Marilyn Ann Hagar passed away on April 19 at the age of 84. She has been doctoring for her heart most all of her life. Marilyn was born in Eureka, to Walter and Elna Irene Hagar. Both of her parents were natives, having also been born in Eureka.
She had a happy childhood and spent a lot of time at her grandparents’ chicken farm on Hubbard Lane and camping at Riverside Park with the Swede-Finn kids from the Order of Runeberg Lodge. When fifteen years old her parents bought a summer cabin on the Van Duzen River.
Marilyn graduated from Eureka High School in 1958 and attended Humboldt State College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in education in 1962. After teaching at the old Franklin School for two years, she then attended the University of Wisconsin for a masters degree in psychology.
She taught primary children in the Palo Alto Unified School District for thirty-four years, retiring in 2000. Her years in Silicon Valley followed the development of computers as a classroom tool. She was an excellent, caring and much sought-after teacher.
After the passing of her father in 1969, Marilyn lived in two places — working in Palo Alto, visiting in Eureka with her mother. The two of them traveled to Hawaii, Mexico and Michigan. On one very special summer long journey to all of Scandinavia, they met never seen relatives. All of the Swedish speaking grandparents were born in Finland with six or seven siblings each. My what relatives did she find!
After retiring and after her mother’s death, she moved home to Eureka. Nothing delighted her more than traveling the world. She visited sixty-five countries on all continents. Most friends would usually ask, “Where are you going next?” Covid-19 put a halt to her travels.
Between traveling she was active in many organizations such as the Redwood Empire Quilt Guild, the American Association of University Women and the local California Retired Teachers Association to name a few.
Special thanks go out to Timber Ridge Eureka and her next-door neighbor. The Marilyns looked out for each other for twenty-five years.
A graveside memorial service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park at a later date followed by a get together at Marilyn’s house.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of Humboldt are appreciated.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Marilyn Hagar’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.
A preliminary hearing for Daryl Jones, the Louisiana Oklahoma man charged with making a series of terrorist threats to local schools, was delayed today after Judge Kelly Neel declared doubt about his competency to stand trial.
Jones | Booking photo courtesy Comanche County, Okla.
Jones was extradited to Humboldt County from Lawton, La., Okla., last month after being identified as the suspect in a string of threats to local schools and businesses, resulting in multiple lockdowns. The District Attorney’s Office has charged him with 19 felonies.
After being brought into the courtroom in a standard-issue inmate jumpsuit, Jones was asked by Judge Neel whether he understood the nature of today’s proceedings.
“Not really, no,” he replied.
Neel then explained the basics and asked his assigned attorney, Meagan O’Connell with Humboldt County Conflict Counsel, for her take on his level of comprehension.
“I think he understands to a certain extent but not fully … ,” O’Connell replied. “My major concern is whether or not he can assist in his own defense.” She asked to have Jones evaluated by a mental health professional.
Judge Neel then declared doubt as to Jones’s competency, suspended the criminal proceedings and ordered an examination by local clinical psychologist Dr. Mark Lamers.
A return date was scheduled for May 15 at 8:30 a.m.
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CORRECTION:This post has been updated to correct the location from which Jones was extradited.
Above: Today the Sequoia Park Zoo released some cute video of Ishŭng that didn’t have any audio. So we added some.
Y’all have been very patient. Now it is time.
Earlier today the Sequoia Park Zoo announced that Ishŭng — their new, photogenic black bear — has completed her quarantine and is ready for her closeup. Today she is exploring her new digs and negotiating cohabitating terms with new roomie Tule. There’s still lots of adjusting to do so, if you visit Ishŭng, the zoo requests that you not make a ruckus. Reasonable.
Read the full report on Ishŭng’s debut from the Sequoia Park Zoo below:
Ishŭng the black bear has ventured into the front yard of the bear habitat!
Day one. What have we learned so far? She’s excellent at soccer. She is a fan of wrestling with the massive weeble toy. Grass munching appears to be a new hobby. And though the durations are short, she took advantage of the big, open space for multiple bouts of the zoomies.
