Below: An urgent message from Pastor Tyrel Bramwell of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Ferndale.

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From Green Diamond:

Weather conditions permitting, Green Diamond Resource Company plans to conduct prescribed burning for fuel hazard reduction today, Monday November 10th, 2025, approximately 6.5 miles northeast of the town of Orick.  Burning operations are implemented in coordination with CAL FIRE and North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District.  Please note that smoke may be visible in surrounding areas, including Orick and Highway 101 north of Orick, while prescribed burning activities are being conducted. 

From the Humboldt Redwood Company:

The Humboldt Redwood Company expects to conduct prescribed burning north of the McCann area on Monday, November 10th.  Smoke will be visible from Dyerville Loop road.  The project area is approximately 3.5 miles north of McCann.

The Humboldt Redwood Company expects to conduct prescribed burning south of the Fruitland Ridge area on Tuesday, November 11th.  Smoke will be visible from Elk Creek Road, Tsarnas Road, and Dyerville Loop Road. The project areas are approximately 1 mile southwest and 1.25 mile southeast of the intersection of Elk Creek and Dyerville Loop roads.

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• Sheriff’s Office Asks for Public’s Help to Locate Missing McKinleyville Man

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Nov. 8, 2025, at approximately 12:55 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff deputies were dispatched to Mad River Beach in Arcata for the report of a human body that had washed ashore.

Upon arrival, the deputies located the deceased body of an adult male.  No signs of physical trauma were observed. The Humboldt County Coroner responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office has positively identified the human remains discovered as that of 33-year-old Corey Shannon-Johnson of McKinleyville, who was reported missing on Nov. 1, 2025.

Shannon-Johnson’s next of kin have been notified and an autopsy is scheduled for later today to determine the cause and manner of death.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest sympathies to Shannon Johnson’s family during this difficult time. 

Photo via the campaign website.

Press release from the Colby Smart campaign:

Colby Smart, an educator, community leader, and lifelong advocate for rural and coastal Northern California, today announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives as an independent.

Born in Lake County and raised in a working-class family, Colby has spent his career serving the public through education. He has resided in Humboldt County for nearly three decades, where he and his wife raised their three children. As Deputy Superintendent at the Humboldt County Office of Education, he has led initiatives in workforce development, global education, curriculum and instruction, and community partnerships that strengthen local economies and opportunities for young people.

Beyond his work in education, Smart has been deeply engaged in community service and civic leadership. He serves on the boards of the College of the Redwoods Foundation, the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of Rotary International. Smart also collaborates with the California Global Education Project to expand opportunities for international learning and exchange, and works with local foundations to promote workforce and global education initiatives.

With California’s 2nd Congressional District newly redrawn under Proposition 50, Smart says the region deserves leadership that listens to everyone. “When maps change, representation should change with them to ensure equal representation,” Smart said. “No community should ever feel ignored or taken for granted.”

Dr. Smart’s campaign priorities include:

• Revitalizing rural economies through sustainable industries, workforce training, and small-business innovation.
• Strengthening public education for all students, regardless of ZIP code.
• Promoting public-private partnerships that create jobs and invest in local prosperity.
• Protecting natural resources while supporting tourism, agriculture, and responsible growth.
• Restoring trust in government through accountability, transparency, and service.

“I’m running because District 2 deserves representation that puts people before politics. Northern California needs leadership grounded in service, not party lines — leadership that stands up for every voice and works for the common good.”

About Colby Smart

Colby Smart is an educator, community advocate, and Deputy Superintendent at the Humboldt County Office of Education. A lifelong Californian with deep roots in rural and coastal communities, he has devoted his career to improving schools, supporting small businesses, and strengthening local partnerships. His community service has included leadership roles with the College of the Redwoods Foundation, the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, the Humboldt County Historical Society, and the California Global Education Project. Smart is committed to practical, people-first leadership that brings unity and opportunity to Northern California.

Learn more at www.colbysmart.com.

Press release from the Arroyo campaign:

Natalie Arroyo, currently serving as Humboldt County’s elected Fourth District Supervisor, has officially launched her 2026 campaign to continue representing Eureka, Myrtletown, and the Samoa Peninsula communities of Samoa, Finntown, and Fairhaven. She announced her candidacy on Saturday, November 8th at Madaket Plaza in Eureka overlooking Humboldt Bay, surrounded by a crowd of supporters and community partners. The primary election will take place on June 2, 2026.

Longtime Finntown resident, Peninsula Community Services District Board President, and maritime industry expert Leroy Zerlang welcomed the crowd, sharing stories about Madaket Plaza and his many years working closely with Natalie to improve the Samoa Peninsula. Captain Zerlang was followed by local engineer Sheri Woo, who serves on the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District Board of Directors and frequently engages with Supervisor Arroyo on matters related to everything from energy services to community celebrations. Sheri warmly introduced Natalie Arroyo through many anecdotes of their time together.

Natalie shared several examples of recent positive accomplishments and her passion for serving the community at the local government level, especially in this moment. She thanked the many fellow community leaders present for their collaboration and care in serving Humboldt County. The announcement was followed by a reception just steps away at Phatsy Kline’s Parlor Lounge inside the Historic Eagle House, featuring the lovely music of local duo Ponies of Harmony.

