LOUDON, N.H. — Stuck in a hospital bed, Brian Vickers wanted to live another day.

Once he recovered, he hungered for a competitive ride.

And once he landed a solid seat, well, Vickers simply had to win.

Even when life tossed obstacles in Vickers’ path, his determined spirit never waned. After four years of health scares and unemployment put his promising career in doubt, Vickers kept pushing toward the finish line. He got there Sunday as the surprise winner at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

“Coming here and sitting in Victory Lane just makes it one of the most special events in my life,” Vickers said.

He had plenty of drivers in the series pulling for this comeback. One by one, they saluted Vickers with a wave from the car or a back slap on the way to Victory Lane.

Close friend Jimmie Johnson, a five-time Cup champion, pumped his fist out the window in pure happiness as if he’d won a sixth title.

Vickers did all he could to savor the unforgettable scene.

“When you have so much love and support around you,” Vickers said, “it makes all the difference in the world.”

Vickers even tried to celebrate with the fans, though the New Hampshire gates wouldn’t open to the grandstands. That’s OK. He had a pretty big mob waiting for him — even his fiancee, who had left the track to catch a ride home, only to reverse course and make it back just in time to greet him.

About the only key cog missing was owner Michael Waltrip. Waltrip and co-owner Rob Kauffman were in Europe this weekend for the 20th annual Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.

London, Loudon. Off by a letter.

Vickers drives a part-time schedule for Michael Waltrip Racing and shares the No. 55 Toyota with Waltrip and Mark Martin. His win made him the No. 1 contender for a full-time ride at MWR in 2014.

“Wins help a lot of business issues. So this was a great day for that,” MWR general manager Ty Norris said. “He’s been our focus. We would love to have him in that car.”

Vickers snapped a 75-race winless streak and hadn’t won since the August 2009 race at Michigan. He won his first career Cup race in August 2006 at Talladega Superspeedway.

Vickers made the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship in 2009, only to be sidelined most of the next season with blood clots. He had two procedures to close a hole in his heart and insert a stent into a vein in his left leg.

After Red Bull Racing shut down after the 2011 season, Vickers hooked on with a limited ride with MWR. He has been driving full-time this season in the Nationwide Series for Joe Gibbs Racing.

With his first checkered flag since his return, he is done looking back.

“That’s why I came back,” he said. “For what’s to be, not what’s happened.”

Kyle Busch was second and Jeff Burton third. Pole winner Brad Keselowski was fourth and Aric Almirola fifth.

Jimmie Johnson brushed off his 43rd-place start to finish sixth. Tony Stewart was running inside the top 10 at the final caution until he ran out of fuel and plummeted to 26th.

“It’s hard to calculate how much we are saving on the cautions,” Stewart said. “We thought we were about three-quarters of a lap to the good before that last caution. Obviously, we didn’t save as much as I thought we would.”

Busch and Vickers finished 1-2 in Saturday’s Nationwide Series race. Both drivers had to stretch their fuel, and Vickers ran out just as he crossed the finish line.

He was in a similar spot again down the stretch a race later. He had just enough to zip past Stewart with 13 laps left and then pull away in the green-white-checkered finish. He didn’t run out until it was time for the celebratory burnout.

Stewart wasn’t so lucky a week after he finished second at Daytona.

Johnson, who won at Daytona, was mired in last place for the first time in his career after his No. 48 Chevrolet flunked post-qualifying inspection. No big deal. The points leader made quick work through the back of the field and worked his way up to the front for most of the race.

He easily breezed past 71-year-old Morgan Shepherd, the oldest driver to start a race in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup series.

Kurt Busch led a race-high 102 laps before he connected with Ryan Newman to end his shot at his first victory of the season. Off the restart, Danica Patrick was involved in a three-car wreck that included boyfriend Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

“We’re all bunched up on those restarts,” Patrick said. “I’m not sure if I misjudged the breaking zone or they stopped really quick in front of me.”

Vickers survived it all to win for the third time in 271 Sprint Cup races.

SPRINT CUP RESULTS

Camping World RV Sales 301 Results; Sunday

At New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, N.H.

Lap length: 1.058 miles; (Start position in parentheses)

1. (13) Brian Vickers, Toyota, 302 laps, 103.5 rating, 0 points, $214,075.

