News

Grand jury returns 18 true bills, 0 no bills

The January 2025 term of the Emanuel County grand jury reconvened on Friday, February 28, 2025. Ashley Tankersley served as foreperson, Hope Henry served as assistant foreperson, Alaina McClain …

East Georgia State College plants tree in memory of Denny Key

East Georgia State College (EGSC) hosted an Arbor Day Tree Planting Celebration in February. The event was held at the Sudie A. Fulford Community Learning Center. A red maple tree was planted in …

DAR celebrates women’s contribution to the military

March is Women’s History Month, and the Governor David Emanuel – Adam Brinson Chap-ter of the DAR celebrated it by recognizing the contribution of women to the military during the monthly …

Are you ready for Spring?

Spring begins March 20 and symbolizes new beginnings, renewal, and the return of life after the dormancy of winter. Wanda Thompson Scarboro has been excitedly waiting on her naturaliz-ing Daffodils, …

Honoring the Women Workers on the Home Front During World War II

During World War II, many contributions were made by women workers on the home front. Many of the jobs and responsibilities previously handled by the men were now left for the women to perform. Women …

Rep. Butch Parrish reappointed Vice Chairman of the George L. Smith II Georgia World Congress Center Authority Overview Committee

State Representative Butch Parrish (R – Swainsboro), Chairman of the House Rules Commit-tee, was recently reappointed by House Speaker Jon Burns (R – Newington) to continue to serve as vice …

News from Under the Gold Dome

After a fast-paced and eventful Crossover Day week, members of the Georgia House of Rep-resentatives returned to the State Capitol on Monday, March 10th for Legislative Day 29, kick-ing off our ninth …

Swainsboro Presbyterian announces Bingo at The Spa

Swainsboro Presbyterian Apartments announces the beginning of BINGO at The Spa starting April 5th. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. at the Community Center and Bingo will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Open to the …

Wright apprehended after escaping

Thomas Wright, escaped inmate from Twin City Detention Center, is in custody after a brief pursuit in Richmond County. Wright made it to Candler County and stole a vehicle, then traveled to Richmond …

News from Under the Gold Dome

Last week, the Georgia House of Representatives returned to the Gold Dome on Monday, March 3, kicking off the busiest week of the 2025 legislative session so far. Thursday, March 6, marked Crossover …

The Forest-Blade goes to Kicheche Camps, Kenya

The Forest-Blade recently went to Kicheche Camps, Kenya for a photo safari with Jerry and Paula Cadle. Safari guides were Kicheche Johnson and Wildlife Photographer Mark Buckler.

Swainsboro Police Department holds Annual Police Banquet, Purvis named Officer of the Year

The 2025 Swainsboro Police Department Awards Banquet was held Friday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Beaver Creek Plantation. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Swainsboro Police Chief Ashley Riner opened …
Sports
Sports Headlines
    • Bell signs with Brewton Parker

      On Wednesday, February 26, DEA Senior Kyli Bell signed her official commitment to play softball for Brewton Parker College. Kyli has been a …

    • A tale of two games against Metter

      The Bulldogs began region play last week with a home and away two game set against Metter. You could use the first line of Charles Dickens “A …

    • Middle School Bulldogs’ season continues

      The ECI Middle School baseball team took on Bulloch Academy from Statesboro last week, defeating the Gators 12-5. Power ruled the day for the …

    • Eagles baseball

      The Eagles’ home opener was Wednesday, February 26 versus the Edmund Burke Academy Spartans. DEA, unfortunately, didn't capitalize on their …

