January 8, 2025
Chase Sherrod was sworn in as Probate Magistrate Judge, and Jesse Moran was sworn in as Emanuel County Tax Commissioner by Chief Superior Court Judge Bobby Reeves. Kawame Coleman and John Moore were sworn in as County Commissioners by Don Wilkes.
January 15, 2025
Adrian City Hall closed following the resignation of Adrian Mayor Wynola Smith, along with the city clerks and maintenance department. Council members Robert Fountain and Orweco Hutchinson also resigned.
Emanuel County Fire & Rescue was awarded two federal grants totaling an estimated $777,000 to enhance fire safety and emergency response capabilities.
January 22, 2025
The Emanuel County Board of Education met on Tuesday, January 14, at 5 p.m. at Twin City Elementary for the swearing in of John Allen Bailey, Del Brown and Brandon Jones for their new Board of Education terms by Probate Judge Chase Sherrod.
January 29, 2025
After 14 seasons as head football coach at ECI and 29 years of teaching and coaching, Chris Kearson announced his retirement. Coach Kearson leaves ECI as the winningest coach in ECI program history with a 112-52 career record as head coach.
A gift last week from Mother Nature of a quiet blanket of powder-white snow was gentle and picturesque.
February 5, 2025
At the Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet held Thursday, January 30, All the Fixin’s was named ‘Business of the Year’. Jerry Cadle was named ‘Person of the Year’. Emanuel County Institute senior, Allie Rigdon; Swainsboro High School senior, Robert “Bo” Brown (also named County STAR Student); and David Emanuel Academy senior, Peyton Lee, have been named the 2025 PAGE STAR Students for their respective schools.
February 12, 2025
The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro, Inc. announced that Zachary D. (Zac) Frye was named President, CEO, and fiduciary director during their 2025 organizational meeting following the retirement of Milton B. Gray, Jr. Mr. Gray has been the President and CEO of the bank since 1999.
EMC Foundation raised over $60,000 for Emanuel Medical Center and Emanuel County Nursing Home at the “Help the Beat Go On” fundraiser held on February 6, at the Nordson Center.
February 19, 2025
The newly constructed administration building, located on Moring Street, and home of the Emanuel County Tax Commissioner’s Office, the Emanuel County Tax Assessor’s Office and the Emanuel County Board of Elections was named “The Davis-Thompson Building”.
The Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees announced Mayor Matt Donaldson of Twin City was named to the Leadership Georgia Class of 2025.
February 26, 2025
Dr. David Schecter announced his retirement from East Georgia State College.
Erin Stanford, an 11th grade student at Emanuel County Institute (“ECI”), received an honor for her outstanding academic achievements and commitment to excellence at the annual Black Scholar Recognition Program.
March 5, 2025
The Georgia Department of Education and Governor’s Office of Student Achievement proudly recognized Emanuel County Institute and Swainsboro High School for remarkable student growth achievements. On Tuesday, February 25, State School Superintendent Richard Woods visited the Emanuel County Board of Education to celebrate their outstanding accomplishments. This event celebrated the accomplishments of dedicated educators who have successfully enhanced literacy and mathematics skills among students.
The Governor David Emanuel-Adam Brinson Chapter, NSDAR, presented awards to deserving 8th graders at each school in the county. The 8th grade student from David Emanuel Academy – Kaley Flowers; Emanuel County Institute – Camden Hall; Swainsboro Middle School – Stella Kate Marsh.
March 12, 2025
The 2025 Swainsboro Police Department Awards Banquet was held Friday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Beaver Creek Plantation where SGT Seth Purvis received the ‘Office of the Year’ award from Chief Ashley Riner.
March 19, 2025
At the regular meeting of the County Commissioners, the Board voted to accept a bid of $900,518.00 for two new county fire trucks. According to Administrator Singletary, the majority of funding for the purchase of the trucks came from a grant of $742,000 with the remaining amount provided by SPLOST.
Barbara Stevens, 76, resident of Emanuel Medical Center Nursing Home, has cherished a lifelong dream of visiting Disney World and her dream came true.
March 26, 2025
A special election was held Tuesday, March 18 to fill the vacant seats of the mayor and two City Council seats. Sandra Bailes won the mayoral race with 109 votes, defeating Wynola Smith, who received 61 votes. In the City Council Post 2 race, Bruce A. Miller won with 101 votes over Sandra L. Warter’s 65. In the Post 4 City Council race, William Richardson won with 99 votes, beating Suzanne Poole Hutchinson, who received 69.
