As the final hours ticked away at the Demorest Fire Department, a small group of firefighters remained on duty—carrying out their responsibilities one last time in a station that has served the city for decades.

Among them was Tim Nunnally, a Demorest native whose connection to the department spans nearly two decades in different roles. Nunally joined the department most recently in September 2023 as an engineer, bringing experience from Dawson County Emergency Services and a deep personal tie to the city he has always called home.

“I’ve lived in Demorest all my life,” Nunnally said. “I went to the old Demorest Elementary School. To come back here and serve the city—and ultimately be here at the end—has truly been a blessing.”

A difficult and unexpected decision

While there had been some discussion about the department’s future, Nunnally said the final decision still came as a disappointment.

“I always hoped the city council would support the fire department and vote to keep us here,” he said. “But ultimately, that’s not what three out of the four voted to do.”

Under the approved plan, fire protection services for the city will transition to the county, bringing an end to the city-run department and leaving its remaining firefighters without guaranteed placement.

Uncertain futures for longtime firefighters

Initially, Nunnally and others believed a transfer to county employment might be arranged. That option, however, never materialized.

“We were under the impression they were going to broker a deal for us to come over to the county,” he said. “Ultimately, they made the decision not to.”

While the county offered employees the opportunity to apply, Nunnally said several applications were unsuccessful.

“Three people from here applied, and all were told no,” he said.

Now, like his fellow firefighters, Nunnally is weighing his next steps.

“I’m just exploring my options and seeing where God’s going to send me,” he said. “He blessed me by allowing me to serve the City of Demorest, and it’s been a great opportunity.”

A career rooted in service

Nunnally first worked with the department in 2006, when staffing was largely part-time and volunteer-based.

“To see how the department grew over the years—and to work with both old friends and new ones—has meant a lot to me,” he said.

As of the department’s final shift, only a handful of firefighters remained on duty. The former fire chief has already accepted a position in Seneca, while the assistant chief’s final day came earlier this week. By midnight, the remaining firefighters’ employment with the city officially ended on December 31, 2025.

Concerns for the city’s future coverage

While Nunnally wished both the city and county well, he expressed concern about the long-term impact of the transition on Demorest residents.

“Personally, I don’t feel this will be beneficial for the city in the long run,” he said. “The county has large coverage gaps outside city limits, and I believe the citizens of Demorest may ultimately suffer.”

He noted that while initial credits and equipment transfers may reduce early costs, annual increases written into the contract could leave the city paying just as much—or more—over time.

The final watch

As the remaining firefighters prepared to close out their final shift, they did so with the same professionalism that defined their careers—hoping for a quiet night, but ready to respond if needed.

The City of Demorest will formally seat its city leadership during a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m. at Demorest City Hall.

During the ceremony, Shawn Allen and Andrew Ferguson will be officially sworn in as members of the Demorest City Council. Jerry Harkness will also be sworn in as Mayor.

The swearing-in marks the formal beginning of a new term for the city’s elected officials, who will be responsible for guiding policy decisions, overseeing municipal operations, and addressing issues facing the Demorest community in the months and years ahead.

Swearing-in ceremonies are a longstanding civic tradition, symbolizing both continuity in local government and a renewed commitment to public service. Family members, city staff, and members of the public are expected to attend as the officials take their oaths of office.

Following the ceremony, the mayor and council members are expected to begin their official duties immediately, continuing the work of city governance at Demorest City Hall.

A potentially dangerous structure fire was safely contained yesterday thanks to a rapid, coordinated response from multiple public safety agencies.

At approximately 10:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026, officers and firefighters from the Baldwin Police and Fire Departments responded to a structure fire at 1208 Park Avenue, joined by Habersham County Emergency Services, the Banks County Fire Department, the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cornelia Fire Department.

Officials said the fire originated in an outbuilding located approximately 75 feet from the main residence. From there, flames spread through a wooded area, threatening the primary home and nearby residences. Fire crews immediately began aggressive suppression efforts to stop the fire’s advance, while officers and deputies went door-to-door warning neighbors who could have been in the fire’s path.

