Heavy rainfall has caused water levels to rise dramatically at Mark of the Potter in Clarkesville, leaving nearby creeks overflowing and creating eye-catching scenes for staff and visitors alike.
In a post shared on the shop’s Facebook page, staff joked that their trout were “wearing snorkels,” as water rushed through the area behind the iconic pottery shop. The creek behind the property and the ditch across the road were both flowing heavily, joining the already-swollen Soque River in showing just how much rain had fallen.
Photo Mark of the Potter Facebook page
“Our staff came to work with waterwings over their winter coats just to get these photos,” the post read, highlighting both the unusual conditions and the lighthearted spirit of the team.
For safety, Mark of the Potter officials said staff members are adjusting work schedules due to the high water and encouraged the public to remain cautious as wet conditions continue.
Despite the flooding, the message ended on a caring note, with staff expressing hopes that everyone in the community remains safe during the heavy rains.
The rising waters serve as another reminder of how quickly local waterways can change during periods of intense rainfall, especially in scenic but flood-prone areas like the Soque River corridor.
RALEIGH, N.C. – Piedmont softball head coach Terry Martin has been honored as the 2026 recipient of the Beyond the Spotlight Legacy Achievement Award.
The award is given out in partnership with the King and his Court Historical Preservation Foundation and the Triangle Collegiate Softball Classic Foundation.
This award is presented annually to Division III coaches, players, and volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, sportsmanship, and commitment to the sport of softball. Recipients embody the values of dedication and commitment – the two fundamental pillars that led to King & His Court’s legacy status as the “King of Softball” and brought them worldwide recognition. These same pillars serve as the criteria for selecting award recipients, honoring those who have left a lasting positive impact on the sport.
Martin, the longest-serving head coach in Piedmont Athletics history, will begin his 28th season leading the Piedmont softball program this spring. Over nearly three decades, Martin has built one of the most successful programs in Division III, guiding the Lady Lions to more than 600 victories, eight NCAA national tournament appearances, five conference tournament championships and 11 regular-season conference titles.
Across 27 seasons, Martin owns 651 career wins, placing him among the nation’s top 50 active Division III head coaches in total wins. His teams have produced 21 winning seasons, including four with 30 or more victories and a standout 40-plus win campaign in 2014. He has also been recognized seven times as conference Coach of the Year.
Success under Martin has extended well beyond the field. His teams have finished in the NFCA Division III Team Academic Award national top 10 three times, including a runner-up finish in 2009, with more than 20 Lady Lions earning All-American Scholar-Athlete honors. Martin has coached 11 USA South “of the Year” award winners and developed 41 all-conference selections, 15 NFCA All-Region honorees and multiple CoSIDA Academic All-Americans.
A native of Toccoa, Georgia, Martin starred as a catcher at Nyack College, earning All-Conference and All-American honors, and later completed his master’s degree at the United States Sports Academy.
DEMOREST, GA – Piedmont University is pleased to announce a Family Workshop series featuring hands-on programs led by accomplished regional and international artists. The workshops will take place at the Piedmont Art Museum in downtown Demorest, January through March. All are free and open to the public.
The series begins with a Watercolor Workshop with Kathleen Kollock on Jan. 24 from 1–3 P.M. Georgia-based painter Kathleen Kollock creates watercolor, oil, and mixed-media works inspired by regional landscapes and native plant life. She is represented by Hemlock Gallery.
Photo Piemont Art Museum
Photo Piemont Art Museum
On Feb. 28 from 1–4 P.M., the museum will host Kids’ Arts & Crafts with Imani Spence. Spence is a concept artist and illustrator, a Piedmont University graduate, and the Gallery Coordinator at the Suwanee Arts Center. She teaches privately and at regional arts organizations, helping students build strong creative foundations.
The series concludes with a Sculpture Workshop with Normando Ismay on Mar. 28 from 1–4 P.M. Ismay is a multidisciplinary artist whose award-winning work integrates sculpture, painting, and performance to create vibrant, community-centered artistic experiences.
