Residents across Habersham County will have several opportunities this week to attend public meetings, hear updates from local governments, and participate in community decision-making. Here is the complete list — ordered by date and time — including two major special events: the Cornelia Special Called Meeting and the State of the County.

📅 Tuesday, December 9

Habersham County Board of Tax Assessors

9:00 a.m. — Regular Meeting
📍 Habersham County Administrative Building
130 Jacobs Way, Suite 201, Clarkesville (Main Floor Conference Room)

Cornelia Special Called Meeting — Annexation Moratorium

12:00 p.m. — Special Meeting
📍 Cornelia Municipal Courtroom, 181 Larkin Street

Cornelia commissioners will consider an emergency temporary moratorium on all new annexation applications while the city reviews ordinances, water/sewer capacity, and related policies.

🔗 Full details:
https://habershamnews.com/2025/12/08/cornelia-calls-special-meeting-tuesday-to-consider-emergency-moratorium-on-annexation-requests/

Habersham County Board of Commissioners & Planning Commission

2:00 p.m. — Joint Work Session
📍 Habersham County Administrative Building
130 Jacobs Way, Suite 201, Clarkesville (Executive Conference Room, 3rd Floor)

Topic: Review of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) draft — a comprehensive guide for zoning, land use, and future development.

Alto Town Council

6:00 p.m. — Work Session
7:00 p.m. — Regular Meeting
📍 Alto Municipal Complex, 186 Wade Street

Baldwin City Council

6:30 p.m. — Work Session
📍 Baldwin Municipal Courtroom, 155 Willingham Avenue

📅 Wednesday, December 10

State of the County — Joint Partnership Habersham & Chamber Event

🕒 Time: See details at link
📍 Event venue information in the linked article

Local leaders will deliver updates about county operations, growth, economic development initiatives, and city progress. The event will be recorded and made publicly available online.

🔗 More info:
https://habershamnews.com/2025/12/02/local-leaders-clarify-details-ahead-of-the-december-10-state-of-the-county-meeting/

📅 Thursday, December 11

Habersham County Development Authority

3:30 p.m. — Regular Meeting
📍 Habersham County Administrative Building
130 Jacobs Way, Suite 201, Clarkesville (Executive Conference Room)

Habersham County Board of Education

4:00 p.m. — Work Session
📍 144 Holcomb Street, Clarkesville

Stay Engaged With Your Community

From annexation decisions to countywide planning and city-level governance, this week features several significant meetings that will shape the future of Habersham County. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate wherever possible — or follow Habersham News for detailed coverage.

CORNELIA, Ga. — The City of Cornelia has scheduled a special called Commission meeting for Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. to consider placing an emergency moratorium on new annexation applications. The meeting will take place in the Cornelia Municipal Courtroom at 181 Larkin Street, and the public is invited to attend.

The agenda for the brief meeting includes approval of the agenda, a public forum, and a single item of new business: “Consideration of an Emergency Moratorium on Annexation Requests.”

According to the official public notice, the proposed moratorium would temporarily halt acceptance of new annexation applications while the city conducts a comprehensive review of several critical areas:

• Existing annexation ordinances, rules, and regulations
• Water and sewer capacity, both current and future
• Potential updates or new ordinances governing how property may be annexed into the City of Cornelia

City officials say the pause will provide time to evaluate infrastructure needs and ensure that future annexations align with Cornelia’s long-term planning and service capabilities.

The public will have an opportunity to speak during the Public Forum, with comments limited to three minutes per person. However, this segment excludes items scheduled for public hearing, which does not apply to Tuesday’s agenda.

After consideration of the moratorium, the Commission is expected to adjourn.

Residents interested in Cornelia’s approach to growth, city services, and annexation policy are encouraged to attend.

CORNELIA, Ga. — Cornelia United Methodist Church welcomed the Christmas season in timeless fashion Sunday afternoon with its annual Lessons and Carols service — a deeply meaningful tradition blending Scripture and song, all designed to slow the season down and center worshippers on the story of Christ’s birth.

Led by Senior Pastor Randy Kanipe and Music Director Dr. Wallace Hinson, the service featured a moving sequence of biblical readings paired with choral music, congregational hymns, and special instrumental performances from a violinist and cellist, whose contributions added a rich, classical depth to the liturgy.

