Judy Ann Urynowicz of Arcata went in peace while surrounded by loved ones on November 26, 2024, leaving a void her family and friends cannot fill.

Judy, the “cutie patootie,” was born on October 14, 1950 in Jackson, Michigan. She graduated from St. Mary’s High school where she was one of 5 girls on the homecoming court (cute Jude). She moved with good friends Shirley and Vicki to Boston, Florida, then northern California where she found her “Nirvana” and settled, to raise her beloved children. She eventually moved back to Michigan, then returned to California ten years ago to be near her family.

Surviving Judy are her daughter, Kiki Urynowicz whose son Rocco and she also reside in Arcata, her daughter Larissa Urynowicz of Hawaii, and son Tyler Jamison-Urynowicz, his wife Kayla and their son River of Georgia. Judy’s loving brother Tom Urynowicz of Jackson, Michigan and sister, Mary Jo (Dennis) Steffens of Grand Rapids, Michigan will never forget their sister. Other survivors are nephews, Mark Kloack of Houston,Texas, Ryan (Liz) Steffens, Travis (Kaelee) Steffens and niece Sarah Steffens as well as great- nieces Melanie, Madelyn and -nephew, Christopher (Ryan/Liz’s children) and great-nephew Rohen and -niece Rosalie (Travis/Kaelee’s children) of Grand Rapids. The family will never forget the love Judy brought to their lives. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Alphons Urynowicz, brother Alphonse Jr.(Sonny) Urynowicz, sister Ann Kloack-Urynowicz, and nephew, Ansel Kloack.

Judy worked hard as a mother of three children. She was an antique and collectible dealer for 40 years, as the owner operator of Private Collections in Crescent City and Judy’s Eclectic Collection in Jackson. She was well known around the local Arcata flea market venues selling her wares and spreading her joy. Judy also volunteered at the McKinleyville Senior Resouce Center.

Judy was a good friend of Bill’s and many others with whom she shared her joyful personality, hearty easy laugh, big giving heart and kind soul. She was open, honest and “down to earth,” preferred to live a simple, natural lifestyle, and was an “original hippie” who was free-spirited, easygoing, warm-hearted and loving. She never lost her joy despite trials and tribulations. Judy loved going “garage sailing” and to estate sales. She enjoyed good coffee, eating, and sharing time and space with family and special friends, Nita, Ricky, Judy, Jennifer and Linda.

Judy appreciated old, beautiful, or cute, unique and varied items and built collections of roosters, books, greeting cards, holy cards and religious statues and pictures, jewelry, doilies and numerous chotskis. You name it — she had it! (in multiples!) and would probably give it to you if you liked it, as the generous, giving soul that she was. Judy was a “rosary baby,” as her mother prayed the rosary during her pregnancy; she blessed many who knew her. Judy was a kind helper and caretaker at times for her mother, her sister, and once her nephew who broke his arm. She truly lived the Golden Rule, to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

We trust and believe her kindness has been rewarded with a special place in heaven where she is healthy, happy, and full of peace and contentment. Her smile and laughter will be sadly missed, yet she will remain in our hearts. Eternal rest grant unto Judy oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

A celebration of life and light in Judy’s honor will occur Friday, December 6, 2024 at the Humboldt Grange #501 at 5845 Humboldt Hill Road in Eureka at 2 p.m.

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

Leonidas (Lonnie) Phillip Chester, born January 11, 1953, passed away on November 28, 2024, after a quad accident. He left behind a legacy of hard work, love and cherished memories. A lifelong resident of the Hettenshaw and Ruth areas, Lonnie was known for his dedication to his craft as a logger. He earned a reputation as the best loader operator in the region. His work ethic and skill were admired by all who knew him.

