News

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor, As one journalist to another, “Scotty Womack, your Forest-Blade articles are heartfelt and simply wonderful! They are a special gift from God and your devoted fans and supporters …

“Help Wanted” at the Fire Department and City Court

The Swainsboro City Council met Monday, June 9, at 6 p.m. for its monthly meeting at Swainsboro City Hall. The regular first Monday of the month meeting time was moved to accommodate the schedules of …

Worthen graduates from Georgia State University

More than 4,000 students graduated from Georgia State University at the conclusion of the Spring 2025 semester. Graduating students were honored during the university's 110th commencement exercises …

Veterans tour the new "Old Dixie Theatre"

The Veterans at the Library held their weekly meeting Monday, June 9, at 9 a.m. at Franklin Memorial Library. With Chair Johnny Tapley presiding, they had 38 in attendance. Shari Watt provided a …

Summer Reading Program in full swing at Franklin Memorial Library

The Summer Reading Program is in full swing, and we have much more in store and it is for the whole family to enjoy! Our next performances are scheduled for June 17 with the Library Staff performing …

Moose Lodge 1930 gears up for Poker Run Spring Fling benefiting the Sunshine House

The Moose Lodge 1930 is revving up for a day of fun, family, and fundraising at this year’s highly anticipated Poker Run Spring Fling set for Saturday, June 21, beginning at 10 a.m. This …

McBride named to Dean’s List at Brewton-Parker College

Molly McBride of Twin City has been named to the Spring 2025 Dean’s List at Brewton-Parker College. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a GPA of 3.6 or higher while enrolled in at …

Happy Father’s Day

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, the stepdads, the adaptive dads, the granddads and anyone who fits into the role of dad. Ashley Murphy of Statesboro gets to experience Father’s Day for the …

Sheriff Brewer speaks to Exchange Club

On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the regular meeting of the Swainsboro Exchange Club, Colton McRae introduced Sheriff Jeffrey Brewer as the program speaker. Sheriff Brewer brought in the K-9 unit. They …

Cochran and McVey make Academic Achievement List at Georgia Southwestern State University

Keldrik Cochran and Kayleigh McVey, both of Swainsboro, made the Spring 2025 Academic Achievement List at Georgia Southwestern State University and were among 885 students recognized for scholastic …

Proper way to fly the American Flag

Flag Day is this Saturday, June 14. The American flag is a ubiquitous presence in everyday life and is a symbol of respect, honor and patriotism. It may be displayed on any day of the year but should …

McVey graduates from Georgia Southwestern State University

Kayleigh McVey of Swainsboro graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University during the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony held on Friday, May 9, in the Convocation Hall of the Student Success …
Sports
Sports Headlines
Obituaries
Sandra Lee Dorsey, 80
Sandra Lee Dorsey, age 80, of Swainsboro, passed away Thursday evening, June 5, 2025, at Community Hospice of Vidalia. Funeral services were conducted Monday, June 9, at 3 p.m. at the First Baptist …
Jesse Johnson, 66
Mr. Jesse Johnson, 66, of Twin City, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Ogeechee Hospice in Statesboro. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 14, at 10 a.m. at Emanuel County Institute …
Dawn Warren Braddy, 65
Dawn Warren Braddy, age 65, entered her heavenly home peacefully surrounded by those who loved her most on Monday, June 9, 2025. Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 11, at 10 a.m. in the chapel …
Celia Hendley, 86
Durden Hudson Funeral Directors announces the death of Mrs. Celia Viann Anderson Hendley, 86, of Swainsboro, who passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Community Hospice in Vidalia. Graveside service …
Gregory "Muddy" Waters, 61
Gregory Henry “Muddy” Waters, age 61, peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 22, 2025, at Emanuel Medical Center in Swainsboro surrounded by his family. Homegoing service was …
Education
STC announces Spring Semester President’s List
Southeastern Technical College is proud to announce the 2025 Spring Semester President's List from Emanuel County. These students earned a grade point average of 3.75 or higher while enrolled in 12 …
SPS announces 4th nine weeks honors
Honor Roll 1st grade: Kensley Allen, Gatlin Amerson, Brantley Ascencio, Bayleigh Ausburn, Brinslee Bell, Alex Cheley, Harper Christopher, Rowan Clifton, Janielle Coney, Isabella Copeland, Kamorri …
What could be better than a good book and a Grandmother’s lap?
The Xi Delta Psi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi has an 18-year-old tradition of making an annual donation to The Franklin Memorial Library. The donation is made to honor any sister who is a grandmother …
Howell wins 3rd annual t-shirt design contest
Gifts Galore Monogramming & More sponsored their 3rd annual t-shirt design contest inviting and encouraging all school age children in Emanuel County to join in CREATING A TEE. Children were asked to …
Hall receives award from American Legion
The American Legion Local Post #103 presented Brogen Hall with Outstanding Student Award on Wednesday, May 21. Hall was recognized for his honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service to …
Crime
    • SPD 06.11.2025

