Well Water Positive For Bacteria

There is another clue in the E. coli investigation.  Bacteria have been found in the well water used at the Country Cottage.  It's being tested to see if it carries the strain of E. coli that is making people sick. The News On 6's Jeffrey Smith reports public school officials, meanwhile, say attendance has dropped dramatically this week at school.

In the face of an outbreak that's affected teachers, administrators, and kids, Locust Grove Schools are trying to get back to normal.

"We have kids, when they come back from the bathroom they use hand sanitizer.   Before they go eat at the cafeteria, they use hand sanitizer," said Locust Grove Superintendent David Cash.

The Country Cottage is less than a mile from the school.  An E. coli outbreak from the restaurant has sickened more than 100 people.

"Kids are pretty resilient, but they hear conversation and they know most of the people.  So, they feel a sense of loss and tragedy for the people that are sick," said teacher Connie Newton.

There are about 1,200 students from second grade through high school.  Of those, 17 are home sick.  Some are still in the hospital.  Administrators say even more students just aren't showing up for class.

"There's been a drop, and lot of that has been concerns of people sending their kids," said Locust Grove Superintendent David Cash.

Third grade teacher Connie Newton says her class is sad for everyone involved.

"We made cards yesterday, get well cards, you know.   And, I had a little girl ask me if she could write Country Cottage a card," said teacher Connie Newton.

The cards will be delivered to the hospital.  A 12-year-old Locust Grove student has gone through five blood transfusions.  Her mom is a teacher at the school and is on extended leave.

Other teachers have been hospitalized and released.

"My heart goes out to the families that they're going through all this.  I feel sad for them," said assistant principal Lacie Davenport.

Assistant principal Lacie Davenport worked at the Country Cottage for eight years.  She says she put herself through college working there.

"They are just an amazing family.  They have just the biggest heart, and they would just do anything for me," said assistant principal Lacie Davenport.

Teachers say it's a tragedy that's devastated the entire community.  Teachers say they've been starting every school day with a moment of silence for all the victims.

As for the 17 Locust Grove students who are still stick, teachers say it could be two weeks before they return to class.