“One of the most delightful services I’ve experienced”

Pastor Kanipe said the service exceeded even his highest hopes.

“I was blessed by it. The Lessons and Carols is a traditional service that tells the Christmas story through scripture and song. Today was just amazing… one that stands out as one of the most delightful that I’ve experienced,” Kanipe said.

He emphasized the spiritual intention behind the service — to create a moment of stillness and clarity amid the holiday bustle.

“It takes the Christmas moment and slows it down… It gives people a moment of peace they can reflect back on when the craziness of Christmas starts back up. They remember where they were still and knew that God was there.”

A 400-Year Tradition Continues in Cornelia

Dr. Wallace Hinson, who directed the music, noted the historic roots of Lessons and Carols.

“It’s a wonderful service with about a 400-year history. It started in England, and it’s a wonderful way to start the Christmas season,” Hinson said.

Hinson, who spent many years leading the same service at Piedmont University, expressed gratitude for the choir he now directs at Cornelia UMC.

“We have a wonderful, dedicated choir of great people — good singers who worked really hard to make it a special service for themselves and for the congregation.”

The choir’s harmonies, supported by the violin and cello, filled the sanctuary with an atmosphere of reverence and anticipation.

A Community Gathering Rich in Meaning

Church members, families, and guests gathered to hear the familiar story of Christ’s birth told through Scripture and traditional carols. Readers from the congregation lent their voices to the narrative, while the choir and musicians offered musical reflections between readings.

For many in attendance, the service marked the true beginning of the Christmas season — an opportunity to connect more deeply with faith, community, and the beauty of sacred music.

Cornelia United Methodist Church will continue its Advent observances throughout the month, welcoming all who wish to join in the journey toward Christmas.

BALDWIN, Ga. — Holiday spirit was in full swing tonight as the City of Baldwin hosted what many are calling one of the best Habersham County Christmas Parades in years. Families packed sidewalks along Willingham Avenue and Airport Road as 32 floats and parade units rolled through town, filling the night with lights, music, laughter, and plenty of candy.

The parade was organized by Life Church of Baldwin in partnership with the City of Baldwin.

This year’s lineup included floats, decorated vehicles, walking units, Paw Paw’s Peanuts handing out treats, and even an insurance vendor station near the finale. The parade also featured the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, the Baldwin Police Department, and the Baldwin Fire Department. And of course—Santa Claus made his traditional grand entrance to close out the evening.

“A huge success with 32 floats”

Pastor Bob Petty of Life Church of Baldwin said he was overwhelmed by the turnout and joy of the night.

“This year’s Habersham County Christmas Parade was a huge success with 32 floats. Lots of candy was handed out. David Foster from WCON was co-emcee with Pastor Penny Petty. We would like to thank Life Church of Baldwin. Everyone had a great time.”
— Pastor Bob Petty, Life Church of Baldwin

Radio host David Foster of WCON served as emcee alongside Pastor Penny Petty, adding humor, community shoutouts, and parade highlights from their grandstand at Stew N’ Que. The restaurant also hosted festivities, offering funnel cakes, hot chocolate, and giveaways from its blocked-off parking area, giving families a warm place to enjoy the celebration.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the community we get to serve”

Baldwin Fire Chief Joseph Jackson expressed deep gratitude for the turnout and for the collaboration that made the event run safely and smoothly.

“I just want to thank everyone who came out in support of this event, from the community, to staff, to Life Church, and every one of the participants. The parade was an amazing success because of each of these elements. I couldn’t be prouder of the community we get to serve and the members of this city that serve alongside us. Lastly, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and safety through the holidays.”
— Chief Jackson, Baldwin Fire Department

Chief Jackson and his team oversaw safety operations throughout the route, which began at Fieldale (555 Broiler Boulevard) and continued through town before ending past Stew N’ Que on Airport Road.

A Parade That Brought Habersham Together

With more than 30 entries—up from the 29 originally registered earlier this week—the parade showcased the creativity and pride of schools, churches, businesses, public safety agencies, and local organizations across the county. Children lined the curbs with bags provided by the City of Baldwin to collect the endless stream of candy tossed from floats.

