Dennis Kyle Dodson
May 20, 1966 to May 3, 2023

Dennis Kyle Dodson was born in Huston Texas on May 20, 1966 and moved to California in July of 1970. He spent most of his childhood exploring the Arcata and Blue Lake area and traveling to Texas and Louisiana for the summer. He enjoyed playing football in the field by his his house and adventuring with his friends during the school year until he graduated from Arcata High School in 1985. After high school Dennis spent years working at mills before taking a job as a support worker, spending over twenty five years working with people with mental and physical disabilities, most of which were spent at HCAR, a job he loved and full of people he considered friends.

Dennis was an artist of all sorts. From drawing and painting to woodwork and cooking, building to papier-mâché, there were few things he couldn’t do once he put his mind to it, often without instructions. He was passionate about his crafts and put his heart into everything he did. He was skilled in many things, including hunting, fishing, and raising animals. His hobbies included camping, long drives through the woods and mountains, playing horseshoes, and target shooting. If it was an outdoor activity he’d love it. But one thing Dennis loved more than all of that was people.

Dennis had a big heart, he loved the people in his community and was happy to be a helping hand whenever one was needed, whether it was to a friend or a complete stranger. After an earthquake he could always be found driving around the town, looking for people who were unable to get to higher grounds on their own. But his favorite people was his family. Both by blood and by choice, Dennis was probably at his happiest when he was around his family. He tried to talk to his parents, Ann and Keven Stolpe, every day and always asked for updates on his siblings and extended family. Dennis loved and raised two daughters, Melissa and Kimberly Dodson, on his own and on 11-11-11 he married the love of his life, Dayna Dodson, and gained his bonus daughter, Bree Jallo, who he loved as his own. In June 2012 he got his first grandson, Blayze, who was the absolute joy of his heart. He would do anything and everything to make sure his family was happy, safe, and cared for no matter the cost.

Unfortunately Dennis couldn’t be kept forever, and on May 3, 2023, Dennis Kyle Dodson took his final breath, leaving behind a family and group of friends who will always love him and remember him for the brave, funny, smart, loving, wonderful man he was.

Dennis leaves behind: his loving mom, Ann Stolpe, and loving dad, Keven Stolpe; his beloved wife, Dayna Dodson; his three daughters, Melissa and Kimberly Dodson, Bree Jallo, and her son Blayze; his sister DaLana Martin, her son Justin Dean Martin, and her granddaughter Skylar Martin; his brother Daniel Dodson, Jackie Welch, and her daughter Isabella Hayes; his sister Darla Dodson, her son Kyle Allen, her daughter Kayla and Eli, and her grandson Aiden; his brother Antonio Avelar and Laynette; his brother Warren Crawford and his daughter Janessa Crawford and son George Crawford; his stepsister Karrie and Ray Blankenship, their son and daughter, and numerous nieces and nephews; his stepbrother Michael and Sarah Stolpe and his two daughters and two sons; his stepbrother Chris Stolpe and his son and two daughters; his stepsister Sarah and Jay Morgan, their two daughters and son, and their grandchildren; his Aunt Darlene and Aunt Dorothy; and many cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends so close they may as well be family.

Dennis Dodson was a great man who will not be easily forgotten by those who knew and loved him. He’s touched so many people and changed so many lives it’s simply impossible.

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Bob Sovereign was born April 16, 1956 in Eureka to Richard and Fran Sovereign. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 16, 2023 in Eureka.

Bob was a lifetime resident of Eureka and attended school there.

When he turned 18 he went right into the military and became a PFC for the United States Marine Corps and got a sharpshooter certificate as well.

After his discharge he worked in various industries in Eureka, some of which took him to the open seas as a commercial fisherman. He was a millworker for McNamara & Peep, and had a landscaping business where he met a host of friends in the clientele that he served.