Those efforts proved successful. Due to the quick and professional response of fire personnel, the blaze was contained before it reached any homes or additional structures. City of Baldwin Public Works and Georgia Forestry Commission also played a critical role in stopping the fire’s spread through the wooded area.

As firefighters worked the scene, crews discovered that a 55-gallon drum inside the fire contained a hazardous chemical substance that was reactive with water, adding a dangerous complication to the response. The Hall County Fire Rescue HAZMAT team was requested and safely identified and contained the substance. Once the material was secured, fire crews were able to fully extinguish the blaze.

No injuries were reported, and no homes were destroyed in the incident.

The Georgia Fire Marshal’s Office, along with police department investigators, is now working to determine the cause and origin of the fire.

City officials also expressed appreciation to Dairy Queen of Baldwin, which donated meals to public safety personnel who remained on scene for several hours.

Authorities credited the outcome to strong interagency cooperation, noting that teamwork among local, county, and state partners helped prevent what could have been a much more serious incident.

Habersham County history buffs, aviation enthusiasts, and members of the general public are invited to a special premiere event for a new documentary chronicling the story of the Habersham County Airport.

The film, produced by Habersham History, will debut on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at The Common Ground in Cornelia. This screening offers a rare opportunity to celebrate local heritage and learn about a pivotal piece of the county’s past.

📽️ Watch the trailer now: https://youtu.be/t2whFe259Bo

✈️ About the Documentary

Flying High: The Story of the Habersham County Airport traces the airport’s journey from its early beginnings to its role today as a community hub. Told through archival photographs, firsthand interviews, and expert narration, the film explores the people and moments that shaped the airport’s development—highlighting its significance to local transportation, economic growth, and community identity.

Produced by Habersham History with support from local historians and longtime residents, the documentary combines compelling storytelling with a deep appreciation for Habersham County’s aviation heritage. The project reflects Habersham History’s ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing stories that define the region’s past and inspire pride in its future.

📅 Event Information

• What: Premiere Screening — Flying High: The Story of the Habersham County Airport
• When: Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
• Where: The Common Ground, Cornelia
• RSVP: Required — Email info@habershamhistory.org to reserve your seat
• Seating: Limited
• Run time: 35 minutes

Due to limited seating, organizers advise interested viewers to RSVP early to secure a spot. The evening promises not just a film screening but also a celebration of local history and community spirit.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this documentary offers a meaningful look at one of Habersham County’s enduring landmarks.

📽️ Don’t forget to watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/t2whFe259Bo

The boil water advisory previously issued for portions of Demorest has officially been lifted.

City officials thanked customers for their patience and cooperation during the advisory period and expressed appreciation for the work of utility crews who worked to resolve the issue and ensure the safety of the water system.

Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to contact City Hall or the city’s water department for additional information.

Habersham EMC crews are responding to scattered power outages today as high winds move through the area.

Utility officials say crews are actively working to assess damage and restore service as quickly and safely as possible. Residents are reminded to stay away from downed power lines and to report any outages or hazardous conditions through HEMC’s official channels.

HEMC thanked members for their patience and understanding as restoration efforts continue and encouraged everyone to remain cautious during windy conditions.

Updates will be provided as work progresses.

Residents in the south end of Habersham County may experience little to no water pressure following an unexpected water main break, according to local officials.

The affected areas may include:

• Crane Mill Road
• Mud Creek
• King Road
• Underwood Road
• Mount Zion Road (west of U.S. 365)
• Alonzo Wade Road

Crews are currently on site and working to repair the break as quickly as possible. Until repairs are completed, customers in these areas may notice reduced pressure or temporary service interruptions.

Officials acknowledged the disruption and expressed appreciation for the public’s patience as crews work to restore normal service.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your patience and understanding,” the notice stated. “We understand that this can be quite an inconvenience, and we thank you for your cooperation during this time.”

No estimated time for full restoration has been announced at this point. Residents are encouraged to limit non-essential water use until service is fully restored.

As 2025 comes to a close, the start of a new year brings with it a fresh slate, a new beginning, and an opportunity to set new goals. Whether it’s personal growth, a new skill, or a change in routine, the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions is a way to reflect, plan, and look ahead with excitement.