Workshops are aimed at ages 5–14, though all ages are welcome to participate. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop.
This workshop series is supported by the Georgia Council for the Arts through a Vibrant Communities Grant, with funding provided by the Georgia General Assembly.
The MSMA is located at 567 Georgia Street, Demorest, GA 30535.
For more information, please contact the museum’s director, Rebecca Brantley, at 706-778-8500, ext. 1011 or via email at museum@piedmont.edu.
The Town of Alto will hold its first City Council meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, January 13, at 7 p.m. at Alto City Hall. A work session will be held prior to the meeting beginning at 6 p.m., allowing council members to review items before the official session begins.
The meeting will officially open with roll call, followed by the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. Council members will then consider approval of the meeting agenda and the minutes from the called meeting held on December 29, 2025.
A major focus of the evening will be new business, including an executive session held pursuant to O.C.G.A. 50-14-3(6) to discuss personnel matters.
Following executive session, the town will formally swear in newly elected officials, including:
Post 1: John Smith
Post 3: Allen Fox
Post 5: Debbie Turner
Additional organizational items on the agenda include the appointment of a Mayor Pro-Tem, City Attorney, and Municipal Judge, helping set the foundation for the town’s leadership and legal structure for the new year.
Residents are encouraged to attend and take part in Alto’s first council meeting of 2026 as newly sworn officials begin their terms and the town looks ahead to the year ahead.
Habersham County Schools crowned a new spelling champion on January 8, 2026, as Hridaan Patel of North Habersham Middle School claimed first place in the system-wide Habersham Scripps Spelling Bee.
The annual competition brought together 11 students, each a school-level champion, representing eight elementary schools and three middle schools across the district. After several challenging rounds, Patel emerged as the system-level winner, earning the honor of advancing to the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) State Spelling Bee scheduled for February.
Patel was recognized following the event alongside Habersham County Schools Superintendent Patrick Franklin, celebrating a major academic achievement that reflects months of preparation, dedication, and perseverance.
Finishing as the runner-up was Michael Valdez of Hilliard A. Wilbanks Middle School, who delivered an impressive performance throughout the competition and remained in contention until the final rounds.
Pictured with Habersham County Schools Superintendent, Patrick Franklin, is Hridaan Patel, the 2026 system level champion from North Habersham Middle School/Photo submitted
District officials praised all participants for their hard work and commitment, noting that each student had already proven themselves by winning at their respective schools.
The Habersham Scripps Spelling Bee continues to showcase the strong academic talent within Habersham County Schools, and the community now looks forward to cheering Hridaan Patel on as he represents the district at the state level in February.
Habersham News congratulates Hridaan Patel, Michael Valdez, and all of this year’s spelling bee participants on a job well done.
The race for the $25 grand prize in the 2025 Habersham News College Football Playoff Pick ’em Challenge remains wide open as tonight’s Fiesta Bowl gets underway with Miami taking on Ole Miss.
While tonight’s game will not affect the current standings, it adds another layer of excitement as contestants continue tracking their picks heading into the final stretch of the College Football Playoff.
Current Standings
At the top of the leaderboard, Shane Hunt holds the lead with six correct picks, but he is far from safe. A seven-way tie for second place sits just one point behind with five correct picks, keeping the pressure squarely on the leader.
The rest of the field remains tightly packed:
16 contestants have four correct picks
14 contestants have three correct picks
5 contestants have two correct picks
With several games still to determine the final outcome, any remaining matchup could shift the standings dramatically.
Fiesta Bowl Winner Picks
Among this year’s participants:
41 selected Georgia
2 selected Texas A&M
1 selected Ohio State
While the winner of tonight’s game is inconsequential, the Peach Bowl has the potential to change the leaderboard.
Winner to Be Announced After Championship
The $25 grand prize is still very much in play, and Habersham News will announce the official winner immediately following the National Championship game.