2. (4) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 302, 128, 43, $228,043.

3. (9) Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 302, 112.4, 41, $141,935.

4. (1) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 302, 119.9, 41, $179,076.

5. (17) Aric Almirola, Ford, 302, 81.7, 39, $152,496.

6. (43) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 302, 93.7, 38, $147,646.

7. (18) Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 302, 82.2, 37, $140,221.

8. (6) Carl Edwards, Ford, 302, 92.2, 36, $128,560.

9. (12) Matt Kenseth, Toyota, 302, 112, 36, $127,776.

10. (5) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 302, 102.6, 34, $134,871.

11. (8) Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet, 302, 97.3, 33, $105,235.

12. (11) Jamie McMurray, Chevrolet, 302, 83.8, 32, $117,380.

13. (20) Clint Bowyer, Toyota, 302, 83.2, 31, $127,518.

14. (3) Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 302, 98.1, 30, $108,260.

15. (22) Greg Biffle, Ford, 302, 80.6, 29, $102,410.

16. (19) Martin Truex Jr., Toyota, 302, 70.9, 28, $118,610.

17. (14) Paul Menard, Chevrolet, 302, 73, 27, $116,501.

18. (24) David Gilliland, Ford, 302, 65.1, 26, $103,918.

19. (29) David Ragan, Ford, 302, 59.5, 25, $109,618.

20. (42) David Stremme, Toyota, 302, 53.2, 24, $100,518.

21. (7) Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 302, 84.9, 23, $101,110.

22. (26) A J Allmendinger, Chevrolet, 302, 57.4, 22, $104,218.

23. (39) Dave Blaney, Chevrolet, 302, 54.3, 21, $93,782.

24. (10) Juan Pablo Montoya, Chevrolet, 302, 82.2, 20, $111,149.

25. (38) Joe Nemechek, Toyota, 302, 44.3, 0, $80,985.

26. (16) Tony Stewart, Chevrolet, 302, 100.5, 19, $132,560.

27. (33) Bobby Labonte, Toyota, 301, 62.6, 17, $91,210.

28. (27) David Reutimann, Toyota, 299, 46.9, 16, $82,910.

29. (40) J.J. Yeley, Chevrolet, 298, 41.6, 15, $82,535.

30. (37) Ken Schrader, Ford, 298, 36.5, 14, $83,785.

31. (2) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, 283, 111.2, 15, $110,430.

32. (36) Landon Cassill, Chevrolet, transmission, 281, 37.7, 0, $78,810.

33. (21) Marcos Ambrose, Ford, 277, 41.8, 11, $105,799.

34. (23) Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ford, 275, 56.9, 10, $128,221.

35. (35) Josh Wise, Ford, 270, 39.9, 0, $78,185.

36. (28) Casey Mears, Ford, 242, 29.4, 8, $85,955.

37. (32) Danica Patrick, Chevrolet, accident, 237, 47.7, 7, $77,741.

38. (31) Travis Kvapil, Toyota, accident, 236, 49, 6, $80,675.

39. (15) Ryan Newman, Chevrolet, accident, 225, 63.3, 5, $102,833.

40. (25) Joey Logano, Ford, 211, 34.3, 4, $92,583.

41. (41) Morgan Shepherd, Toyota, vibration, 92, 25.3, 0, $60,675.

42. (30) Michael McDowell, Ford, vibration, 89, 34.5, 2, $56,675.

43. (34) Mike Bliss, Toyota, rear gear, 75, 30.6, 0, $53,175.

Race Statistics

Average Speed of Race Winner: 98.735 mph.

Time of Race: 3 hours, 14 minutes, 10 seconds.

Margin of Victory: 0.582 seconds.

Caution Flags: 12 for 58 laps.

Lead Changes: 10 among 6 drivers.

Lap Leaders: B.Keselowski 1-9; Ky.Busch 10-62; Ku.Busch 63-74; B.Keselowski 75-77; Ku.Busch 78-123; B.Keselowski 124; M.Kenseth 125-157; B.Keselowski 158; Ku.Busch 159-202; T.Stewart 203-286; B.Vickers 287-302.

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Led, Laps Led): Ku.Busch, 3 times for 102 laps; T.Stewart, 1 time for 84 laps; Ky.Busch, 1 time for 53 laps; M.Kenseth, 1 time for 33 laps; B.Vickers, 1 time for 16 laps; B.Keselowski, 4 times for 14 laps.

