Statesboro Halloween Guide + Local Schools Win State Recognition 2025

Welcome back! What a week it was. If you made it to the parade, the fair, or Saturday's homecoming game, you know exactly what we're talking about. True Blue energy was everywhere, and our community showed up in a big way.

This week, we're shifting gears from homecoming celebrations to something equally important: Halloween planning. We've got the complete guide to every trick-or-treat event happening between now and October 31 (spoiler: there are a LOT of options). Plus, we've got big local news, Georgia Southern updates, and all the weekly events you need to know about.

Let's jump in!

This is huge. The Georgia Department of Education just recognized four of our schools for outstanding performance, and we couldn't be prouder.

Brooklet Elementary and Nevils Elementary made the Distinguished Schools list, which means they're in the top 5% of all Title I schools in Georgia. That's not just good. That's exceptional.

Julia P. Bryant Elementary and Mattie Lively Elementary earned Reward School status for making the biggest improvements among Title I schools statewide. These schools are proof that our teachers, staff, and students are doing incredible work every single day.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods said these schools keep "the focus on preparing students for life" despite facing real challenges. That's exactly what great education looks like.

And here's more good news: Bulloch County Schools employees earned 10 state and national awards during the 2024-2025 school year. Elizabeth Hartley was named one of just 12 national ambassadors for health science education. Erica Scripture is Georgia's Economics Teacher of the Year.

Read the full story at Grice Connect

Some seriously cool news dropped this week. WalletHub's 2025 ranking put Statesboro at #24 among over 1,300 small cities evaluated nationwide for starting a business.

Mayor Jonathan McCollar said the ranking shows "our community's dedication to economic vitality and fostering a vibrant community that's welcoming to all." Statesboro is one of only three Georgia cities in the top 25, alongside LaGrange and Carrollton.

If you've been thinking about launching that business idea, apparently you're in the right place to do it.

(Note: WalletHub's full 2025 ranking isn't yet published online, but watch for the official release)

This one's tough to read, but it has a hopeful ending. On October 14, the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant that resulted in rescuing more than 50 dogs and cats from a single home.

According to Captain Todd Hutchens, conditions inside were severe. "Every room in the house is just scattered and spread with dog feces and urine. The ammonia smell is just outrageous." One deceased dog was found, and surviving animals showed signs of abuse and injuries.

Two people were arrested on felony Cruelty to Animals charges. The Atlanta Humane Society and Bulloch County Animal Shelter are providing medical care and working to find these animals proper homes.

If you're interested in adopting or fostering, contact the Bulloch County Animal Shelter at (912) 764-4529.

Read the full story at WTOC

Big win for affordable housing. The City of Statesboro was awarded $1,372,659 through Georgia DCA's 2025 Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) for new single-family home construction aimed at very low to low income residents.

Director of Planning and Development Kathy Field pointed out that Statesboro hadn't received a CHIP Grant since 2001. "We never wavered in our commitment to secure resources for our residents," she said.

This funding will make a real difference for families who need quality, affordable housing.

Read more

What a game! Georgia Southern delivered a 41-24 victory over Georgia State on Saturday night in front of 25,428 fans (the fourth largest crowd in Paulson Stadium history). The Eagles dominated the fourth quarter with a 21-0 run to seal the win in the second annual Georgia Grown Bowl.

Quarterback JC French had the game of his life: 17 of 25 passing for 210 yards and three touchdowns, plus 12 rushes for 85 yards and another score. Wide receiver Camden Brown caught two touchdown passes, bringing his season total to eight touchdowns and tying the single-season GSU record set by Chris Johnson back in 2000.

The Eagles are now 3-4 overall and 1-2 in Sun Belt Conference play. They travel to Arkansas State this Saturday, October 25, for a 7 PM matchup on ESPN+.

Next home game: November 15 against Coastal Carolina for Salute to Service.

Read the full game recap at GSEagles.com

Georgia Southern just secured nearly $3 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education, renewing its TRIO grant for five years with expanded programs.

This matters because over 9,000 students across all GSU campuses qualify for this assistance, which includes academic tutoring, course selection guidance, career exploration, and financial aid help. The grant specifically supports first generation students, low income students, and students with disabilities.

It's the kind of support that helps students stay in school and graduate.

Read more at WSAV

The Board of Regents just approved a new Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences, set to begin Fall 2026 on both the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses. The program will be offered through the College of Science and Mathematics.

Dean Michael Huggins said it creates a "full educational path from undergraduate studies to advanced research," letting students "seamlessly transition into a terminal degree."

Learn more at WSAV

The volleyball team is crushing it with a 14-3 overall record and 5-1 in Sun Belt Conference play. Recent wins over Troy and Marshall show this team is for real.

Men's soccer defeated Mercer 3-0 on October 14, with goals from Tomas Morales and Zachary Martin.

Check the full athletics schedule at GSEagles.com

Alright, let's talk Halloween. We've got a packed week of spooky fun happening right now through Saturday, October 26. Whether you've got toddlers or teenagers, there's something here for everyone this week.

Next week's edition will have the complete guide to the final Halloween weekend (Oct 27-31), including the massive Mill Creek Park event and all the Halloween night activities.

See the full Halloween calendar at Grice Connect

Trick-or-Treat on Greek Street Wednesday, October 22 | 5:30 to 7:30 PM | Olympic Boulevard | FREE

This is one of Georgia Southern's most beloved Halloween traditions. Fraternities and sororities open their doors for trick-or-treating, and they go all out. We're talking bounce houses, ring toss, face painting, chalk drawing, temporary tattoos, bowling, corn hole, and pie toss. Plus cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn throughout Greek Row.