Ishŭng is still getting to know her new home. When visiting, please use quiet voices and calm movements around her space. She has options for being outside or inside and may not always be visible. So far, she has been spending time playing and exploring outside and then resting inside.
She completed her quarantine period and has started the “introduction” process of getting to know Tule. For now, they will not be occupying the same physical space. There is no specific date that they will be physically together, as animal care staff will pace the process based entirely on the bears’ behaviors and comfort level. However, over the next few days, Ishŭng will have access to the front yard, and Tule will have access to the back yard. They can see and smell each other, and they are paying close attention to what the other bear is doing. Tule has been spying on Ishŭng from up in the trees, whereas Ishŭng needs to continue developing her climbing muscles. Staff have already seen an increase in her skills thanks to her physical bear-apy program behind the scenes. Now, with all of these new opportunities, she can further develop her skills!
Both Ishŭng and Tule are nonreleaseable black bears that were placed at the Sequoia Park Zoo by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Sequoia Park Zoo is honored to provide homes for bears that cannot be returned to the wild. The Bear and Coyote habitat at Sequoia Park Zoo opened in 2023 with generous funding from the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria.
Ronald Lloyd Middleton November
6, 1951-April 9, 2025
Ronald
‘Ron’ Lloyd Middleton passed away after a short battle with
cancer, on April 9, 2025 at the age of 73. Ronald was a long time
resident of Willow Creek.
Ron
was survived by his wife, Karen Middleton; daughters, Stacy
Middleton, Shelly Barella, her husband, Anthony Barella, as well as
his son, Joel Hollenback of Portland, Oregon; his brother Elmer (Sue)
Middleton of Selma, Oregon, brother in-law Chester Carter of Oregon,
and sister in-law Kim Downing, along with numerous nieces and
nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer and Mattie
Middleton; siblings, Laverne Carter, James (Guila), Delmar (Marge),
Doyle, and Janice Riness (Tim).
Ron
was born in Scotia on November 6, 1951. He attended Toddy Thomas
Elementary and went on to graduate from Fortuna High School in 1970.
He enjoyed playing basketball, hunting, playing softball for the
church league, riding horses and playing pool.
After
high school Ron moved to Willow Creek with his lifelong best friend
Ed Parker. He began working for Utility Tree Company, clearing the
power lines for PG&E. It was there where he discovered his love
for climbing trees. He was well-known throughout the Klamath-Trinity
community for his ability to climb. Even in his late 60s Ron could
still be found swinging from trees. Whether it was helping his
daughter in her yard or doing side jobs helping good friends Louis
Walton and Mary Roberts, Ron never shied away from taking his love of
tree climbing to new heights. His employment in the tree service
industry lasted his entire life — from Utility Tree in 1970 to Davey
Tree then eventually ending his career as a lineman for Western
Environmental Consultants. Ron also spent a short period working for
the Hoopa Valley Tribe where he mentored numerous locals on tree
climbing techniques. Ron was extremely hard-working and his work
ethic showed no matter how big or small the job was.
It
was while in Willow Creek, Ron met the love of his life, Karen
Middleton. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Stacy Marie, in
1980 and their youngest daughter, Shelly Annette, was born in 1982.
The couple truly embraced living in the beautiful mountainous
community, always taking trips to the local creeks and rivers: camping, fishing, and enjoying long motorcycle rides as far away as
British Columbia. The couple began raising their family on the
Downing Mountain homestead, where they built a strong foundation of
love and laughter for their children. Ron loved the outdoors and
living and raising his daughters in Willow Creek was nothing short of
a dream for him, something that continued on when Ron became a
grandpa.
In
his later years, Ron become known as Papa. He was the proud grandpa
to eight grandchildren: Malachi, Ava and Caleb Hammond, Rusty and
Darlene Middleton, Alanis and Brendan Baldy and Cataleya Barella. Ron
loved nothing more than being around his grandkids. He was truly in
his element when he was playing with the grandkids. When they were
babies, Papa would be on his hands and knees exerting all his energy
to get them to crack a smile or a giggle. Although Ron loved all of
his grandkids, he and Rusty became the best of buddies. Where Ron
was, Rusty was; either roaming the hills or camping at their favorite
spots. They were quite the pair, always telling each other jokes, and
giving each other a hard time. Rusty knew where every logging road
was and every creek in a 100-mile radius thanks to his Papa. He
taught him how to run a chainsaw, swing an axe, and run a green
machine.
