Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is seeking community members who have received a fraudulent letter sent via U.S. Mail.

The letter, titled “Notice of Lien” and addressed from an organization in North Carolina, may use the resident’s parcel number and threaten legal action against the individual for unspecified violations. The letter may also contain violent threats and explicit language against the recipient.

The letter is believed to have been sent to numerous residents in the Southern Humboldt community.

All community members who have received similar, unsolicited correspondence should contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or file a report online at Humboldtsheriff.org, reference case number 202100601.

Frank Lara was born on February 5, 1933 and passed away on July 27, 2021.

Frank was a member of the Yurok Tribe. He worked as a logger for most of his life. He had many special interests, including model airplanes, photography and sewing. He used to sew special garments for his mother, and he received an official letter of gratitude from the U.S. Air Force for his research on airplanes.

He was a historian of local Indian culture, traditions and family ties. He could tell you who was related to who all along the Klamath River and along the coast.

One of his most favorite sports was boxing. Frank loved boxing. He kept scrapbooks of local boxing news and could tell you about many different fighters from across the world, including local boxers.

Frank participated on the Yurok Tribe’s Culture Committee, NAGPRA Committee, and attended Yurok language classes at Potawot Health Village where he also shared his knowledge about the Yurok culture. Like his mother, he was well-read and had knowledge about many different topics. He was well loved and respected by those who knew him.

Frank is survived by his sons, Franklin Lara, Dale Lara, Pete Lara (Kim Lara), and Corbett Lara; his daughters, Francis Lara and Margaret “Muffin” Moore (Floyd Moore); his stepson, Dale Visser; his brothers, Walt Lara Sr. (Callie Lara) and Albert Lara; and his sisters Jeanette Jones, Cecilia Lara-McCullough (Ed McCullough), and Mercy Garcia. He also leaves behind 17 grandchildren and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Morek Jimmy and Josephine Marks; his mother Margaret Marks Lara; his father Salvador Lara; his brothers Salvador Jr., David, and Richard Lara, his baby daughter Morning Dawn Lara, his wife Leah Lara, his granddaughter Samantha Ward, his son in-law Vernon “Pro” Ward Jr., and his nephew, Beau Bevier.

Graveside services will be held at the Family Cemetery on Oosamich Hill, south of Orick on Sunday, August 1 at 3 p.m. The family requests that you practice physical/social distancing with your pods and family, and wear a mask during the services or when you are close to or near elders and children. If you have been exposed to anyone with COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19 please send your condolences. Sanitation station will be available at the entrance to the cemetery. Thank you for your continued love and support.

Pallbearers: Walt Lara III, Ernie Albers Jr., Jasper Hostler IV, Michael Jones Jr., Marcus Jones, Mathew Jones, Everett “Bronc” Colegrove, Morek Jimmy Marks Eller, Justin Woods, Albert Lara, Jose “Marcelino” Garcia, Richard Gonzalez, Josh Parker, David Lara, and Albert Lara.

Honorary Pallbearers: Nick Mercado, Donald McCovey, Brad Thrasher, Dale Visser, Everett “Tweet” Colegrove, Dave Drake, Walt Lara, Jr.

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It is with great sadness that I announce the sudden passing of my beloved husband. Wayne Leonard Bonner was born June 2, 1958 in Chico. Wayne entered into the arms of the Lord on July 2, 2021.

Wayne’s family moved to Eureka when he was three months old. Wayne attended Alice Birney, Jacobs Junior High and graduated from Eureka High in 1976. He also attended College of the Redwoods.

When Wayne was growing up summers were filled with fly fishing, gold mining, motorcycle riding, swimming and snowmobiling in the winter with his family on his grandparents’ ranch in Oroville.

Wayne met Betty Armas in 1986 and they were married in 1990. Wayne’s greatest accomplishment was his 30-year marriage and being a father to Sarah and Tristan. They built a life together in McKinIeyville, raising their daughters.

