Halloween Week in Statesboro: Events, Voting Guide & Community Updates | Statesboro Brief

Halloween is HERE, folks. Between the haunted forests, trick-or-treating, and probably too much candy, this week's got it all. But don't sleep on what comes next, we've got a pivotal election on Tuesday, a massive recycling event, and your usual dose of Statesboro happenings.

Let's dive in.

Halloween festivities hit their peak this week with something for everyone, from family-friendly fun to genuine frights.

TOMORROW: Mill Creek Park Trick or Treat is your Tuesday evening answer to Halloween with the kids. From 5:00-7:30 PM at Mill Creek Regional Park Soccer Complex, 30+ local businesses and organizations are setting up a giant candy trail alongside games, train rides, bounce houses, and food trucks. It's completely free, though you'll want to bring cash for food. Parking assistance will be on-site, and organizers ask you NOT to park in school lots across the street. This event pulls together the community in the best way—shoutout to sponsors including Kiwanis Club of Statesboro, Coca-Cola, Wing Maxx, Chick-fil-A, and many more. Rain date info will hit the department's social media if needed. Contact: (912) 764-5637 or visit bullochrec.com/trick-or-treat.

The Haunted Forest wraps up its 45th season this final weekend (Oct 29-31), running 8:00 PM to midnight at Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds (16942 GA-67). This isn't your neighborhood spook-house—it's a 3/4-mile walk through legitimately dark, fog-filled woods with costumed actors committed to terrifying teens and adults. Not recommended for young kids. Tickets run $10-15, with all proceeds benefiting Freedom Through Recovery. Free parking available. Call (912) 682-5015 or check hauntedforeststatesboro.com.

Friday, October 31—The Main Event. Traditional trick-or-treating runs the recommended 6:00-8:00 PM window throughout Statesboro neighborhoods (look for porch lights on). But you've got options: Statesboro Mall hosts "Malloween" starting at 6:00 PM with free candy at participating stores—shop while the kids trick-or-treat. The library's throwing a "Boo-K and Treat" event from 4:00-5:30 PM ((912) 764-1341). And here's something special: visit Southern Manor Senior Living (1532 Fair Road, 3:30-5:30 PM) or Willow Pond Senior Care (4434 Country Club Road, 6:00 PM) where residents will pass out candy to trick-or-treaters. It's a beautiful way to bring joy to seniors who might otherwise miss the holiday spirit.

Safety first, always. Use flashlights or glow sticks, stick to sidewalks, inspect all candy before eating, and drivers—please slow down in neighborhoods. Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other day. Public safety officials recommend organized public events as the safest option over door-to-door trick-or-treating.

Early voting ENDS THIS FRIDAY, October 31 at 5:00 PM at the Bulloch County Annex (113 N. Main Street, Suite 201). If you haven't voted yet, this week is your last chance before Election Day on Tuesday, November 4 (polls open 7:00 AM-7:00 PM). Find your polling place at mvp.sos.ga.gov. As of October 21, only 1,066 early votes had been cast—your voice matters, so use it.

For Statesboro City Residents: You're choosing between incumbent Mayor Jonathan McCollar (seeking his third term after eight years in office) and challenger Raymond L. Harris Sr. (disabled U.S. Army veteran and small business owner). McCollar touts major accomplishments including a nearly 30% poverty reduction, $128 million in commercial development underway, and significant crime decreases. Harris is running on fiscal restraint, accountability, and addressing overspending—he believes eight years should be enough for any mayor. City Council District 1 residents also choose between incumbent Tangie Johnson (who won last year's special election with 50.85% of the vote) and John Grotheer (20+ years of local government experience as city clerk, finance director, and more). Council District 4's John Riggs runs unopposed.

E-SPLOST VI continues the one-penny sales tax specifically for Bulloch County Schools from January 1, 2028 through December 31, 2032. This isn't new—it's a renewal of the tax you've been paying since 2003. The big-ticket item: building a new Southeast Bulloch High School for 2,000 students. The district has half the needed funds from the current E-SPLOST; approval would complete the project. It also funds school buses, technology, renovations, potential new multi-purpose facility at Statesboro High, Portal Middle-High gymnasium, and prevents facilities from falling into disrepair. Without E-SPLOST, the alternative is an estimated 5 mills in property tax increases. Since Georgia Southern students and regional visitors shop here, this spreads the cost beyond just property owners.

