Duane Vernon Rigge, age 80, of Fortuna, CA passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026.

He was born on March 17, 1946 in Stockton, CA to Vernon and Sue Rigge. He married his high school sweetheart, Susan, in 1967.

He served in the US Navy for 23 years, retiring in 1993 with the rank of Commander. Duane and Susan moved to the beautiful Redwoods where he worked as the City Manager of both Blue Lake and Fortuna.

He had a deep passion for boating and will be remembered for his amazing ability to make conversation with anyone.

Duane is survived by Susan, his children Mike and Sherry, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

No services will be held at Duane’s request. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Humboldt.

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

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From the Hoopa Valley Tribe:

In May 2026, Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora ramorum, SOD) was detected on several tan oak trees located on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation downslope of the Dowd Road/Nixon Ranch Road approximately midway between Hoopa and Weitchpec, California.

Acorns from tan oak trees are an essential food source with significant cultural value to the Hupa people. Hoopa Forestry is collecting and testing vegetation samples within the vicinity to assess the full magnitude and extent of occurrence; coordinating with forest pathologists; and developing a plan to treat infected areas to eliminate spread and occurrence. Preliminary results indicate that the occurrence is localized.

Sudden oak death is a water mold pathogen that can kill a variety of plants, particularly canyon live oak and tan oak trees, which are common on the HVIR. The pathogen may be spread when infected water, live plant material, or spore-infested wet or dry soil is moved. Once an infected tree dies, the mold dies with it.

Hoopa Forestry has been monitoring for this pathogen for several years and increased monitoring intensity after the detection. The plan will identify vegetation treatment, surveys, access, education, and other measures aimed to eliminate and detour occurrence. Vegetation treatment may include cutting and burning infected trees and nearby vegetation.

Hoopa Forestry encourages forest users to avoid areas downslope of the Down Road/Nixon Ranch Road; avoid removing water, soil, or live plant material; and to thoroughly wash vehicles, equipment, clothing, and pets before or as soon as practical after leaving the area. Using disinfectants such as Lysol or 10% solution of bleach improves cleaning efficacy. 

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Defense attorneys representing two teenagers accused of the March fatal shooting of 17-year-old Dylan Moon in Hoopa want to see any evidence that proves the pair were involved in a criminal street gang before proceedings move forward.

This issue has been the subject of recent court appearances. Attorneys are seeking the possible evidence from the District Attorney’s Office before agreeing to schedule the preliminary hearing, which will determine whether probable cause exists for a trial.

“We really can’t go to the preliminary hearing until we get that gang discovery,” said Andrea Sullivan, who represents co-defendant Tse-Lin Lincoln, in court today.

Meanwhile, Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees said the prosecution is ready to set a date and is working to get everything opposing counsel needs. This includes rap sheets of witnesses.

The suspects, Lincoln and William Randolph Billy Warren, were charged with six felonies including murder earlier this year after the victim died from his injuries. Each charge has a gang-related violence enhancement, alleging the crimes were in service of a criminal street gang.

They have both pleaded not guilty and remain in custody.

Judge Kaleb Cockrum said he was compelled by the argument that the defense hadn’t seen information on gang allegations. He set a hearing on a motion to compel evidence, previously filed by Rebecca Linkous, who represents Warren. The hearing was set for July 28.

Court records indicate Linkous is seeking a gang expert.

In addition to this pair, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office arrested multiple juveniles in connection with the incident, including a third suspect held on murder charges. This week, the Hoopa Valley Tribe condemned the temporary release of juvenile suspects for ceremonial purposes.