Always an outdoorsman and athlete his whole life he played softball, basketball, golf, fishing and hiking. He also had a passion for snow skiing — over the years many trips were taken to Sunriver, Shasta and Lake Tahoe with friends. He really looked forward to his weekly golf game on the Mill Yard team. Wayne loved his Giants and 49ers and was even able to go see them in person. He loved traveling with Betty, Sarah and Tristan. He had a passion for all music but mostly rock and roll and the blues. He always stayed up on the music that his daughters listened to. He was grateful to be able to attend as many concerts as he did with Betty and friends.

When Sarah and Tristan started playing sports Wayne was always happy to coach basketball and softball. Wayne never missed a game, ballet recital or golf tournament they were in. Wayne worked at the Mill Yard for 33 years until the day he died. Over the years Wayne made so many life-long friends. He had a beautiful smile that would light up the room. Wayne would simply have wanted to be remembered as a great father and husband.

“We love and miss you daddy you will forever be in our hearts and thoughts.”

Wayne was survived by wife, Betty; daughters Sarah and Tristan; mother Helen Bonner, sister Cheryl Smith, brother in-law Jim Smith; mother- and father in-laws Aldora Armas Vasconcelos and Americo; sisters and brother in- laws Linda and Gavin Johnson, Maria and Jim Barker and Michael Armas; nephews, Shane Smith, Jordan Johnson, (Lacey) Mato Armas. Neices, Amelia Armas, Tracie Creps, Stephanie Altizer, (Keith) Justine Hunkins, (Brad); aunts and uncles, Wendell and Aleta Bonner, Lester Bonner, Don and Karen German, Getra and John Beede, Connie and David Bolkman and numerous cousins; lifelong friends: Gene Simpson, Alan Escarda, Terry Escarda, Alan Peters and so many more.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Bonner, and his grandparents.

A funeral mass will take place on Saturday, August 7 at 11 a.m.

Saint Mary’s Catholic Church
1690 Janes Road
Arcata, CA 95521

Due to Covid concerns the church has asked that all attendees wear masks and observe social distancing.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

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Jack C. Thompson, age 80, a nearly lifelong resident of Eureka, passed away in Fortuna from complications from a short-term battle with lung cancer.

Jack was born to Roy L. Thompson and Rita L. Thompson on October 17, 1940 in Martinez, Calif. and moved to Eureka as a baby, He was an only child who attended local schools, graduating from Eureka High School class of 1959.

It was after high school that he met the love of his life, Connie Martins, and they married in 1962. They had two sons, Loren in 1967 and Brent in 1971.

He had a lifetime of work in the auto parts industry, working for Eureka automotive, Paoli Bros. (later Sierra Motors) and retiring from Harper Ford. He had numerous friends and co-workers who he had met through his work in the industry.

He lived most of his adult life in the residence on K Street, in Eureka, where he raised his family. K Street neighbors were more of an extended family and he, Connie and the kids, were proud members of the K Street crew. On K Street a party could start at any time. Many vacations were taken with numerous families from K Street and the lifelong friends and memories are many. He and Connie later moved to their current residence on E Street, in Eureka.

Jack’s early adult years were spent working, riding/racing motorcycles and tuning on a project car or truck. Most weekends would find the family watching motorcycle racing at Willow Creek, or on Turn Four at Redwood cres back when the track was dirt. He enjoyed taking the boys annually to San Jose to watch “the Mile” flat track race. He was a member of the Far West Motorcycle Club and enjoyed taking the family to Samoa beach for the motorcycle Easter egg hunt, as well as trail riding at the property on Kneeland.

He was an avid outdoorsman. He spent a lot of time fishing on the Trinity and Eel rivers. Though he enjoyed trout fishing, he later became obsessed with salmon fishing with his dad, Stan Ocheltree, Richard Matteoli and others. Thanks to Steve Crook and Travis Poletski for taking him out for his last fishing adventure, where he brought in a very nice halibut.

