been abused or neglected while in foster care make their way through the court system.
South Carolina one step closer to banning cyber sexual harassment

2 weeks ago | wtoc.com | Simone McKenny

S.C. (WTOC) - South Carolina is steps closer to banning cyber sexual harassment. The state is the last in the country to put laws in place against it. Tuesday lawmakers held a meeting in which they discussed a bill which criminalizes sharing intimate photos or videos of someone without consent. The bill states the first offense if committed without the intent to harm, would be a misdemeanor and the second offense or intentional first offense would be a felony.
Liberty Co. Health Department issues rabies alert after bobcat attack

2 weeks ago | wtoc.com | Simone McKenny

HINESVILLE, Ga. (WTOC) - The Liberty County Health Department reports a bobcat in Midway has tested positive for rabies on April 24. The department is calling on residents and visitors to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and keep pets up to date with their rabies vaccination. Last Thursday, officials say an individual was attacked by the bobcat near Cay Creek Road in Midway. Following the positive rabies test, follow-up care began.
Student loans in collections could significantly impact credit score, professor says

3 weeks ago | wtoc.com | Simone McKenny

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Department of Education has announced that starting on May 5, they would resume collection on federal student loans loans even going as far as to garnish wages. So if you are one of the millions whose loans are in default here is what you can do in the next few weeks:Look out for communication from Federal Student Aid (FSA) as they are supposed to contact borrowers in default via email over the next few weeks.
Burton Fire responds to twice as many trash fires in 2025 vs. 2024

3 weeks ago | wtoc.com | Simone McKenny

BURTON, Ga. (WTOC) - Burton Fire District reports they responded to double the number of trash fires in 2025 than they did during the same time in 2024. Officials say from January 1 - April 23, 2025 they responded to 30 outdoor trash fires and 15 during the same time last year. “When trash burns it turns into its chemical – gaseous state. Those gases can be very toxic and hazardous to health, especially for older adults, children, and those with preexisting respiratory conditions.
Bishop Stephen Parkes reflects on Pope Francis’ passing

3 weeks ago | wtoc.com | Simone McKenny

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Bishop Stephen Parkes is reflecting on the passing of Pope Francis. “He will be remembered first and foremost as somebody who was very human in the way that he spoke. He spoke a language and I don’t mean linguistic language or culture language or language of a country, he spoke a language people understood,” Bishop Parkes explained.