Two talented local musicians, Bo Brown and Grayson Brassell, showcased their exceptional musical abilities at the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) All-State Band, held in Athens February 27 through March 1, 2025.
April 2, 2025
David Emanuel Academy’s Board of Trustees announced that Mr. Andy Callaway accepted their invitation to join as the next Head of School, beginning in June.
Jennie Montgomery, WJBF NewsChannel 6, and the Giving Your Best Partners visited The Lazarus Project Wednesday, March 26, to present Malissa Hancock with the Giving Your Best Award! Malissa was nominated for the award by Judge Bobby Reeves.
April 9, 2025
The ECI Baseball team played the Portal Panthers Monday morning, April 7, taking the game 13-3 and won their third consecutive region championship.
Emanuel County Schools announced that two students from the county have received the Georgia Scholars honor: Allie Rigdon from Emanuel County Institute and Bo Brown from Swainsboro High School.
April 16, 2025
Swainsboro City Council approved the purchase of the former Spivey State Bank property for $550,000.00 and moving all administrative operations to the North Main address from the current central location where City Hall has operated since 1965. In addition, Bennett proposed renovating the exterior to “make it pretty and safe” and renovating the downstairs lobby area of the historic building to use as a “place to meet”.
Roddriguez M. Foster, Sr was sworn in by Probate Judge Chase Sherrod. The swearing in took place Friday, April 11 at 6 p.m. at the Swainsboro City Hall. Foster filled the vacant District 5 City Council seat in a special election held March 18.
The Sunshine House Children’s Advocacy Center Board of Directors announced the appointment of Haylee Free as Executive Director effective July 1.
April 23, 2025
On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Emanuel County Superior Court with Judge Robert S. (Bobby) Reeves presiding, John Gibbons was sentenced to life without parole in the fatal shooting of Darius Tashon Johnson, age 31, of Swainsboro.
It was a packed house at the new Emanuel County government center – the Davis-Thompson Building -Monday afternoon as nearly 200 people turned out to mark its official opening.
April 30, 2025
Governor Brian P. Kemp announced April 17 that the City of Swainsboro received $2,500,000 in OneGeorgia funds for water, sewer, drainage, and road infrastructure improvements for development in the 23-acre Rolling Oaks Subdivision located on Highway 1 North. The 23-acre parcel was purchased from Wounded Warriors Retreat, Inc. by Mincey Goggans Construction in March of 2025.
On Monday, April 28, the David Emanuel Academy Eagles golf team competed in the state competition at Harbor Club on Lake Oconee golf course and brought home the GIAA Class AA State Championship!
Citizens Bank of Swainsboro has once again demonstrated its commitment to the local community by contributing $250,000 to Emanuel Medical Center (EMC) through the Georgia HEART Program.
May 7, 2025
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 category were Dellwood Baptist Church (1st place), Hillcrest Baptist Church (2nd Place) and Jesus Saves Church (3rd Place). The profit category winners are One Moore Tree Service (1st Place), Red’s Quick Lube (2nd Place) and Pruitt Health Hospice (3rd Place).
May 14, 2025
The ECI Bulldog baseball team continued their march to the championship series, sweeping Charlton Co. to punch their ticket to the Final Four round of the state playoffs.
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 Program with General Tommy Franks.
May 21, 2025
Swainsboro attorney Jerry N. Cadle was honored with the State Bar of Georgia’s 50 Years of Service Certificate on April 25, 2025, during the Executive Committee meeting held in Swainsboro.
Ten Bulldog baseball players were chosen on the Region All-Region Team recently. Three Bulldogs took top honors. Junior Tuff Boddiford was selected as region player of the year. Jackson Kennedy was chosen as region pitcher of the year. Catcher Gabe Lee was selected as region defensive player of the year. Chosen as first team all-region were centerfielder and pitcher James Parker, infielder/outfielder Davis Johnson, shortstop and pitcher Bryson Thompson and outfielder and first baseman Kanyon Thompson. Selected as second team all-region were outfielder Ab Marsh and pitcher and first baseman Jud Underwood. Second baseman Gunner Johnson was chosen as all-region honorable mention.
