Calling it a career
Hope’s most famous dentist is hanging up his white coat.
Dr. John Harker is stepping away from full-time work after 50 years of practicing dentistry.
Harker has served patients in the community since 1973, and worked as the only dentist in the small town located in northeast Bartholomew County town for decades.
Dr. Jarod Gearhart, who bought the practice from Harker in 2018, will continue to offer dental services at the business located at 9909 N. Highway 9 in Hope.
While Harker said he’s no longer practicing, he did hint he’s going to keep his license — and may still come in and offer care for free to those struggling economically on occasion.
We wish Harker well in his retirement from dentistry, and thank him for his commitment to Hope and the Bartholomew County area at large for almost a half-century.
Staying flexible
County healthcare workers received some good news last week.
The Bartholomew County commissioners recently voted in favor of a temporary amendment to the county’s personnel policy that allows certain health department employees to retain accumulated vacation in excess of 18 days.
Normally, those days wouldn’t roll over to the new year. But due to increased workloads due to COVID-19, which will continue well into 2021, the commissioners decided it was best to make an exception.
The decision was the right call by the county, as many of their healthcare professionals have reported working 50 hours or more on average in recent months. With more vaccination clinics planned for the future, the demand for labor will only continue to grow.
Getting the deal done
After months of negotiations between Democrats and Republicans, a COVID-19 relief bill was finally passed after President Donald Trump signed it on Sunday.
The $900 billion bill includes a $600 relief check to Americans earning up to $75,000 and unemployment benefits up to $300 per week through mid-March.
Included in the bill is $284 billion for Paycheck Protection Program loans, which includes eligibility for businesses and nonprofits alike.
The 5,593-page bill isn’t perfect, but it’s a welcome development as many continue to struggle financially due to the pandemic.
