Schools Reporting Low COVID–19 Cases; Flu Shot Available To Students

By REBECCA HAZEN
News Editor

Dade County Schools Superintendent Josh Ingle reported during the Dade County weekly update on Thursday, Oct. 14 that, prior to fall break, the schools had a few good weeks with low COVID-19 numbers. There were five students with positive cases and 60 students in quarantine the week before fall break.

“Hopefully we will continue to see our numbers decline. We’ve had some good weeks,” Ingle said. “We want to maintain these relatively low numbers so we can keep kids in school.”

The school’s report on the number of cases and quarantines comes out each Monday morning, part of the Superintendent’s Newsletter.

This week, the Dade County Health Department will be at the schools to offer the flu shot to students. The flu shot was offered last week to staff members. The flu shot was given to Dade Middle School students on Oct. 18, and will be given to Dade County High School students today. The Health Department will be at Davis Elementary School on Friday, Oct. 22, and at Dade Elementary School on Tuesday, Oct. 26. A consent form for the shot was given to parents at the beginning of the school year.

Dade Middle School Principal Michelle Beeler is offering an Online Safety workshop for parents tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 21. The workshop, “Keeping Your Child Safe In An Internet World,” will be held at 5 and 8 p.m. Reach out to Beeler at michellebeeler@dadecs.org or (706) 657-6491.

Dade County Executive Ted Rumley reported that the leveling and paving of Hales Gap Road would begin either Oct. 27 or 28.

“Those of you that live on the mountain know that is a well-traveled road. It is going to be a great thing when we finish it. That road will be in better shape than it’s ever been,” Rumley said.

The cable barrier project on I-59, from the split to the Alabama line, is estimated to be completed on Oct. 31. Phase one of grinding and paving on Hwy 136 at Sand Mountain is estimated to be completed on Nov. 30.

Jessica Bowman, Youth Education Coordinator at the Dade County Library, noted that the library is still looking to hire an outreach coordinator, which is a 10 month temporary position as a mobile librarian. Apply at chrl.org/employment-opportunities. The mobile library will be set up in different locations in Dade and Walker Counties. Applications are due by Oct. 26.

There are multiple upcoming events happening this month in the county. The Dade County High School homecoming parade will be Thursday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m., followed by a bonfire at the high school. Trick or Treat on the Square will be held on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Dade Elementary School Fall Festival is Saturday, Oct. 23 from 2-5 p.m. The Optimist Bowling Fundraiser will be Sunday, Oct. 24.

The Historical Society’s program, Route to the Battle of Chickamauga, will be Sunday, Oct. 24, from 2:15 to 5:30 p.m. To sign up for the driving tour, which will feature spots where Union soldiers marched through Dade County in 1863, please contact Joy Odom at (706) 398-1051.

The Dade EXPO – Jolly Holidays, Light Up Trenton, and All I Want for Christmas Parade events are on Saturday, Dec. 4.

Dade County has seen 35 cases in the past two weeks, for a total of 1,772 COVID-19 cases. The number of cases can be found at https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report.

“It’s not going away. Try to wear your mask and keep social distancing. Just be aware,” Rumley said.

The weekly county update is broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube on Thursdays at 3 p.m. If anyone has questions, send them to info@dadecounty-ga.gov.