May 28, 2025
Swainsboro High School sophomore Colten Lewis took home the GHSA A-Division One State Championship by firing off a score of one-under-par in the two-round, 36-hole tournament.
On Wednesday, May 21, during their Honor’s Day Program, DEA’s Head of School Haylee Free presented family members of the late David L Beecher with a dedication plaque, naming DEA’s gymnasium after the former lifetime supporter and first headmaster.
June 4, 2025
Emanuel Medical Center announced the completion of its Emergency Department renovation project.
The River Rats have toured the Ogeechee once again and broken yet another record, raising $63,000.
Butch Parrish and State Senator Max Burns hand-delivered an $18 million check to county leaders on the steps of the new Davis–Thompson Building, marking the long-awaited arrival of federal funds promised to cover storm cleanup costs for Hurricane Helene.
June 11, 2025
The University System of Georgia and leadership of both East Georgia State College and Georgia Southern University approved the new name for East Georgia State College’s campus in Swainsboro. The campus will be named Georgia Southern University - East Georgia Campus.
Pro Parts Place, a Swainsboro-based lawn and agricultural equipment business, has recently contributed $30,000 to Emanuel Medical Center (EMC) through the Georgia HEART program.
June 18, 2025
Police Chief/ Command Staff Ashley Riner graduated from the Chief Executive Training Program (CETP) on June 12, 2025.
Halli Kate Johnson of Twin City, Southeast Georgia’s Teen, daughter of Wade and Anna Johnson, won the Newcomers Preliminary Talent Award for her tap dance to “Sunday Finest”.
At the request of the Twin City Police Department and the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office, GBI agents were called in to investigate the death of Zaria Khadejah Carr, age 27, of Twin City.
June 25, 2025
Kristin Hall was named the 2024 Clerk of the Year for Judicial District 8 by the Superior Court Clerks Association of Georgia during its recent spring conference on Jekyll Island.
The Swainsboro City Council will have a full complement of members following the election Tuesday, June 17, of Lafonda Hackett Kelly over Sue Bragg in the contest for representation of District 1.
Jeanie Hooks, a 13-year veteran of the court system, has officially been sworn in as Emanuel County’s first associate probate judge.
July 2, 2025
Emanuel County Commissioner Jim Sherrod and Emanuel County Administrator Guy Singletary traveled to Washington to advocate for Helene Recovery Funding at White House Leadership Conference.
July 9, 2025
From clerk to now chief appraiser, Corrina Coker’s career with Emanuel County has come full circle.
Swainsboro City Council reviewed a 5-year contract proposal from Clearwater Solutions for management of water, wastewater, public works, streets and right of ways and maintenance shop. The proposal included a 3% increase in the contract fee amount at the third and fifth year with an “opt out” provision and negotiated settlement clause.
July 16, 2025
On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, The Emanuel Regional Drug Task Force executed a search warrant located at 562 Mason Drive, Swainsboro. During this search, the following illegal drugs were discovered on the property: three grams of cocaine, 87 grams of ecstasy pills and over one pound of marijuana. Antwaun Bernard Bond, age 42, was arrested, along with Mikhail D. Coney, age 44.
Fresh off a string of victories and a year of continuous improvement, Cooper Riner is returning to one of junior golf’s biggest stages with a little more experience and a lot more momentum.
When he tees it up at the 2025 Under Armour Junior Tour Summer World Championship later this week, Riner will be a familiar face among the field. Layton Terwilliger, who will join Riner at Worlds, said winning the state championship with their school golf team was the highlight of his year. For Richard “Peanut” Braddy, another familiar face in the Worlds lineup, the trip is just as much about camaraderie as competition.
July 23, 2025
Emanuel Medical Center Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Damien Scott, PT, MBA, MS, FACHE, was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA), as announced at the association’s Annual Meeting of the Assembly on July 11.
July 30, 2025
New fire gear is in-hand and ready for action across Emanuel County.
Clay Lawrence wins National Honor at Junior National Hereford Expo.
In a continuous string of success and drive, Swainsboro’s Cooper Riner finished 10th in the 2025 Under Armour Junior Tour Summer World Championship out of 63 competitors.
August 6, 2025
Emanuel County Nursing Home announced that it has received a 4-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a recognition that reflects the facility’s ongoing commitment to excellence in patient care, safety, and service.
