Community News
How Bleckley County persevered during a pandemic.
By Dave Whitaker
Dec 31, 2020, 11:49

The biggest story this year has been COVID-19 and its effects locally. Back in March, the Board of Education held an emergency meeting to close schools and switch to virtual learning in anticipation of Governor Brian Kemp’s order closing schools statewide

School would eventually be cancelled. That had a ripple effect, wiping out spring sports as well as the annual prom. Churches were closed. Many businesses either had to close or switch to curbside and delivery. Despite those setbacks, the community found a way to move forward.

In May, aided by community donations, a display honoring the BCHS Class of 2020 was placed on the courthouse lawn. Spring sports seniors were honored with displays and the lights being left on overnight at the baseball field and track as well as soccer stadium. Seniors also got a chance to say goodbye to the community during a parade held in June.

The Cochran Bleckley Rec. Department was able to hold opening days for both softball and baseball as well as full rec. ball seasons without incident. Naptime Graphics and MGA Fitness held a T-Shirt fundraiser to support small businesses.

Churches also adjusted, finding ways to stream services via social media. Turner Chapel AME Church held a drive-by parade to celebrate the retirement of pastor Lodenia Coleman. City council began holding meetings in the auditorium. Through trial and error, they improved the stream of the meeting, making it a better watch.

Because of the high risk of exposure, loved ones were prevented from visiting family members at Bryant Health and Rehab and At Home Senior Living. A drive-through parade was held this summer allowing the residents to see their families.

Despite concern from some, schools began on-time. Both an in-person and virtual learning option were offered. While fall sports all had COVID issues either from positive cases or contact tracing, all fall sports at both BCMS and BCHS completed.

When contact tracing and new DPH quarantine standards became an issue at the high school, the administration came up with a “purple/gold” alternating schedule which greatly reduced the number of students quarantined.

While the lighted Christmas parade was cancelled this year, Pilot Club of Cochran kept their two Christmas traditions going. The Lite-A-Lite ceremony was held as usual, and the annual Winter Wonderland Express was turned into a drive-through event, free to the public.

Green Acres Farm kept their “Christmas on the Farm” featuring the Tripp Family Christmas Lights going. Several churches still held Christmas Eve services. Bethany Baptist Church resumed their “Drive Through Bethlehem,” after a year hiatus.

While no one would want to go through this year again, the resolve of people here proved one old saying true. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”


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