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The former fugitive ex-boyfriend of a missing woman has not been ruled out as a suspect in her disappearance. Bailey Blunt disappeared a year ago after she tried to get belongings from her ex’s property near Willow Creek. At that time it’s said she texted a friend saying he was drunk and pulled a gun on her. After a 53-day search, the ex, Tyler Burrow, was located in rural Oregon with Bailey’s dog and truck. A Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told me: “(Tyler) is the last known person to have seen (Bailey) alive, and he has not been ruled out as a suspect in her disappearance.” However, no crime has yet been proven due to a lack of concrete evidence. Investigators are hoping someone who knows more will come forward. Is a suspected killer roaming free in our community? Is he already out of custody stemming from unrelated charges? Officers did not respond to those questions in time for me to record.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s new thriller The Battle of Baktan Cross is reportedly set for release in summer 2025. Filmed partly in Humboldt County, the movie also stars Regina Hall, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, and others, with a score by Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead. With direction by Paul Thomas Anderson, local locations such as Arcata, Cutten, Eureka, and Trinidad will be seen in the film, as well as Sacramento, where controversy came after a homeless encampment was cleared for filming. The flick which reportedly had a budget of over $140 million announced its title and release date last week. *** Wiki
The Yeehaw commune near Trinidad faces possible eviction next summer unless changes are made. Around 30 residents live on the site east of the highway, which some see as a vital refuge from homelessness, while others view it as a hazardous blight. The county has noted health and safety violations along with permit requirements, noting code violations spanning decades. *** TS
A Coast Guard helicopter rescued an 8-year-old boy from a cruise ship. Plucked off a Royal Princess cruise with appendicitis about 20 miles west of Eureka, the boy and his family were flown to Eureka for treatment. Video of the rescue is available. *** RHBB
Stricter protest rules are in effect at Cal Poly Humboldt after major protests last spring. The California State University system’s stricter rules ban the use of signs with sticks, wearing masks, or using chalk, among other things. Officials are citing safety reasons while critics believe the rules restrict free speech. The changes follow last semester's pro-Palestine protests where activists barricaded an administrative building and occupied the quad for a week, causing what the university said were millions in damages. *** Loco
An already controversial man was arrested for lewd acts and human trafficking with a minor, among other charges. Darin Michael Ward of Eureka previously made headlines in 2021 for allegedly threatening government buildings and staff while driving a bus painted with "Trump Won" to Washington D.C. before Inauguration Day. He was not prosecuted for those threats but is now being held without bail. *** RHBB
The two horses euthanized at the county fair brought the total number to 24 since 1994. That rate at the annual event in Ferndale exceeds five times the national average. This is prompting new regulations including banning horses over ten years old from racing. While horse racing at the Humboldt County Fair is reportedly thriving financially, these fatalities may lead to change beneficial to the animals involved. *** RHBB
A fundraiser quickly met its goal to assist the family of a teenager killed in a head-on collision east of Arcata. Atticus Stevens was only 18 years old and known for his humor and wit. His parents are military veterans who work with the Fortuna Police Department and Cal Poly Humboldt police. The funds raised are helping with funeral costs. *** Update
Our area’s U.S. rep and his task force held their first congressional hearing cautioning against Project 2025. Jared Huffman and cohorts highlighted the conservative plan, suspectfully downplayed by Donald Trump, which would controversially fire federal employees that oppose MAGA, restrict abortion access, blur separations between church and state, and eliminate education programs, among other things. *** KQED
A psychedelic mushroom suspect claimed his girlfriend pulled a gun on him but learned it was likely a flashlight. No gun was found when officers responded to his call in Hopland, but they did however say they discovered over a pound and a half of psilocybin mushrooms in his converted school bus. *** RHBB
Local overdose deaths declined significantly in the early months of this year. Fatalities from fentanyl overdoses in the county dropped by up to 30 percent, and opioid-related emergency visits also decreased. Experts say this comes with better access to treatment, increased naloxone availability, and the increased use of fentanyl test strips. *** NCJ
Humboldt County advanced 11 acres of solar energy production near Alton. The project which was advanced by county planners combines solar with agriculture, using the space between panels for grazing and beekeeping. The power will feed into the local grid. This project, as a small contribution, will help move Humboldt closer to 100% green energy, along with proposed offshore wind energy projects. *** RHBB
The Arcata ballpark which often hosts future MLB players has been undergoing improvements. This includes a new front entrance façade, a remodeled entry plaza, and accessibility upgrades to the grassy area along left field. The intercollegiate summer baseball team, our beloved Humboldt Crabs, is often a stepping stone to the pros. The improvements should be finished before the start of the 2025 season. *** RHBB
Mad River Brewery partnered with the Sacramento Kings for the upcoming NBA season. The brews out of Blue Lake, which are owned by the Paskenta Tribe, will be available at games and events at the Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento. *** MRB
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