News

Reverend Mason named to The Committee of 100

The Reverend Bernard Sonny Mason, son of Gloria Mason and the late Dr. Raymond Mason, has been named as a member of The Committee of 100 comprised of outstanding alumni of The Candler School of …

Still standing, still struggling, the Veterans we can’t forget

Memorial Day is a solemn occasion to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. We attend parades, place flags at gravesites, and take quiet moments of …

A Memorial Day Tribute to the American Soldier

Every June 6 for many years, no matter where I might be, I would make a respectful phone call to my wife's Uncle Chuck. I simply wanted to let him know that I was thinking about him on the …

TWIN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE

On May 9, 2025, at approximately 6:00 PM, the Twin City Police Department responded to a call for service at Singh's Food Mart in Twin City, Georgia. As part of the ongoing investigation, we are …

Grand jury returns 19 true bills, 1 no bills

The April 2025 term of the Emanuel County Grand Jury convened Tuesday, April 22, 2025, with The Honorable Tommy J. Smith presiding. The Grand Jurors elected Chad Canady to serve as Foreperson, Beth …

Tapley discusses Veterans Cup Golf Tournament

The Veterans at the Library held their weekly meeting at the Franklin Memorial Library Monday morning, May 12, at 9 a.m. With Chair Johnny Tapley presiding, they had 46 in attendance. The DAR fed …

Swainsboro native and Air Force Senior Silas celebrates graduation from Valdosta State University

Yaliyah Silas, a proud 2020 honor graduate of Swainsboro High School, has achieved another remarkable milestone: earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Valdosta State University. Currently …

Swainsboro Food Pantry food distribution

Swainsboro St. Philip Center of Hope Food Pantry will be open for distribution on Thursday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Thigpen sentenced in Superior Court

The following occurred during the Emanuel County Superior Court April 2025 term: Gary Jordan Thigpen negotiated a guilty-alford plea on one count theft by receiving stolen property. He was fined …

Stanford selected for Prestigious Four-Star Leadership Program

Erin Stanford, a rising senior and standout member of the Emanuel County Institute JROTC program, has been selected as one of only 75 students worldwide to participate in the Four-Star Leadership …

Rutherford wins The Great Pinecone Hunt

Each year, in celebration of Swainsboro’s Pine Tree Festival, The Forest-Blade features The Great Pinecone Hunt for a chance for one lucky winner to win $100 after locating the 20 hidden pinecones …

Roberson receives Sons of the American Revolution JROTC Award

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Cadet Corian Roberson received the Sons of the American Revolution bronze medal JROTC award at the annual Emanuel County Institute JROTC battalion award …
Sports
Sports Headlines
Obituaries
Rosa Lee Hearst, 83
Rosa Lee Hearst, age 83, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2025. A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at Mosley’s Funeral Home with Scott Weigl officiating. Mrs. Rosa was born …
Sara Marlene Norwood, 76
Mrs. Sara Marlene Norwood, 76, of Swainsboro, (aka G-Ma to her grandchildren), passed away peacefully at her residence surrounded by family on Monday, May 12, 2025. Funeral services were held Friday, …
Larry Sheppard Boyd, 81
Larry Sheppard Boyd, age, 81, passed away peacefully at home in Dublin on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Services were held Sunday, May 18, at 2 p.m. at Charity Baptist Church. Burial followed at Dublin …
Ret. Col. Robert Williams, Sr., 96
Col. (Retired) Robert E. “Bob” Williams, Sr., 96, of Summertown, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Emanuel County Nursing Home following an extended illness. Funeral services were held …
Ray Lofton "Buddy" Smith, 66
Durden Hudson Funeral Directors announces the death of Mr. Ray Lofton “Buddy” Smith, 66, of Twin City, who passed away Friday, May 2, 2025, at Twin View Health and Rehab. Graveside Service was …
Education
SHS holds honors programs for underclassmen
Swainsboro High School's underclassmen honors day was Tuesday, May 15. Special awards and highest average awards were presented to students for their achievements this school year. Students who …
ECI Middle School Honors Day
On Monday, May 12, 2025, middle school students at Emanuel County Institute were honored for their academic excellence. The ceremony began with Mrs. Sondra Cowart, Intervention Specialist, welcoming …
Emanuel County Institute Honors Day
The annual High School Honors Day Program for Emanuel County Institute was held Monday, May 12, 2025, 10:30 AM in the school auditorium. At that time, students in grades 9-11 were recognized for …
Lee awarded Davis-Hilburn Scholarship
Peyton Lee, son of Michael and Jana Lee, and the David Emanuel Academy Salutatorian for the Class of 2025, was recently awarded the Davis-Hilburn Scholarship presented by the Dublin Rotary Club. …
Emanuel County students selected for Georgia Foundation for Agriculture Scholarship
Lawrence receives Emanuel Farm Bureau scholarship Emanuel County students Clayton Hood and Emma Lawrence have been named recipients of Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA) Scholarships. …
Crime
    • SPD: 5.21.25

      Officers with the Swainsboro Police Department (SPD) reported… May 12  Officer was dispatched to S Main Street in reference to …

    • JAIL: 5.21.25

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

    • ECSO: 5.21.25

      According to the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office… May 10 Complainant reported that someone took $1,470 from her chime account and …

SOCIAL
Social

Rosalind McVey, Beta Sigma Phi 2025 Lady of the Year

Each year the Xi Delta Psi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi meets at the end of April to celebrate its annual Founder’s Day Celebration. Beta Sigma Phi, a national organization consisting of state and …

Seedling Garden Club ends year with picnic

As tradition has it, Seedling Garden Club ends its year with a picnic. This year the picnic was held on Monday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m. at the home of Nancy Lisenby. Serving as hostesses along with …

Miss Holder, Mr. Hughes to exchange vows

Mickey and Jennifer Holder of Galax, VA and Angel Anderson of Metter announce the engagement of their daughter, Maddison Brooke Holder, to William Harrison Hughes. The future groom is the son of Mike …
Features

Dellwood Baptist Church and One Moore Tree Service wins Pine Tree Festival float contest

Each year during Emanuel County’s annual Pine Tree Festival, six parade entries are named winners in the float contest. For the 78th annual Pine Tree Festival, the winners in the non-profit …

John Buxton and Virginia Palumbo win First Place in 2025 Knotty Pine 5K!

On the morning of May 3, 2025, runners came to Swainsboro for the 24th running of the Knotty Pine 5K Race as part of the Pine Tree Festival. The 5K was sponsored by the Swainsboro Kiwanis Club, who …

Screws crowned 2025 Miss Pine Tree Festival

The 78th Annual Miss Pine Tree Festival Pageant was held Saturday, April 26, at East Georgia State College. The pageant featured nine groups, Baby Miss, Toddler Miss, Wee Miss, Tiny Miss, Little …
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

Now I remember

Until his death, my father wrote a column for The Forest-Blade where he shared memories of special times, events, and folks. I wondered if readers enjoyed his memories. The answer is “Yes”. Now …

The Tupperware party

Any housewife who lived during the 50’s or 60’s remembers Tupperware. It was all the rage! It was almost like a rite of passage for young marrieds to have a Tupperware party which was hosted in …

A little free advice

Back in the “olden” days when life was simpler, there was just one event that was far and away the crowning accolade of adolescence and the literal rite of passage into adulthood. It was the …
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