Lonnie was a man of many talents. He was always tinkering, fixing and building, embodying the spirit of a true craftsman. His hands were never idle, and his mind was always engaged in creating and improving. Beyond his professional achievements, Lonnie was a great storyteller. He often regaled family and friends with tales of his childhood adventures growing up in Hettenshaw Valley alongside his many siblings and cousins. His stories were a testament to his vibrant spirit and deep connection to his roots.

For 47 years, Lonnie shared his life with his beloved wife, Diane, who stood by his side through all of life’s joys and challenges. Their enduring partnership was a source of strength and happiness, and together, they built a life filled with love and laughter.

Lonnie leaves behind his devoted wife, Diane, and a wide circle of family and friends who will miss him dearly. His passing marks the end of an era, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. As we say goodbye to Lonnie, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man who touched the lives of many.

A potluck memorial service will be held at the Mad River Community Hall on December 14, 2024, at 1 p.m. Meat will be provided; please bring a salad or side dish.

Minnie Wolf
April 25, 1942 - October 26, 2024

Minnie Jean Watkins was born April 25, 1942 in Sona Bata, Belgian Congo (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) in the Mission Clinic/hospital. Her parents, Marry and Linda Watkins, wer missionaries to the Belgian Congo. She had an older sister, Charlotte Ann, who died this past April, and a younger brother, Daniel. Minnie spent her early years in the American Baptist Mission near Leopoldville (now Kinshasa). All the natives spoke Lingala, which became her primary language. English was only spoken at home. She usually sat in the daily Bible and/or sewing classes that her mother taught the women. She was homeschooled by her mother for two years, until the government required all white children to attend a French-speaking government school miles away. This required Minnie and her two siblings to walk through the village to a school bus stop and ride the bus to school, about an hour each way. Since she spoke Lingala, not French, it was difficult for her until she learned to speak French.

Her family lived in a house shared with another family on the banks of the Congo River. There was no dependable electricity, thus no refrigerator, radio, telephone or washing machine. The family had no car, but could occasionally get a ride with neighbors. Minnie learned to watch out for snakes, wild dogs and numerous crawling creatures. A wild dog attack accounted for her life-long fear of dogs.

Her family came to America in 1952 and lived in San Jose for a year and a half before moving to Denair, a small town near Modesto, Calif. Minnie quickly adjusted to life in America. She enjoyed having a radio, telephone, electric lights, washing machine, family car and English-speaking friends. She made many life-long friends in church and school. She enjoyed going to church summer camp each year and was active in social events. She was on the homecoming court all through high school.

Her parents remained very active in church and foreign mission work, traveling to speak in different churches and conferences. Minnie and her sister often went along dressed in authentic native clothes. They would sing duets in Lingala and/or French. Her younger brother was glad he couldn’t sing.

A family tradition was to read aloud the Christmas story from Luke in French or Lingala prior to reading in English. Christmas carols were also sung in three languages. This tradition faded with the loss of family members who knew all the words.

After high school Minnie enrolled in Modesto Junior College. In her first semester, on her way to school one foggy morning, a Caltrans truck came across the line on Highway 99 and hit her head-on. Minnie sustained serious injuries that plagued her all her life. She was in the hospital three months.

She lived in the San Francisco Bay Area, then Colorado for a few years, and then back to the the Bay Area. She worked for Wells Fargo Bank for over thirty years. In 1979, as Personal Banking Officer, she met Chuck, who had just moved to California. She introduced him to Jesus. They were married on Valentine’s Day, 1981. They lived in San Bruno until 2004, when they retired to Eureka.

Minnie was passionate about many things: Her strong faith in Christ, singing classic hymns, making soup, healthy eating and travel. They vacationed several times each in Cabo San Lucas, England, France and Italy, plus Panama Canal and St. Lawrence Seaway cruises. She had to give up traveling as her bones became more and more fragile. She became very involved with Humboldt County Republicans. From her hospital bed, she told almost everyone who came into her room who and what to vote for as long as she was able. Her pain was great and she is now with her sister in a much better place.