Natalie is thrilled to be bringing her breadth of experience and heartfelt enthusiasm to this role once more. A longtime Eureka resident, Natalie has previously served as a Eureka City Councilmember, watershed restoration specialist, trail planner, college educator, and a proud veteran. Natalie’s message for voters in her district is: “Simply put, I love Humboldt County and am honored to serve as your representative in District 4. These are challenging and dynamic times, and I bring experience, relationships, and knowledge you can count on. Thank you for the opportunity and I hope to earn your vote for a second term!”

Natalie has already been endorsed by Congressman Jared Huffman, Senator Mike McGuire, and Assemblymember Chris Rogers, with more endorsement announcements soon to come. You can learn more and connect with the campaign by visiting www.arroyoforsupervisor.com

Grant was born on January 2, 1943, in San Rafael, and passed away on October 26, 2025, following a short illness.

He was the firstborn child of George and Dorothy O’Neill. Grant grew up in Marin County until age nine, when the family moved to Eureka, where he spent the rest of his life. He loved the outdoors and the beauty of Humboldt County.

From a young age, he took great pride in his work. His first job, delivering newspapers, he took very seriously: he would rise early to wrap the papers, then hop on his bike to deliver them before dawn. His next venture was gathering cascara bark in the woods; after carefully removing the bark, he packaged it to sell to local pharmacies. As a teenager, he also spent time as a commercial fisherman. These experiences shaped the strong work ethic that defined his life.

Grant played Little League and was a strong baseball player. He enjoyed duck hunting in his youth and loved working on the many cars he owned during his teen years, and later, owned a white Corvette that he treasured.

He attended Lincoln Elementary School and graduated from Eureka High School. While at Lincoln, he met one of his closest friends, Gene Hanson. Later on in life they worked together at Louisiana-Pacific Pulp Mill. They remained lifelong friends.

In the 1960s, Grant worked for Del Norte Box. After that business closed, he went to work for Louisiana-Pacific Pulp Mill. In the 1980s, he became co-owner and operator of Discount Tires with his brother-in-law, Lee Hobbs, a business of which he was very proud.

He finished his working career at Schmidbauer Lumber as a forklift driver and retired from Schmidbauer in 2013. Grant made many friends there and stayed in touch even after retirement. Work always came first for him, and it was hard for him to imagine stepping away.

During his first marriage, Grant welcomed his son, Darin, on July 2, 1967. He loved boating and camping, and the family spent many summers at Trinity Lake with relatives and friends.

Several years after his first marriage ended, Grant met the love of his life, Debbie Minns. They were married on Christmas Eve, 1995, and would have celebrated their 30th anniversary this December. They married when Brian and Darin were already adults, and their families blended naturally. Grant and Debbie built a beautiful life together, as best friends who were always devoted to one another. Grant often said Debbie was the best thing that ever happened to him.

Because his family had little when he was growing up, Grant cherished what he worked so hard to have and took excellent care of it. His home was immaculate, his cars were pristine, and his garden, especially the roses, was always beautiful.Grant was a happy man with a great sense of humor who loved helping others. In his neighborhood, he was known as the “Mayor of Montecito.” He was always doing things for his neighbors and anyone else he could help. On trash day, you could regularly see him bringing in everyone’s garbage cans.

He had many friends, too many to count. Out in the community, there was always someone who would stop to talk with him. He loved attending Music by the Bay and visiting with friends. He was loved by many. Grant loved animals, especially his cat, Levi, his best buddy, who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothy O’Neill, and his brother-in-law, Lee Hobbs.

He is survived by his wife and best friend, Debbie; his son, Darin; his stepson, Brian (Lena); his granddaughter, Brianna Harrison; his sisters, Sharon Soules (Walt Mello) and Peggy Hobbs (Dave Suchar); his sisters-in-law, Shari York (Gary) and Paula Georwick (Gary); his nephew, Lee Hobbs Jr. (Julie); his nieces, Melissa Woods (Rizz), Lindy Hobbs (Fernando), and Natasha James (Tyler); and his cousin, Curtis Cress (Erin). Grant helped raise his granddaughter, Brianna, and loved her deeply. He also had a special bond with his niece, Lindy.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the neighbors, family and friends who have offered support after Grant’s passing.

In Grant’s memory, please do something kind for someone else, pay it forward, or think of him when you are in your garden. He will be missed forever.

A memorial for close family and friends will be announced at a later time.

Joe Murguia
Jan. 23, 1991 - Nov. 3, 2025

Joe was a vibrant and compassionate individual whose presence brought light and warmth to all who knew him. His passing is a profound loss to his family and friends. Joe would always tell stories about growing up in Tijuana and crossing over the boarder everyday to San Diego to go to school. Joe ended up moving to Eureka and found comfort in living there after his lifestyle change. He made a lot of connections through his job at T-Mobile. Every customer he connected with and would always try to make them feel seen.

Joe was known for his joyful spirit, generous heart and unwavering kindness. He had a unique ability to make others feel seen, valued and uplifted. Whether through a smile, a thoughtful word or a simple act of kindness, Joe left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. His legacy is one of love, laughter and deep connection a life lived with authenticity and heart. As we reflect on Joe’s life, we are reminded of the importance of embracing each moment and cherishing the people around us.

His memory will forever be woven into the fabric of our hearts, and the impact he made will continue to resonate through the lives he touched.

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