Bob had a great sense of humor and used it on me (his sister) right after I watched a scary movie on TV (I was 13), I headed upstairs to my room and all of a sudden a “ghost” was standing at the top of the stairs waving its arms. Well I screamed, asked it who are you, what are you? I was genuinely terrified and then the ghost took off his costume and there stood Bob laughing like hell. I really wanted to choke him at that moment. He really loved his pranks and used them on many others.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Fran Sovereign, brother Rick Sovereign and sister Nina Jacaway all of Eureka. He is survived by his remaining siblings and their children, Ronnie Sovereign of Eureka, and his son Chad, Tami Walsh (Pat) of Hermitage, Tenn. and their children Donnie Walsh of McKinleyville (Janna), Heather Ringwald (Ryan) of Florida, Patrick and Joseph Walsh of Lebanon and Hermitage, Tenn., Karen James (Dave) of Elma. Wash. , and their children Cheri Gellerstadt, Misty Astry, Amanda Astry, of Elma, Stacy James and Kimberly LeRoy of Eureka. Also survived by Rick’s children Ricky and Chris Sovereign of Tucson, Ariz., Shaunah Sovereign of Eureka, Nina’s children Lance and LeeAnn Jacaway of Phoenix, Lane Jacaway of Eureka and his buddy Lynden (Trobbit) Jacaway of Eureka, and his beloved dog Bumper whom he loved more than people.

He is also survived by his uncle Wayne Sovereign of Eureka and his aunt Mary (Aunt Lou Lou) of Eureka, and Aunt Donna Brunk (Sis) of Newport, Oregon, and dozens of cousins and friends too numerous to name. He is also survived by a very special friend Judy Dutra whom he entrusted enough to care for his beloved Bumper. He made lots of friends over the years and treated them like family.

A celebration of life service will be planned at a later date.

Donations to help family with burial expenses can be made directly to Ayers Funeral Home, 2620 Jacobs Avenue, Eureka .

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With sadness in our hearts, we announce the passing of Whitney Buck on May 13, 2023.

Whitney Wood Buck, Junior, was born on August 16, 1930 (Saturday’s child), in Detroit, Michigan, of Whitney Buck, Senior, and Mildred Mattsson. He attended public schools and Denison University in Ohio. In 1952, he was commissioned a line officer in the Navy and served in the Navy with the Marine Corps during the Korean War. After his military service he attended graduate school at the University of Michigan earning a doctorate degree. He taught English literature at Michigan, Wayne State University in Detroit, and at Humboldt State University in California. He was appointed Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Humboldt State University and retired in 1993.

An avid runner, he was a member of the Six Rivers Running Club and participated in numerous local races. He was a founding member of the board of the Morris Graves Museum of Art. He loved music, learning to play both the piano and cello later in life. He enjoyed traveling and took great pleasure in cooking for others.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Miriam, and is survived by his loving wife, Jean Santi, his sister Barbara Wolf (Phillip Wolf), and his beloved children: Jesse Buck (Mimi Nadya Buck), Jason Buck (Teri Buck), and Emily Armstrong Buck. He has five grandchildren: Ted, Perry, Alaina, Josh and Gabe Buck.

His family would like to thank Doctors Purtell and Abdali, Case Manager Julie, and Nurse Brieanne of St. Joseph Hospital. The Staff of Hospice of Humboldt and Timber Ridge for their care.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Whitney’s life at his home on June 11th from 4 to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers please donate to a worthy cause.

“Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.” — Emily Dickinson

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Press release from Mad River Hospital:

On May 20, 2023, the Board of Directors of Mad River Community Hospital (“Mad River”) approved a Non-Binding Letter of Intent with hospital management company Southwest Healthcare Services, LLC (“Southwest”), setting a general framework for Mad River to be acquired and, thereafter, operated as part of Southwest’s affiliated healthcare network. Over the course of the next 90 days, the parties will complete their mutual due diligence and work towards a definitive agreement. The parties expect to reach a definitive agreement, secure regulatory approvals, and implement the change of control in the Fall of 2023. During such period and through the transition, Mad River will remain open and continue to operate normally.

As part of the framework, Southwest has committed to (i) maintaining employee wages and benefits; (ii) maintaining physician contracts; (iii) maintaining existing services; and (iv) investing heavily in facility upgrades and service line expansions, including behavioral health.

“I am very excited to make this announcement today,” said Mad River Chairman and CEO Douglas Shaw, “My father built this hospital, and it has been my life’s passion to carry on his legacy. I am proud of Mad River’s 50-plus year heritage as a stand-alone hospital. However, as small rural hospitals continue to struggle financially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become clear that, to ensure Mad River’s long-term viability in this community, we need to partner with a proven healthcare management team that can navigate the current uncertainties in the economic climate for hospitals in California.”

“Southwest is the perfect fit at the perfect time,” said Shaw, “led by Precious Mayes, an executive who has won accolades for her leadership of critical access and safety net hospitals, Southwest will be operating a small but stable hospital network that shares Mad River’s values and culture. I look forward to the community getting to know her and her talented team over the weeks and months to come.”