Olympic Boulevard will be closed to traffic for safety. Park in Lots 29, 30, 31, 32, 42, or Paulson Stadium. No registration required. Just show up in costume and have fun.

Questions? Call the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at (912) 478-5185.

More info visit the Facebook event page

Haunted Forest of Statesboro Thursday-Saturday, October 23-25 (and again Oct 29-31) | Gates at 8:00 PM | Kiwanis Ogeechee Fairgrounds

The Haunted Forest is back for its 45th year! This is not your average haunted house. Picture a dark, winding path through the woods filled with fog, eerie effects, and costumed actors jumping out when you least expect it. Fair warning: this one's intense and not designed for young children.

Tickets are $10 for youth and $15 for adults. Group rates available at hauntedforeststatesboro.com or at the gate. Gates open at 8:00 PM and close at midnight. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Bulloch County.

Get tickets at Eventbrite

This is the family-friendly option for Friday night. Costume contest (first place wins a 2026 season pass!), carnival games, bounce houses, heated swimming pools, and lots of candy. Bring your own trick-or-treat bag.

Call (912) 489-3000 ext. 351 for more info.

If Spookfest is too tame for you, stick around for the Haunted River. They transform the lazy river into a frightening walk-through experience. No water, but plenty of scares. Runs 9:00 PM to midnight each night.

This is the big one. Last year over 1,000 kids and families showed up, and this year should be even bigger. Local businesses and organizations fill decorated trunks with candy and goodies. Best decorated trunk wins a free one-month YMCA membership.

Want to participate? Sign up through the Trunk or Treat Volunteer Form by October 20. Contact Executive Director Hannah Beggs at the Y for details.

IMPORTANT: All Statesboro Regional Public Libraries will be closed Thursday, October 23 for staff training.

Tuesday, October 21

Graphic Novel Book Club | 4:30 PM | Ages 6-11 Financial Literacy Class: Multiple Streams of Income | 5:45 PM | Ages 18+ Baby Time | 10:00 AM | Ages 0-24 months "ME" FIRST Tutoring | 5:00 to 6:30 PM (continues every Tuesday and Thursday through April 30, 2026)

Wednesday, October 22

Toddler Time | 10:30 AM | Ages 2-5 Chess and Pizza Event | 6:00 PM | Holiday Pizza downtown | All ages

Thursday, October 24

"ME" FIRST Tutoring | 5:00 to 6:30 PM

Friday, October 25

Cribbage Club | 1:30 PM | Ages 18+

Saturday, October 26

Statesboro Stitches (Crochet and Knitting Club) | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Dungeons and Dragons Youth Club | 12:00 to 4:00 PM | Ages 12-18

All programs are FREE. Call (912) 764-1341 or visit strl.info for more information.

Tuesday, October 21

Statesboro City Council Work Session | 3:30 PM | City Hall Council Chambers Statesboro City Council Meeting | 5:30 PM | City Hall Council Chambers (50 East Main Street) Bulloch County Board of Commissioners Meeting | 5:30 PM | North Main Annex

All meetings are open to the public. View agendas at statesboroga.gov

Thursday, October 23

Bulloch County Board of Education Work Session | 6:30 PM | Central Office/Transition Learning Center Board Room (Williams Road)

Monday, October 27

Business Commission Meeting | 6:00 PM | City Hall

The Bethany Community Commons Building on Gesmon Neville Lane has free daily programming:

Tuesday, October 21: Root Beer Float Social at 3:30 PM Wednesday, October 22: Becky Livingston presents "Generosity: Our Legacy" at 2:00 PM Thursday, October 23: Bingo at 4:00 PM Friday, October 24: Music Group at 2:00 PM

Contact Haley McNure at (912) 225-7204 for details.

The Averitt Center for the Arts (33 E. Main Street) is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Check averittcenterforthearts.org or call (912) 212-2787 for current exhibitions and performances.

Bulloch County Recreation and Parks facilities at Mill Creek Regional Park offer 150 acres of fields, playgrounds, pavilions, and a lighted walking trail. All free to use. Visit statesboroga.myrec.com for fall sports programs.

High school sports continue at Southeast Bulloch, Statesboro High, and Portal High. Check individual school websites for schedules.

Georgia Southern volleyball (14-3 overall!) hosts home matches at Hanner Fieldhouse. Visit gseagles.com for tickets and schedules.

Next Monday's edition (Oct 28) will include:

Extreme BMX and motocross stunts with professional riders. Two shows at 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, plus live music, DJ, food trucks, and vendors. Christ-centered, family-friendly, and absolutely wild. Perfect for thrill seekers of all ages.

Read more at Grice Connect

Bring your electronics for recycling, papers for shredding, and medications for disposal. The Free Market in the Boro lets you trade gently used items. No registration required. Just show up.

On the ballot: Statesboro Mayor, City Council Seats 1 and 4, E-SPLOST VI, FLOST, and Public Service Commission races.

Critical deadlines: Absentee ballot requests due by October 24. Early voting ends October 31 at 5:00 PM at the Bulloch County North Main Annex (113 N. Main Street).

That's it for Edition #2! Enjoy this week's Halloween events, and don't worry - we'll have the complete guide to the final Halloween weekend (Oct 27-31) in next Monday's edition, including the big Mill Creek Park event and all the Halloween night activities.

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See you next Monday!