PREVIOUSLY:

• ‘Pain and Outrage’: Hoopa Valley Tribe Condemns Temporary Release of Teen Murder Suspects for Ceremonial Purposes
• One Person Hospitalized With ‘Life-Threatening’ Injuries Following Yesterday’s Shooting in Hoopa; Suspect Remains At-Large, Says HCSO
• Hoopa Valley Tribe Offers $10K Reward for Information Leading to Arrest of Suspect in Tuesday’s Shooting; Emergency Community Meeting in Council Chambers Tonight
• 15-Year-Old Arrested in Connection With Hoopa Shooting, Sheriff’s Office Says; Two Other Teenage Suspects Still at Large
• Another Suspect in Monday’s Shooting in Hoopa Taken Into Custody
• Third Suspect in Hoopa Shooting Surrenders at the Sheriff’s Office
• The Victim in the Hoopa Shooting Has Died
• Teenagers Charged With Murder in Hoopa Shooting
• Arraignment for Hoopa Shooting Murder Charges Set for Friday
• Defendants Plead Not Guilty of Murder in Hoopa Shooting; DA Hasn’t Decided on Death Penalty
• District Attorney Not Seeking Death Penalty for Hoopa Shooting
• The Hoopa Valley Tribe Wants Local Kids to Know That it is There For Them
• Next Hoopa Shooting Hearing Pushed Forward After Motion From Defense
• Hoopa Shooting Proceedings Punted

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A new attorney was appointed for a man accused of killing a Fort Bragg resident in Glendale on July 8, 2025. The preliminary hearing for this case has been delayed multiple times over the past year.

Suspect Deunn Willis’ newly appointed attorney signaled this could further delay proceedings. His former attorney, Greg Kreis, said he had turned over his files to the Public Defender’s Office, which accepted appointment via Deputy Public Defender David Celli today.

While accepting the appointment, Celli said he’d like to keep the date for a hearing on July 29 but emphasized this didn’t mean the office would be ready by then.

Previously, Kreis pushed for a speedy trial for his client, who remains in custody.

The victim was identified as Joshua Lee McCollister, 37. Willis is accused of robbing him, alongside co-defendant Danielle Durand, who is out on bail. The pair was arrested after McCollister died of a gunshot wound.

Previously, the Sheriff’s Office said the shooting followed a dispute over a civil matter.

PREVIOUSLY:

• 37-Year-Old Man Shot and Killed in Glendale Last Night; Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Seeking Suspects
• Two Arrested Yesterday in Connection With Glendale Homicide; Victim Identified as Fort Bragg Resident

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Proceedings for a misdemeanor case against a Cal Poly Humboldt activist were pushed forward to this fall.

Rick Toledo was arrested by university police following a protest in March. He was later charged with false imprisonment, assault and battery. He has pleaded not guilty, denied wrongdoing, and is currently out on bail.

A jury trial was scheduled this month, but Toledo’s attorney from the Civil Liberties Defense Center, Matthew Kellegrew, had been out on paternity leave and requested the issue be moved forward.

The District Attorney’s Office did not object to this continuance in court today. 

Judge Lawrence Killoran agreed to vacate this month’s trial, putting the next hearing on September 22 with a jury trial on the 28th.

 PREVIOUSLY:

• Cal Poly Humboldt Activist Arrested, Three Students Handed Interim Suspensions for Nelson Hall Occupation
• Cal Poly Humboldt Activist Awaits Misdemeanor Charges Following Protest; Police Seize Devices

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Have you ever watched a Eureka City Council meeting and thought one or more of the following?

• That looks fun!
• I could do better!
• What a meaningful way to participate in civic life! Jealous!

If so, your window of opportunity is nearly here. There are four seats available this cycle, including three city council seats (wards 1, 3 and 5) and mayor. 

Ward 1 Councilmember Leslie Castellano is termed out, so that seat will have no incumbent. You can find an interactive ward map on the city’s website.  Details below.

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Press release from the City of Eureka:

The City of Eureka announces that the nomination period for candidates interested in serving as Mayor or on the City Council for Wards 1, 3, and 5 will open Monday, July 13, 2026, and close Friday, August 7, 2026.