FLOST (Floating Local Option Sales Tax) is the new kid on the block—and it's complicated. This would add a 9th penny to your sales tax (from 8% to 9%) starting January 1, 2026, but here's the catch: revenue can ONLY be used to reduce property taxes. For Statesboro, City Manager estimates this could slash the millage rate from 8.625 mills to around 5 mills—that's approximately $3.4 million annually in property tax relief. The downside? You're paying more at the cash register (9% is significant), the relief won't hit until fall 2027 (18+ months after collection starts), and sales taxes disproportionately burden lower-income residents. FLOST works with a new "floating homestead exemption" that limits annual taxable home value increases to the inflation rate, protecting homeowners from sudden tax spikes when property values skyrocket. Both measures deserve your careful consideration.

Absentee ballots must be RECEIVED (not just postmarked) by 7:00 PM on Election Day. Last day to request one was October 24. Questions? Call Bulloch County Elections at (912) 764-6502.

Thursday, October 30 at 10:00 AM, city leaders and Statesboro Fire Department members gather on Brannen Street at Bernard Lane (behind Lowe's) to officially start construction on the $4.8 million facility. Expected completion: May or June 2026. The new station addresses growing response time needs driven by massive residential and commercial development—over 2,500 housing units currently under construction within city limits. It'll house two fire engines/trucks plus offices, gym, kitchen, bunks, and training spaces.

At last Tuesday's city council meeting, Mayor Jonathan McCollar recognized Water and Sewer Crew Leader Ronnie Swint for 20+ years of service (retiring November 1) and approved the retirement of K9 Smokey, the bloodhound who served the Statesboro Police Department for years. Council also passed an ordinance modernizing massage establishment regulations (dating back to 1994) and advanced nail and hair salon regulations to ensure safe, legal operation.

The popular drive-thru coffee chain announces plans for Statesboro's first location at 23974 U.S. Highway 80 East (between AutoZone and Newk's Eatery), opening early 2026. Known for upbeat atmosphere, enthusiastic "broistas," and extensive beverage menu including their signature Dutch Bros Rebel energy drinks, the 986-square-foot shop sits less than 10 minutes from Georgia Southern's campus.

Beyond the original Bistro & Bar downtown (106 Savannah Ave), Sugar Magnolia now operates a Coffeehouse at Market District (100 Brampton Place with drive-thru, Monday-Saturday) and a Coffeehouse at Charme apartment complex at Georgia Southern. All locations serve carefully crafted coffee they roast themselves, fresh bakery items, healthy smoothies, and full breakfast and lunch menus.

Bulloch County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant on October 14 at a Statesboro residence, rescuing over 50 dogs and cats living in "very deplorable" conditions—every room scattered with feces and urine, animals showing signs of physical abuse and neglect, one dead dog found inside. Debra Jo Green, 70, and Kenneth Mark Berrin, 71, were arrested October 20 on felony cruelty charges. Many animals were transported to Atlanta Humane Society for treatment. If you suspect animal abuse or neglect, contact Bulloch County Sheriff's Office.

Bulloch County Schools ended 2024-25 with 11,024 students across 15 schools. The district is simultaneously proposing a new electronic device policy starting July 1, 2026, that would limit cellphones, smartwatches, and portable devices in K-8 classrooms from first bell to dismissal. Public input is being sought. Alison Hardin of Brooklet Elementary was named 2025-26 Teacher of the Year in October.

Football sits at 3-5 overall, 1-3 in Sun Belt play after dropping last Saturday's game at Arkansas State, 34-24. The Eagles led 14-0 early but couldn't maintain momentum. QB JC French IV threw for 208 yards with 2 TDs. Good news: the Eagles get a bye week this weekend before a Thursday night showdown at Appalachian State on November 6. Remaining home games: November 15 vs. Coastal Carolina and November 22 vs. Old Dominion (Senior Day).

The Homecoming win over Georgia State (41-24 on October 18) was electric—25,428 fans watched the Eagles dominate with a 21-0 fourth quarter blitz. JC French IV threw 3 TDs and rushed for another, and Statesboro celebrated winning the "Georgia Grown Bowl" rivalry game.

