Look for missing persons during hunting season

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WFHR / WIRI) – The nine-day gun deer hunting season is November 22 – 30. As hunters are out in the woods, local law enforcement officials are  asking that you keep an eye out for missing persons. They say you should look out for disturbed ground, bones that are not animals, or clothing remains.

More than 170 people are listed as missing in the state, according to the Department of Justice statistics, dating back to 1946. If you come across something that looks suspicious, don’t touch it. But do take pictures, document the location with GPS on your phone or a map, call 911, and make a report when you exit the woods.

Missing in Juneau County

The Juneau County Sheriff’s Office is still searching for now 45 year old Leya Marie Stewart. She went missing on the Fourth of July in 2023. Leya was last seen wearing a black shirt, dark-colored shorts and no shoes. Search areas included Buckhorn State Park and the wildlife areas between Mauston and Adams Friendship. If you have any information, no matter how minor, you can contact Detective Shaun Goyette at 608-847-5649.

Missing in Marathon County

In Marathon County, now 50 year old Tara Jane Sullivan is still missing from the Weston area. She was last seen on April 17, 2023. On April 18, Tara’s cell phone was found in the Town of Ringle. When deputies tried to return her phone to her residence, they discovered suspicious circumstances at her home. Her vehicle was found abandoned later that day along Highway 29 in Shawano County. If you have any information, you can contact the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office at 715-261-1200.

Missing in Wood County

There are four people still missing in Wood County. George Smith, Dakota Menger, and Junelle Marquard all missing since the late 90s. Gerald Brody went missing in 2017. If you have any information, no matter how minor it seems, detectives ask that you contact your local law enforcement agency.