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Michigan Backcountry Search & Rescue (MiBSAR)
2011 operations log

By
Michael Neiger
Marquette, Michigan
© Copyright 2011

 


Top of page
January 14-18, 2011
Long-range SAR operations field training exercise
    and public winter-camping trip
5-days, Lake Superior State Forest

Duration & date:
5-days; January 14-18, 2011
Township & County:
Alger and Schoolcraft Counties
Nearest place-name:
Grand Marais, Michigan
General location:
Lake Superior State Forest
Trail:
Fox River Pathway
SAR op training mission:
Spend 5 days exploring the southern reaches of the Kingston Planes
MiBSAR volunteers
13 team members and guests
SAR op training results:

Thirteen (13) hearty winter campers participated in the 5-day Kingston Plains Winter-Camping Trip and long-range SAR field training operation hosted by MiBSAR in the eastern Upper Peninsula's Lake Superior State Forest from January 14-18, 2011.

The crew.
(Photo courtesy of
Mary Ann Hayman)

Read trip beta page.

Read trip discussion thread on Backpacker Magazine's Web site.

Read Gail Staisil's photo journal.

View Mary Ann Hayman's 127-photo, 7-video slide show.

View Dave Goodyear's 28-image slide show.

View Gail Staisil's 54-image slide show.

View Cathy Susan's 47-photo, 1-video slide show.

View YouTube highlights reel of trip by Chris Ozminski.

View Matt Acker's 66-image slide show.

View Matt Acker's YouTube sled cam videos: reel 1, reel 2, & reel 3.

 

Top of page
February 11-20, 2011
Long-range SAR operations field training exercise
    and public winter-camping trip
10-day Canadian Expedition, Lake Superior Provincial Park

Duration & date:
10-days; February 11-20, 2011
Township & County:
n/a
Nearest place-name:
Wawa, Ontario, Canada
General location:
Lake Superior Provincial Park
Trail:
n/a
SAR op training mission:
Spend 10 days crossing Lake Superior Provincial Park from the mouth of the Sand River to the Agawa Canyon
MiBSAR volunteers
7 team members and guests
SAR op training results:

Seven (7) hearty winter campers participated in the 23rd annual Canadian Snowshoe-&-Sledge Expedition, successfully crossing Lake Superior Provincial Park from the mouth of the Sand River to the Agawa Canyon.

The crew.
(Photo courtesy of
Cathy Susan)

 

 

Bridal Veil Falls,
the crown jewel
of the Agawa Canyon.
(Photo courtesy of
Cathy Susan)

 

Read trip beta page.

Read trip discussion thread on Backpacker Magazine's Web site.

Read Mary Powell's trip journal.

View Cathy Susan's 132-image slide show.


Top of page
March 5-6, 2011
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:
2-day; March 5-6, 2011
Agency assisted:
 Michigan State Police
Newberry Post
Newberry, Michigan
Complaint no.: 82-353-04; File class: 9900-3
Township & County:
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
McMillan Township, Luce County
Nearest place-name:
Paradise, Michigan
General location:
Lake Superior State Forest
Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the eastern Upper Peninsula
Trail:
Victim:
Name: Christopher Charles Hallaxs
Race & sex: White male
Age: 30 (at time of disappearance)
Hgt: 6'-1"
Wt: 185 lbs
Case summary:
Chris Hallaxs left Paradise, Michigan on March 16, 2004 and entered Lake Superior State Forest with a small pack, large walking stick, and a pair of wooden Iverson snowshoes with neoprene lacing. He was never seen or heard from again.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Reward:
Up to $1,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers
Missing-Person Poster
 

Click on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, missing-person poster for Chris Hallaxs.

SAR op mission:
Recon ridges in Black Creek Swamp west of snowmobile trail
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger, Chris Latta, Matt Acker, and Mary Ann Hayman
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
SAR op results:No sign of Chris Hallaxs or one of his remote encampments was found
Additional resources:

• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim

SAR op journal:

None

 

Top of page
April 2-5, 2011
Long-range SAR operations field training exercise
    and public Great Lakes Backpacking Rendezvous
4-days, Pigeon River Country State Forest

Duration & date:
4-days; April 2-5, 2011
Township & County:
Otsego County
Nearest place-name:
Vanderbilt, Michigan
General location:
Pigeon River Country State Forest
Trail:
None
SAR op training mission:
Spend 4 days exploring the Green Timbers Wilderness Tract and the Pigeon River Country State Forest
MiBSAR volunteers
10 team members and guests
SAR op training results:

The team completed the four-day rendezvous with lots of land navigation, an antlered elk herd, a 20-strong white-tailed deer herd, a bald eagle, pristine bivouacs, etc.