Habersham News would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s Pick ’em Challenge and for making it another fun and competitive contest for local football fans. Stay tuned for the final update and winner announcement as college football’s biggest game crowns both a national champion — and our Pick ’em champion. 🏈
Founded on June 10, 1926, the Three Arts Club has spent nearly a century enriching the cultural life of Habersham County through the appreciation and promotion of music, literature, and art. This year, the club will proudly celebrate its 100th anniversary, marking a remarkable milestone in its long and distinguished history.
The club was organized with 29 charter members, united by a shared belief that the arts play a vital role in building stronger individuals and communities. A newspaper article published on June 17, 1926, details the club’s founding vision and early leadership, including its first president, Sallie Lou Hill, a respected local leader and advocate for cultural enrichment.
The original article emphasized the importance of cultivating beauty, discipline, and inspiration through the arts, noting that music, literature, and art were essential not merely for recreation, but for the intellectual and emotional development of both individuals and society. That guiding philosophy has remained at the heart of the Three Arts Club for generations.
Three Arts Club Members from Left to right: Sally Higgins, Carole Jackson, Alice Medley, Sue Popham, Sue Blair, Barbara Strain, Jan Grizzle, Shirley Burton, Dianne Cody, Shirley Wright, Delores Anderson, Debbie Drew Godwin, Andrea Harper, Kathy Fairburn, Janis Stapleton, Jean Patrick, Jane Ferguson, Donna Trotter, Maria Almagno/Photo Habersham News
Today, the club’s legacy was celebrated with a special presentation by Peter Madruga, president of Habersham History, who delivered a compelling and well-received talk on the club’s illustrious history. Drawing from original newspaper accounts and archival materials, Madruga highlighted the club’s founding ideals, early members, and its lasting impact on the cultural life of the community.
Adding a special visual tribute to the occasion, club member Sally Higgins attended the event dressed in period attire from 1926, honoring the era of the club’s founding and paying homage to Miss Sally Lou Hill, the club’s first president.
Three Arts Club member Sally Higgins dressed in period as an homage to the first club president Miss Sallie Lou Hill/Photo Habersham News
As the Three Arts Club looks ahead to its centennial celebration, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of the arts and to the women who, for 100 years, have believed that nurturing creativity, learning, and beauty is both a social duty and a privilege.
The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office is kicking off 2026 with all school resource officer (SRO) positions filled.
Joel Compton has been hired and is assuming his SRO duties, placing an SRO in all the county’s public schools and doubling the number of HCSO SROs from six officers to 12 officers since last year.
School resource officers are carefully selected law enforcement officers trained to work collaboratively to provide a law enforcement presence in schools while fostering positive relationships with students, staff, and the community.
“We value our partnership with the school system, and I especially appreciate the hard work and dedication of our school superintendent, Patrick Franklin,” said Sheriff Robin Krockum. “It has been a goal of ours to fully staff these positions so every school in Habersham County will have their own school resource officer.”
Pausing during the recent Habersham County Sheriff’s Office Shop with a Hero event in Cornelia are, from left, SRO Anthony Sullo, SRO Austin Martin, SRO Kristopher Stout, SRO Sgt. Wesley Addis, SRO Lt. Aaron Autry, SRO Joel Compton, and SRO Kyle O’Kelley. (Habersham County Sheriff’s Office photo/ Rob Moore)
Under the leadership of Habersham County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Aaron Autry, schools are covered by Sgt. Wesley Addis, Sgt. Wesley Littlejohn, SRO Evaleez Gonzalez, SRO Graciela Margolla, SRO Austin Martin, SRO Lynn Moore, SRO Kyle O’Kelley, SRO David Perkins, SRO Anthony Sullo, SRO Kristopher Stout, and now SRO Joel Compton.
The Habersham County Board of Education Police Department handles duties at Habersham Central High School, while elementary schools inside the city limits of Baldwin and Demorest are handled by SROs from those police departments.