Top 12 in Points: 1. J.Johnson, 696; 2. C.Bowyer, 640; 3. C.Edwards, 623; 4. K.Harvick, 622; 5. D.Earnhardt Jr., 578; 6. M.Kenseth, 576; 7. Ky.Busch, 576; 8. G.Biffle, 545; 9. Bra.Keselowski, 529; 10. K.Kahne, 523; 11. M.Truex Jr., 521; 12. J.Gordon, 521.

NASCAR Driver Rating Formula

A maximum of 150 points can be attained in a race. The formula combines the following categories: Wins, Finishes, Top-15 Finishes, Average Running Position While on Lead Lap, Average Speed Under Green, Fastest Lap, Led Most Laps, Lead-Lap Finish.

Two children suffering from smoke inhalation were taken to Memorial University Medical Center after being pulled by firefighters from a burning home in Savannah on Sunday afternoon.

Just after 2 p.m., firefighters arrived at the 200 block of DeRenne Drive, which parallels DeRenne Avenue, to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear of a one-story home. Flames initially were on one side of the home, but eventually engulfed the entire rear, said Mark Keller, Savannah Fire & Emergency Services spokesman.

The blaze was intense enough for the battalion chief on scene to call for a second alarm, Keller said, and at one point, firefighters were ordered out of the structure to take a defensive posture until it was safe enough to return inside.

Firefighters pulled two children from the front left bedroom of the home, Keller said. Though they were as far away from the fire as possible, they suffered smoke inhalation and were rushed to Memorial. Keller said a third child was inside the home, but managed to make it out.

The identities, ages or conditions of the children had not been released Sunday afternoon.

Red Cross was called in to assist those displaced, and Savannah Fire investigators were on scene throughout the afternoon trying to determine the cause and starting point of the blaze.

No further information was immediately available.

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves looked like a first-half power but resembled a split-squad, spring training team in their final game before the All-Star break.

Blame a sudden wave of injuries which took out half of the Braves’ starting position players in the four-game series with Cincinnati.

With Freddie Freeman the latest addition to the injury list, Atlanta didn’t have enough bats to keep up with Jay Bruce and the Reds in Sunday’s 8-4 loss to Cincinnati.

The Braves also lost outfielders Jason Heyward, Justin Upton and B.J. Upton during the series. The team placed B.J. Upton on the 15-day disabled list before the game with a right adductor muscle strain sustained Friday night.

“We lost a lot of key players but the guys that stepped in did a terrific job for us,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “You felt good that we had a chance. Even today. We hit the ball hard.

“Any time your back is up against it like we were and guys respond, you feel good about your club.”

Atlanta catcher Brian McCann was named to replace Freeman on the NL All-Star team.

The Braves hope to have some of their injured starters back when they return from the All-Star break on Friday at the Chicago White Sox.

Gonzalez said doctors have determined Justin Upton sustained a severe cramp, instead of a strained left calf on Friday.

The Braves hope Justin Upton and Heyward (strained right hamstring) can avoid the disabled list.

Andrelton Simmons and Dan Uggla hit homers for NL East-leading Atlanta, which leads Washington by 6 games.

“It was unfortunate we had the guys go down that we did,” Uggla said. “All in all, it was a good first half. We came together when we needed to.”

Fill-in outfielders Jose Constanza, Reed Johnson and Joey Terdoslavich combined for one hit after having seven Saturday night.

Julio Teheran (7-5) allowed five runs, seven hits and two walks in 5 1/3 innings.

Evan Gattis was 0 for 4 in his return from the disabled list after playing only two games in his rehabilitation stint with Triple-A Gwinnett.

Jay Bruce hit a two-run homer in Cincinnati’s four-run third inning. Shin-Soo Choo also homered and the Reds put the game away with three runs in the ninth.

Bruce led the Reds with three hits. Brandon Phillips had a two-run double in the ninth, and Choo had two hits and scored three runs as the Reds split the four-game series.

“It makes for a better All-Star break,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “We had a chance to really take three out of four or maybe even sweep them but we’ll take what we got.”

Reds right-hander Logan Ondrusek (3-0) threw two scoreless innings as the second reliever behind Tony Cingrani, who lasted only four innings.

