Online filing for DeKalb County homestead exemptions opens Jan. 1 Homeowners encouraged to check their exemption status DECATUR,GA – DeKalb County homeowners who do not have a homestead exemption, or who may qualify for a senior, disabled veteran or disabled resident exemption, are encouraged to apply online before the April 1 deadline https://ocgnews.com/online-filing-for-dekalb-county-homestead-exemptions-opens-jan-1/
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Housing is one of the most urgent issues facing families right now, and we cannot afford to talk around it. On January 20, I invite you to join me for A Candid Conversation on the State of Housing in America as part of my CEO Lecture Series. I will be joined by housing leaders, policy experts, and community voices who are working on the front lines of affordability, homeownership, rental stability, and housing policy across our region. This conversation is about people. It is about stability. And it is about ensuring DeKalb County continues to be a place where families can live, grow, and thrive. 📍 Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, Decatur 🕕 Housing Conversation begins at 6:00 PM 🔗 Link in bio for details I hope you will join us and bring your voice to the conversation.
🏡 Forest Park is making BIG moves when it comes to housing, and we’re thrilled to share some exciting news… 🎉 We have been selected to participate in the 2026 Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) program, and initiative launched through @ga\_dca. Our team is already collaborating with GICH partners to: ✨ Develop creative ideas for meeting future housing needs ✨ Build a comprehensive action plan for increased home ownership ✨ Support ongoing neighborhood revitalization efforts 📰 GET THE FULL DETAILS BY VISITING THE CITY NEWS SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE: www.forestparkga.gov #OneForestPark #ClaytonCounty #Housing #HomeOwnership
DeKalb County and NACA are hosting a FREE 4-day homeownership event where you can get NACA-qualified in one day. No down payment No closing costs No credit score required 📍 The Gallery at South DeKalb | Old JC Penney 🗓️ January 22–25 | 8 AM–8 PM 👣 Walk-ins welcome Scan the QR code to register. This opportunity matters.
Are you or a loved one age 60 and older and living in Gwinnett County? We're here to help you live your best life! The County offers education, support, and free or low-cost services to help you maintain your independence. Find out if you qualify for our priority services today by visiting the link in our bio for more information.
Congratulations to Henry County Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell and Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett for being honored by the Henry County Branch of the NAACP. Chairwoman Harrell has received the Myrlie Evers Trailblazer Award. This award recognizes her exceptional courage, visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to public service. Sheriff Scandrett, the county’s first African-American Sheriff, has received the Medgar Evers Vanguard of Justice Award. This honor embodies his innovative leadership and commitment to protecting the community. The awards were presented at the organization’s Freedom Fund Gala, a celebration of excellence, leadership and community impact. “I am deeply humbled to receive the Myrlie Evers Trailblazer Award, named after a pioneering civil rights leader and trailblazer,” she continued. “This recognition serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is about service, dedication and commitment. I am committed to continuing to serve the Henry County Community with my heart and soul. Thank you, Henry County NAACP, for this esteemed honor.” “The Henry County NAACP Gala was truly unforgettable,” said Harrell. “Congresswoman Maxine Waters delivered a stirring message that filled us with hope and determination. Despite the challenges ahead, she reminded us of the transformative power of our vote.” We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all honorees for their outstanding contributions to justice, equality and the community. We appreciate the Henry County Branch of the NAACP for their ongoing work in advancing justice, equity and community empowerment. Learn more: bit.ly/henrycountyawards
Congratulations to Henry County Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell and Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett for being honored by the Henry County Branch of the NAACP. Chairwoman Harrell has received the Myrlie Evers Trailblazer Award. This award recognizes her exceptional courage, visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to public service. Sheriff Scandrett, the county’s first African-American Sheriff, has received the Medgar Evers Vanguard of Justice Award. This honor embodies his innovative leadership and commitment to protecting the community. The awards were presented at the organization’s Freedom Fund Gala, a celebration of excellence, leadership and community impact. “I am deeply humbled to receive the Myrlie Evers Trailblazer Award, named after a pioneering civil rights leader and trailblazer,” she continued. “This recognition serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is about service, dedication and commitment. I am committed to continuing to serve the Henry County Community with my heart and soul. Thank you, Henry County NAACP, for this esteemed honor.” “The Henry County NAACP Gala was truly unforgettable,” said Harrell. “Congresswoman Maxine Waters delivered a stirring message that filled us with hope and determination. Despite the challenges ahead, she reminded us of the transformative power of our vote.” We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all honorees for their outstanding contributions to justice, equality and the community. We appreciate the Henry County Branch of the NAACP for their ongoing work in advancing justice, equity and community empowerment. Learn more: bit.ly/henrycountyawards
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office was proud to stand with our community in unity and service at the 23rd Annual NAACP DeKalb County Branch Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. ✨☺️ #WeAreDKSO #DeKalbCounty #MLKDay #DeKalbCountyGA #DKSO #CommunitySheriff
Housing is one of the most urgent issues facing families right now, and we cannot afford to talk around it. On January 20, I invite you to join me for A Candid Conversation on the State of Housing in America as part of my CEO Lecture Series. I will be joined by housing leaders, policy experts, and community voices who are working on the front lines of affordability, homeownership, rental stability, and housing policy across our region. This conversation is about people. It is about stability. And it is about ensuring DeKalb County continues to be a place where families can live, grow, and thrive. 📍 Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, Decatur 🕕 Housing Conversation begins at 6:00 PM 🔗 Link in bio for details I hope you will join us and bring your voice to the conversation.
Rockdale County’s CTAE graduation rate soars above 99%, continues to top Georgia’s rate ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA– The graduation rate for Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) students involved in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs remains exceptionally strong with 99.38% for the Class of 2025. RCPS continues well above the state-wide rate, which rose to 98.45%. Click link for full story: https://ocgnews.com/rockdale-countys-ctae-graduation-rate-soars-above-99-continues-to-top-georgias-rate/
GWINNETT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ARRESTS CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER FOLLOWING OPERATION (Gwinnett County, Ga., January 8, 2026) – On January 7, 2026, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office arrested convicted sex offender, Tarek Mentouri, following an operation led by the GCSO Jail Investigation Unit and Trafficking and Child Exploitation (TRACE) Unit. Mentouri was previously arrested in November 2025, after requesting video visitation with a female inmate at the Gwinnett County Jail using false identification. He was charged with Unlawful to Possess, Display, or Use Any False, Fraudulent, or Altered Identification Document. He was later released on bond. In December 2025, GCSO investigators received information that Mentouri was posting advertisements for massage therapy services on multiple websites. Following the operation, it was determined that he was allegedly operating a massage business without a valid license and had failed to register his employment as required by Georgia law for sex offenders. Mentouri has now been charged with two counts of Unlawful Advertisement or Practice of Massage Therapy, Unlicensed Massage Therapy, and Failure to Register as a Sex Offender/Failure to Comply with Requirements/Providing False Information. He remains in custody at the Gwinnett County Jail without bond. This is an active and ongoing investigation. To submit a tip, call 770.619.6655 or visit GwinnettCountySheriff.org. ###