At the Swainsboro City Council meeting, Mrs. Ann Lawson questioned the mayor on the obligation of the city concerning donations made by citizens for the purchase and memorial designation of seating in the Karrh Theater.
August 13, 2025
Clinton Wayne Scarboro was arrested and charged with trafficking meth (1.8 pounds), trafficking fentanyl (11.4 grams), possession of firearm by convicted felon, fleeing and attempting to elude officers, possession of drug related object, possession of firearm during commission of felony and possession of marijuana (58.2 grams) with intent to distribute.
East Georgia State College (EGSC) was full of energy this past weekend as more than 350 new and returning students moved into Bobcat Villas.
August 20, 2025
At the Emanuel County Commissioners meeting, the board voted unanimously Monday night to settle the fire fee lawsuit case for a one-time lump sum payment of $650,000 on the advice of its outside counsel, Oliver Maner.
On Tuesday August 19, an altercation occurred between two minor-aged students at Swainsboro High School. Both students were participants in the incident, and one sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
August 27, 2025
During the ceremony, Bobcat Summer Leadership Program, Antonia “AJ” Holmes was honored for his exceptional leadership skills throughout the program and was awarded the Denny Key Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,500.
September 3, 2025
The stage was set, the stars were shining, and the community showed up in a powerful way for The Sunshine House Regional Children’s Advocacy Center’s 2nd Annual Dancing with the Stars event. The fundraiser raised a grand total of $70,941 at this year’s event!
September 10, 2025
At the meeting of Swainsboro City Council, the transfer of property at East Georgia Regional Airport from the city to the airport authority was approved.
Following a public hearing last week, the candidacy of a local woman in the upcoming Swainsboro city election for mayor has been ruled as not compliant with the standards of qualification for that office.
September 17, 2025
At the meeting of the Emanuel County Commissioners, commissioners reviewed and okayed the long-awaited grant approval of the three-tiered project at the Recreation Department.
At the September 8, 2025, Board of Education meeting, Emanuel County Schools recognized outstanding educators from each of its campuses: District Teacher of the Year: Chelsea Johnson, Twin City Elementary; Swainsboro Elementary School, Lori Romley; Swainsboro Primary School, Karol Key; Swainsboro Middle School, Shaakira Williams; Emanuel County Institute, Christian Novak.
September 24, 2025
Swainsboro women who met in January 1975 to organize a reading club anticipate the group would reach over 250 members during its fifty-year history. An anniversary celebration was held October 21, 2025.
Tigers win Homecoming game 21–14. Senior quarterback Kason Edenfield was crowned King, and senior Kylie Brown earned Queen.
October 1, 2025
Emanuel Medical Center (EMC) has been recognized as one of the cleanest hospitals in the United States, earning a 5-Star rating for cleanliness from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that oversees the nation’s healthcare programs and hospital quality reporting.
East Georgia State College (EGSC) announced two new additions to its athletic leadership team: Matt Gillespie as Head Softball Coach and John Hines as Head Women’s Basketball Coach.
October 8, 2025
Emanuel Medical Center (EMC) has been recognized as one of the top hospitals in the United States for nurse communication, earning a prestigious 5-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The ECI softball team completed their region schedule last week with a 7-0 defeat of Bryan Co. With the win, the Lady Dawgs won their FIFTH consecutive region championship with a perfect 15-0 region record.
October 15, 2025
The ECI Bulldog football team hosted Portal Friday night and put the bow on homecoming week by defeating the Panthers 41-14.
October 22, 2025
Piggly Wiggly has officially purchased the local Harvey’s Supermarket in Swainsboro. New owner Del Brown also owns Pinetucky Country Meats in Swainsboro, Piggly Wiggly in Twin City and Piggly Wiggly in Soperton.
David Emanuel Academy Varsity Eagles softball team ended the season with an outstanding record of 22-5 and finished as the GIAA State Runner Ups.
The ECI Lady Dawgs swept the sweet 16 round of the state playoffs to advance to the Elite 8 and will defend their 2024 state championship.
October 29, 2025
Dr. Denise Warnock, Emanuel County Schools Superintendent is one of 20 school superintendents from across Georgia who have been named to the first cohort of the Georgia Superintendents’ Workforce Leadership Academy, a collaboration between the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government and Georgia Power.
