Sam Bauman

Anchor/Reporter

Savannah, Ga.

Sam Bauman joined WTOC in December of 2019 as the 5:30pm Anchor and multi-media journalist.

The Ohio native joins WTOC from Fort Wayne, IN where he spent nearly three years working at ABC21.

Sam begin his career in journalism in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan at the NBC affiliate TV6.

He graduated from Wheeling Jesuit University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications (Broadcast) in 2013, where he was also a member of the Men’s Soccer team.

He and his wife Blair are excited to explore this beautiful part of the country and for the first time in their lives avoid a Midwest winter.

Recent Articles by Sam

Savannah/Hilton Head International continues to see uptick in air travel

The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport has had a turbulent 2020.

Sam Bauman

Published July 1, 2020 at 3:43 PM

Industrial maintenance training lab offers solution for both employers & employees

Ogeechee Tech Industrial Maintenance Training Lab is helping local employers fill a growing gap and local employees work their way to a higher skill set and income.

Sam Bauman

Published June 30, 2020 at 3:33 PM

Rotary Club of Savannah returns & welcomes new president

New Rotary Club of Savannah President Ted Kleisner has been involved in Rotary since 1973 but this year may be unlike any other before

Sam Bauman

Published June 29, 2020 at 3:36 PM

New Rincon Police chief hopes to bring stability to department

“This is it. I told council when they appointed me they were going to have to beat me out the door because I plan to end my career here in Rincon,” said new Rincon Police Chief Jonathon Murrell after being approved my city council Monday.

Sam Bauman

Published June 25, 2020 at 3:10 PM

New Savannah pilot program supporting local, minority & female owned business to help keep economy strong

The city's new pilot program is aimed at increasing local and minority business in Savannah. “We’re not saying Savannah only but we are saying Savannah first,” said Savannah Mayor Van Johnson.

Sam Bauman

Published June 24, 2020 at 4:07 PM

Local foster care organization opening new location in Pooler

Typically an area in Pooler for shopping and eating the new G&Co location is hoping to catch your eye & get you in the door. “(You will) Learn about our services, learn how you can volunteer, learn how you can donate, learn how someone can have a place to sleep because of you,” said Whitney Gilliard

Sam Bauman

Published June 23, 2020 at 2:33 PM

Family Promise offers new program to help prevent COVID related evictions

Even though many landlords and utility companies offered a moratorium on payments, as more begins to reopen those moratoriums are ending and the bills are now due. Something Family Promise may be able to help you with.

Sam Bauman

Published June 22, 2020 at 2:55 PM

Pooler Municipal Court reopens with new guidelines

The City of Pooler has now taken one step closer to fully reopening. Tuesday, resuming hearing cases at the Municipal Court. But as with most things right now you can expect some changes all aimed at keeping you safe.

Sam Bauman

Published June 18, 2020 at 3:00 PM

Front Porch Improv prepares to reopen venue next month

“Ticket sales are awesome. We want to be able to stay afloat from that but if that means sacrificing someone else and their health then we’re not going to do it,” said Front Porch Improv co-owner Dolly Brennan about reopening their live venue next month.

Sam Bauman

Published June 16, 2020 at 3:47 PM

Despite postponing them for second time, ECSD still working to offer in-person graduation & prom

Friday the Effingham County School District had to once again make the tough decision to postpone their plans for an in-person graduation and prom. That decision coming on the heels of Governor Kemp’s latest executive order.

Sam Bauman

Published June 15, 2020 at 4:16 PM

Guyton teen pays-it-forward giving big check to school employee

South Effingham High School senior Lillie Cuatt and bus driver/lunch lady Tina Weimer have a special bond.

Sam Bauman

Published June 12, 2020 at 2:37 PM

This Wednesday we took to the streets today to find out who your “Everyday Hero” is, and as it turns out luckily, there’s no short supply of them.

Sam Bauman

Published June 10, 2020 at 4:28 PM

Effingham Co. election workers prepping the polls for the primary

Planning for Tuesday’s primary elections in Effingham County has been a long time in the making. “Months and months. As soon as we knew about the COVID situation we were planning,” said Effingham County Elections & Registration Director Olivia Morgan.

Sam Bauman

Published June 8, 2020 at 3:27 PM

It’s been quite a long intermission for the Mars Theatre in downtown Springfield.The stage, the screen and the theatre itself empty for months. But starting Friday they'll once again be playing movies.

