We mourn the passing of Franklin Ross Klopp. Franklin took his passage to the happy hunting and fishing grounds on November 30, 2023 with Hospice in Fortuna. He was born June 26, 1934 in Lebanon, Penn. to Irwin and Verna Reichenbach Klopp. Franklin (“Klippity”) was brother to older sister Verna Lorraine (“Raine”) and younger brother Roy Tyrone (“Butch”).

Scarce work caused the Klopp family to move across the country in the 1940s. During this trip, his mom became ill and they had a lengthy stay in Arizona. The dry air was good for her lungs and when Verna was able to travel, they made their way to the north-eastern California town of McCloud. In 1952 Franklin graduated from McCloud High School. After graduation Franklin moved to Arcata and started working at Simpson Timber Co. It was at Simpson’s that he met Joan McMillan. Franklin was drafted in 1958. He and Joan married and then he was on his way to Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he served his time in the Army.

Franklin and Joan had three children, Jeffrey born in 1962 and identical twin girls, Karen and Sharon on 1/1/65.

Franklin received his Civil Engineering degree from Humboldt State University in 1965. Eventually he became the Director of Public Works for the city of Arcata. The position he held until his retirement in 1993. He helped the city and surrounding area with many beneficial projects, drawing knowledge from local businesses and schools to make them dynamic. One of those projects was the Arcata Marsh. The last pond in this reclamation project bears the name of Franklin R. Klopp Lake. He was very proud and honored to have the lake named for him.

Franklin had a huge love of the wild outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and he could cook what he caught. One of his more famous, were the “Klopp burgers” (deep-fried Abalone) which he cooked on an open fire in a huge cast iron frypan at the Memorial Day Weekend camp out at West Port, California. As a volunteer fireman for the Arcata Fire Dept. his favorite place in the firehouse was the kitchen where he helped prepare many dinners for fellow firemen and their families. He shared his bounty with family and friends; crab from Humboldt Bay, fish from many trips to Crescent City and wild turkey and pheasant from various hunting grounds.

His love of travel took the Klopp family on trips in a Ford van across the United States. During the trips they camped and visited many National Parks. In later life, he and partner Edith visited Spain and Portugal where he marveled at the architecture and wonderful foreign wine.

Franklin was pre-deceased by parents, Irwin and Verna; his wife Joan and daughter Sharon; his sister Raine and brother Butch; his teacher and mentor Uncle Homer “Whitey” Reichenbach.

Franklin is survived by son Jeff Klopp (Sharla) and their sons, Jackson (Michelle) and Jordan (Lauren); his daughter Karen Steinbach and her sons Sam and Max; nieces Wanda Welbourne (Gary), Maille Baron (Joe) and Louise Laurendeau. He is also survived by his partner of ten years, Edith Stromberg-Wall.

Franklin’s loved ones would like to thank his care givers and especially Hospice of Humboldt.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of Humboldt or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at the Lutheran Church of Arcata, 151 E. 16th St., Arcata at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024.

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Patsy Ruth Walker
September 25, 1929 – December 27, 2023

Patsy Ruth Walker (Hackett), born September 25, 1929 passed away peacefully at the age of 94 at Seaview Rehab & Wellness Center in Eureka on December 27, 2023. She was raised on a sheep ranch outside Ferndale by her parents, George and Bertha Hackett (McAllister). She then went on to marry Harold Hall Walker in 1950; they had two children, Danny H. Walker and Michelle Lynn Walker, whom they raised in Mckinleyville.

Patsy graduated from Ferndale High School in 1947. She attended Humboldt State for two years, for secretarial school. She then worked as the School Secretary at Dow’s Prairie in the 1970s after her husband’s passing. She never forgot her farming roots, though, as she loved sheep from a young age and into her adult life; she was the first female sheep shearer in Humboldt County. She considered herself a tomboy who loved to play outside, and always opted for trousers over dresses, when given the choice.

Patsy was very independent, and a breast cancer survivor. She crafted beautiful quilts, tended to her garden and read books from the local library. The table beside the sofa always had a stack of books, as well as the weekly crossword that she was working through. She never missed the evening news, followed by Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She took pride in her home, her yard and personal appearance, always preferring a fresh perm and coat of Lancôme lipstick. For years, she could be seen running errands in her beloved black Honda Civic, and meeting her friends at Denny’s for breakfast every Friday. She loved Eggo waffles and black coffee, just as much as fish and chips from Seascape in Trinidad.

Patsy was a caring mother and grandmother. She was always there to watch her grandchildren, who fondly referred to her as Gma. She was close with her daughter Michelle, even from afar in Colorado – through weekly phone calls, and later in life, when Michelle moved in to help take care of her. Patsy also took the trip of a lifetime with her daughter Michelle in 2000, staying in Bath, and visiting the English countryside. Meanwhile, her son Danny was always nearby in Humboldt and could often be found snoozing in front of Patsy’s much-loved woodstove.

