Residents Discuss Next Steps After E. Coli

By Ashli Sims, The News On 6

LOCUST GROVE, OK -- Dozens of Locust Grove residents gathered at a town hall on Thursday night to talk about moving forward after an outbreak of E. Coli.  The town has taken quite a hit since the outbreak.  Many feel their image and their pocket book is hurting because of it.

The rallying cry at the town hall meeting was let's move on.  For those with family still sick from the E. coli outbreak, the message was a bitter pill to swallow.

Tamyra Parker says the last few weeks have been a blur.  First, her two-year-old nephew got sick, and then her ten-year-old grandson, Kyler.

"It isn't just like a virus. it is like, it's unbelievable.  It's unbelievable. I've never seen anyone this sick," said Tamyra Parker of Locust Grove.

She was by their sides at Saint Francis Hospital for ten days, living from blood test to blood test.  Now they're both home, but her nephew has recently suffered a relapse.  She says with dozens still in the hospital, it's too soon to talk about moving forward.

"We have adults still in the hospital.  We have children that aren't just a little bit sick, they're critically ill. We have to remember those families and remember those kids and that's the number one thing we need to be worried about right now," said Tamyra Parker.

The town of Locust Grove has been hit hard by the E. coli outbreak.  One of the big revenue generators in town, the Country Cottage Restaurant, is still closed in connection with the health department's investigation.  And, many gathered to brainstorm on events to benefit those with mounting hospital bills, but also bring folks back to Locust Grove.

"It doesn't matter what anybody else thinks we know we're not afraid of each other," said Janet Larson of Locust Grove.

Parker feels like the push to move forward, leaves those still sick behind and forgotten.

"I've heard people say they're sick of hearing about people being sick. Well, there's people being sick who are tired of being sick," said Tamyra Parker.

Many say their hearts go out to the sick, but the town needs to move on.

"It's gonna be here. But, we've gotta move forward. We can't stay in yesterday. We've got to move forward," said Janet Larson.

Some, like Tamyra Parker, say the sick aren't in yesterday, but are still struggling today.

"I don't think we can just brush something under the rug. Make it go away. We have to find what it is. Fix it. Get everyone out of the hospital. Get em well. And then, worry about our economics," said Tamyra Parker.

Related Story:

09/05/2008  More Interviews Needed In E. Coli Investigation