Read trip beta page.

Read trip discussion thread on Backpacker Magazine's Web site.

View Bill Wieske’s photo album.

View Mary Powell’s slide show.

View Mary Ann Hayman's 113-image slide show.

View Cathy Susan's 40-image slide show.

View Ewa Roszczenko's 48-image slide show.


Top of page
March 31 to April 18, 2011
Homicide investigation
Jane Doe missing-person investigation

Duration & date:
Multi-day; March 31 to April 18, 2011
Agency assisted:
  Marquette County Sheriff's Office
Marquette, Michigan
Complaint no.: 11-4000047; File class: 0900-1
Township & County:
Marquette County
Nearest place-name:
Marquette, Michigan
General location:
Central Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Trail:
None
Victim:
Name: Unknown
Race & sex: White female
Age: teenager at time of disappearance
Hgt: unknown
Wt: unknown
Case summary:
In 1988, a terminally-ill patient in a Green Bay, Wisconsin hospital made a death-bed confession regarding an unsolved homicide that occured west of Marquette, Michigan during the summer of 1947
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Reward:
Up to $1,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers
Missing-Person Poster
No poster  

 

Investigative operation:
Attempt to identify victim and location of crime scene
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
SAR op results: Pending
Additional resources:

• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim

SAR op journal:

None


Top of page
April 6-18, 2011
Homicide investigation
Jane Doe missing-person investigation

Duration & date:
Multi-day; April 6-18, 2011
Agency assisted:
  Marquette County Sheriff's Office
Marquette, Michigan
Complaint no.: 11-4000047; File class: 0900-1
Township & County:
Marquette County
Nearest place-name:
Marquette, Michigan
General location:
Central Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Trail:
None
Victim:
Name: Unknown
Race & sex: White female
Age: teenager at time of disappearance
Hgt: unknown
Wt: unknown
Case summary:
In 1988, a terminally-ill patient in a Green Bay, Wisconsin hospital made a death-bed confession regarding an unsolved homicide that occured west of Marquette, Michigan during the summer of 1947
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Reward:
Up to $1,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers
Missing-Person Poster
No poster  

 

Investigative operation:
Design, upload, and host an investigative Web site in support of this case.
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
SAR op results: An investigative Web site was uploaded
Additional resources:

• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim

SAR op journal:

None


Top of page
April 23, 2011
Long-range SAR operations endurance training exercise
10-mile YMCA Run

Duration & date:
1-day; April 23, 2011
Township & County:
Marquette, County
Nearest place-name:
Marquette, Michigan
General location:
Marquette, Michigan
Trail:
North Country Trail; Marquette Bike Path; Presque Isle
SAR op training mission:
Complete 10-mile race sponsored by the YMCA of Marquette County
MiBSAR team members:
SAR op training results:

Team MiBSAR successfully completed the race


Top of page
May 6-9, 2011
SAR field operation
Joe Clewley missing-person investigation

Duration & date:
4-days; May 6-9, 2011
Agency assisted:
 

Chippewa County Sheriff's Office
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Complaint no.: 4-0741-08; File class: 9900-3

Township & County:
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
Nearest place-name:
Paradise, Michigan
General location:
Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the eastern Upper Peninsula
Trail:
Victim:
Name: Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs
Case summary:
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing on July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North Country Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in the eastern reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe owned a log cabin in the area and enjoyed hiking off-trail in the park.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone: 1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
Reward:
Up to $1,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers
Missing-Person Poster
 

Click on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, missing-person poster for Joe Clewley .

SAR op mission:
Search the Lynch Creek Grade and Timberlost areas in Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger, Mary Powell, and Mary Ann Hayman
Partner SAR teams & assets:
none
SAR op results: Joe Clewley was not located.
SAR op photos:
None  

 

Additional resources:

• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim

SAR op journal:

None


Top of page
May 12, 2011
SAR operations training exercise
1-day Emergency Management & Homeland Security CERT Training

Duration & date:
1-day; May 12, 2011
Township & County:
Negaunee Township, Marquette County
Nearest place-name:
Marquette, Michigan
General location:
Michigan State Police,
Negaunee Post Complex
Trail:
None
SAR op training:
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) refresher training, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security program offered by the Michigan Department of State Police and sponsored by the Marquette County Emergency Management Coordinator
MiBSAR team volunteers:

