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An ex-local possibly tied to his girlfriend’s disappearance was arrested in Oregon again. This time Tyler Burrow was charged with meth possession and giving cops false info. The repeat fugitive has been arrested several times on unrelated charges but has not been charged in the disappearance of Bailey Blunt. Last year Bailey disappeared getting her stuff from Tyler's place near Willow Creek. She’d reportedly texted a friend he was drunk and pulled a gun on her. After a 53-day search toward the end of 2023, Tyler was found in a remote forest camp in Oregon with Bailey’s truck and dog. *** NCN
An ex-member of the locally-formed rock band Mr. Bungle was found guilty of first-degree murder. As key evidence in Theo Lengel’s trial included horrific audio of him apparently strangling his girlfriend to death, the jury heard Theo had a history of abusive behavior. Theo Lengyel played saxophone and keys for Mr. Bungle, an experimental rock band including Faith No More frontman Mike Patton which was formed by Eureka teenagers in the ‘80s. Lengel was kicked out of Mr. Bungle in the ‘90s, reportedly in part because he was not growing with the band. *** Rolling Stone
A former Arcata restaurant owner pleaded guilty to child molestation charges. Kevin Dikes’ victims were boys under the age of 14. He was the owner of the now-closed Egghead restaurant in Arcata. One of the victims told Redheaded Blackbelt: “...Stand up for victims, stand up for yourself...” *** RHBB [In related news, a regional operation with FBI collaboration targeted child predators and involved 21 suspects including people in Humboldt County. Two tiny kids under the age of four were rescued from abuse by a relative. Stats show most child abuse is committed by someone the kid knows. -MC]
It’s alleged Rob Arkley provided a financial incentive toward his employee running for Eureka City Council. In order to move to Ward 2, Kenny Carswell received a loan with a below-average interest rate from his employer, Rob Arkley of Security National. Same time, Security National has poured over a million dollars into Eureka’s Measure F, which aims to prevent affordable housing projects in Old Town in favor of parking availability. Kenny Carswell insists he’d recuse himself from conflicts if elected in Eureka. He’s running against incumbent Kati Moulton. *** LoCo
Completion of a trail portion linking Eureka and Arcata has been delayed until May. While we were initially told it could be completed around now, Humboldt County officials cited construction challenges as the reason for the delays. *** LoCo [The Humboldt Bay Trail south link is going to be an awesome draw for tourists and locals. A safe and scenic nonmotorized path along the coast between Eureka and Arcata with breathtaking views. -MC]
A St. Joseph Hospital doctor voiced concerns well before a woman was denied emergency care during a miscarriage. The doctor was ignored as the hospital’s religious policies eventually made national news for endangering Anna Nusslock, who was denied emergency care during a life-threatening crisis. The state of California has sued the Eureka hospital, our county’s only hospital with a birthing center. *** LoCo [In related news, California is reportedly joining 24 other states in a federal case in support of emergency abortions, even in states with abortion bans. -MC]
Only two Eel River Valley political hopefuls came to a forum on local reproductive care. While all candidates and politicians repping the area were invited, only Ferndale City Council candidates Ryan Farmer and Stuart Altschuler showed up and spoke. The forum was hosted by the organization Humboldt Abortion Access Advocates. Specifically on the lack of Fortuna officials, one rep said “...it sends a message that the women's health crisis in Humboldt County is not a priority...” *** YouTube
An Elon Musk lawsuit was partially spawned by his ire with Humboldt County Supervisor Mike Wilson. Mike is a member of the California Coastal Commission, which rejected a plan by Elon’s company SpaceX to increase rocket launches. Elon shared a video of Mike and other commissioners voicing concerns about Elon’s controversial behavior. While Mike voted in favor of the SpaceX plan, Elon is suing the commission alleging political bias. *** RHBB / LoCo
Eureka’s new internet option Vero is cheaper than Optimum. For instance, for a gig per second, Vero will be about $90 a month compared to $110 via Optimum, formerly Suddenlink and Altice. Vero tells me they started construction in Eureka on Hodgson Street and are building out in zones of about 300 homes each, expanding throughout Eureka and with plans through 2025 to eventually go into Old Town, Cutten, Myrtletown, Pine Hill, Arcata, Indianola, Samoa, Fairhaven, and Manila. Vero also told me: “Our pricing for the same speeds is cheaper than cable because our value extends beyond a promo phase, and we do not charge for equipment.” *** Vero [Link has pricing information, coverage maps, etc.]
Cal Poly Humboldt broke ground and a 76,000-square-foot Engineering and Technology Building. The $100 million project is estimated to open in summer 2026 with classrooms, labs, and workshops. It’ll be the first major new teaching facility on campus in over a decade as the Arcata university continues to transform into its full polytechnic potential. *** LoCo
Cops arrested a Eureka High Schooler for allegedly threatening a school shooting. Officers say the threat was written on a wall, the student was taken to juvie, and the incident was unrelated to other recent threats made at the school. *** EPD PR
A manhunt is underway for an armed man allegedly abusive to people and animals. Most recently Joseph Larue is the suspected aggressor in a domestic violence incident in SoHum where he was reportedly shot in the face or head. Larue is also infamous for his role in the reported mistreatment of over a dozen malnourished dogs at his Oregon business. A huge police presence responded to Redway as dispatchers noted “ significant blood” but he evaded them. *** RHBB
(UPDATE) A four-year-old girl from Hoopa was found safe. Her dad only has visitation rights and finally revealed the girl's whereabouts after turning himself in. *** RHBB
The beloved Bayshore Mall store Schatzi’s Hidden Treasure is closing after a 15-year run. Since 2009, the shop has offered gifts from around the world including tie-dye clothing, incense, bongs, tapestries, and more. Changes in the business landscape and personal circumstances were noted as reasons for the closure which is scheduled for the end of the year. *** RHBB [This news is yet another blow to the declining Bayshore Mall, which was once a thriving hangout filled to the brink with shops, a movie theater, the Sweetriver Saloon, KB Toys, the Tilt arcade, and much more. That said, the Bayshore still has a few upsides. -MC]
Arcata’s Burger Joint on J Street is rebranding as T’s Brunch Club. Opening officially at the start of November, the redesigned space will focus on — you guessed it — the popular brunch Arcata’s former T’s Cafe North offered with the addition of live music events. Chicken fried steak, eggs Benedict, their famous biscuits and gravy, their signature burger. Get your stomach and ears ready for T’s comeback at a new location in Arcata. *** NCJ
Former Eureka Logger Jake Hanson blocked for Aaron Rodgers in prime time. The offensive lineman for the New York Jets made his first appearance this season against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. Jake also played for the Green Bay Packers and the University of Oregon in addition to Eureka High. *** TS
The Sitka Wine Lounge is Ferndale’s ‘cozy’ new wine bar. It's now open after a soft open and the social media is flowing with the wine -- find 'em on the socials. Humboldt Last Week is honored to have Sitka Wine Lounge in Ferndale as a partner. *** SitkaWine.com
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