Ron
was a true mountain man. He
was born to be outdoors. Any chance he got he was out exploring. His
favorite spots were Horse Linto Creek Campground and Fish Lake, both
of which he would take all of his grandkids. There were countless
memories made of which his family hold close to their hearts.
If
Ron wasn’t out exploring, he could be found at the local casinos,
specifically the Lucky Bear. He enjoyed getting out and playing his
favorite games and the occasional jackpot.
Although
Ron was not a big man in size, his honesty, dependability and
devotion to his family demonstrated huge character. He lived a meager
lifestyle, with no regard to materialistic property. Ron was modest
and prided himself on who you are as a person, not what you own. He
was kind and generous, never backing down when someone was in need.
Anyone who needed anything whether it be to dig his granddaughter out
of the snow or help a stranger change a tire, he wouldn’t blink an
eye.
There
was never a dull moment when Ron was in your presence. He was always
joking; even if it meant hearing the same joke or story one hundred
times, he made sure to try and get you to crack a smile. He would
follow every joke with “I’m just kiddin’ ya,” making sure we
all knew he was just trying to bring joy to your day.
Just
as in life, Ron wanted to keep it simple and did not care to do a big
memorial service. The family will gather for a private memorial at a
later date.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Ron Middleton’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.
Thomas J. Diamond, age 89 passed
away peacefully on April 10, 2025, in Eureka. Born in Sparta, Greece
as Athanasios Diamandakos on February 21, 1936, Tom was the youngest
child with two older sisters who played an important role in his
life.
Tom is survived
by his son James (Genie), sister Elenia “Helen” (Steve) of
Calgary, Canada, nephew of Canada, and niece and nephew residing in
Greece. Very special people in Tom’s life Imogene Reed, Jerry
Colivas Jr, Fr. Laurent (Irene), Spero, Chris, and Andy.
Tom was
predeceased by his father Ionnanis “John,” mother Stamatina,
sister Potula, sons John and Jason, granddaughter Wendy, friends
Jerry Colivas Sr. and Fred Rogers.
Tom became a US
citizen in 1964, shortly after he obtained teaching credentials in
food services from University of California. Tom worked at OH Bass,
at Eureka Inn (where he met Richard Nixon), Ramada Inn (where he met
Johnny Cash) and … you may have witnessed him at Ramada Inn dancing
with a table held by his teeth on “Greek Night”!!!
Tom was a
founding member of St. Innocent Orthodox Church, formally known as
“The First Church” in Eureka. He enjoyed cooking and baking his
famous cookies (Koulourakia) to give away after Liturgy. Tom would
carry his cookies with him to give away and was greeted with joyful
cries Papouli and Cookie-man, which he cherished.
Memorial services
will be held at St. Innocent Orthodox Church 939 F St. Eureka on May
3, 2025, at 11 a.m. An interment will follow at Ocean View Cemetery.
We would like to
thank Especially You and Hospice for the care they provided Tom.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Tom Diamond’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.
The Humboldt County Fair Horse Racing Committee is calling on all community
members, horse racing enthusiasts, and supporters of local tradition from Humboldt County and beyond
to speak up in support of horse racing in Northern California – especially here in Ferndale, where it has
been a cherished tradition for generations.
Horse racing at the Humboldt County Fair is not just a sport – it is a historic and cultural pillar that
contributes to our local economy, supports jobs, and brings our community together in a truly unique way.
This treasured tradition has deep roots, with a legacy that spans more than a century, making it one of
California’s most enduring county fair race meets.
However, the future of live horse racing in Humboldt County and across Northern California is at a
crossroads. Decisions being made at the state level in the coming month could dramatically impact the
survival of our race meet. That’s why we are urging our neighbors, community leaders, and supporters
from all corners of the state to take immediate action.