The Reds led 5-3 before scoring three times in the ninth off Anthony Varvaro. Phillips’ double drove in Choo and Joey Votto, and Phillips scored on Todd Frazier’s single.

Control problems pushed up Cingrani’s pitch count. The rookie left-hander, who threw 96 pitches, allowed two runs — one earned — four hits and three walks in four innings. It matched his shortest start.

Cingrani gave up a run in the second but stranded three runners. Reed Johnson singled with two outs and scored on Gerald Laird’s double. Cingrani loaded the bases with two walks, but ended the inning by snagging Jose Constanza’s liner.

Atlanta’s missed opportunity for a bigger inning set the stage for the Reds’ four-run third. Cingrani led off with a bunt single, and Choo also singled before Votto’s double and Brandon Phillips’ groundout each drove in a run. Bruce’s 19th homer pushed the lead to 4-1.

The Braves added an unearned run in the third. Simmons walked, moved to third on Chris Johnson’s single and scored when Reds shortstop Zack Cozart caught a liner by Gattis and then threw wildly to first base in an attempt for a double play.

Constanza made a running catch of Choo’s drive to left field in the first inning and made another leaping grab of a drive by Bruce in front of the wall in the ninth.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman gave up Simmons’ eighth homer in the ninth.

Notes

Gattis made his fourth start at first base. He also has started at catcher and left field. ... Teheran matched career highs by giving up five runs and two homers. ... Uggla’s 18 homers are the most for a Braves player at the break since McCann and Chipper Jones had 18 in 2008. ... McCann is a seven-time All-Star. ... Laird has 11 RBIs in 26 games.

University of Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham is in the spotlight as the Bulldogs get this football season started. Can he get all these new guys coached up and ready to hunker down? That is the big question entering the 2013 season.

The season kicks off Aug. 31 against a dangerous Clemson offense. One week later, Georgia faces Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks. Talk about a tough start to the season. Grantham has to put this defense together quickly. Got to find out who is ready to play ball.

But there is good news: The Bulldog offense is loaded. Almost everyone is back. Quarterback Aaron Murray came back. Sophomore running backs Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall return as veterans. The ’Dogs’ O-line is finally deep and experienced. There are two strong options at tight end. And there is plenty of talent at wide receiver.

This Georgia offense should be fun to watch, but it’s critical that they get off to a fast start and lead the way while Grantham’s defense gets settled.

After seeing the annual G-Day spring scrimmage, the Georgia defense looks encouraging. This unit has a chance to be quicker and more athletic. Sounds good against all these spread offenses. And Grantham’s units have thrived in forcing turnovers the last two seasons. He’s counting on this defense to do the same thing — attack and make plays.

Garrison Smith, Mike Thornton, Sterling Bailey and Ray Drew left spring practice looking like the top four guys on the D-line. All four need to re-establish themselves when practice starts. New coach Chris Wilson needs to find some quality depth quickly. Can John Taylor, Chris Mayes or Toby Johnson emerge as players up front? Playing time is up for grabs.

At linebacker, Amarlo Herrera and Jordan Jenkins appear to be impact players. Herrera is a tough inside run defender. Jenkins can come off the edge and make plays.

In the spring, Ramik Wilson and James DeLoach grabbed the other two linebacker spots. Freshman Reggie Carter made some noise in the spring. This linebacker group looks pretty deep. Chase Vasser, Josh Dawson and T.J. Stripling offer up more depth.

It’s the lack of experience in the secondary that has Grantham losing sleep entering the season. Playmaking corner Damian Swann returns, but the other spots are green. Freshman free safety Tray Matthews arrived early and earned the free safety job. Josh Harvey-Clemons will miss the Clemson game but is expected to be outstanding at the other safety spot. Connor Norman is a nice option to rotate in. Corey Moore should be competing for playing time.

So, what’s the weak spot on this young Georgia defense? It’s cornerback. Swann can play, but who else is ready to deliver?

Sheldon Dawson is an important new guy on defense. The Bulldogs really need him to step up opposite Swann. Dawson had an impressive spring until he had some hamstring issues. Devin Bowman is a third-year player with an opportunity to grab the nickel corner spot. Freshman corner Shaq Wiggins has a shot to play early, if he’s ready. Dude sure looked impressive on that high school highlight reel.