Services will be held at the First Covenant Church, 2526 J Street, Eureka on Saturday, December 7 at 4 p.m. Refreshments to follow.

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

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office release:

On Dec. 1 at about 3 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the Ace Hardware store on Central Ave. in McKinleyville for the report of theft.

A store employee reported that a male suspect, later identified as Thomas Long, age 74, of Blue Lake, had entered the store and grabbed a Milwaukee chainsaw before quickly walking out of the store. Another store employee was on a break outside when he witnessed Long leave the store through an unauthorized exit and place the chainsaw into the bed of his truck. The employee was able to retrieve the chainsaw out of the truck bed before Long drove away.

Surveillance footage corroborated the eyewitness reports, and deputies responded to Long’s residence in Blue Lake and apprehended him without incident. Long was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility to be booked for petty theft (PC 484(a)). While booking Long into the facility, a Correctional Deputy located a plastic bag containing methamphetamine tucked in Long’s sock, resulting in an additional charge of PC 4753.6(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.

Eureka Police Department:

On November 29, 2024 at approximately 2:52 PM, Eureka Police Department Officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of G Street for a Missing Person report. Michael Bounds’ family indicated he was last seen November 27 at approximately 6:00 PM. Michael is a 60-year old white male, 5’10”, approximately 190 lbs. with a health condition that requires daily medication.

On November 30, a family member contacted EPD in regard to Bounds’ 2006 silver Dodge Charger being located on Vance Avenue near Eureka Street in the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction. With his vehicle located, in collaboration with HCSO Search & Rescue and CHP, greenbelts near where Bounds was last seen was searched. Bounds’ vehicle was towed to a secure facility. The search of these greenbelts is still active.

As EPD’s Criminal Investigations Unit Detectives and Forensic Analyst are actively working on locating Bounds, they are looking to speak with any potential witnesses who may have observed or had contact with Bounds since the night of November 27. They are also working on locating surveillance footage of the area where Bounds’ vehicle was located.

Currently, this is an active At-Risk Missing Person incident. If anyone has any information or video footage, please contact EPD Criminal Investigations Unit at 707-441-4300.

Video: Tex Kelly

Many congratulations to the Arcata High Tigers football squad, who made history by winning the North Coast Section’s Division 6 championship on Saturday, at home, by a score of 28-21.

Your best coverage of the game can be found on Ray Hamill’s website, HumboldtSports.com, and if you want the drive-by-drive, stand-by-stand recap, that’s where you want to go.

But if you want a blast of emotion from the game, Best Friend o’ the LoCO Tex Kelly — a former AHS quarterback himself! — was at the game taking photos and videos, including the one above, which he agreed to share with us.

Check out Kelly’s really nice photo spread at his website.

The Tigers now move on to the state championship bracket. According to Hamill, they’re facing off against Winters High School on 7:30 p.m., on Winters’ home turf. If they win that game, it’s on to the state AA championship weekend after next.

ALL HAIL TIGERS. We showed the whole, wide world this is Tiger Territory.

They’re out here trying! Learn more about what our local cannabis cultivators are cooking up this holiday season in the Humboldt County Growers Alliance release below:

This holiday season, Northern California’s Emerald Triangle invites you to celebrate its unparalleled quality with the launch of the 12 Jays of X-Mas Gift Box—a one-of-a-kind collaboration showcasing twelve premium pre-rolls from twelve renowned craft farms. This limited-edition gift embodies the heritage, craftsmanship, and sustainability of Humboldt, Mendocino, and Trinity Counties while directly supporting small, family-owned farms and nonprofit trade associations.

Beautifully packaged, the 12 Jays of X-Mas Gift Box offers a curated journey through some of the Emerald Triangle’s most iconic offerings. Each pre-roll represents the artistry and dedication of legacy farmers, with strains designed to deliver diverse experiences—from relaxing evenings to uplifting daytime adventures.