Habersham County Sheriff’s Office SROs handle the remainder of the county’s schools, in addition to backing up those police SROs whenever needed.
Habersham County schools include Baldwin, Clarkesville, Cornelia, Demorest, Fairview, Hazel Grove, Level Grove, and Woodville elementary schools; North Habersham, South Habersham, and Wilbanks middle schools; the Habersham Ninth Grade Academy; Habersham Success Academy; and Habersham Central High School.
North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) recently recognized 147 graduates who completed degree or diploma programs during the Fall 2025 semester, with commencement ceremonies held on December 15, 2025, at Level Grove Baptist Church in Cornelia.
Among those honored were numerous students from Habersham County, representing a wide range of academic and technical programs that prepare graduates to enter the workforce or continue their education. NGTC officials praised the dedication and perseverance of the graduates, noting the important role they will play in strengthening the local workforce and community.
Habersham County Graduates – Fall 2025
The following Habersham County residents were recognized as Fall 2025 graduates:
Samuel Blackburn, Clarkesville – Business Management
James George Boggs, Clarkesville – AS Degree in General Studies
Victoria Bruguier, Mount Airy – Business Management
Joshua Busie, Clarkesville – Business Management
Dakotah Cantrell, Mount Airy – Electrical Systems Technology
Benjamin Carson, Demorest – Electrical Systems Technology
Lisbeth Castillo, Demorest – Cosmetology
Eduardo Chastain, Alto – Electrical Systems Technology
Bryson Cheek, Alto – Business Management
Mason Crouch, Clarkesville – Air Conditioning Technology
Alan Cruz, Cornelia – Culinary Arts
Carrie Culpepper, Cornelia – Medical Assisting
Tori Fish, Clarkesville – Cosmetology for Licensure
France Gosnell, Clarkesville – Medical Assisting
Eddie Herrera, Cornelia – Electrical Systems Technology
Eduardo Huerta Ramos, Alto – Electrical Systems Technology
Jonathan Ivester, Clarkesville – Electrical Systems Technology
Dustin Jones, Demorest – Environmental Technology
Kevin Martinez, Alto – Automotive Collision Repair
Addison Massaro, Alto – Cosmetology for Licensure
Joseph McNair, Clarkesville – Environmental Technology
Jesse Mora Arellano, Cornelia – Electrical Systems Technology
Bryson Moss, Demorest – Environmental Technology
Maggie Nava Garcia, Demorest – Criminal Justice Technology
Salvador Paramo, Alto – Electrical Systems Technology
Tabitha Ramey, Demorest – Early Childhood Care & Education
Juanita Ramirez, Demorest – AS Degree in General Studies
Hailey Reed, Mount Airy – Hair Designer
Daniel Rios Gomez, Cornelia – Welding Technology
Stephanie Rodriguez, Alto – Photography
Zane Savage, Alto – Environmental Technology
Christopher Shipman, Clarkesville – Cybersecurity
Collyn Smith, Cornelia – Environmental Technology
Terry Stamm, Clarkesville – Electrical Systems Technology
Grayson Taylor, Mount Airy – Welding Technology
Caroline Williams, Mount Airy – Horticulture
Evan Willis, Clarkesville – Cybersecurity
Matthew Wolfe, Clarkesville – Business Technology
NGTC administrators congratulated the graduates and wished them success as they move forward in their careers and educational journeys. Many of these students will now apply their skills directly within Habersham County, contributing to the area’s workforce, businesses, and essential services.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is warning residents that flu activity is currently widespread and severe across Georgia, with cases expected to continue rising as people return to work and school following the holidays.
In a news release issued January 5, 2026, DPH said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is projecting a severe flu season, prompting health officials to strongly encourage Georgians to take preventive steps as soon as possible.