Offensive firepower

Georgia’s balanced offense thrived last season, averaging 33 points in SEC play. With almost everyone back, how do they build on last year’s success?

The O-line should take a step forward. John Theus survived his freshman season at right tackle. Is he now ready to take over at the critical left tackle spot? Kenarious Gates looks like the best fit at right tackle. Mark Beard can be a quality option. Xzavier Ward came on strong this spring. Inside, at guard Dallas Lee and Chris Burnette are returning starters. David Andrews is back at center. This unit looks stronger than last season.

Offensive Coordinator Mike Bobo has access to two quality tight ends this season, with Arthur Lynch and Jay Rome set to go. Rome is a big target with good hands. Jay could make a big impact this season and give this offense a boost. Lynch is a solid, all-around player. Expect better play at this spot.

Malcolm Mitchell is officially Murray’s “go-to guy” at wide receiver. Mitchell has that big-play ability. The scouting report: shows off some dangerous double-move routes. Good, strong hands. A playmaker. Can make ’em miss. Competitive. Set to have a breakout season.

Michael Bennett returns and has Murray’s trust. Bennett makes an impact on third down and in the red zone by making the tough catch. Aaron loves having him back in the mix. Chris Conley looks like he’s ready to be an impact guy. Justin Scott-Wesley can catch it. Rantavious Wooten is a nice option in the slot. Newcomer Jonathon Rumph looks ready to play. This wide receiver group is deep and talented.

Surely there is not a better 1-2 punch at running back in college football than Gurley and Marshall. Gurley did special things as a freshman (17 TDs/pounded Alabama) and looks to be poised to be great in 2013. Can’t wait to see more of this. He’s a big back (225 pounds) who can do it all. Look for his workload to increase. Got to figure Gurley will be getting 20-25 touches, minimum. Feed the beast, especially early in the season against Clemson and South Carolina.

Marshall complements Gurley perfectly. Marshall is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches it. So, Gurley roughs them up. Then, Marshall rips off big runs. No wonder Murray came back. He’s got the keys to an offense that is locked and loaded for another productive season.

Murray wants a title for Georgia before he leaves. Well, this is his last shot. If the defense can play ball, The ’Dogs have a shot.

 A Springfield woman reported missing on Saturday has been found safe.

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office had asked for the public’s help Sunday evening in finding Cathy Fagaines, 48.

She had last been reported seen on Friday at Bevill’s Mobile Home Park in Springfield and was without her medication.

Savannah lost a passionate leader dedicated to bettering his eastside community on Wednesday, with the passing of Willie M. Roberson Jr. at the age of 87, according to friends, family and city aldermen.

The service of Roberson, who had served as the president of the East Savannah Community Organization, was enough to spur recognition by Savannah Alderman John Hall and Mayor Pro Tem Van Johnson during the City Council meeting Thursday.

“The east Savannah community has lost a giant,” Hall said.

A former deacon of First African Baptist Church of East Savannah, the quiet and reserved Roberson was not in the newspapers or on television, Johnson said. People like Roberson worked behind the scenes, garnering the support and respect of their neighbors, to improve their quality of life, he said.

“He was a genuine community leader,” Johnson said.

A native of Millen, the father of 10 moved to Savannah and adopted the city as his home after marrying his wife, Mary, 59 years ago.

Roberson is credited with fighting to get his neighborhood’s streets paved and improving the eastside park. The neighborhood watch member is also remembered for keeping the community’s cemetery clean, mentoring youth, teaching Chatham County jail inmates and doing free handiwork for neighbors.

“The list just goes on and on,” said son John Roberson. “It was just his will to help others.”

The elder Roberson was also a member of The Grand Lodge International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers and was awarded the 50-year veteran medal. He retired after 32 years of service from the American Cyanamide/Kemira chloride plant off President Street.

Roberson’s dedication to his community extended to the upbringing of his children, who he made sure received a thorough education and who all ended up going to college, said one son, Charles P. Roberson Sr.

Charles Roberson, who serves as Senior Pastor of the Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship and chaplain for the Savannah-Chatham police department, said he was inspired by his father.

“He believed in always doing for others more than doing for yourself,” he said.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Tuesday at the First African Baptist Church of East Savannah, 402 Treat Ave.

ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia Children's Advocacy Network is hosting a panel discussion aimed at reducing childhood obesity.

Organizers say the panel discussion July 25 is scheduled to feature Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, Bobby Cagle, physical activity coordinator for the Georgia Department of Public Health, Kelly Mattran and others.

Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning spokesman Reg Griffin has said the state ranks 49th in terms of childhood obesity rates.

The event is being hosted in the Ann Cramer room of the Loudermilk Center in downtown Atlanta.

ATLANTA (AP) — Authorities say a man was killed in a southwest Atlanta shooting that also left two other men wounded.

Police tell CBS Atlanta (http://bit.ly/18fZ5Pj) that the gunfire happened around 11:20 p.m. Sunday at an apartment complex on Windsor Street.

Police say a man drove the shooting victims to Grady Memorial Hospital, where one of them was pronounced dead. The man who drove the victims to the hospital is being held for questioning by investigators.

Few other details were available early Monday morning.

Dancing, fun, reverly in true Tybee Style at annual charity event

Savannah-Chatham Metro police will be operating radar hot spots along Liberty Parkway and Staley Avenue.

24-hour jail bookings for Savannah-Chatham County are now posted. Visit booked.savannahnow.com to view photos and information.

All information has been obtained from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department.

All individuals posted have not been convicted of a crime and are innocent until proven guilty.

Average retail gasoline prices in Savannah have risen 22.4 cents a gallon in the past week to $3.53 a gallon on Sunday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 262 gas outlets in Savannah.

The national average increased 11.7 cents a gallon in the last week to $3.62, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com. 

Prices Sunday were 32.6 cents a gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 12.4 cents a gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 0.4 cents a gallon during the last month and stands 19.5 cents higher than this day one year ago. 

"I suspect that the unrest in Egypt is playing a significant role in pushing crude values higher, and thus retail gasoline prices higher as well," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "The market is seemingly quite sensitive to the situation in Egypt as the Energy Information Administration has reported two consecutive weeks of large declines in crude oil inventories, drawing concern that a loss in Middle Eastern crude would mean continued declines in inventories stateside."

JESUP, Ga. (AP) — State troopers say a driver in southeastern Georgia swerved to avoid hitting a deer and hit another car head-on, killing a 30-year-old Jesup man.

Police tell the Florida Times-Union (http://bit.ly/15yw9zD) a 52-year-old man was driving along Oglethorpe Road in Wayne County when he swerved into oncoming traffic to miss a deer that was in the road Friday afternoon.

Police say the man's car hit a 1992 Saturn being driven by 30-year-old Russell Silas Smith, who was killed in the crash.

Authorities say charges will not be filed until after an investigation by a crash reconstruction team.

___

Information from: The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union,http://www.jacksonville.com

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

See what homes are for sale in zip codes 31404 and 31410.

Click the links below for houses available in other areas:

• 31322
• 31328
• 31405
• 31406
• 31411
• 31419

ATLANTA — A Fulton County judge has temporarily stayed a scheduled execution Monday after the inmate's attorneys raised questions about a law prohibiting the release of information involving Georgia's execution drug supply.

This isn't the first time Warren Lee Hill's execution has been halted because of a challenge to the state's execution method. Last July, his execution was put on hold pending a challenge to the state's plan to change from a three-drug process to a single dose of pentobarbital.

The state Supreme Court later cleared the way for the execution, although it was halted anew so courts could consider claims that Hill is mentally disabled. That stay was lifted in April and the state rescheduled the execution for Monday.

Hill was condemned for the 1990 killing of a fellow inmate.

Two Savannah girls remained hospitalized in critical condition Monday a day after being pulled from their burning Kensington Park home by firefighters.

The girls, ages 6 and 13, were rescued by firefighters just after the one-story brick house at 239 E. DeRenne Drive erupted in flames about 2 p.m. Sunday.

Medics rushed the children to Memorial University Medical Center where they remain in the pediatric intensive care unit, said Mark Keller, Savannah Fire & Emergency Services spokesman. A third child escaped the home before firefighters arrived.

The identities of the victims were not released.

When they arrived on scene, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames shooting from the roof of the house. The fire was so intense that on-scene commanders called for a second alarm to bring more resources and personnel to the scene to fight the blaze. The fast-moving flames consuming the entire rear of the house created difficult conditions in which to find the children, who were located in a front bedroom and removed from the home through a side window, Keller said.