“This isn’t just a gift; it’s an opportunity to connect with the stories, people, and practices that make the Emerald Triangle legendary,” said Natalynne DeLapp, Executive Director of the Humboldt County Growers Alliance (HCGA). “By purchasing the 12 Jays Gift Box, you’re supporting small farms that have been the backbone of this community for generations.”

“The 12 Jays of X-Mas Gift Box is a groundbreaking step for small farmers, demonstrating how we can unite to elevate our brands and connect directly with consumers, said Judi Nelson, Sol Spirit Farm, Co-Producer of the 12 Jays Project. This project showcases the strength and resilience of the Emerald Triangle community, proving that collaboration can pave the way for a brighter future for craft farming.”

The Farms Behind the Magic: This year’s 12 Jays of X-Mas Gift Box includes:

Humboldt Nation: Green Crack A 1g pre-roll of the legendary strain Green Crack, known for its bright, citrusy flavors and energizing effects. Exclusive to Humboldt Nation.

Farm Cut: Royal Blueberry Two pre-rolls from Emerald Spirit Botanicals featuring the award-winning Royal Blueberry (Rose Queen x Blueberry Muffin) offer a balanced and relaxing experience.

Sol Spirit Farm: Headbanded A nostalgic blend of Headband, Sour Diesel, and Element—perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy evenings.

Nasha Extracts: Altitude Infused This hash-infused pre-roll, crafted with Jack Herer flower from Alpenglow Farms and Banana Breath hash from Mattole Valley Sungrown, offers creativity and euphoria.

Moon Made: Split Pre-Rolls Choose between the Woodstock Lunar Evening Blend with rich tannins or the Citrus Zest Solar Daytime Blend, bursting with effervescent citrus flavors.

Most Wanted: Whitethorn Rose An award-winning, citrus-forward sativa pre-roll perfect for an uplifting day.

That Good Good Farm: Cap Junky x Permanent Marker This gassy, relaxing indica features rubbery, pungent flavors for a truly unique experience.

Redwood Roots: Gelonade A sweet and citrusy sativa from Hidden Prairie Farms, ideal for boosting creativity and focus.

Talking Trees: Zkittlez The most awarded strain, with robust, fruity flavors and eco-conscious packaging.

Mendocino Natural Farms: Sour Diesel A timeless classic delivering dreamy, energizing effects with its unmistakable fuel-like aroma.

Arcanna: Magical Fruit or Jedi Nights Magical Fruit offers balanced, uplifting effects with a sweet, fermented fruit profile, while Jedi Nights OG brings a gassy, pine-forward hybrid experience.

Bigfoot: Papaya Bomb A hybrid bursting with fruity, skunky flavors, made with hand-trimmed A-buds for a homespun-style pre-roll.

More than just a gift box, the 12 Jays of X-Mas project creates opportunities for consumers to meet the farmers behind their favorite strains through Holiday “Craft” Faires across California. Events in Eureka, San Francisco, Richmond, Sherman Oaks, and Sacramento will bring together the community for an immersive craft cannabis experience, where participants can pick up their gift boxes, meet the farmers, and celebrate the season.

Reserve your box at EmeraldTriangleCraft.com with a $40 donation to HCGA. This guarantees your invitation to a Holiday “Craft” Faire, where you’ll complete your purchase for $60 plus state and local taxes with our licensed cannabis retailer, Humboldt Nation.

Holiday “Craft” Faire Details:

• Eureka: December 7, 12–5 PM, Crisp Cannabis Lounge
• San Francisco: December 12
• Richmond: December 14
• Sherman Oaks: December 20
• Sacramento: Home delivery available!

Additionally, a limited number of boxes will be available for purchase at select retailers:

• Satori Wellness (McKinleyville)
• Pacific Paradise (Arcata)
• Bigfoot Cannabis (Willow Creek)

Boxes at retail locations are $100 plus applicable taxes.