Armstrong Atlantic University will eliminate seven university full-time non-faculty positions and reduce two others to part-time as of December 31. The move comes after the board of regents for Georgia’s university system voted in mid-November to adjust the system’s budget from a 6 percent cut to an 8 percent reduction for the current fiscal year. Since budget cuts were first required in 2008, AASU administrators have reduced operating budgets by 11 percent; cut administrative costs by merging departments; eliminated non-faculty vacant positions; placed a 60-day hiring freeze prior to filling critical vacant positions; increased employee contribution percentages for health insurance; and implemented six furlough days for all personnel. Kathy Sliz, entrepreneur, decorator and owner of Decorating Den Interiors in Savannah, has been selected by the company to complete a master bedroom design project for the company’s $10,000 sweepstakes winner, Louise Meadow of Hilton Head. The city of Savannah and the DeRenne Avenue Business Association have combined to install 5-foot illuminated wreaths at intersections along DeRenne from Montgomery Street to Waters Avenue. Special recognition will be given to 2009 board chair Diana Morrison as she exchanges the gavel with 2010 board chair Bert Tenenbaum. read more