Ray Woods top story of 2007
From Staff Reports

The Forest-Blade staff chose the arrest and conviction of Ray Woods as the number 1 story of 2007. Articles concerning this case were printed in the Feb. 28, Aug. 22 and Oct. 17 issues of our paper. Woods, 50, was arrested on 112 felony theft by deception warrants. He served as assistant superintendent for student services for Emanuel County School System. One hundred and eleven of the charges stem from Board of Education accounts. He pled not guilty during an arraignment held July 18; however, on Oct. 16, Woods pled guilty and was sentenced to 20 years, five to be served in the state penal system and the remaining 15 to be served on probation.

At number 2 was the Emanuel County Institute Bulldogs' State Championship win! The Bulldogs thrilled Emanuel County with their 15-0 winning season and made the local community proud with their professionalism. ECI won their new title with a leading score of 41-21 against Wilcox County. Many have commented on the dignified way in which the players carried themselves throughout the season.

Making number 3 was Brian Daughtry, headmaster at David Emanuel Academy, who was put on administrative leave with pay while an investigation began concerning Daughtry's "personal conduct." Daughtry was later replaced by Janice Waters, who took over as head of school at the beginning of the school year.

The number 4 spot went to another educator, this time Coach DeWitt Davis of Emanuel County Institute. Emanuel County Sheriff's Office was contacted by a student and family members at Emanuel County Institute, as well as the Emanuel County Board of Education, alleging that inappropriate incidents took place earlier this year involving Davis.

The sudden death of Marie Wofford made number 5. Wofford, director of public relations and personnel services at Emanuel County Board of Education, was also the founder of Emanuel County Relay for Life and a civic leader. She died on Nov. 15.

At number 6 was the closing of BI-LO Supermarket earlier this year on Jan. 5. Many local residents were unhappy to see the popular chain leave the community after 25 years of serving Emanuel County. The store closed its doors for good on Jan. 31. The store chose not to renew its lease and a spokesperson said that, "As part of the company's long term plan, BI-LO will concentrate on core markets where they hold leading market share positions or see significant potential for growth."

The number 7 spot goes to Larry Calhoun, who was chosen the new president of Swainsboro Technical College. The appointment of Calhoun filled the vacancy created last summer when the previous president of Swainsboro Tech, Dr. Glenn Deibert, was named president of Southwest Georgia Technical College.

Making number 8 was the sad story of neglected horses in Emanuel County. The news of the neglected horses hit big when WJBF Channel 6 covered the story. Terri Peeler was the owner of the horses and had left the horses several years ago; her father was feeding the horses until about six months ago. There were 18 horses at one time, but the numbers slowly decreased when the horses were not receiving proper care.

At number 9 was Emanuel Medical Center and its recent woes. First, at its meeting in June, the Hospital Authority passed a "negative budget" for 2008. Len Daugherty, CEO, said that Emanuel Medical Center had "assumed no growth in business" last year and that they would have to "tighten their belts" in the coming months. Then at the July meeting, the Authority received, in executive session, a letter from a group of medical doctors and physicians concerning issues dealing with management of Emanuel Medical Center. The letter, signed by 12 doctors, cited specific problems with communication between staff and upper management at the hospital. Both parties agreed to work on their problems together.

On a happy note and rounding out the list at

number 10 was the recent announcement that Emanuel County is one of the state's newest "Entrepreneur Friendly" communities. The designation indicates the community has worked to develop an environment that is welcoming to small business and entrepreneurs. Ninety two percent of Emanuel County's 807 companies are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees. Emanuel County is the 64th community in the state to be named Entrepreneur Friendly by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD).

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