The real loves of her life though were her kitties; when the black cat that she called Baby eventually passed, she was very upset. Michelle thankfully brought home two new sweet kittens when she moved in, and Baby the second was a happy distraction. She never failed to ask how the kitties were doing.

Pat is survived by her daughter Michelle, granddaughter Cassandra Walker; brother and sisters George Hackett (Fortuna), Charlotte Michel and Jeannette Leonardo (Ferndale). She is preceded in death by her husband, her son, her sister Lorene R. Tipple, and her parents. Pat’s family and friends will celebrate her life privately in the coming days. The family would also like to mention their gratitude to Visiting Angels and Hospice of Humboldt, who helped care for Pat in recent years. Donations in her honor can be made to Food for People in Eureka.

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Alan Richard Wolski
July 7, 1947 - January 9, 2024

It is with aching hearts that we announce the death of Alan Wolski, beloved husband and devoted father to two daughters and a granddaughter. Al was born to Edward and Mildred Wolski in Chicago on 7/7/47, and he always thought of seven as his lucky number. He was a lover of music, nature, night skies, his cats, and most of all, his family. He was a life-long searcher for truth, as seen through his extensive readings from world religions and literature. He had fond memories as a kid exploring the woods and lakes of Wisconsin with his sister, then later, with more siblings on Washington Island, WI. His love of adventure led him to travels around the world, from living abroad in the Virgin Islands to backpacking in Peru. He instilled that love in his daughters, who also ended up living abroad and visiting many countries.

Friends were also central to his life. Al had his jazz, blues and reggae buddies, softball team, camping companions, and long-time high school and college friends. He was known as both a storyteller and a collector of jokes and LPs. Al enjoyed giving back to the community he loved, through volunteering at the Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center and the Arcata Library, as well as at many community Thanksgiving dinners and the like.

Al was a renowned gardener, often inspiring passersby to inquire how he grew such beautiful flowers. He turned his backyard into a vibrant ecosystem in the middle of town, with thriving tree frog and hummingbird populations. He shared his aptitude for gardening with his clients for over 30 years, helping restore landscapes across Humboldt as “The Garden Sitter.”

He is survived by his wife Mary Ann Madej, daughter Tamara (Jeremy), daughter Angie (Gabriel), and granddaughter Juniper, as well as his siblings Diana (Frank), Mike (Peg), Chris, and Bill (Toni) and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be planned for a sunnier time in the future. Donations in his memory can be made to Friends of the Arcata Marsh or Friends of the Arcata Library.

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John Dexter Freeman passed away on December 11, 2023 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on January 19, 1942 to John and Jane Freeman in San Francisco.

Dex grew up in Martinez and graduated from Alhambra High School in 1959. After high school he joined the Army, working in the Signal Corps. After the Army he went to work for RCA on Thule Airbase in Greenland. Before leaving for Greenland he met the love of his life, Betty. While in Greenland, tragedy struck when the bowling alley burned down, so he left.

In 1967 he married Betty and returned to California. He got a job with IBM which he loved. In 1967 his first son, John, was born, followed by a daughter, Deanne, four years later and another son, Steven, four years after that. In 1978 he relocated with IBM to Humboldt County. In 1981 he bought his first satellite TV dish. Shortly after he started his own satellite TV business, Teledex Downlink. He retired from IBM in 1997 but continued with Teledex until his passing.

Throughout his life he was an avid bowler and was proud when he bowled a 300 game. He was a member of the Harbor Lanes Match Club and a past president of the Humboldt Men’s Bowling Association. He was a life member of the Elks Club and he was the Grand Chancellor of the Pythian’s for the state of California. He was a lifelong fan of the San Francisco Giants and 49ers. He loved fishing and going crabbing. He loved talking to people. If given half a chance he would get the life story of anyone he met.

He is survived by his wife Betty and his children John(Cynthia) Freeman, Deanne (Tim) Gomes, and Steven(Jennifer) Freeman as well as grandchildren Zack, Ambre, Nathan and Natalie Freeman, Lydia, Eliot, and Oliver Gomes and Alex and Finn Freeman.

There will be a celebration of life on January 19, 2024 at Harbor Lanes Bowling Alley at 6 p.m.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding the whereabouts of Corey James MOORE. An outstanding Felony warrant for the arrest of MOORE has been issued in the charge of:

PC 311.11(a): Possess/etc obscene matter of minor in sexual act.

MOORE is believed to be transient in the Arcata area. If you see Corey James MOORE, do not approach him, but call 911 immediately.