His passion for deer hunting was evident, as he would spend months preparing for opening day. He, Herb Zeck and the boys spent many seasons in the Three Forks area, making memories that will last a lifetime. In recent years he looked forward to spending time at hunt camp with his sons, and the crew of Tim, Rick, Todd and Steve. He loved laughing at all the stories that were told over and over again. He was at camp last year, just after his 80th birthday. In recent years, Jack and Connie enjoyed some traveling in their motorhome and attending local car shows with his award winning 1954 Buick special. They also loved spending time with John and Sharon Vance exploring the restaurants in Eureka.

Jack was a proud member of the Eureka Elks Lodge.

Jack was predeceased by his father, Roy L. Thompson of Eureka, his mother, Rita L. Tonini, and step- father Robert Tonini.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 59 years Constance Thompson of Eureka, His sons, Loren Thompson and wife Melissa of Galt, Calif. and Brent Thompson of Eureka. He is survived by his granddaughter, who he adored — Brittney Thompson of Galt, Calif. He is also survived by his brother and sister in law Wally (Bev), Jackie, Cheryl, Wayne, (KD) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. His beloved dogs Maggie and Molly will also miss his huge smile and gentle nature.

Special thanks to the doctors and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and to the caring staff of Fortuna Wellness and Rehabilitation including Nick, Naomi, Merrilee and others who helped with compassion.

Jack had specific wishes for his end-of-life processes, and there will be no gathering at this time due to an abundance of caution regarding Covid-19.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who new Jack to honor his memory by taking a few moments to recall a special memory of him via the guest book.

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Eureka Police Department press release: 

On June 28, 2021, 32-year-old Kiera Lynn Foley was reported as a missing person to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) by a family member. Foley is believed to be missing under unknown circumstances. HCSO issued a press release on June 30, 2021 asking for the public’s assistance. Based on information received thus far, it was determined that the Eureka Police Department would assume the lead on the investigation.

It is believed that Foley was last seen in Eureka in early April of 2021. Foley was last seen with her black and brown long-haired Chihuahua. Foley is described as a white female, approximately 5’3”, 125 pounds, with brown eyes, and brown hair possibly dyed blond.

Anyone with information regarding Foley’s possible whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Marsolan at tmarsolan@ci.eureka.ca.gov or (707) 441-4109.

Humboldt County Administrative Office press release: 

With the emergence of the more contagious Delta variant in California, which rapidly increased to over 80% of cases in California in the past weeks, the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising again throughout the state. This is especially true amongst those that remain unvaccinated. Despite ongoing outreach and improving COVID-19 vaccine access, as of late July, a significant proportion of Humboldt County residents are not yet fully vaccinated.

It is with all this in mind that universal masking in indoor public settings is now recommended again by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Humboldt County Public Health. Universal masking in public adds an extra precautionary measure for all to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, especially in communities currently seeing the highest transmission rates, such as ours. Changes in recommendations like these are not taken lightly but are necessary to protect the public, stop spread of the disease among the unvaccinated, and keep our institutions fully functioning. 

The recent surge in cases in Humboldt County poses a real threat not only to our community, but also to the county’s own ability to provide vital services. 

As such, beginning tomorrow, Friday, July 30 the county will be requiring all employees and members of the public to wear a mask while inside county facilities, even those who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This is a mandatory requirement, not a recommendation. 
While masks can be a big help immediately, getting vaccinated is the real key to getting our community fully reopened safely and back to enjoying all the things we love to do in Humboldt County. We are now in the midst of a pandemic of the unvaccinated.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On July 28, 2021, at about 2:23 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the North Jetty for the report of a boating accident.

During their investigation, deputies learned that the operator of a fishing boat became disoriented due to fog in the area, causing the boat to capsize in the breaking waves north of the North Jetty. The operator and a passenger were able to make it safely to shore. They were transported to the nearby United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Humboldt Bay station and treated for cold water exposure.

The boat was recovered with the help of Zerlang and Zerlang Marine Services.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance with this investigation: USCG Sector Humboldt Bay, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Samoa Volunteer Fire Department, and Zerlang and Zerlang Marine Services.