Obituaries
Sarah Scott Lamb, 85
Mrs. Sarah Scott Lamb, 85, of Swainsboro, passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Emanuel County Nursing Home following an extended illness. Graveside service was held Saturday, March 15, at 11:30 …
Ann Conley, 81
Mrs. Ann Conley, 81, of Swainsboro, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025, at her residence following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 19, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of …
Farris Madison Hudson, Jr., 67
Farris Madison Hudson, Jr., age 67, passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2025. A Homegoing Celebration was held Monday, March 10, at 1 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Louisville with Pastor Delmus …
Stashara Iesha Worthen, 32
Stashara Iesha Worthen, age 32, of Metter, departed this world unexpectedly on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Esha was born February 27, 1993, in Swainsboro, to the late Aretha Worthen and Tyrone Danford. …
Margaret White, 79
Mrs. Margaret Ann White, age 79, of Twin City, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Emanuel Medical Center. Graveside service was held Tuesday, March 11, at 1 p.m. at Old Canoochee Primitive …
Education
East Georgia State College names Shufro as new Associate Provost
East Georgia State College (EGSC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Shufro as the new Associate Provost. With extensive experience in higher education and a passion for fostering student …
East Georgia State College hosts Spring Break Bash: A weeklong event for High School Juniors and Seniors
East Georgia State College (EGSC) is excited to announce its upcoming Spring Break Bash, a special event designed for high school juniors and seniors looking to explore their college op-tions. The …
Twin City Elementary celebrates Black History Month with "The Spirit of Freedom" program
On Friday, February 28, Twin City Elementary honored Black History Month with two inspiring performances of "The Spirit of Freedom." The programs highlighted the achievements of African Americans …
TCE recognizes February Students of the Month
The February Students of the Month were recognized on Thursday, February 27, in the TCE library by the counselor, Ms. Nikki Green. Their teachers chose them for exemplifying the character trait of …
Emanuel County 4-H’ers connect with elected leaders and the civic process during 4-H Day at the Capitol
Leadership came to life for the largest-ever Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol delegation February 25, in Atlanta, as 4-H’ers engaged with the civic process. Elected officials joined nearly 800 youth, …
Crime
    • SPD: 3.19.25

      Officers with the Swainsboro Police Department (SPD) reported… March 7 Officer responded to South Main Street in reference to a report …

    • JAIL: 3.19.25

      The following persons have been booked into Emanuel County Jail, according to Emanuel County Sheriff Jeffrey Brewer, on warrants obtained by one …

    • ECSO: 3.19.25

      According to the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office… March 10 Complainant stated her tag came off her vehicle and needed a report to get …

SOCIAL
Social

Swainsboro Rotary Club holds monthly meeting

The Swainsboro Rotary Club met at The Rustic Grill on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 12 p.m. with President Zack Proctor calling the meeting to order. The club discussed the upcoming Pine Tree Festival …

Smith III presents Flag Streamers

The Patrick Carr Rangers Chapter, Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution, held its quarterly meeting Monday night, March 10, at President David Hargrove’s home. With Pres-ident David …

Skunk Brigade attends America 250 event

Members of the Skunk Brigade traveled to Wrens to attend the America 250 event on Satur-day, February 15, at 11 a.m. in downtown, held by the John Franklin Wren Chapter NSDAR. The Skunk Brigade …
Features

Emanuel Medical Center Emergency Department Renovation Update

Renovations are underway for the Emergency Department at Emanuel Medical Center, with significant progress! Mary Radford and Brooke Marsh detail why these upgrades are vital to treating patients.

Nasworthy honored with retirement celebration

On Friday December 13, 2024, Assistant Fire Chief Frank Nasworthy worked his last on-duty shift with the Swainsboro Fire Department ending a 40 year career. Recently, family, friends and co-workers …

Spring forward

Don’t forget to move your clocks forward this Sunday, March 9. Clocks will officially spring forward at 2 a.m.
Faith

Holy Zion Church of Metter to hold 47th Church Anniversary

Holy Zion Church of Metter will have their 47th Church Anniversary January 16, 17 and 19, at 7:30 p.m. nightly. Thursday night, January 16, guest speaker will be Bishop Larry MacMiller with Bible …

Living Way Ministries to hold annual women conference

Living Way Ministries will have their annual women conference Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 9, at 2:30 p.m. The theme for the conference will be ‘Surely God can do …

Oak Chapel renovation

About the time Covid reared its ugly head early in 2021 and churches were suspending in-house services for a while, another problem arose at Oak Chapel Baptist Church. While inspecting some low spots …
Opinion

Letters to the Editor

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE READ QUESTIONS I, Coach Hank Aldridge was the public speaking part of the Emanuel Co BOE meeting March 11, 2025. I presented these questions and followed BOE protocol …

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor, We are writing to bring your attention to a matter of significant importance regarding the Emanuel County Auditorium, a beloved landmark in our community. Over the past four city …

Managing the news of the day

It’s tough being a “News Junkie” nowadays. The sheer volume of news since Donald Trump became the 47th President is off the charts. Not surprisingly, a large portion of it is not exactly …
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