Just before noon on Thursday, February 8, 2024, the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department received a report of a missing 68-year old woman who had gone for a walk but had not returned.
The tribal police initiated its search protocol. Officers attempted to locate the woman, who reportedly has dementia. Area responders provided aid, and the Newbold Fire Department Search and Rescue offered their highly-trained search and rescue dogs to the effort.
About five hours after the report was received, Vilas County Deputy Julie Mootz received information that a woman matching that description was seen walking on County Hwy. H near East Boundary Road, which is a desolate area.
The tribal police were forwarded the information and responded to the scene. The officer saw a woman who appeared cold, disheveled, and somewhat wet. The woman stated she had walked across a lake, and her tracks were later found extending from the lake. The woman was not in need of medical treatment, and she was returned safely to her home.
The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police stated, "We are extremely thankful for the happy ending to today’s long search and very grateful to all those who assisted. The Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department and the Lac du Flambeau Tribe would like to thank Newbold Fire Department Search and Rescue, Vilas County Sheriff’s Office and Dispatch, Lac du Flambeau Emergency Management, Lac du Flambeau Fire and Ambulance Department, Lac du Flambeau Conservation Law Department, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Civil Air Patrol, and Vilas County Emergency Management. A special thanks to Vilas County Deputy Julie Mootz for going above and beyond to locate the missing woman."