Even with chilly weather, the festive energy never dipped. Families described the night as “magical,” “joyful,” and “one of the best Baldwin has hosted.”

Share Your Parade Photos

Habersham News invites readers to share their favorite moments from tonight’s parade. Photos may be featured in a follow-up gallery.

The Christmas season is here, and we want to celebrate it with you! 🎄✨

Habersham News is collecting everyone’s favorite Christmas movies, and we’d love for you to join the conversation. Whether you’re devoted to the classics like It’s a Wonderful Life or White Christmas, can’t get enough of modern favorites like Elf or The Santa Clause, or even champion an underdog like The Grinch or Die Hard (yes, that debate counts!)—we want to hear from you.

Tell us which Christmas movie you watch every year, the one that brings back memories, makes you laugh, or gets your whole family gathered around the TV with hot cocoa.

Drop your pick in the comments, tag a friend, and let’s see which movie reigns supreme in Habersham County!

What’s your go-to Christmas classic? 🎬🎅

Share it on the Habersham News Facebook link below:👇 https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EiAJyTnbz/

One of Habersham County’s most extraordinary residents will be honored on national television tonight as CBS News airs a special feature on Kenneth Karl Schubring Sr., a 103-year-old World War II veteran, Pearl Harbor survivor, and longtime community leader.

A CBS crew traveled to Schubring’s son’s home in Clarkesville to film the segment. The special airs tonight at 6:30 p.m. on CBS, bringing Schubring’s remarkable life story to audiences across the country.

A Survivor of Pearl Harbor

Born on June 28, 1922, in Manistique, Michigan, Schubring has lived a life marked by courage, service, and historic milestones. At 19 years old, he was stationed just five miles north of Pearl Harbor as a young airman in the U.S. Army Air Forces.

He had just finished night guard duty and was sitting down to breakfast when the attack began.

“Shortly before 8 a.m., an explosion shook our bunkers,” Schubring recalled. “Everyone rushed outside. The sky was full of Japanese bombers.”

He remembers the moment vividly—the green markings on the planes’ wings, the deafening engine noise, and the chaos that followed.

“When I realized what was going on, self-preservation set in,” he said. “It was everyone for himself.”

Schubring took cover in a roadside gutter until the attack ended. His barracks were destroyed. Around him lay devastation and loss.

First Day to the Last Day of WWII

Remarkably, Schubring also served in active combat on the last day of World War II. His unit was flying B-29 bombers on a mission over Osaka, Japan, when the announcement came that the emperor intended to surrender.

“It is a distinction to have been in active combat on the first and the last day of WWII,” Schubring said.

He would eventually become a first lieutenant and later a captain in the Retired Air Force Reserve.

A Life of Service After the War

After returning home, Schubring earned an MBA and continued serving his community. He spent two terms on the Athens-Clarke County Board of Education during the integration era of the early 1970s, serving as both president and vice president.

“I consider this to be one of my major accomplishments,” Schubring said about his leadership during a challenging and transformative time in Georgia’s educational history.

He also spent 18 years as a Rotary Club member, inspiring his daughter—former Brentwood mayor and commissioner Lee Crossley—to follow in his footsteps.

“My dad is a real-life hero. My favorite hero,” Crossley said.

A Highly Decorated Veteran

Schubring’s military honors reflect a lifetime of bravery and dedication. His awards include:

• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters
• Distinguished Unit Citation with oak leaf cluster
• Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four battle stars
• American Defense Medal
• Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal
• World War II Victory Medal

He has also traveled to Washington, D.C., as an Honor Flight participant.

A Life Still Celebrated Today

Now living in Clarkesville at age 104, Schubring continues to inspire those around him. For his 100th birthday, the Atlanta Braves honored him with a special celebration, inviting his entire family to a game and preparing a tribute video and flyover in his honor.

Tonight, his story reaches a national stage again.

Residents of Habersham County and beyond can tune in at 6:30 p.m. on CBS to watch the feature recognizing one of America’s last living Pearl Harbor survivors—and a man whose life of service continues to touch countless people.

December 5th

Ken Schubring, Sr. will also be on the Atlanta news tomorrow at 8:45 a.m.