Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Cottage Grove sentinel. (Cottage Grove, Or.) 1909-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 25, 2021)
2A | FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL On The Record Douglas County Commissioners release statement regarding ‘dismay’ over new Extreme Risk designation In a press release is- sued Tuesday, the Douglas County Board of Commis- sioners expressed concern over the county’s recent surge in COVID cases, and was “dismayed to learn that our case counts in the last two weeks have prompted the State of Oregon to move Douglas County from the State’s Mandated High COVID Risk Level to the State’s Mandated Extreme COVID Risk Level, thus imposing stricter guide- lines on our residents and businesses.” The board said it “pain- fully recognize[s] that the impact of the State moving us to the Mandated Ex- treme COVID Risk Lev- el will be felt the most by Douglas County’s small local businesses, especially our restaurants, bars and gyms, rather than by where the most recent rash of cas- es have been reported (i.e. our long-term care facili- ties, churches, schools and by residents who have cho- sen to host large events).” The board added that the scenario “continues to illus- trate the issue we have with the State’s ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to their COVID restriction metrics and pro- grams.” Douglas County will of- ficially enter the “Extreme Risk” designation begin- ning tomorrow (Feb. 26). In their statement, Com- missioners said they “realize that many local businesses are likely to stay open and challenge the state’s guide- lines for this new risk level.” The board stated it will continue to “stand with, represent and support the citizens and businesses op- erating in Douglas County.” Commissioners ex- plained that while Douglas County currently has no ability to shield or pro- tect businesses from state sanctions, penalties and fines, “We are here to help in any way we can. We do want to encourage our lo- cal businesses to follow the appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of the vi- rus, as well as, protect their businesses, their patrons and their ability to continue to keep their doors open.” Commissioners ex- pressed being “incredibly frustrated” with what they feel has been a lack of local input at the state level, es- pecially when determining the state’s current COVID Risk Level Program, insti- tuted in December 2020. “The state’s new mandat- ed program undeservedly punishes and brutally af- fects our local businesses ability to operate and stay financially stable during this pandemic,” the state- ment read. “Especially, Public Notices The Lowest Rates in Lane County PUBLIC MEETINGS, TRUSTEE NOTICES, PROBATE, AUCTION & FORECLOSURE NOTICES, AND MORE. Published weekly in the Cottage Grove Sentinel and online at cgsentinel.com “As we have asserted before, your Douglas County Commissioners do not support county ‘enforcement’ of State-issued COVID guidelines.” — Douglas County Board of Commissioners when the businesses that have suffered the most during the state’s mandat- ed Risk Level restriction periods — our restaurants, coffee houses, dance stu- dios, senior centers, small retail stores, bars and gyms are among some of the saf- est places to go during the pandemic.” The board explained that those businesses are “re- quired to follow some of the most stringent COVID safety and health guide- lines.” The board also suggest- ed that public health of- ficials, coupled with local outbreak data and statis- tics, have made it clear that COVID-19 is spreading in Oregon and in Douglas County for reasons unre- lated to businesses being open. “In fact, cases at restau- rants, bars and gyms ac- counted for only 1 percent of our total positive cases in the last two weeks,” com- missioners stated. “Our lo- cal data for COVID cases showed that of the current 280 active COVID cases that DPHN is supporting in isolation: • There are no COVID outbreaks created or active at any gyms, restaurants or bars in Douglas County. • Of those 280 active cases, only 4 have positive cases associated with any gyms, restaurants or bars in Douglas County. • Currently, there are no other employees at any oth- er gyms, restaurants or bars that have active or positive cases at this time. “As we have asserted be- fore, your Douglas County Rebecca Lynn Peters 1968-2021 Rebecca was born in Red Bluff , California. She went home with God on Wednesday February 17th, 2021. Rebecca was preceded in passing by her father Don Grow. She is sur- vived by her husband Kenneth Peters; mother Kathy Grow & brother Brad Grow of Grants Pass. Along with sons Joseph Peters, Kiefer Peters & Gabriel Peters; daughters; April Stuner Michael G. Bivans 1943-2021 Michael G. Bivans, 77, of Drain, OR passed away on February 5, 2021. Michael was born on September 21, 1943 in San Pedro, CA to parents Francis and Lois (Pahl) Bivans. He was very talented with a natural ability that was self- Commissioners do not sup- port county ‘enforcement’ of State-issued COVID guidelines. Instead, as the local public health author- ity, we feel it is paramount for State of Oregon Offi- cials to provide easy-to-un- derstand, timely access to the latest information, re- sources and medical guid- ance in order to educate residents about COVID-19 that allows them to make informed, responsible deci- sions,” commissioners