The blaze caused extensive damage to the house. Savannah Fire investigators say evidence at the scene indicates the blaze originated in the clothes dryer. The flames extended up a wall and into the attic which enabled the fire to quickly engulf a large section of the house, Keller said.

Savannah Fire & Emergency Services reminds residents of the dangers associated with clothes dryers and urge all citizens to follow a few safety tips when operating dryers:

• Ensure the dryer’s lint filter is cleaned before and after each load of clothes.

• Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.

• Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.

• Keep the area around your dryer clear of things that can burn, like boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing, etc.

Local police have been receiving calls from residents who believe someone is trying to scam them. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office believes the incidents are likely connected.

According to sheriff’s spokeswoman Gena Bilbo, the scam starts with a phone call.

The callers may identify themselves as people working with the Magistrate Court, then say the person answering the phone has been caught on a red light camera and has a warrant out for his or her arrest. The caller then says that to stop the warrant, the calltaker must sign up for a credit card and put a specified dollar amount on it. The calltaker is asked to give the caller the code on the back of the card so the money can be accessed and the warrant stopped.

Several years ago, the sheriff’s office was contacted about a similar scam in which the caller claimed to be a lieutenant with the department. Calltakers were told that to get their loved ones out of jail, they needed to put money on a card. Bilbo said the scam was perpetrated in several Georgia counties and nearby states.

At no time would anyone from the courts or the sheriff’s office call and advise residents to put money on a card in lieu of a warrant or to get someone out of jail, Bilbo said.

A red light ticket will come directly to the address on the vehicle’s registration and will have a photograph of the vehicle running the red light. To get someone out of jail, bond must be paid and paperwork signed.

If any resident has a question about a ticket given by Savannah-Chatham police, call the department at 912-652-3100. For red light tickets, call 525-3100 extension 1570. For information about the county jail, call 912-652-7700.

Col. Thomas J. Tickner will take command of the Savannah District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from Col. Jeffrey M. Hall in a formal change-of-command ceremony Friday morning at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Savannah’s Historic District.

Tickner comes to Savannah District from Washington, D.C., where he recently completed studies at the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, formerly known as the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Before attending school Tickner served as the Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. In addition, Tickner has served in various military assignments including a deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has served in the Sacramento District and commanded the Philadelphia District in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Hall, completing the standard three-year-tour leading the Savannah district, will retire from the Army after 29 years of service. During his tenure at the Savannah district, Hall oversaw completion of the General Re-Evaluation Report and the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project. He plans a new career in the private sector.

The Savannah District manages a multi-million dollar military construction program at 11 Army and Air Force installations in Georgia and North Carolina, and oversees water resources and development activities in Georgia and portions of South Carolina. The District also oversees civil projects including the maintenance of the Savannah and Brunswick harbors in Georgia; dams and lakes Hartwell, Russell, and Thurmond on the Georgia-South Carolina border; and environmental and regulatory permits for Georgia. The Savannah District supports worldwide missions related to real estate, master planning, and construction of barracks and other facilities to enhance overseas contingency operations.

Savannah scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to erase a 3-1 Greenville lead and the Sand Gnats defeated the Drive 7-4 Monday night.

Earlier Monday, the two teams completed a game suspended on Friday and pushed back by bad weather on Saturday and Sunday with Greenville winning 2-1.

In the regularly scheduled game, Savannah had a 1-0 lead erased by three Drive runs in the top of the third. Greenville had back-to-back singles to start the inning, then scored on a sacrifice bunt, a throwing error and ground out, and a single.

Savannah took the lead for good with the big sixth inning. Jorge Rivero singled and Brandon Nimmo reached on an error. Maikis De La Cruz’s single scored Rivero, and Nimmo scored on a wild pitch to tie it up. Eudy Pina’s sacrifice fly scored De La Cruz to make it 4-1.

Savannah scored twice more in the bottom of the seventh. With one out, Jeff Glenn singled and Dimas Ponce doubled. Glenn scored on a wild pitch and Ponce came home on De La Cruz’s double.

Each team scored a run in the eighth.

Luis Cessa (5-2) earned the win with seven innings of solid work. He scattered six hits, gave up three runs (two earned), walked none and struck out six.

