Search for Harold Edwards resumes this morning

Graciously provided by www.dailyregister.com Saturday, January 4, 2003 7:10 AM CST.

"OMAHA - The search for Harold Edwards, 78, of rural Omaha was fruitless Friday, according to a release from Gallatin County Emergency Services Disaster Agency Coordinator Steve Galt.

Edwards was last seen on Jan. 1 and his vehicle was found in a field with his dog inside off of Elba Road about two miles from his home the morning of Thursday, Jan. 2.

The search that began Thursday with a thorough combing of the fields and woods in a mile radius from the site where his car was found resumed 7 a.m. Friday with neighbors, friends and rescue personnel using horses, all-terrain vehicles and a helicopter to search a 1,200 acre area near Edwards' house on Edwards Road.

Edwards, who takes medication for Parkinson's Disease and who has a pacemaker, is believed to have been wearing a green flannel shirt, black pants and black shoes, according to the release.

Friday morning, a second search dog from Norris City gave leads to the direction that Edwards could have traveled, according to the release, and searchers late Friday were dragging a small farm pond near the Edwards' farm.

The search will begin again Saturday morning and will expand to cover North Fork Creek which is part of the Saline River and Cain Creek, both of which are close to Edwards' farm.

Air-Evac helicopter from Mt. Vernon flew over the search area beginning noon Friday, but was unable to locate anything, according to the release.

Members of Edwards' family say they believe he had been on his way to visit a friend in Eldorado when his car left the road after midnight Jan. 1.

Edwards lives alone and is assisted with cleaning of the house and meals by social services, family members said.

An ESDA command post has been set up at the intersection of Elba Road and Barefoot Jones Lane. Anyone with information may contact the Gallatin County Sheriff's Department at (618) 269-3137, or the Saline County Sheriff's Department at (618) 252-8661."