health

(Graphic/Andy Johnston)

(Graphic/Andy Johnston)

COVID-19 cases on rise in county

Oglethorpe County didn’t escape the latest COVID-19 surge.   There were 33 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county over a two-week period ending July 20, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 County Indicator Report.
Steve Jones, a sergeant with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, has worked in law enforcement for 30 years, and has lived in Oglethorpe County all his life. He has made the difficult decision to retire due to his health. (Photo/Lilly Kersh)

Steve Jones, a sergeant with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, has worked in law enforcement for 30 years, and has lived in Oglethorpe County all his life. He has made the difficult decision to retire due to his health. (Photo/Lilly Kersh)

‘That's what Oglethorpe’s about’

Steve Jones loves his family, hunting, fishing and his community. Born and raised in Oglethorpe County, his 30 years in law enforcement are a testament to his love for the place he grew up.
OCHS students practice for their CNA certification, which they took earlier this month. All 24 of teacher Erin Bunch’s class passed the test earlier this month. (Photo/Darden Hearn)

OCHS students practice for their CNA certification, which they took earlier this month. All 24 of teacher Erin Bunch’s class passed the test earlier this month. (Photo/Darden Hearn)

CNA class prepares students for entry-level nursing positions

The certified nursing assistant program at Oglethorpe County High School provides definite insight for the students who take it.   “They either really love it, or know they don’t want to go into healthcare anymore,” said Erin Bunch, the healthcare science pathways teacher.   Bunch should know.
Heads Up For Harry panelists (from left) Carrie Olson, Bob Sears, Stephanie Jordan, McKenzie Lawson, Robert Lovett, Spencer Mitchell, at a recent event. (Submitted Photo)

Heads Up For Harry panelists (from left) Carrie Olson, Bob Sears, Stephanie Jordan, McKenzie Lawson, Robert Lovett, Spencer Mitchell, at a recent event. (Submitted Photo)

Q&A: Group brings awareness, support for people with mental illness

When a group of college students lost one of their best friends to suicide in 2014, they sought a way to provide support for others who may have felt disempowered through the battles of mental health.
Erin Bunch (left) and Kristina Turner wear their masks while they work at a vaccine clinic. (Submitted Photo)

Erin Bunch (left) and Kristina Turner wear their masks while they work at a vaccine clinic. (Submitted Photo)

Nurses help county through pandemic

Oglethorpe County has no active COVID-19 cases, which Debbie Furbish, chair of the Board of Health, said, is a “testament to all the medical professionals” throughout the county, but a few stand out.