Mr. Shaw emphasized that the choice of new management was driven by shared values and culture. “In recent decades, Mad River has been approached about potential acquisitions, but we have declined to give up our independence based on concerns that such a move would neither serve the needs of the community nor protect our devoted staff,” said Mr. Shaw. “However, we were attracted to this team because of its commitment to our staff and its track record with other hospitals in difficult circumstances.”

Southwest is a hospital management company that currently manages Pacifica of the Valley Hospital (“Pacifica”) in the San Fernando Valley and the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center in Sylmar, CA. Southwest is currently working to open other hospitals following their closures by prior owners in order to serve the communities in which each is located. “This strategic partnership presents an enormous opportunity to fulfill our mission of strengthening access to medical and mental health services” said Ms. Mayes. “ Ms. Mayes emphasized that the coming weeks and months will be devoted to getting to know the community in preparation for meeting its healthcare needs. “We are deeply humbled by the opportunity presented to us by Mad River’s leadership, and we are committed to earning the trust of the communities Mad River serves.”

FAQs

1. Why did Mad River choose to evaluate partnership options?

Healthcare is facing difficult times and stand-alone hospitals are vulnerable and challenged to continue in the current environment. The impact of the pandemic has exacerbated the already difficult operating environment, notably reductions in reimbursements and increased costs.

This is particularly the case for small, rural hospitals like Mad River. To ensure Mad River’s long-term viability and commitment to Humboldt County, we need to partner with a healthcare network that has the foundation to remain stable in an uncertain economic climate for hospitals in California.

This decision will secure the future of quality healthcare in our community, while retaining meaningful continued influence.

2. Why Southwest Health Care Services, LLC?

Mad River selected Southwest following an exhaustive and competitive process, in which leadership met with more than a half dozen organizations.

Ultimately, Southwest was selected because its philosophy, culture, and leadership best met Mad River’s objectives, and we felt they would be the best to carry forward Mad River’s legacy and values.

Southwest intends to manage Mad River directly or through a Southwest affiliate.

3. During the period of transition, will Mad River continue to operate?

Yes, Mad River will continue to operate under its existing ownership and management until the transition is complete and Southwest assumes management. Leadership from Mad River and Southwest are committed to a seamless transition for our patients, employees, and providers.

4. Who is Southwest Health Care Services, LLC and Precious Mayes?

Southwest Health Care Services, LLC is a hospital management company that has a long history of successfully assisting independent community hospitals. It presently manages Pacifica of the Valley Hospital in the San Fernando Valley and the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center in Sylmar, CA. Southwest is currently working to open other hospitals following their closures by prior owners in order to serve the communities in which each is located.

Southwest is led by Chief Executive Officer Precious Mayes, who has 25-plus years of healthcare leadership experience. In 2019, Precious was presented with a congressional award given by Congressman Tony Cardenas, 29th Congressional District. Precious was recognized for her years of outstanding community service, advocacy, leadership and tireless involvement as CEO at Pacifica Hospital.

Additionally, Precious has received the prestigious San Fernando Valley Business Journal awards for “Business Executive of The Year”, and “Women in Business of the Year”. Precious was also listed in the “2019 Valley 200 Book” as one of the top 200 Influential Business Leaders in the San Fernando Valley. Precious was a nominee recipient 4 consecutive years for “Women in Healthcare” by LA Business Journal. She is an active member of the California Hospital Association (Leadership Committee), California Association of Healthcare Facilities, American Healthcare Association, United Hospital Association and National Center for Assisted Living.

Precious was featured on the cover story of Insight Success magazine as one of the “Most Admired Women Leaders in Business for 2020”. January 2021, The Boss Magazine featured Pacifica Hospital in a cover story article, “PACIFICA HOSPITAL OF THE VALLEY DELIVERS BEST-IN-CLASS PUBLIC HEALTH CARE.”

5. Without this partnership, would Mad River close?

No, Mad River is committed to its long-term presence and success in our community, with or without this partnership.

6. Will the name of the hospital change?

No name change expected.

7. When will the transition occur?

Mad River and Southwest anticipate that the change of control will occur at some point in the Fall of 2023.

8. Is the transition guaranteed to occur?

No. At this point, the parties have signed a Non-Binding Letter of Intent, which sets a framework for the transaction and is an aid to drafting a binding agreement. Under the Letter of Intent, the parties will continue their mutual due diligence and work towards the execution of a definitive agreement, which creates binding commitments.

