October 31st Weekly Update
SwampLine Weekly Update – October 31, 2025
This week’s update is a special edition as Waycross celebrates Halloween night and our community faces real challenges ahead.
We’re highlighting tonight’s trick-or-treat events and local safety updates, while also focusing on the ongoing SNAP benefit delays caused by the federal shutdown — an issue affecting families across Georgia and right here at home.
From community events to critical updates, SwampLine is here to keep you informed, connected, and ready to help one another through whatever comes next.
SwampLine Guide to Halloween in Waycross
Waycross is set for a full night of Halloween fun across the city — from candy stops downtown to haunted rooms, live music, and Friday Night Lights. Whether you’re dressing up, trick-or-treating, or just coming out to enjoy the evening, there’s something for everyone.
Trick-or-Treating: 5–7 PM
Where: Downtown Waycross, neighborhoods, and community events
Downtown Waycross:
Pendleton Street and the downtown square will be the main hub for Halloween festivities. From 5–7 PM, the annual Trunk-or-Treat will fill the street with decorated vehicles, games, and candy stations hosted by local businesses and community groups.
The Waycross Police Department and Ware County Sheriff’s Office will also be downtown joining the fun — hosting their Haunted Courtroom and Treats No Tricks events near City Hall and the courthouse lawn with candy, music, and meet-and-greets for kids and families.
Local restaurants and shops will stay open later for trick-or-treaters and families stopping through, with plenty of photo ops and festive lights along Pendleton Street and Plant Avenue.
After Hours: When the downtown candy bags are full, head to Memorial Stadium as the Ware County Gators host Wayne County in the final regular-season matchup. Kids in costume can Haunt the Field at 7:20 PM before kickoff — a Waycross tradition tying Halloween and high-school football together.
Safety Tips
• Use flashlights, reflective tape, or glow sticks to stay visible.
• Cross streets at corners and stay alert for traffic.
• Travel in groups and plan your route early.
• Arrive downtown early — parking fills fast near City Hall.
• Drivers — slow down and stay alert through neighborhoods.
Local News
Double Homicide – Father and Son Killed
A tragic shooting occurred Saturday, October 25, in southern Pierce County.
• Virgil Lester Chaney, 64, and his son Christopher Levi Chaney, 37, were found shot to death at their home.
• Suspect Avery James Courson, 30, of Blackshear, was arrested within an hour and charged with two counts of felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Courson remains held at the Pierce County Jail.
Mayor Hosting Public Panel on SNAP, Medicaid & Medicare Updates
Mayor Michael-Angelo James will hold a public and virtual panel today at noon to discuss recent changes to SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare and how they affect local families.
City Hall Chambers — 12 PM
Livestreamed on city channels; replay available afterward
Residents needing help can visit the Ware Children’s Initiative Resource Hub at ware.gafcp.org.
Action Pact Head Start Services Threatened by Shutdown
Action Pact Head Start announced that without federal funding restoration, local Head Start classrooms will temporarily close after October 31.
510 Tebeau Street, Waycross
Director Angela Carr said the agency is doing everything possible to stay open but urged families to contact congressional representatives about the shutdown’s impact.
Pierce County Commission Schedules Tax Increase Hearings
Pierce County officials announced three public hearings to discuss a proposed property-tax increase.
Nov 6 — 8 AM Nov 6 — 6 PM Nov 13 — 6 PM
All hearings will take place at the Pierce County Commission Office. Residents are encouraged to attend, voice opinions, and stay informed about how the proposal could affect local taxpayers.
Ware County Gators Fall in Shootout, Face Wayne County Tonight
The Ware County Gators fell 48–44 to Warner Robins in a high-stakes matchup that shook up their playoff path. The Demons pulled off a late-game victory in a shootout that kept fans on edge.
Tonight, Ware County hosts Wayne County in the final regular-season game. Coverage: sportsmic.com, 41nbc.com, hhjonline.com.
Waycross Veterans Day Job and Resource Fair Coming Up
C.C. McCray City Auditorium, 865 Pendleton St.
Wednesday, Nov 6 — 10 AM to 2 PM
Open to all veterans and job seekers, the fair will feature employers, career resources, and networking opportunities.
Register at tinyurl.com/2aogaqzv. For more info, contact Trevor Ogle with WorkSource GA at the Waycross Career Center.
National First Responders Day Recognized Across Southeast Georgia
Communities throughout Southeast Georgia celebrated National First Responders Day this week, honoring firefighters, police, EMTs, and paramedics who serve daily — often without thanks. From the Waycross Fire and Police Departments to EMS teams in Ware, Brantley, and Pierce Counties, local officials and residents showed gratitude through social media posts and station visits. SwampLine thanks all first responders for their service and dedication to our communities.
Regional
GDOT Road Work Advisory
The Georgia Department of Transportation announced ongoing and upcoming road work across Southeast Georgia, with lane closures and delays expected on major routes including I-95 and neighboring highways. griceconnect.com
Georgia / State News
Lives on Hold: SNAP Delays & Georgia’s Response
The interruption of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has moved from warning to reality in Georgia — and for roughly 1.4 million residents, this isn’t politics, it’s survival.
What’s Happening
• USDA told Georgia officials that November SNAP benefits cannot be loaded without new federal funding.
• More than 1.4 million Georgians — including children, seniors, and working families — could miss their monthly benefits.
• Food banks are already seeing longer lines as families prepare for the cutoff, and rural areas like Southeast Georgia are expected to feel the strain most.
The Situation
Governor Brian Kemp acknowledged the crisis and said the state has no legal mechanism to replace federal SNAP funding, calling on Congress and the White House to end the shutdown.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle continue to argue in Washington over spending priorities while families at home face immediate uncertainty.
Impact on Families
Without benefits beginning November 1, families are turning to local pantries, churches, and nonprofits for support. SNAP funds also play a major role in local economies — especially in smaller grocery stores and rural towns — meaning the loss is felt well beyond the dinner table.
Local Angle — Southeast Georgia
• Local food banks and churches are preparing for a surge in need.
• Families are encouraged to stretch what’s left on their EBT cards and reach out early for community help.
• Southeast Georgia residents can support relief efforts by donating food, volunteering, or spreading awareness to help neighbors in need.
Need Help Finding Food?
SwampLine has compiled a full list of local food resources across Southeast Georgia to help families during the shutdown.
Read it here https://www.glgrobsmith.com/.../food-resource-guide...
Editorial Note
Once again, Washington gridlock is being paid for by everyday families. While leaders debate, communities are the ones holding things together. SwampLine urges everyone to stay informed, check on their neighbors, and lend a hand where possible until this shutdown ends.
As Halloween night kicks off across Waycross, have fun, stay alert, and keep our streets safe for everyone heading out.
Use your lights, drive carefully through neighborhoods, and make tonight about community and connection.
While Washington works through its shutdown, it’s the people here at home who keep things moving — neighbors helping neighbors, families looking out for one another, and volunteers stepping up when it matters most.
SwampLine thanks everyone doing their part to keep Southeast Georgia strong. Have a safe, fun Halloween — and we’ll see you out there tonight