Health experts recommend that everyone six months of age and older receive an annual flu vaccine, not only to protect themselves, but also to help safeguard vulnerable populations such as older adults, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions. While it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to fully develop, officials say it is not too late to get vaccinated.
DPH noted that even if someone contracts the flu, vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Flu vaccines are widely available at public health departments, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, grocery stores, and neighborhood clinics.
Flu Symptoms and High-Risk Groups
Flu symptoms can vary in severity and may include:
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Headache
Chills
Fatigue
People at higher risk for serious complications include adults 65 and older, individuals with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, pregnant women, and children under five—especially those under two years old.
Treatment and Prevention
In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe antiviral medications to treat the flu. These prescription drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.
DPH also reminds residents that simple, everyday precautions can help slow the spread of flu, including:
Washing hands frequently with soap and warm water
Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available
Covering coughs and sneezes with the crook of the elbow or arm
Health officials encourage anyone with questions about flu symptoms, vaccination, or treatment options to consult a healthcare provider.
Habersham News will continue to share updates as flu activity develops across the region.
The Town of Mount Airy officially welcomed a new mayor this evening as Adam Tullis was sworn into office during the town’s city council meeting.
Tullis took the oath of office administered by Sheri Berrong, formally beginning his term as mayor. The ceremony marked a new chapter in town leadership and drew recognition from council members and attendees.
Congratulations to Mayor Adam Tullis as he begins his service to the Town of Mount Airy.
Today marks the 33rd anniversary of Habersham County’s Enhanced 911 (E-911) emergency communications system, a service that has played a vital role in improving emergency response times and public safety across the county for more than three decades.
Habersham County’s E-911 system officially began service at noon on Wednesday, December 30, 1992, operating out of the Habersham Communications Center on Chase Road. According to a newspaper report published at the time, the long-planned system began taking actual incoming emergency calls even as county officials gathered to recognize the milestone.
Although the system was not yet considered “fully enhanced” on its first day, county leaders emphasized that it already represented a major step forward from a basic 911 operation. At the time, County Administrator Lewis Canup explained that the only remaining obstacle was the completion of a comprehensive address data bank, stressing that the system was already far more advanced than traditional emergency dispatching.
The article noted that emergency personnel from agencies throughout the county were present for the startup ceremony, underscoring the importance of the new system to law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services.
Early demonstrations of the system’s effectiveness came almost immediately. On the first day of operation, a prank call inadvertently showed how E-911 worked. When the call was received, the telephone number of the caller appeared on the dispatcher’s computer screen, preventing the prankster from remaining anonymous.
At the time, E-911 Coordinator Barry Church explained that dispatcher screens displayed detailed location information as calls came in, including addresses and other relevant data. This allowed emergency responders to be alerted not only to the location of an incident, but also to potential hazards, such as dangerous materials or conditions at a site.
Much of the system’s development hinged on an extensive road naming and mapping process, which Canup described as the most time-consuming and difficult part of implementation. The process required historical research, public hearings, and several years of work to ensure accurate road identification throughout the county.
The system initially operated with 10 full-time dispatchers and two part-time dispatchers, working 12-hour shifts across multiple consoles. Dispatchers were described as the “conveyors of information,” responsible for receiving details from callers and emergency personnel and quickly disseminating that information to the appropriate responders.
County commissioners at the time praised the launch as a major achievement. Then-Commissioner Larry Copeland called the system a “dream come true,” while Commissioner Dewey Tench said he had been looking forward to the service since discussions first began.
The original article reported that the cost of the E-911 system to the county was approximately $300,000, with the three dispatch consoles accounting for about $100,000 of that total.
Thirty-three years later, Habersham County’s E-911 service remains a critical link between residents and emergency responders, continuing the mission envisioned in 1992: getting the right help to the right place as quickly and accurately as possible.
The Mount Airy Town Council will hold a combined public hearing and council meeting tonight, Monday, January 5, 2026, beginning at 7 p.m.