The Mayor and City Council play a vital role in shaping the future of Eureka by developing city policies, approving ordinances and resolutions, making land-use decisions, and hearing appeals on decisions made by City commissions and committees. Additionally, elected officials represent the City as liaisons to various regional boards, commissions, and Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs), while also attending community functions and events throughout the year.

The Mayor receives a monthly salary of $625 and must be at least 26 years of age and a registered voter of the City of Eureka.

City Councilmembers receive a monthly salary of $500 and must be a registered voter who reside within the ward they seek to represent.

Serving on the City Council provides a rewarding opportunity to help shape the future of Eureka. Councilmembers come from all walks of life and share a common commitment to representing and serving the community.

Individuals interested in running for office are encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s Office regarding nomination requirements, filing procedures, and election information.

For additional information or set up an appointment to review and receive nomination papers, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 707.441.4175 or email ppowell@eurekaca.gov. 

DMV Photo of James Jaworski.

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance with locating 77-year-old at-risk missing person, James Robert Jaworski.

Jaworski was released from a local hospital on July 7, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m. He was picked up by an Uber and was expected to be dropped off at his residence in the 2100 block of Terra Vista Place in McKinleyville. According to his family, Jaworski never arrived home.

Jaworski is described as a white male, 5-foot-7- inches tall, weighing approximately 190 pounds, with gray hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue and gray jersey. He was not wearing pants or shoes at the time of his disappearance.

The California Highway Patrol is issuing a Silver Alert.

Anyone who has seen Jaworski or has information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (707) 445-7251.

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES), in conjunction with CAL FIRE, National Weather Service, and PG&E invites community members to attend two upcoming public meetings focused on wildfire preparedness, fire safety planning, and evacuation readiness through the Know Your Zone program.

These informational meetings will provide residents with valuable resources and guidance on preparing for wildfire emergencies, the County Alert and Warning systems, understanding evacuation zones, and staying informed before and during an emergency.

Meeting dates and locations are as follows:

Garberville

• Wednesday, July 22, 5 – 7 p.m.
• Humboldt County Library – Garberville Branch
• Address: 715 Cedar St., Garberville

Willow Creek

• Thursday, July 23, 5 – 7 p.m.
• Willow Creek Community Services District
• Address: 135 Willow Rd., Willow Creek 
  

Representatives from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division and Special Services Division will be joined by personnel from CAL FIRE, National Weather Service and PG&E. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about wildfire preparedness, evacuation procedures, emergency notifications, and the importance of knowing their designated evacuation zone.

Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and take advantage of this opportunity to better prepare themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods for wildfire season.

For more information, please contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services at (707) 268-2500.

Watson in a 2016 booking photo.

PREVIOUSLY

• Hoopa Man Arrested for Murder After Fatally Stabbing His Uncle, Sheriff’s Office Says
• Hoopa Stabbing Suspect Charged With Murder

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It wasn’t quite dawn when the sheriff’s deputy showed up to arrest Travis Watson, standing in his driveway with nothing but a phone and a pack of cigarettes in his pocket, spattered with blood. Some of it, he said, was his own. The deputy, Russell Hurley, couldn’t see much outside of what was illuminated with his car’s headlights. He cuffed Watson and put him in the back of his car.¹ 

Hurley moved to Watson’s trailer, a single-wide out near Hoopa he shared with his four-year-old daughter. He saw a pair of legs laying on the ground behind a sliding glass door. The rest of the body leaned up against a wall. Hurley stepped over him, shouting to anyone left unseen. No one was. The body lay in a pool of blood, more of it trailing up a small, narrow hallway into a bedroom.⁴ Hurley didn’t recognize him, but Cole Kane, another deputy who arrived soon after, did: he was James Williams, Watson’s uncle.²

Kane later found a bloody chef’s knife on top of a green Ford Ranger; Watson had said there’d be a knife in a truck. Kane came in the trailer and attempted to rouse Williams, shining a flashlight in his eyes and administering CPR.² Nothing happened. Paramedics, let in after the police decided it was safe to enter, couldn’t do anything either. Williams was declared dead 20 minutes after Hurley arrived, 5:53 a.m., May 2, 2026.

