The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) has alerted SNAP recipients that, due to insufficient federal funding during the ongoing government shutdown, November benefits may not be issued. If the shutdown continues, USDA guidance indicates that EBT cards could stop working on November 1, 2025. Recipients are urged to plan ahead, use current balances, and track funds via the ConnectEBT app or website. DHS emphasized that duplicate applications will not speed benefit delivery and continues to monitor the situation closely.
In statewide recognition, Grant Walraven, Clerk of Superior Court in Gordon County since 2012, has been named the 2025 Officer of the Year by the Constitutional Officers Association of Georgia (COAG). Walraven was honored during COAG’s annual meeting for his leadership and contributions both locally and through his service on the Superior Court Clerks’ Council and COAG board.
Meanwhile, the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed a new case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) at a commercial poultry facility in Gordon County, marking the state’s third commercial operation affected this year and fifth overall detection in 2025. The outbreak, part of a nationwide issue affecting over 182 million birds since 2022, prompted rapid response efforts including quarantine of surrounding operations, depopulation of approximately 140,000 broilers, and ongoing containment measures. Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper warned of the threat to Georgia’s top industry and the livelihoods tied to poultry production.