We are asking you to reach out to your local County Supervisors, State Senators, Assembly Members,
Members of Congress, and the Governor’s Office. Tell them you support horse racing in Humboldt
County. Let them know that this sport is more than just a pastime – it is a vital part of rural California’s
identity and economy.
Here’s how you can help. Contact your elected officials – Call, email, or send letters to your local and
state representatives expressing your support for horse racing in Humboldt County.
Senator Mike McGuire - senator.mcguire@senate.ca.gov - 1021 O St., Suite 8518, Sacramento, CA
95814, Phone (916) 651-4002, or 1036 5th St., Suite D, Eureka, CA 95501, Phone (707) 445-6508
Governor Gavin Newsom - gavin.newsom@gov.ca.gov - 1303 10th Street, Suite 1173, Sacramento, CA
95814, Phone (916) 445-2841
Representative Jared Huffman - https://huffman.house.gov/contact/email-me 317 Third Street Suite 1,
Eureka, CA 95501, Phone (707) 407- 3585
Humboldt County District 1 Supervisor Rex Bohn - rbohn@co.humboldt.ca.us 825 5th Street, Eureka,
CA 95501, Phone (707) 476-2391
Humboldt County District 2 Supervisor Michelle Bushnell - mbushnell@co.humboldt.ca.us 825 5th
Street, Eureka, CA 95501, Phone (707) 476-2392
California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) - information@chrb.ca.gov, 1010 Hurley Way, Suite 300,
Sacramento, CA 95825, Phone (916) 263-6000
With your support, we can protect this time-honored tradition and ensure that the Humboldt County
Fairgrounds continues to host thrilling, community-centered racing for years to come.
Let’s keep the spirit of the Humboldt County Fair alive – vibrant, proud, and racing strong.
For more information, updates, or ways to get involved, please contact the Humboldt County Fair Horse
Racing Committee.
Greg Gomes,
Chair, Horse Racing Committee,
Vice President, Humboldt County Fair Association,
707-499-8859
greg@pacificpaperco.com
Press release from the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office:
Vargas-Diaz | File photo via HCSO
[On April 21], the Honorable Judge Kaleb V. Cockrum sentenced 45-year-old Valentin Vargas-Diaz, to serve
6 years in prison, the maximum under the law, for his March 2021 rape of a 29-year-old woman. The
sentence follows his conviction by a Humboldt County jury earlier this month for two crimes: Rape
of an Intoxicated Person, in violation of Penal Code section 261(a)(3), and Sexual Penetration by
Foreign Object of an Intoxicated Person, in violation of Penal Code section 289(d).
On March 24, 2021, 29-year-old Jane Doe consumed alcoholic beverages while at the Myers Flat
Saloon, an establishment which Vargas-Diaz regularly patronized. The next morning, Doe, who was
unable to remember events from the remainder of the night, awoke unclothed in Vargas-Diaz’s bed,
causing her distress and confusion.
Shortly after leaving Vargas-Diaz’s residence, Doe sought help by going to the hospital. Sexual
Assault Nurse Examiner Hannah Wright conducted a forensic examination of Doe. Despite some
apprehension, Doe reported to Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputy Colton Ross what she knew
about the events of March 24.
During his investigation, Deputy Ross spoke with Vargas-Diaz, who claimed Doe was extremely
intoxicated the night of March 24, so he gave her a ride to her home and assisted her through her
gate before he left. Vargas-Diaz denied sexual intercourse occurred. However, DNA evidence
recovered during the sexual assault forensic exam by Nurse Wright revealed otherwise.
Additionally, toxicology results further confirmed Doe was highly intoxicated when Vargas-Diaz
sexually assaulted her.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Whitney Timm prosecuted the case with assistance from DA
Investigator Tim Marsolan and DA Victim Witness Advocate Caitlyn LaHaie.
District Attorney Stacey Eads stated: “I commend Doe for her bravery and perseverance in holding
her offender accountable for his crimes. We at the District Attorney’s Office are committed to
seeking justice for survivors of sexual assault.”