Cody Kukuk (4-8) was the loser, giving up two hits, four runs (two earned), walking three and striking out six.

In the first game, a continuation of a contest suspended in the fifth inning Friday, Aneury Tavarez tripled home the winning run in the top of the ninth inning. David Chester walked to lead off the inning, then stole second and third before Tavarez’s big hit.

The Drive scored the game’s first run in the top of the second. With one out, Tavarez bounced a single down the right-field line to start the action. After two walks loaded the bases, Dreily Guerrero lifted a sacrifice fly to drive home Tavarez and put the Drive up 1-0.

The Gnats evened things in the bottom of the fourth. Greenville’s Luis Diaz retired the first 11 batters of the game, but the Gnats’ 12th, De La Cruz, reached on an error. He stole second and then scored on Stefan Sabol’s clean line drive single into center field.

Gnats’ starter Steven Matz lasted five innings, fanning eight batters and allowing two hits. Jake Kuebler (2-6) absorbed the loss despite pitching four innings of two-hit ball and striking out five.

Diaz was just as sharp, yielding one run on three hits with five strikeouts and no walks.

The Sand Gnats are off and will open a series against West Virginia on Wednesday.

Game 2

Greenville ab r h bi Savannah ab r h bi

Gragnani 2b 3 1 0 0 Rivero dh 3 1 2 1

Vinicio ss 4 1 1 1 Nimmo cf 4 1 0 0

Chester 1b 4 0 1 1 De La Crz rf 4 1 2 1

Martinez dh 4 0 1 1 Sabol lf 3 0 3 0

Tavarez rf 4 0 1 0 Pina dh 2 2 0 1

Heller lf 4 0 0 0 Frenzehl 1b 3 0 0 0

Briscoe 3b 4 0 0 0 Evans ss 4 0 2 0

Weems c 4 1 3 0 Glenn c 4 1 1 0

Sanchez cf 2 1 1 0 Ponce 3b ss 4 1 1 0

Totals 33 4 8 3 Totals 31 7 7 5

Greenville 003 000 010 — 4

Savannah 010 003 210 — 7

E—Cessa, Grangani. LOB—Greenville 4, Savannah 5. DP—Savannah 1. 2b—Ponce, De La Cruz. SF—-Pina.

GREENVILLE IP H R ER BB SO

Kukuk (L, 4-8) 5 1/3 2 4 2 3 6

Maddox 1 2/3 4 2 2 0 0

Wendelken 1 1 1 1 1 0

SAVANNAH IP H R ER BB SO

Cessa (W, 5-2) 7 6 3 2 0 6

Sewald 1 2 1 2 0 0

Wheeler 1 0 0 0 0 2

Game 1

(Completion of game suspended on 7/12)

Greenville ab r h bi Savannah ab r h bi

Gragnani 2b 4 0 0 0 Zurcher 2b 4 0 1 0

Vinicio ss 4 0 0 0 Rivero dh 4 0 0 0

Chester dh 3 0 0 0 De La Crz cf 4 1 1 0

Briscoe dh 0 1 0 0 Sabol lf 4 0 1 1

Martinez 3b 4 0 1 0 Frenzel 1b 4 0 1 0

Tavarez rf 4 1 2 1 Pron rf 4 0 0 0

Hernandez c 2 0 1 0 Reynolds 3b 3 0 1 0

Moanaroa 1b 3 0 0 0 Cordero c 3 0 1 0

Guerrero lf 2 0 0 1 Evans ss 3 0 0 0

Sanchez cf 2 0 0 9

Totals 28 2 4 2 Totals 33 1 6 1

Greenville 010 000 001 —2

Savannah 000 010 000 —1

E—Martinez. LOB—Greenville 5, Savannah 5. DP—Savannah 1. 2b—Tavarez. 3—Tavarez. SF—-Guerrero.

GREENVILLE IP H R ER BB SO

Diaz 5 3 1 0 0 5

Montas (W, 2-7) 4 3 0 0 0 4

SAVANNAH IP H R ER BB SO

Matz 5 2 1 1 2 8

Kuebler (L, 2-6) 4 2 1 1 1 5

WP—Kuebler. HBP—Hernandez (by Matz), Hernandez (by Kuebler).

T—2:46. A—2,437.