Top of page
May 21-23, 2011
SAR field operation
Joe Clewley missing-person investigation

Duration & date:
3-days; May 21-23, 2011
Agency assisted:
 

Chippewa County Sheriff's Office
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Complaint no.: 4-0741-08; File class: 9900-3

Township & County:
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
Nearest place-name:
Paradise, Michigan
General location:
Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the eastern Upper Peninsula
Trail:
Victim:
Name: Joseph Robert Clewley
Race & sex: White male
Age: 73
Hgt: 5'-10"
Wt: 150 lbs
Case summary:
Joe Clewley and his dog Chip went missing on July 13, 2008. His van was found parked at the North Country Trail (NCT) trailhead along the Tahqua Trail in the eastern reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Joe owned a log cabin in the area and enjoyed hiking off-trail in the park.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's cell phone: 1-906-440-3297
Sheriff's Office, Det./Sgt. Mike Bitnar's e-mail: mbitnar@chippewacountymi.gov
Reward:
Up to $1,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers
Missing-Person Poster
 

Click on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, missing-person poster for Joe Clewley .

SAR op mission:
Search the Timberlost area in Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger, Dave Goodyear, Chris Latta, and Matt Acker
Partner SAR teams & assets:
none
SAR op results: Joe Clewley was not located.
SAR op photos:
None  

 

Additional resources:

• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web site for victim
• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim

SAR op journal:

None


Top of page
May 23, 2011
Community Outreach Project
Acrhaeological & historical site mapping

Duration & date:
1 day; May 23, 2011
Township & County:
Chippewa County
Nearest place-name:
Paradise, Michigan
General location:
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Trail:
None

Community
Outreach
Project

Map site of old, horse-drawn, four-wheel, logging-era wagon found on state land by Team MiBSAR for the Office of the State Archaeologist, Lansing, Michigan.
MiBSAR team members:
Michael Neiger and Dave Goodyear
Project results

The site of the logging cart was photographed, sketched, located, described, and otherwise documented.


Top of page
May 28 to June 5, 2011
Long-range SAR operations Canadian expedition
9-days, Michipicoten Island, Lake Superior

Duration & date:
9-days; May 28 to June 5, 2011
Township & County:
Algoma District
Nearest place-name:
Wawa, Ontario, Canada
General location:
Michipicoten Island, northeastern Lake Superior
Trail:
None
SAR op training mission:
Spend 9 days exploring the western third of Michipicoten Island
MiBSAR volunteers
5 Team MiBSAR members and 4 guests
SAR op training results:

The team successfully completed a 9-day recon of the western third of the island.

Learn more about this expedition.


Top of page
June 11, 2011
Long-range SAR operations endurance training exercise
13-mile Half-Marathon Twin Peaks Trail Run

Duration & date:
1-day; June 11, 2011
Township & County:
Marquette, County
Nearest place-name:
Marquette, Michigan
General location:
Marquette, Michigan
Trail:
South Trails, Noquemanon Trail Network
SAR op training mission:
Complete 13-mile half-maraton mountain trail race sponsored by the Noquemanon Trail Network
MiBSAR team members:
SAR op training results:

Team MiBSAR successfully completed the half-marathon race


Top of page
June 17 to July 20, 2011
Community Outreach Project
Racecourse cartography for the Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic

Duration & date:
8 days; June 17 to July 20
Township & County:
Marquette County
Nearest place-name:
Marquette, Michigan
General location:
Marquette and surrounding area
Trail:
Noquemanon Trail Network, etc.

Community
Outreach
Project

Design 48-mile and 28-mile racecourse maps for the Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic as part of MiBSAR's Extreme Maps for Extreme Races community outreach iniative.
MiBSAR team members:
Michael Neiger
Project results

48-mile and 28-mile racecourse maps were designed for the Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic.


Top of page
June 18-19, 2011
Investigative field operation
Raymond Perry missing-person investigation

Duration & date:
2-day; June 18-19, 2011
Agency assisted:
  Alger County Sheriff's Department
Munising, Michigan
Complaint no.: 345-06; File class: 9900
Township & County:
Munising Township, Alger County
Nearest place-name:
Munising, Michigan
General location:
Lake Superior State Forest
Picture Rocks National Lakeshore (buffer zone) in the central Upper Peninsula
Trail:
None
Victim:
Name: Raymond Wallace Perry
Race & sex: White male
Age: 85 (at time of disappearance)
Hgt: 5'-8"
Wt: 140 lbs
Case summary:
Raymond Wallace Perry, age 85, has not been seen or heard from since he went missing from his Monette Road home east of Munising, Michigan on August 23, 2006.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Reward:
Up to $1,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers
Missing-Person Poster
 

Click on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, missing-person poster for Raymond Perry.

