Jonas Martin Lindblom, 83, of Orleans, passed away October 19, 2022, with loving family at his side.

Jonas was born on March 29, 1939, to Art Lindblom and Agnes Flynn Lindblom in Baudette, Minnesota.

When Jonas was a teenager, the family moved from Oregon to the Bald Hills above Orick, where they built a store and gas station that his mom managed while his dad owned and drove logging trucks.

While attending Arcata High School, at the age of 15 Jonas started driving logging truck, a profession he enjoyed and continued for over 65 years.

In February 1960, Jonas married Betty Oglesby of Orick. They had two children, JoDee Rae and Jonas “Rick” Ricky Lindblom.

In December 1987, he married Susan Hoopes Rickwalt of Orleans, and gained two stepchildren, Wendy and Misty.

Jonas was an animal lover, and never met a stranger. Known for being a very hard worker, having immaculately clean and well-maintained trucks and vehicles, cooking hot-cakes for his grandsons, eating “red-lead” (ketchup) on just about everything, having a quick-witted sense of humor, being fluent in sarcasm and creating nicknames for others; during his trucking career he made many friends all over the region and enjoyed visiting with them whenever possible. Jonas also loved spending time with his family. He will be dearly missed by all.

Jonas was predeceased by his parents, Art and Agnes; brother Ervin; beloved dog Sporty, and many friends. He is survived by his wife of nearly 35 years, Susan of Orleans, California; daughter JoDee Biasca (Darrel) of Sydney, British Columbia; son Rick Lindblom (Tammy) of Cottonwood, California; stepchildren Misty Rickwalt (Davey) and Wendy Rickwalt of Orleans, California; grandchildren Travis Biasca (Laura), Joel Lindblom (Jenni), Jonas Lindblom (Alex), Rilen Rickwalt, Ivan Rickwalt, and numerous step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren Liam, DJ, and Kenzee; brothers Raymond (Elaine), Gary, and sister Doreen; sister-in-law Julie; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends, family, and “adopted” family.

There will be a celebration of life held at 20040 Clay Court, Cottonwood, Calif. on Saturday, November 12 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bring your favorite stories of Jonas to share with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of Jonas’ favorite charities, Smile Train or Mercy Ships.

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

Merlin passed away on October 6 from a battle with cancer. He joined the love of his life, Betty Ann Lake, who passed away in 2007.

Merlin was born to Ammon and Hazel Lake on December 31, 1928 in St. George, Utah. They had a large family Merlin was one of 9 children. Sometime in the late 1930’s the family moved to Buttonwillow, California. It’s there that Merlin met Betty Ann Lake and they were married on December 23, 1948. They were married 59 years. Together they had three children David, Dana and Dennis.

They raised their family in Taft. Merlin worked for Standard Oil and Betty as a nurse. In 1972 they migrated north to Fieldbrook in Humboldt County. Merlin then went to work for Rich’s Well Drilling. During the summer Merlin would commercial salmon fish out of Trinidad Bay on his boat “Mandy.” In 1983 he sold his boat and started his own drilling business, Lake’s Well Drilling, and worked with his son Dennis until he retired in 1993.

Merlin was never one to sit around — he always stayed busy in his shop, yard and garden. Merlin had a passion for the outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish. He would hunt all over California and out of state with his son Dennis, grandson Kyle and his brothers. Every summer his brothers George and Wilford would come to Humboldt and they would ocean fish for weeks. Merlin also really enjoyed fishing at Hat Creek by Mt. Lassen.

Merlin always had a story to tell. When his brothers would visit you would often hear the same stories and each summer the stories would get better and better.

Merlin is preceded in death by his parents Ammon and Hazel Lake, wife Betty Lake, daughter Dana Lake, all his brother and sisters except one.

Merlin is survived by his two sons, David Lake and Dennis Lake; his brother Darryl Lake; grandchildren Todd Lake, Amanda Reed, Janice Lucas, and Kyle Lake, and many great-grandchildren.

Merlin and Betty loved the little town of Fieldbrook they were a member of that small community for 50 years. The family would like to thank the Fieldbrook volunteer Fire Department for all the years of help they have given the family. There help was always appreciated and there kindness never went unnoticed.