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Reams of details like these are emerging from Watson’s pretrial hearing this week, which has been pushed back several times. Originally scheduled to finish yesterday, it’s been delayed until Friday to give Watson’s lawyer, public defender Owen Tipps, time to review a HCSO investigator’s report he hadn’t yet seen as of yesterday. If Judge Lawrence Killoran deems there to be sufficient evidence Watson murdered his uncle, they’ll schedule a jury trial. All of this information has been compiled from witness testimony delivered over the last two days and may be incomplete or inaccurate.

The law also allows weaker evidence to be introduced at preliminary hearings than it does during a jury trial. 

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Kane found Watson’s daughter with an acquaintance of Watson’s he’d called after he called the police to the property, her T-shirt marked with a bloody handprint left by Williams.² 

“Daddy attacked Uncle Bubba,” she told HCSO investigator Jennifer Taylor during an interview. (Taylor wasn’t sure how much she’d seen, what part of the altercation she’d witnessed.) After the fight was over, he fled, leaving his daughter in the trailer. He hid under a truck and called 911 and told the dispatcher he’d been attacked. He eventually tried to knock on a neighbor’s door to convince them to come and get her, but they didn’t answer. (His eldest daughter and someone else came later when he called her.)³ 

Watson went back inside the trailer, kicked Williams and told him to “quit messing around and get up.” He didn’t. Watson put a blanket over his four-year-old’s head and ushered her out past the body. He called 911 and told the dispatcher he’d been attacked.³

Williams had attacked Watson after threatening to kill both him and his daughter, Watson told Hurley, and he’d attempted to defend him and his daughter from him.¹ Williams had a gun — or maybe a knife — Watson claimed, and he had been forced to stab him.³ Williams choked and hit Watson, he said, and he’d stabbed him twice in an area he thought was around his right hip, severing the artery in his leg. 

Williams, 32, was only a year older than Watson. They had a complicated history, Taylor testified. They were close, like brothers. Williams had “shielded” Watson from sex abuse growing up, and they’d grown closer as they’d aged. However, they also fought like brothers. Watson didn’t tell Taylor about any physical fights, only verbal ones they eventually got over. ³

Several days earlier, Watson offended Williams egregiously. He’d sent Snapchat messages to Williams’ daughter, advising her and her friends to stay away from him.³ She showed them to her dad as he was sending them. Watson had also called 911 on April 30, two days before Williams’ murder, and told the dispatcher that Williams had robbed someone depositing money at the credit union in Hoopa and also stole a bike trailer from Watson.³

On May 1, Williams and a friend, Robert Kelsey, went out into the hills near Hoopa to ride four-wheelers and dirt bikes. Williams broke the chain on a bike, and they went to Kelsey’s uncle’s house. At around 4 a.m. the next morning — May 2 — they decided to head home to McKinleyville, but before they got there, Williams turned the truck around and said he wanted to see Travis and “deal with everything.”³ (When Taylor, the HCSO investigator, reached this point in her testimony, the judge paused the hearing until Friday. She hasn’t yet said where Kelsey went.)

HCSO investigators “extensively” searched the trailer and Williams’ truck. They didn’t find a knife or a gun, though they did find a closed pocketknife in one of his pockets during the autopsy. Well, Watson said, maybe it was a black phone he’d seen. He also wasn’t sure how he got the cut on his finger. 

Why would Williams, armed with a gun or a knife, instead choke him and hit him? Taylor asked Watson. And how could he even do all of those things at the same time? 

He couldn’t explain that.

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1: This according to Deputy Russell Hurley’s testimony.

2: This according to Deputy Cole Kane’s testimony.

3: This according to HCSO investigator Jennifer Taylor’s testimony.

4: This according to HCSO forensic specialist Andrew Campbell’s testimony.