SAR op mission:
Search Miner's River Valley area for any sign of Raymond Perry
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger, David Goodyear, Chris Ozminski, and Todd Theoret
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
SAR op results: No sign of Raymond Perry was found
Additional resources:

• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim

SAR op journal:

None


Top of page
June 20, 2011
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:
1-day; June 20, 2011
Agency assisted:
 

Michigan State Police
Newberry Post
Newberry, Michigan
Complaint no.: 82-1969-08; File class: 9900-3

Township & County:
Lakefield Township, Luce County
Nearest place-name:
McMillan, Michigan
General location:
Lake Superior State Forest in the eastern Upper Peninsula
Trail:
None
Victim:
Name: Derrick Ray Henagan
Race & sex: White male
Age: 35
Hgt: 6'-1"
Wt: 170 lbs
Case summary:
Derrick has not been seen since August 4, 2008, when he went missing in the Newberry area in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. At the time of his disappearance—which is considered suspicious—he was living in a residence along North Manistique Lake Road, south of the village of McMillan and just west of East Lake. According to witness accounts, he was last seen walking into the bush across from a neighbor's house. He was reportedly planning on meeting a female friend at a prearranged location in the woods. When she arrived at the location, Derrick was nowhere to be found. He has not been heard from or seen since.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Newberry State Police Post, Trooper Brent Wilson: 1-906-293-5152
Reward:
Up to $1,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers
Missing-Person Poster
 

Click here or on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, missing-person poster for Derrick Henagan.

SAR op mission:
Investigate disappearance of Derrick Henagan
MiBSAR team members:
Michael Neiger, Dave Goodyear, Chris Ozminski, and Todd Theoret
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
SAR op results: Derrick Henagan's whereabouts, as well as the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, remain a mystery.
Additional resources:

• Learn more about this investigation
• View MiBSAR-provided Web site and Internet blog for victim


Top of page
June 26, 2011
Long-range SAR operations endurance training exercise
13-mile Pictured Rocks Road Race

Duration & date:
1-day; June 26, 2011
Township & County:
Alger County
Nearest place-name:
Munising, Michigan
General location:
Munising and surrounding area
Trail:
None
SAR op training mission:
Complete 13.3-mile Pictured Rock Road Race.
MiBSAR team members:
Michael Neiger
SAR op training results:

Team MiBSAR completed the 13.3-mile road-and-wilderness-trail half-marathon without incident. Michael finished in 2 hours 8 minutes, 44th out of a field of 92 runners.


Top of page
July 6-9, 2011
Investigative operation
Iron County Bank Robbery

Duration & date:
4-day; July 6-9, 2011
Agency assisted:
  Federal Bureau of Investigation
Detroit Field Office
Marquette, Michigan Resident Agency
Township & County:
Iron County
Nearest place-name:
Iron River, Michigan
General location:
Iron River, Michigan
Trail:
None
Victim:
Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union (SIRCFCU)
Case summary:
Early on the morning of Tuesday, March 29, 2011, a male subject armed with a handgun entered the Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union (SIRCFCU) in Iron River, Michigan and robbed a teller of an unknown amount of money.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Reward:
Up to $2,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers and the Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union.
Wanted Poster
 

Click here or on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, wanted poster for subject who robbed the Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union.

Investigative operation mission:
Design and print wanted poster
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
Investigative operation results: A wanted poster was completed
Additional resources:

• None


Top of page
July 9-13, 2011
Investigative operation
Iron County Bank Robbery

Duration & date:
5-day; July 9-13, 2011
Agency assisted:
  Federal Bureau of Investigation
Detroit Field Office
Marquette, Michigan Resident Agency
Township & County:
Iron County
Nearest place-name:
Iron River, Michigan
General location:
Iron River, Michigan
Trail:
None
Victim:
Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union (SIRCFCU)
Case summary:
Early on the morning of Tuesday, March 29, 2011, a male subject armed with a handgun entered the Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union (SIRCFCU) in Iron River, Michigan and robbed a teller of an unknown amount of money.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Reward:
Up to $2,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers and the Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union.
Wanted Poster
 

Click here or on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, wanted poster for subject who robbed the Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union.