There will be a celebration of life. December 29, 2022 at the Dow’s Prairie Grange Mckinleyville at 1 p.m.

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

ELVERT L. GANTT
(a.k.a. AL GANTT (BIG AL)
Dec. 8, 1940 - Aug. 8, 2022

Preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Gladys Gantt; his brothers and sisters: James Gantt, Darrell Gantt, Danny Gantt, Dorris Gantt McClelland, Emma Gantt Shelton. Surviving brother and sisters: Robert Gantt, Francis Gantt Adams, Sally Gantt Snyder. Also survived by his first born son Scott Gantt and Lena Gantt, Nicholas Sprott and Colton Gantt, and second born son Todd Gantt and Nicholas Diaz.

Elvert was a 46 year 32nd degree Master Mason in local Eureka Lodge No. 79. Elvert was always an extremely hard worker. He started an early career with the RCA company out of Bakersfield. His territory covered the entire western norder. Of course in no time he obtained the # 1 salesman in all of California multiple times, winning him many accolades.

In 1970, Elvert and Gladys decided to move with their two sons to Eureka. Elvert began to work for the PayLess Corporation as Management in their TV and Stereo Department for many years. He wanted more! Elvert and Gladys decided they wanted to buy out the inventory and open their own store. They did! They opened and ran that business for 50 years here in Eureka! Hi-Valu TV Furniture and Appliance was born! First opened in the lower Eureka Mall (pre-Bayshore Mall), then landed in the old JC Penney’s Building on 5th & E. Elvert and Gladys loved hiring people that often needed a “second chance.” They loved nothing more then to see people succeed when only given the proper chance to shine.

You could also hand Elvert a red-cement-brick, and he could grow you the most beautiful Rose bush you’ve ever seen. He was an avid gardener, with a magical green thumb! He also grew a variety of cherry trees, plum trees and a variety of flowers. He loved sports! He coached youth Baseball and Basketball teams for many many years as well. He loved sports and good sportsmanship.

Elvert loved his family fiercely. He leaves behind a legacy of love and the kindness of his gentle heart we all miss dearly.

Arcata City Councilman Brett Watson consented today to having his home searched for firearms that he can’t find.

At a hearing before visiting Judge Dale Reinholtsen, Arcata’s attorney Tom O’Connell told the judge Watson was ordered to turn in two firearms on Oct. 7. He didn’t comply until Oct. 21, “and then he turned in three.”

Watson.

Now Watson says he may have more guns in his residence, O’Connell said, which is causing concern for city staff members. Watson is accused of sexual harassment and is under a temporary restraining order, which he allegedly violated on Oct. 24 by cc’ing a staff member when sending an e-mail to a constituent. He was briefly arrested for that transgression and had to post bail.

The order prohibits Watson from contacting Mayor Stacy Atkins-Salazar, City Attorney Nancy Diamond and Assistant City Manager Danette Demello, along with the staffer who accused Watson of harassment.

Today’s hearing was to determine whether the restraining order should become permanent. The hearing was postponed until Dec. 12 after O’Connell said he would like Judge Timothy Canning to hear the case. Canning issued the temporary restraining order.

This afternoon several city staff members were in court and prepared to testify against Watson. O’Connell said he expects to present “five declarations and 35 exhibits” when the hearing is held, and his case should take about 90 minutes.

Watson’s attorney, Jay Jambeck, told the judge he was “ready to go” today, but he did not object to the continuance. He expects his defense case to last about an hour.

Outside of court, Watson said he remembered he had three antique pistols — family heirlooms — that he has reported stolen because he can’t find them.

As to the unexpected third gun he turned in on Oct. 21, that was a rifle he received when he was 10 years old, Watson said. He said he talked to the Arcata police chief back in May about the guns.

“I told him he was welcome to search my premises.”

Jambeck told the judge it’s difficult because Watson “has a lot of belongings.”

Watson, who is running for re-election to the council, said he has been “entirely open and forthcoming.”

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Nov. 3, 2022, at about 8:39 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on the 2500 block of Vaissade Road, in the county’s jurisdiction of Arcata, for the report of a burglary.