Governor Brian Kemp has issued a state proclamation declaring Sunday, November 2, as Retired Educators Day in Georgia. Members of the Emanuel Retired Educators Association recently joined Emanuel County Commission Chairman Jim Sherrod as he signed a similar proclamation honoring the work of the local chapter of the state organization.
November 5, 2025
EMC Engineering Services, Inc. made a generous contribution of $35,000 to Emanuel Medical Center through the Georgia HEART program. This unique program allows individuals and businesses to allocate their state income tax dollars directly to qualifying rural Georgia hospitals.
A Swainsboro High School teacher, Angel J. Oliver was arrested Wednesday, October 29, by the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Department. She is charged with Improper Sexual Conduct with three students, ages 16 and 17.
Council approved the 2025 budget as presented. The mileage rate was also approved at 10 mils.
November 12, 2025
Brown elected Mayor of Swainsboro; City officials announced: Gregory Quarterman will retain his seat representing District 6; Tjuna Culbreth will take over the District 4 seat; in district 3, Brad McKenzie won.
The District Attorney’s Office for the Middle Judicial Circuit of Georgia and the Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other law enforcement agencies, have arrested four subjects in a child exploitation investigation. • Jhirmichael Williams, a 34-year-old male • Bryon Willis, a 53-year-old male • Samantha Reese, a 35-year-old female • Samantha Bradford, a 30-year-old female
November 19, 2025
For the second consecutive year, East Georgia State College (EGSC) experienced an increase in overall fall enrollment, demonstrating sustained momentum and student confidence in the college’s academic quality, supportive environment, and engaging campus experience.
Swainsboro City Council voted unanimously to authorize a $200,000 transfer from the General Fund Balance and Water & Sewer Fund Balance to the Finance & Administration Site Improvement and Water & Sewer Site Improvement for the first payment on the City Administration Building.
A ribbon cutting was held Friday, November 14, at 10 a.m. to celebrate the Grand Opening of All the Fixin’s at their new Swainsboro location located at 520 S. Main Street.
November 26, 2025
Downtown Swainsboro’s Karrh Center officially opened, bringing family-friendly movies and entertainment back to the heart of the community.
A ribbon cutting was held Thursday, November 20, at 5 p.m. to celebrate the Grand Opening of Piggly Wiggly in Swainsboro. Store owner Del Brown, cut the ribbon as his wife Joy and guests look on.
December 3, 2025
Girl Scout Troop 30854 is proud to assist our local veterans with Wreaths Across America to make sure every hero is remembered this holiday season.
Swainsboro City Council - Council person Johnny Ray Stafford made a motion to hire current attorney Jon Levis, with a second by Council person Julian Sconyers. The motion failed with a 2-4 vote. Council members Greg Quarterman, Lafonda Kelly, Roddrigus Foster and Bobbie Collins voted against.
December 10, 2025
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today gave final approval to consolidate Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State College (EGSC). The move clears the way for the new institution to operate under the Georgia Southern University name, led by President Kyle Marrero, beginning January 1, 2026.
The Swainsboro Christmas Parade was held December 4. The top three floats were recognized as follows: • 1st Place: One Moore Tree Service • 2nd Place: Emanuel Medical Center • 3rd Place: Oaky Grove Church
December 17, 2025
Emanuel County Institute is pleased to announce that junior Lawson Frye has been selected for Youth Lead Georgia, a prestigious statewide leadership program coordinated by the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development.
December 24, 2025
The Veterans at The Library held the 4th Annual Wreaths Across America event at the Swainsboro City Cemetery. With the help of the citizens of Emanuel County, over 2,600 wreaths were placed on veteran’s graves in over 35 cemeteries in Emanuel County. At the Swainsboro City Cemetery, 705 wreaths were placed.
Jim Roberts, owner of Southern Traditions, visited the White House for the fourth year to decorate for Christmas. This year, as Captain, Robert decorated the Oval Office.
December 31, 2025
On Monday morning, December 29, 2025, officers of East Georgia State College and Georgia Southern University were sworn in by Chief Drawdy. Deputy Chief Dave Wright, Sgt. Ken Lewis, Ofc. Austin Newton and Ofc. Jim Mitchell will continue to serve in Swainsboro. Dave Wright was promoted to Deputy Chief of the Swainsboro campus.