Adam Tullis/Photo Submitted
Tonight’s meeting will be the first council meeting presided over by newly elected Mayor Adam Tullis. The evening will begin with the formal administration of the oath of office to Mayor Tullis, officially ushering in his term.
Following the swearing-in, the council will open a public hearing on the proposed 2026 operating budget, giving residents an opportunity to share comments before the hearing is closed and the regular council meeting begins.
Once the council meeting is called to order, the agenda includes approval of the meeting agenda and minutes from the December 1, 2025 council meeting, as well as several key organizational items. Council members are expected to make appointments for municipal judge, city attorney, mayor pro-tem, and various committees.
Public participation will continue with a public comment period, followed by department reports and a series of discussion and action items that could shape the town’s direction in the coming year. Among the items scheduled for consideration are:
The first reading of Chapter 5 – Farm Wineries Ordinance
Discussion of the disposition of surplus property
Consideration of increased fire protection rates
Review of an elevator maintenance contract
Discussion and consideration of 2026 LMIG projects
Consideration of a subdivision moratorium
Discussion of dates for Cities’ Day and the Mount Airy National’s Car Show
The meeting will conclude with adjournment following the completion of all agenda items.
Residents are encouraged to attend, particularly those interested in the town’s 2026 budget and upcoming policy discussions, as well as to witness the beginning of Mayor Tullis’ tenure leading the Mount Airy Town Council.
The highly anticipated new Thai restaurant Bangkok Bistro is now targeting a January 15 opening, according to restaurant officials.
Owners say they are currently waiting to hear back from the Habersham County Health Department to schedule their final inspection, which will determine the exact opening date. In addition, installation of the restaurant’s front signage is still pending, along with final work from Coca-Cola to complete beverage system setup.
“We should find out more next week after the holidays,” the owners said, noting that several final steps are dependent on scheduling availability.
Bangkok Bistro has generated strong local interest since plans for the restaurant were first announced. The owners expressed appreciation for the community’s support and enthusiasm ahead of opening day.
Once inspections and installations are complete, the restaurant plans to announce an official opening date.
Habersham News will continue to follow the progress and share updates as they become available.
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.
Chris Bogue, Josh Hunter, Tim Nunnally, David Thompson, and Chris Falck on their final shift at Demorest Fire Department.
“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.
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
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.
Today marks a historic and emotional moment for the Demorest community, as the Demorest Fire Department officially concludes its final day of service.
After decades of protecting lives, homes, and businesses within the city, the department is being formally dissolved, with fire protection services transitioning to Habersham County Emergency Services under an intergovernmental agreement approved by city leaders.
City of Demorest Fire Truck #5, soon to be property of Habersham County Emergency Services/Photo Habersham News
The change follows years of discussion about staffing challenges, operational sustainability, equipment needs, and rising costs associated with maintaining a small municipal fire department. City officials have said the transition is intended to ensure continued, reliable fire protection for Demorest residents while allowing the city to better manage long-term resources.
While fire services will continue uninterrupted under county coverage, today’s milestone represents the closing chapter of a department that served as a cornerstone of local public safety. Generations of firefighters—both career and volunteer—answered calls day and night, often placing themselves in harm’s way to protect their neighbors.
Demorest Fire Dept Building/Photo Habersham News
Community members have expressed a mix of gratitude, nostalgia, and reflection, recognizing the department not only for emergency response but also for its presence at community events, parades, and moments of crisis. For many residents, the fire department symbolized local identity, pride, and hometown service.
Under the new arrangement, Habersham County Emergency Services will assume responsibility for fire protection within Demorest, bringing additional personnel, equipment, and regional resources to serve the city moving forward.
As the doors close on the Demorest Fire Department today, the community pauses to honor the firefighters who served with dedication and courage. Though the department’s name may fade into history, its legacy of service and sacrifice will remain an enduring part of Demorest’s story.
Habersham News thanks the men and women of the Demorest Fire Department for their years of service to the community.
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.