Other Eagles excellence: Women's rifle team (ranked #2 nationally) defeated #3 Alaska, #15 Air Force, and Schreiner last Friday with a team score of 4,710. Men's soccer (#20) battled #25 Kentucky. Volleyball is 16-5 overall, 7-3 Sun Belt after a tough five-set loss at James Madison.

GATA Jam 2026 tickets went on sale October 24. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Beautiful Eagle Creek on the Statesboro campus. Headliners are Bailey Zimmerman and Hudson Westbrook. This country music festival has grown into a massive campus tradition—last year featured Riley Green and Ella Langley. All ages welcome (2+ need tickets). Visit gatajam.com.

Saturday, November 1: RecycleFest returns from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM in the parking lot behind City Hall (29 E. Vine Street). This is your chance to responsibly dispose of electronics (Sensible Recycling), shred papers on-site (Ultra Shred Technologies, sponsored by CORE Credit Union), recycle glass/plastics/metal (Greenrock Recycling), drop off household batteries and aluminum cans (Pittman Park UMC, proceeds benefit Habitat), destroy medications properly (Statesboro PD—no liquids or sharps), and learn about rain gardens and the Tree Rebate Program. The Fix-It Fair (hosted by Greener Boro Commission and Georgia Southern BIG) offers FREE repairs for bikes, textiles, lamps, jewelry, small appliances, and wood items. Electronics fees: $10 for CRT TVs/monitors, $5 for flat screens. Contact Keep Statesboro-Bulloch Beautiful at (912) 212-2321 or [email protected].

Rooted in Community, Growing Together (Raíces y Servicio)

As part of the NALFO National Day of Service, the Southeast Province of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity, Inc. invites you to a Community Literacy & Education Day on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Georgia Southern University’s Russell Union.

This event brings together students, volunteers, and community members to support early childhood literacy and help high school students prepare for college.

Program Highlights (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM):

Click here to register

Library happenings: Baby Time (Tuesdays, 10:00 AM), Toddler Time (Wednesdays, 10:30 AM), "ME" First Tutoring (Tuesdays/Thursdays, 5:00-6:30 PM), Cribbage Club (Fridays, 1:30 PM), Statesboro Stitches crochet/knitting (Saturdays, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM). Special programs this week include the Adult Book Club (Thursday, October 30, 6:00 PM) and a Genealogy Program on "Preserving Legacies" (Thursday, 2:00-3:00 PM, ages 55+). Call (912) 764-1341.

Government meetings: Statesboro Business Commission meets Monday, October 27 at 6:00 PM; One Boro Meeting on Monday, November 3 at 5:30 PM; Statesboro City Council meets Tuesday, November 4 at 9:00 AM (Election Day).

Arts: Trial by Fire (Tribute to Journey) performs Saturday, November 1 at Averitt Center for the Arts' Emma Kelly Theater. Call (912) 212-2787 or visit averittcenterforthearts.org.

Beyond Election Day on Tuesday (covered extensively above), the week brings Kaleidoscope: The Harvest Moon Gala on Thursday, November 6 from 6:30-9:00 PM at The Food Bank (corner of Northside Drive West and Miller Street). This fundraiser features cocktails, mocktails, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, live music with Dr. Michael Braz, and a silent auction. Tickets are $38/person at statesborofoodbank.org or call (912) 386-1462.

Bulloch County Board of Education holds its regular session Thursday, November 6 at 6:30 PM at the Board Room on Williams Road.

Library programs continue with Teen Sewing Circle (November 6, 4:00 PM, ages 12-18), a Genealogy Program "Grave Cleaning Class" off-site on Friday, November 7 at 2:00 PM (ages 16+, register at circulation desk or email [email protected]), and Dinosaur Story & Craft Activity (November 7, 4:00 PM, all ages).

Georgia Southern football travels to Appalachian State on Thursday night, November 6—the Eagles' biggest rivalry game. No home games until November 15 when Coastal Carolina visits Paulson Stadium.

Holiday season begins in earnest with The Nutcracker Ballet scheduled for November 21-23 at Averitt Center, followed by Celtic Angels Christmas Concert and A Crooning Christmas with Chris Mitchell & Friends in December.

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