Betty Marie (Peugh) Sweaney passed away on September 18, 2022. At 88 years of age, she died at home under hospice care surrounded by family and with long-term partner Allen Guiles by her side. She was preceded in death by her parents: Frederck and Mabel Huggins; husbands: Bill Peugh and Max Sweaney; sisters: Laura Elliot and Irene Jackson; and son: Ed Peugh. She is survived by sons: Jerry Peugh, Harold (Cheryl) Peugh, and Bob Peugh; granddaughters: Molly (Matthew) Zdon, Sarah (Dan) Boehm, Katie Peugh and Dana Peugh; and great-grandkids: Rocco, Riley, Hazel, Aubrey, Isaac, Edward and Louis.

She was born Betty Marie Huggins on February 22, 1934 in Eureka, CA and grew up on the Essex Ranch before attending Arcata High School. She then married Bill Peugh and had four sons. She worked in accounting for Redwood Empire Aggregates and was a partner at K & P Ranches. As a life-long member of Odd Fellow and Moose Club, she made a great impact in the community.

A celebration of life is planned for November 6, 2022 at Azalea Hall, McKinleyville from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

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Press release from the Humboldt County Administrative Office:

The County of Humboldt is seeking private defense lawyers to serve as panel attorneys in Humboldt County’s Court-Appointed Attorney Program (HCAAP).

Through this program, private attorneys represent public clients when defendants’ cases cannot be handled by either the Humboldt County Public Defender or Conflict Counsel, primarily due to conflicts of interest, such as when either agency has already represented or currently represents a co-defendant in another case involving the client.

Attorneys who are interested in serving as a private defense attorney with this program must submit an application. The application form is available online by visiting the Humboldt County Court Appointed Attorney Program’s web page.

Once attorneys are approved through the application process, their names are added to a panel, which lists the attorneys available for assignment. Attorneys are then notified when clients need representation and staff works to match attorneys up with cases.

For more information regarding the Humboldt County Court Appointed Attorney Program, including rates and billing procedures, please visit the HCAAP web page the or contact the County Administrative Office  at cao@co.humboldt.ca.us or call (707) 445-7266.

The September episode of The Humboldt Chronicles — the monthly Lost Coast Communications show on all things cannabis — features a news roundup, during which hosts Chuck Rogers and Larry Trask discuss international, federal, state and local developments.

Plus: An interview with Humboldt County Economic Development Director Scott Adair on the precarious state of the industry locally.

Tune in below!

The duties of California’s lieutenant governor are light compared to other statewide elected officials: voting on the boards of three public higher education systems; serving on the commission that oversees millions of acres of land under state waterways; and stepping in for the governor when he leaves the state, as Eleni Kounalakis was doing this week when she joined CalMatters for an interview about her re-election campaign.

But the second-highest office in the state can also be a powerful launching pad for Californians with greater aspirations. Two of the last four governors served immediately prior as lieutenant governor, including current Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Kounalakis, a longtime housing developer and former U.S. ambassador to Hungary who was elected in 2018, made clear that she’s interested in being the next — which, if she succeeded, would make her the first woman to govern the biggest state in the country.

“I think if we are going to have a woman governor of California, that she shouldn’t be coy in her ambitions,” Kounalakis said. “I have found my first four years as lieutenant governor to be a very good training ground for the bigger job.”

That includes advancing higher education, environmental protections, gender equity and California’s engagement on an international stage, Kounalakis said, though she called rebuilding the lieutenant governor’s office the main accomplishment of her first term.

“By the time I came in, it was not fully functional. And so I started with what does the Constitution dictate that this office should be used for?” she said. “Being involved in learning and understanding what’s happening in state government is very important.”

First, however, Kounalakis will have to win a second term. Here is what the Democrat told CalMatters that she would do with four more years on the job.

Gregory Jon Montore
Dec. 13, 1972 – Sept. 1, 2022

On Sept. 1 we lost our son, brother and friend. He was 49 years young.

Greg moved to Humboldt County from New Hampshire in 2012 with his faithful companion Asa. He had a kind word for everyone that he met, he definitely had the gift of gab, his smile was contagious. He had a huge heart and would help anyone who needed a helping hand.

Greg loved all animals. He wanted to save them all. After Asa went over the rainbow bridge he adopted Jack, Hank, Big Kitty and Little Girl. They owned his whole heart and were his best friends. He loved photography, the beach searching for beautiful rocks of which he had many! He also spent many hours searching for driftwood, which he did as a kid with his dad. He would just about stop anywhere that he was to see a sunset. He had recently learned to use a lathe. If you could not find him all you had to do was check the shed and you would find him making a beautiful bowl, vase or pen. He worked part-time at the Blue Ox in Eureka teaching others his new passion and he was good at it. He talked often of Eric and the others who worked there and learned so much from them.

Greg died doing what he loved, it was a beautiful day out and he was happy. He will be greatly missed. He is now free to ride his Harley, eternally chasing sunsets and hanging with his dad looking for driftwood.

Greg is survived by his mother Judi, his brothers Keven and Michael along with his sister Donna, among other members in his family, friends, Joyce, Christophe, Bernie, Alisha, and many more. Greg Montore, you are loved and we will miss you.

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sunshine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. – Traditional Irish Blessing

The obituary above has been submitted by his family and his friend Joyce.

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The obituary above was submitted by Greg Montore’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

It is with broken hearts that the family of Carolyn Lowe (Brightenstine) announces her passing on July 1, 2022. All of her loved ones were by her side when she left this earth to rejoin her beloved husband, parents and other treasured family members in what must have been the most joyous reunion of love and laughter. Carolyn’s last moments were filled with incredible love and peace.