Suspect Description: White male adult, approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall, 200 pounds, with short brown hair, hazel eyes, and a beard.

Attached photo was taken from his California ID Card in 2021.

If you see Corey James MOORE, please call 911. Reference case number: 20230521

Eureka Police Department release: 

Pursuant to California Government Code 7923.625, video and /or audio recordings depicting the discharge of a firearm at a person by a peace officer or custodial officer shall be made public within 45 days of the event by the agency provided the release would not significantly interfere with a criminal or administrative investigation.

The Eureka Police Department has released the body worn camera recording depicting the discharge of a firearm during the November 26, 2023 officer involved shooting. The video can be seen below: 

The department is also releasing the radio transmissions between the officers on scene and our Communications Center that encompass the time from the traffic stop to the officer involved shooting. The audio can be found below:

While both officers involved in the incident were wearing their body worn cameras, the second officer’s camera had a failure. This camera was sent back to the manufacturer to be examined. The examination of the camera by the manufacturer revealed, “The camera experienced an internal processing error preventing the camera from capturing video from the particular time. The error displayed is 100/ ‘Init Failure’.” The camera has been replaced by the manufacturer.

The Humboldt County Multi-Agency Critical Incident Team (CIRT) is continuing to investigate. This is an active investigation and additional information will be released in accordance to the law.

PREVIOUSLY:

• BREAKING: Eureka Police Department Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting Near the Library
• Eureka Police Issue Statement on Today’s Officer-Involved Shooting Near the Library
• Eureka Police Department Identifies Man Shot and Killed by Officers in Old Town on Sunday, Releases Details on Altercation That Preceded Deadly Response
• Eureka Police Department Release the Names of Officers Involved in Old Town Shooting Death

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PREVIOUSLY

• Ground Has Been Broken on Klamath River Restoration, the World’s Largest-Ever Dam-Removal Project
• (PHOTOS) Removal of Copco No. 2 Dam Complete, Restoring Klamath River Flows to Ward’s Canyon for the First Time in 98 Years

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Press release from the Klamath River Renewal Corporation:

Hornbrook, CA – Yesterday, the Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC), initiated the drawdown process by opening the low-level outlet tunnel in the Iron Gate Dam. Drawdown refers to the slow draining of the water in the reservoirs, which will be lowered in a controlled manner through tunnels located at the base of the dams. Drawdown of the JC Boyle and Copco Reservoirs will begin later this month, and all reservoirs are expected to be drained by the end of February. 

“Witnessing the beginning of drawdown at Iron Gate dam was both celebration of an important moment in the story of Klamath dam removal, and a source of pride for the exceptional work done by so many people to arrive at this day.” Said Mark Bransom, CEO of KRRC. 

Communities downstream of the dams will start to see changes in the river in the coming days, as sediment that has accumulated behind the dams is evacuated downstream. There is an estimated 17-20 million cubic yards of sediment behind Iron Gate, JC Boyle, and Copco No. 1, the three remaining Klamath dams slated for removal. During the drawdown process 5-7 million cubic yards is expected to go downstream during the initial phase of drawdown in January and February. Extensive testing done by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and KRRC consultants has determined the sediment to be non-toxic, mostly consisting of dead algae, gravels, and fine clay particulates.  

“Iron Gate’s drawdown strategy is different than what people may have seen in the past with other dam removals,” noted Bransom. “There was no blast at this dam, instead we had the opportunity to use existing infrastructure, which allows us to precisely control the volume of water going down river, limiting downstream impacts.” 

The initial drawdown period was carefully selected KRRC’s Aquatic Resources Working Group, which is comprised of Tribes, and state and federal agencies. January and February are the ideal months for this process, as there are the fewest threated and endangered species in the mainstem, and winter flows will assist with sediment evacuation.  

While the initial phase of drawdown is expected to be completed sometime in February, because the reservoirs will be drained so slowly, they may refill a bit with spring run-off, and then need to drain again. Water quality is expected to improve in March, after the initial phase of drawdown is complete, but it will likely take up to 24 months for water to return to usual clarity, following the successful establishment of vegetation in the former reservoir footprint areas. Work on the deconstruction of the dams is expected to commence sometime in May or June of 2024 depending on the weather, and be complete by Fall, 2024.  

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The Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) is a private, independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization formed in 2016 by 23 signatories of the amended Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement, or KHSA. KRRC is part of a cooperative effort to re-establish the natural vitality of the Klamath River so that it can support all communities in the Klamath Basin. Signatories, which include the States of California and Oregon, local governments, Tribal nations, dam owner PacifiCorp, irrigators, and several conservation and fishing groups, appointed KRRC to take ownership and oversee removal of four hydroelectric dams on the river.