stat- ed. “We feel that most peo- ple will do the right thing, if given the opportunity and knowledge to do so.” Commissioners added that Douglas County Gov- ernment will not enforce the mandates for these “somewhat draconian rules against our citizens man- dated without local consul- tation.” taught in woodworking, paint- ing, drawing and many more homemade projects. Michael was a devoted husband to his loving wife Teresa who pre- ceded him in death and a lov- ing father of 5 girls. Michael is survived by his daughters, Wendy DeLong, Eugene, OR; Kelly Black and Tracy Jonk, Curtin, OR; Jamielee French, Yoncalla, OR; and Trina Nash, Drain, OR; 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. A private family service was held at Smith Lund Mills Funeral Chapel on Friday, February 19, 2021 in Cottage Grove, OR. Michael will be laid to rest at home next to his wife Teresa in their private plot. and McKenzie Peters, friend, and companion Kelly Whit- lock. Th e world has lost one of the most beautiful souls. Rebecca’s legacy will live on through her family for which she unselfi sh- ly sacrifi ced everything. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel & Cemetery. View obituaries at cgsentinel.com DEATH NOTICES ROSE—Helen Vio- let Rose, 88, of Cottage Grove, Ore., died Feb. 19, 2021. Arrangements by Smith Lund Mills Funeral Chapel in Cottage Grove. Jeff rey Dale Mailer 5/4/47 – 2/19/21 Jeffrey Dale Mailer, 73, passed away Friday, Feb- ruary 19 in Cottage Grove, OR. Jeff was born May 4, 1947 to Sally Toner Mailer and James Mailer of Ever- ett, WA. Jeffrey (Jeff) graduated from Kalani High School in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he majored in Surfi ng. At 14 years old, he was hired by the newly built Colony Surf Hotel to paddle out every evening at dusk to light the torches on the reef. After high school, Jeff was draft- ed into the Army, where he was trained in the US Army Aviation School and served as a helicopter crewman in the Vietnam War, fl ying on recovery missions. Following his discharge in 1969, Jeff settled in Cottage Grove, where his gentle soul chose an individualistic path. He was drawn to the Native American ways, res- onating with their life close to nature. Multi-talented, Jeff excelled at everything he did – a master mechanic, a meticulous craftsman, an attentive gardener, a spotter for the forest service during summer fi re seasons, taking calls to pick up wounded animals during the local vet- erinarian’s off-duty hours, a working cowboy and ranch hand, a reviewer of books, the provider of end-of-life care for his mother … the list goes on. Jeff loved working in his woodshop, fi shing, and being on horseback – trek- king into the mountains or participating in the Southern Oregon Headwaters 25 cross-country race, in which he fi nished in the Top 10 in 1993. Thoughtful and generous, Jeff was always available to help when needed; he took care of peo- ple, touching them deeply and making lasting friend- ships. His twinkly warmth and humor permeated every conversation. Jeff is survived by his lov- ing partner, Stevie Convey of Cottage Grove; his twin sister Jo Habib of Kihei, HI and her sons Sky Olson (Faye), Joshua Olson, and Aziz Habib and daughter Leslie Johnson (Andy); his sister Cheryl Mailer of Seattle, WA; his brother Don and his wife DeeJay of Boise, ID and their two daughters Renee DeHaas and Brandy Ragain (Casey); several great-nieces and nephews who will grow up hearing loving stories about their unique uncle Jeff; and innumerable dear friends. He will be greatly missed. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel & Cemetery. ~Trusted by Generations As you may have heard… William “Bill” Robert Good 1957-2021 William “Bill” Robert Good, 64, of Cottage Grove, Oregon passed away on Feb- ruary 15, 2021. Bill was born to John Good and Lorraine MacDonald on January 11, 1957 in Hicksville, New York. He worked as a chef in New York and California as well as a laborer in Oregon for Starfi re Lumber Company and at a lo- cal nursery growing plants. He loved to birdwatch and could name all wild birds. He enjoyed gardening, working in the yard and loved his nieces and neph- ews. Bill is survived by his moth- er, Lorraine MacDonald, his brothers Gary Good and wife Joy of Washington, James Good and Daniel Good of Oregon and his sister Pamela Knight and husband Scott of Montana as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements in the care of Smith-Lund-Mills-Funeral Chapel of Cottage Grove, Or- egon. Why Pre-Plan? Pre-Planning makes matters easier for those you love. Pre-Planning allows you to provide guidance to your family after your death. Pre-Planning allows you to control potential expenses of a funeral and disposition. Pre-Planning provides an advanced opportunity to assemble life data. We are entering a great spring real estate market! Call me if you’re seeking advice about Buying . Selling. Or Both! I’m a native of the area with 25+ years of experience helping clients with farms, fl ips, forest and view properties, bare land, new construction, single or multi-unit homes and much more. king N ow Boo ts en Appointm S entinel C ottage G rove Contact: Meg Fringer 541-942-3325 x1200 mfringer@cgsentinel.com (541) 942-0185 123 S. 7th St., Cottage Grove Visit smithlundmills.com for more information. Jodie Smith, Principal Broker, Realtor ,GRI, SRES P/T: 541-729-3801 • JodieSmithRealEstate.com