Carolyn was born in September 1939 in San Francisco to Ivan and Dorothea Brightenstine. One of Carolyn’s favorite stories to tell was how her father was very close to carrying the wrong baby out of the hospital doors due to the identification process of the babies at the time. A nurse came running down the hall shouting, “Stop Mr. Brightenstine, you have the wrong baby!” Poor Ivan was already frazzled from a long train ride where he had to ride in an open caboose as the train was overbooked and no seating was available. Carolyn loved her father dearly and her favorite stories to tell were of him.

The new family made their way back to their beloved Buck Mountain, where Ivan’s family had lived for many years. They lived there until they sadly lost the home to a fire. They moved to the small community of Mina after the fire, where they lived until Carolyn was old enough to begin school. Some of Carolyn’s happiest memories were of the time she and her parents lived in the mountains. In those days it was a place like heaven on earth. Between the people who lived there and the beauty and bounty of the land, there will never be another place or time like it. There were so many stories of raising animals, vegetables and beautiful gardens full of flowers. The neighbors shared their bounty with each other, and were always there to help one another. Back then everyone got together often to share a meal, play music, and sing and dance until the wee hours of the morning. Ivan loved to play the fiddle, and continued to play until his final days. They all loved each other and their lives together. It was truly a very special kind of life.

In the late 50s, Carolyn met her husband-to-be, Ronald Lowe, during a family outing at beautiful Bear River. Shortly after they met, Ron went into the service and went overseas. They kept in contact with many letters that are quite a treasure today.

Ronald Lowe and Carolyn were married in December 1964 just days after the famous and devastating flood. They purchased a home and property where they built a life raising two daughters, Mary Dishmon and Anna Dotson.

They raised animals, and enough fruits and vegetables to feed family, friends and the entire neighborhood for many years. Ron was a farmer and loved cows, and the cows loved to find their way out of the pastures. The neighbors called often to have him come and round them up. Luckily the cows never caused too much trouble, but Carolyn sure gave Ron a piece of her mind after every escape.

Ron and Carolyn welcomed their son-in-law to be, Jeff Dishmon, into their lives in 1985. They loved him dearly and considered him their son. He added a great deal of laughter and fun to their days. Carolyn loved to laugh and tell stories. Her father and Jeff share the gift of a wonderful sense of humor. After losing her beloved father, Jeff always kept Carolyn laughing. She was still laughing with him in her final days.

Ron and Carolyn were delighted to become grandparents to two beautiful granddaughters, Ashleana and Mariah Dishmon. The girls added so much happiness and joy to their grandparent’s lives. After becoming a grandmother, Carolyn became known forevermore as “Nanie.” It is a name chosen by two precious children and upon hearing it fills your heart with joy. The past generations of women in Carolyn’s family and Carolyn herself all had “Fire in their Veins.” Her spirited nature can also be found in the current generations.

Tragically Ron was taken much too early from the family in a car accident in 2006. His loss is still deeply felt today. His legacy will continue forever through his land … in his gardens, orchard, and pastures. With every passing season he is there guiding us.

There are always gifts and miracles around every corner. Carolyn was overjoyed to become a great-grandmother to a boy who shares many personality traits and qualities of his Great Papa Lowe. Watch out world, this boy is also full of fire and will accomplish many great things in his life.

Carolyn and her family were extremely blessed to spend time together almost every day. Carolyn loved children. She loved playing with and reading to them, and baking special goodies for everyone’s delight. Her happiest days were spent with her granddaughters and great-grandson. These times and memories created a very special bond that will last for eternity. Carolyn was loved deeply by many people. There are not enough words or space to include and recognize all the special people that have been part of Carolyn’s life. You all gave Carolyn so much love. The family is deeply thankful to each and every one of you! Many special celebrations were shared over the years.

Carolyn loved to garden and inherited the love of beautiful flowers from many generations before her. She was fortunate to continue that love right up to a short hospitalization. Thankfully, she was able to return home to the love of her family. She was surrounded by all of her loved ones at the time of her passing.

“If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.”

• Christopher Robin

Carolyn is survived by her daughters, granddaughters and great-grandson.

Arrangements were made by Humboldt Cremation. A private family service will take place.

If you would like to honor Carolyn’s memory, please consider donating to a local Hospice organization as they are truly angels here on Earth.

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The obituary above was submitted by Carolyn’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.

In loving memory of Delmar Gene Middleton Jr.

Gene, as he was known to friends and family, was born on June 4, 1960 and departed this world on September 13, 2022 from natural causes. He was preceded in death by his father, Delmar Gene Middleton Sr., and is survived by his mother, Mary Carter Middleton, and brother, Frank Allen Middleton, and numerous cousins and friends.

During his early career Gene worked as a custodian at a college in Oregon. Later he returned to Humboldt County and worked in the woods until his early retirement due to health issues. Among Gene’s favorite things were his interest and love of gems and jewelry. He loved to cook and travel with his mother and friends and also liked to fish with his brother.

Gene had a kind and generous nature and was well known for his endless repertoire of jokes. One would be hard-pressed to hear the same joke twice.

There will be a celebration of Gene’s life on Saturday, September 24, between 1 and 3 p.m. at Rohner Park at the picnic area between the skating rink and the rodeo grounds. There will be a potluck anybody wishing to contribute is welcome to do so. Anybody wishing to make a contribution in jeans memory please do so to your favorite charity.

Rest in peace, Gene, you will be missed by all.

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The obituary above was submitted by Delmar Middleton’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.