      Officers with the Swainsboro Police Department (SPD) reported… May 30 Officer was dispatched to Noth Main St in reference to a reported …

    • Jail 06.11.2025

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

    • ECSO 06.11.2025

      According to the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office… May 31 Deputy was dispatched to Angela Dr. in reference to an intoxicated person …

SOCIAL
Social

Tapley speaks to the Veterans at the Library

The Veterans at the Library held their weekly meeting at the Franklin Memorial Library Monday morning, June 2, at 9 a.m. With Chair Johnny Tapley presiding, there were 39 in attendance. The UDC …

Thank you Mama

It’s May. Springtime in the South. There are so many things that I love about spring. The seasons have changed, there is new growth all around us. It’s a time of renewal, a season of new growth. …

SAR members march in the Pine Tree Festival

The Fall Line Region Continentals, GASSAR, consisting of SAR members from the Wiregrass, Brier Creek, Little River Chapters and the Henry Laurens Chapter, South Carolina Society with President Ted …
Features

River Rats break yet another record - $63,000!

The River Rats have toured the Ogeechee once again and broken yet another record. They thought last year’s record of $56,000 was going to be the limit – but it wasn’t! In April of this …

Swainsboro Fire Department preps for duty

The Swainsboro Fire Department understands the importance of staying ready for the Citizens. This preparation consists of doing things that require them to be fit for duty. One of the ways this is …

Love receives Bobby Powell Memorial Award

The Swainsboro Exchange Club hosted its annual Public Service Appreciation Banquet Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The banquet honors twenty-six public service agencies in Emanuel County, and each agency is …
Faith

Nunez Baptist Church to hold VBS

Nunez Baptist Church will have Vacation Bible School June 22-25, for ages Nursery to High School with this year’s theme, “Cokesbury Kids Road Trip on the go with God”. Meals will be served at …

FBC Swainsboro invites the community to join Vacation Bible School: "Magnified!"

Summer is here, and that means it’s time for Vacation Bible School! First Baptist Church of Swainsboro invites children and families across the community to dive into an unforgettable week of fun, …

Lester Grove Missionary Baptist Church to hold 123rd anniversary

Lester Grove Missionary Baptist Church will have their 123rd church anniversary on Sunday, June 22, at 11 a.m. Rev. Charles Holloway, Pastor, invites everyone to attend.
Opinion

Some thoughts about fathers on their special day

June 15th is Father’s Day. I thought I would get a head start on the topic since I happen to be a father, had a great father of my own, sired one who, in turn, sired one, and not to be outdone, a …

Welcome back, Summer

You can tell that it’s Summertime. You don’t need a calendar, a temperature gauge, or a slightly hyperactive, bright-eyed weather girl on channel eleven to break the news to you. Officially, it …

Season of change

After 1963, life changed for so many people. The aftermath of the assassination took its toll on the country, and it was a scary time for Americans. It was a season of change in civil rights, …
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