But resolutions aren’t just about setting lofty goals or making big changes — they’re about making small, meaningful shifts that improve our lives. And everyone’s resolutions are unique! That’s why we want to hear from you. What are you planning to focus on in 2026?

Why Share Your Resolution?

Sharing your New Year’s resolution can be motivating. It’s a way to hold yourself accountable, connect with others who have similar goals, and inspire those around you. Plus, it can be fun to see how different people approach the new year, and sometimes, someone’s idea might spark your own.

Types of Resolutions People Make

• Personal Growth: This could be anything from learning something new, reading more books, or focusing on mental health. Many people choose to prioritize their well-being in the new year.
• Health & Fitness: This is a popular one! It might be to exercise more, eat healthier, or simply get enough sleep.
• Skills & Hobbies: Maybe you want to pick up a new hobby like painting, coding, or learning an instrument. Resolutions don’t always have to be about changing habits — they can be about discovering new things about yourself.
• Career or Academic Goals: Perhaps you want to level up in school or your job, like getting better grades or improving your work-life balance.
• Travel & Adventure: For some, a resolution might be as simple as exploring new places or planning an exciting trip.

Share Your Resolution with Us!

We want to hear from you! What’s your New Year’s resolution for 2026? Are you aiming to develop a new skill? Focus on your health? Or maybe just take things one day at a time?

Drop a comment, share a post, or start a conversation with friends and family about the goals you’re setting for yourself. Let’s inspire each other to start 2026 strong and achieve the things that matter most to us.

As the year draws to a close, take a moment to reflect. What are the things you want to leave behind in 2025, and what do you want to carry forward into the new year? Whatever your resolution is, remember that progress is progress — no matter how big or small.

Here’s to a fresh start, new challenges, and exciting opportunities in 2026! 🎉

From the very beginning, Habersham News was built with one goal in mind: to serve our community with local stories, local voices, and local pride. Today, we’re proud to share a milestone that belongs to you just as much as it does to us.

We’ve officially reached 1,000 followers on Facebook.

That number represents neighbors staying informed, families sharing stories, and a community choosing to support local news. Whether you’ve liked a post, shared an article, sent us a tip, or simply read along—thank you. Your support helps ensure that Habersham County continues to have a strong, independent local news source.

Help Us Keep Growing 🌱

If you enjoy what we do, we have one simple favor to ask:

➡️ Share our Facebook page with your friends and family.
A quick share or personal recommendation goes a long way in helping Habersham News reach more readers who care about what’s happening right here at home.

The more people who follow and engage with Habersham News, the more local stories we can tell—and the stronger our community voice becomes.

Thank you again for being part of this journey. We’re just getting started.

— Habersham News

(ATLANTA, GA) – Georgia State Patrol Troopers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers are urging motorists to prioritize safe driving during the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holiday travel periods. High-visibility patrols will be conducted statewide on interstates and state routes to help reduce crashes and fatalities.

The Christmas travel period begins Wednesday, December 24, at 6:00 p.m. and ends Sunday, December 28, at 11:59 p.m. The New Year’s holiday travel period runs from Wednesday, December 31, at 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Each travel period lasts 102 hours.

“State Troopers and Officers remain committed to enforcing Georgia’s traffic laws and addressing unsafe driving behaviors that can lead to serious injuries or fatal crashes,” said Colonel William W. Hitchens, III, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety. “We urge all motorists to make safety their top priority when traveling on Georgia’s roadways.”

During the 2024 Christmas holiday travel period, five fatalities were reported statewide. The Georgia State Patrol investigated 186 crashes, resulting in nearly 72 injuries and three fatalities. During the 2024–25 New Year’s holiday travel period, five fatalities occurred statewide, with the Georgia State Patrol investigating 271 crashes, leading to approximately 118 injuries and four of the five fatalities.

Motorists are reminded to plan ahead if holiday celebrations include alcohol by arranging a sober ride with a designated driver, taxi, rideshare service, or trusted friend or family member. “Driving sober, staying alert, and obeying traffic laws are essential,” said Colonel Hitchens. “Plan ahead for a sober ride home—because impaired drivers will be arrested.”

AAA projects 109.5 million Americans will travel by car for year-end trips this holiday season, a 2% increase over last year, with 89% of travelers choosing to drive.