Sam Bauman

Published June 5, 2020 at 3:36 PM

Effingham Co. youth rec sports return next week

While many professional sports leagues still work to navigate what a return playing will look like. Some of our youngest athletes will be making their return to the diamond for baseball and softball in Effingham County next week.

Sam Bauman

Published June 4, 2020 at 2:41 PM

Animal shelter finding new ways to serve community

“We’re trying to think of everyone, you know, and make sure we’ve covered all the basis to make sure that everybody, citizens, staff and animals are protected,” said Effingham County Animal Shelter Director Lorna Shelton.

Sam Bauman

Published June 2, 2020 at 3:29 PM

Hardeeville training new workforce to fill need for growing industrial & commercial businesses

After receiving a $350-thousand grant from EJF Philantropies in 2019 The City of Hardeeville has now used that money to offer career advancement and workforce training. A program they believe will set both it’s students and the city on a path to success.

Sam Bauman

Published June 2, 2020 at 3:00 PM

Rincon dental practice finding a way amidst pandemic

Dentistry was one of many health fields that saw major cutbacks over the past few months due to COVID-19. Cutbacks that may have been especially tough for iHeart Dental in Rincon which hasn't even been open a full year, but they're proving up to the challenge.

Sam Bauman

Published May 29, 2020 at 4:11 PM

More and more people lacing them up and taking off towards a healthier lifestyle. Many for the first time. Which often leads them to Fleet Feet in Savannah.

Sam Bauman

Published May 28, 2020 at 4:11 PM

Annual United Methodist 'Campmeeting’ canceled for the first time since the Civil War

The annual “Campmeeting” at Effingham County United Methodist Campground has truly stood the test of time.

Sam Bauman

Published May 27, 2020 at 4:46 PM

Pool business swimming in success despite pandemic

While many businesses have faced a tough road due to COVID-19 some have actually reaped the benefits of families spending more time at home.One of those industries, pools and spas.

Sam Bauman

Published May 26, 2020 at 4:23 PM

Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum reopens just in time to honor Memorial Day

The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force reopened to the public Monday. Just in time for Memorial Day.

Sam Bauman

Published May 25, 2020 at 3:52 PM

Local equestrian therapeutic center in desperate need of support

"We could close down, it could happen," said Faith Equestrian Founder and CEO Bonnie Rachael. A very real possibility they’re hoping to avoid, but they can't do that without your help.

Sam Bauman

Published May 22, 2020 at 2:09 PM

Holiday travel drastically lower at Savannah-Hilton Head Int’l Airport

Typically, Memorial Day Weekend would be especially busy for the airport. Travelers flying in to celebrate the unofficial start of summer here locally. But this year those numbers won’t be anywhere close to their typical mark, coming up short by thousands.

Sam Bauman

Published May 21, 2020 at 3:38 PM

Local liquor store seeing change in business amidst pandemic

While bars remain closed and restaurants deal with limited capacity, liquor stores have seen steady business through pandemic. But, that doesn't mean they've been completely immune to its impact.

Sam Bauman

Published May 20, 2020 at 3:46 PM

Guyton and Pooler taking different approaches to reopening

There may not be two cities more different than Pooler and Guyton. From population to location and now how the cities are reopening following the coronavirus pandemic.

Sam Bauman

Published May 19, 2020 at 3:05 PM

Community comes together to provide free meals to Effingham Hospital staff

Friday in Effingham County local businesses and organizations teamed up to provide free meals to hospital staff. A gift that in reality was much bigger than the box it came in.

Sam Bauman

Published May 15, 2020 at 3:49 PM

Effingham Co. School District planning to offer in-person graduation ceremony

While some school districts opt for the virtual graduation or even a drive through approach Effingham County School District is trying to give their seniors all of the above. Including an in-person ceremony.

Sam Bauman

Published May 14, 2020 at 4:36 PM

Saddle Bags Savannah adjusting to extended closure

Saddle Bags is not only a bar but it also doubles as a live music venue.So, you’d think the Governor Kemp’s decision to keep them closed would be a big hit to their bottom line.However, as it turns out this extension actually something they were prepared for and seem to agree with.

Sam Bauman

Published May 13, 2020 at 4:15 PM

Trolley tours return to the streets of Savannah with changes

Old Town Trolley Tours are back on the streets of downtown Savannah. But not without making some major changes due to COVID-19. “In all honesty we’ve taken safety to a whole new level,” said Savannah General Manager Garry Patrick.

Sam Bauman

Published May 11, 2020 at 2:59 PM

Currently in
Savannah, GA

Sam Bauman

Anchor/Reporter

Savannah, Ga.

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