According to the reporting party, a suspect vehicle had been observed leaving the unoccupied residence with a stolen washing machine. The vehicle was reportedly last seen fleeing westbound toward Manila. Deputies patrolled the Manila area and located the suspect vehicle parked along Peninsula Drive near Darin Road. Deputies contacted and detained two male occupants of the vehicle, 57-year-old Darren Lee Carter and 37-year-old Eric Christopher Chambers. The washing machine and a stolen pull chain were recovered from the vehicle.

Chambers was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of burglary (PC 459/461(a)) and violation of probation (PC 1203.2(a)).

Carter was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of burglary (PC 459/461(a)).

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

City of Eureka release: 

The City of Eureka will hold a ribbon cutting on Saturday, November 5th at 5:30 PM to celebrate the grand opening of the new Eureka Visitor’s Center. The space is located at 108 F Street in the beautiful historic McDonald Building.

Eureka’s Economic Development team, Eureka Main Street, and the Visitor Center have come together in one Old Town location. This new space offers a concierge experience for visitors while also providing an inviting office for businesses to connect with the City’s Economic Development Department and Eureka Main Street.

The new space offers a Victorian millwork display on loan from Blue Ox Millworks, a penny smasher with 4 unique Eureka designs, and a beautiful mural painted by Lauren Star McElroy of L Star Murals. There will be several new immersive additions in the works, so keep an eye out for more to come. Chief among them is a Redwood Sky Walk replica and custom concierge desk built by WoodLab Designs. Several interior pillars will be transformed into redwoods and a miniature Sky Walk will transverse between them, high above visitors’ heads.

The City of Eureka is excited to welcome Eureka’s locals and visitors alike into this new space!

Nicklas Allen Sellars
April 2, 1989 - October 18 2022

Nicklas was born in Arcata at Mad River Community Hospital to Pamela Jeneen Rakestraw and Robert Duane Sellars (Linda). Nicklas was very athletic, especially in baseball. He played little league for seven years and Babe Ruth for three years. He was inducted into the Little League Hall of Fame. He had a 90 m.p.h. fastball at 14 years old.

He loved going on motorcycle rides with his cousin, Kimberly, her husband, Doug Frisbee, and Spud Dog. Nick loved racing bicycles at the BMX track. His other interests included agate hunting at the beach, camping, and exploring nature. Nicklas had a strong love for animals, especially his dog, Lucky. They were inseparable.

Nicklas attended the Blue Ox Community School where he developed a passion for woodworking. He was taught by Erick Hollenbeck. Nick loved woodworking and was very good at it. Nicklas worked at Sun Valley Floral Farm with his Aunt Vickie. He became a very accomplished box maker. Along with his father, Bob, they cut and sold firewood.

Nicklas was proceeded in death by his great-grandmother, Elsie Scott; grandmother, Betty Sellars; grandfather, Charles (Ted) Sellars; Aunt JoeAnna Lanier; Aunt Sharon Smith; Aunt Patty Stewart; Uncle James Lanier; cousin Craig Sellars; cousin Jackie Lanier Herron.

Nicklas is survived by his father, Robert D Sellars; Stepmom, Linda N Gradwohl; Mother, Pamela J Rakestraw; Daughter, Makylah and her mother, Saryn Kennedy; Grandmother Betty Scott; Uncle James Scott; Sisters, Shelby, and Lacey; Brother, Brandon; Uncle Dennis Sellars (Vallejo); Aunt Vickie Balke (Bob) (Arcata); Aunt Terry Young Sellar (Eureka); Uncle Charles Smith (Arc) and many cousins, James Lanier, Justina Lanier, Janine Lanier; Tony Sellars, Todd Sellars; Ricky Smith (Susan), Tammy Smith Stark (Kevin), Danny Smith (Trudy); Kimberly Stewart Stoker (Terry), Tommy Stewart (Tammie); Tim Wells, Justin Wells (Minjung), Kris Wells; Darren Young, Shawn Young, Ryan Young (Eureka).

Nicklas loved his family and we will always LOVE him. He will be dearly missed. Nick was taken from us much too soon, 33 years old with so much more to live and accomplish.

Please come join our celebration of life on Monday, November 14, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Sunset Cemetery. There will be a potluck at Sequoia Park following the ceremony. ALL ARE WELCOME TO SHARE MEMORIES OF NICKLAS AND EAT GOOD FOOD!

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