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CORRECTION: This post initially misidentified where Southwest Healthcare Services LLC is located. The Outpost regrets that error.

Today on HUMBOLDT TODAY: How about that earthquake? Plus: A potential censure of a member of the Board of Supervisors, Yurok and the fentanyl crisis, easy online filing for restraining orders, the Kite Festival, weather and Pointless Polls galore. Tune in!

ADDITIONAL READING:

• Earthquake! 5.5M Earthquake 108 Kilometers West of Petrolia
• $20K Investigation Reveals Steve Madrone Violated the Board of Supervisors Code of Conduct During a Meeting With the Trinidad Rancheria Last Year; Board to Consider Censure During Tuesday’s Meeting
• Humboldt County Residents Can Now File for Domestic Violence and Gun Violence Restraining Orders Online
• Yurok Tribe Declares Emergency in Response to Surge in Fentanyl Overdoses 
• (PHOTOS/VIDEO) Flyin’ High at the Second Annual Redwood Coast Kite Festival

DOCUMENT:

• ”Incorporating the City of McKinleyville: To Be, or Not to Be?” Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury, May 22, 2023.

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You hear the conversation burble up from time to time. McKinleyville — why is it not a city? Why is the third-largest population center in our region still run by county government? Why doesn’t it have a police department? Why can’t it control its own land use decisions? Why can’t it fill its own potholes?

Then, nearly as soon as the conversation burbles up, it fades away. Too hard!

Well, as the 2022-2023 Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury notes in its most recent report — released today — the conversation has recently burbled up again. And this time, the GJ argues, the county should take it seriously, by funding a comprehensive “Initial Feasibility Analysis” that would take a hard look at the costs, the benefits and the drawbacks to incorporation.

Such a document could inform residents whether or not to pursue incorporation on the ballot — something that hasn’t happened since 1966, when residents of a very different Macktown than the one we have today voted it down.

From the Grand Jury report:

Citizens of McKinleyville have expressed interest in becoming a city. Similar interest has been demonstrated several times over the last 58 years, but aside from the “no” vote of 1966 there hasn’t been a comprehensive study of whether incorporation makes any sense. The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, using discretionary funds, can commission such a study. Thus far, they have not demonstrated interest in exploring the issue.

An independent and neutral Initial Feasibility Analysis will give the 16,500 residents of McKinleyville the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their future. We believe that they deserve to possess this knowledge. The Board of Supervisors can make this happen, and we believe they should do so.

This is the third report released by the 2022-2023 Grand Jury, with more on the way as the term wraps up. Previous reports this term gave a glowing review of the county’s election systems and cast a critical eye on the state of child welfare services. If you’re curious about the Grand Jury’s operations, this year’s foreperson recently stopped by to talk with our John Kennedy O’Connor about just that.

Below: a full press release from the Humboldt County Grand Jury. Find the complete report on McKinleyville incorporation at this link.

The 2022-23 Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury urges the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors to fund an in-depth Initial Feasibility Analysis into the possible incorporation of McKinleyville.

The incorporation of McKinleyville has been a topic of discussion for decades. That conversation was not able to accurately deal with the effects and potential impacts of McKinleyville becoming a city because no in-depth analysis was ever done.

The citizens of Humboldt County deserve better!

It is not the intent of this report to argue for or against incorporation; it is however the intent of this report to urge the Board of Supervisors to fund an analysis that will make available to the citizens of McKinleyville the information necessary to once and for all make informed decisions regarding possible incorporation.  

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The Humboldt County Animal Shelter is offering reduced-rate adoptions for dogs through May 26, 2023.

Due to the shelter’s dog kennels being over capacity, adoption fees for dogs are temporarily being reduced to $50 for adult dogs, $80 for puppies six-months-old or younger, and $35 for senior dogs seven-years-old or older. Cats remain at their regular adoption price.

Adoptable dogs are neutered or spayed, microchipped, up to date on shots and temperament tested.

The animal shelter’s currently available, adoptable pets are listed online and updated daily at 24petconnect.com. To view adoptable pets at the shelter, use the website’s filter with the shelter’s zip code, 95519. Adoptions are appointment-only, and you must have an approved application on file. Download and complete an adoption application at: HumboldtSheriff.org/Adopt.

The Humboldt County Animal Shelter is located at 980 Lycoming Ave in McKinleyville. To learn more about the Humboldt County Animal Shelter and the adoption process, visit HumboldtSheriff.org/Adopt or call (707) 840-9132.