Investigative operation mission:
Design and upload investigative Web site
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
Investigative operation results: An investigative Web site was designed and uploaded to the Net
Additional resources:

• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim


Top of page
July 16, 2011
Investigative field operation
Raymond Perry missing-person investigation

Duration & date:
1-day; June 16, 2011
Agency assisted:
  Alger County Sheriff's Department
Munising, Michigan
Complaint no.: 345-06; File class: 9900
Township & County:
Munising Township, Alger County
Nearest place-name:
Munising, Michigan
General location:
Lake Superior State Forest
Picture Rocks National Lakeshore (buffer zone) in the central Upper Peninsula
Trail:
None
Victim:
Name: Raymond Wallace Perry
Race & sex: White male
Age: 85 (at time of disappearance)
Hgt: 5'-8"
Wt: 140 lbs
Case summary:
Raymond Wallace Perry, age 85, has not been seen or heard from since he went missing from his Monette Road home east of Munising, Michigan on August 23, 2006.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Reward:
Up to $1,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers
Missing-Person Poster
 

Click on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, missing-person poster for Raymond Perry.

SAR op mission:
Search Miner's River Valley area for any sign of Raymond Perry
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger, David Goodyear, and Todd Theoret
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
SAR op results: No sign of Raymond Perry was found
Additional resources:

• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim

SAR op journal:

None


Top of page
July 17, 2011
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:
1-day; July 21, 2011
Agency assisted:
 

Michigan State Police
Newberry Post
Newberry, Michigan
Complaint no.: 82-1969-08; File class: 9900-3

Township & County:
Lakefield Township, Luce County
Nearest place-name:
McMillan, Michigan
General location:
Lake Superior State Forest in the eastern Upper Peninsula
Trail:
None
Victim:
Name: Derrick Ray Henagan
Race & sex: White male
Age: 35
Hgt: 6'-1"
Wt: 170 lbs
Case summary:
Derrick has not been seen since August 4, 2008, when he went missing in the Newberry area in the eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. At the time of his disappearance—which is considered suspicious—he was living in a residence along North Manistique Lake Road, south of the village of McMillan and just west of East Lake. According to witness accounts, he was last seen walking into the bush across from a neighbor's house. He was reportedly planning on meeting a female friend at a prearranged location in the woods. When she arrived at the location, Derrick was nowhere to be found. He has not been heard from or seen since.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Newberry State Police Post, Trooper Brent Wilson: 1-906-293-5152
Reward:
Up to $1,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers
Missing-Person Poster
 

Click here or on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, missing-person poster for Derrick Henagan.

SAR op mission:
Investigate disappearance of Derrick Henagan
MiBSAR team members:
Michael Neiger, Dave Goodyear, Todd Theoret, and Ewa Roszczenko
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
SAR op results: Derrick Henagan's whereabouts, as well as the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, remain a mystery.
Additional resources:

• Learn more about this investigation
• View MiBSAR-provided Web site and Internet blog for victim


Top of page
July 18, 2011
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:
1-day; July 18, 2011
Agency assisted:
  Michigan State Police
Newberry Post
Newberry, Michigan
Complaint no.: 82-353-04; File class: 9900-3
Township & County:
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
McMillan Township, Luce County
Nearest place-name:
Paradise, Michigan
General location:
Lake Superior State Forest
Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the eastern Upper Peninsula
Trail:
Victim:
Name: Christopher Charles Hallaxs
Race & sex: White male
Age: 30 (at time of disappearance)
Hgt: 6'-1"
Wt: 185 lbs
Case summary:
Chris Hallaxs left Paradise, Michigan on March 16, 2004 and entered Lake Superior State Forest with a small pack, large walking stick, and a pair of wooden Iverson snowshoes with neoprene lacing. He was never seen or heard from again.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Reward:
Up to $1,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers
Missing-Person Poster
 

Click on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, missing-person poster for Chris Hallaxs.

SAR op mission:
Recon Tahquamenon River river-mouth area
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger, Dave Goodyear, Todd Theoret, and Ewa Roszczenko
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
SAR op results: No sign of Chris Hallaxs or one of his remote encampments was found
Additional resources:

• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim

SAR op journal:

None


Top of page
July 21, 2011
Community Outreach
Noquemanon Trail Network trail maintenance

Duration & date:
1-day; July 21, 2011
Township & County:
Marquette, County
Nearest place-name:
Marquette, Michigan
General location:
Marquette, Michigan
Trail

South Trails, Noquemanon Trail Network

Community outreach mission:
Assist with brushing-out and clearing recent windfalls and low-hanging skull crushers on established single-track trails.
MiBSAR team members:
Michael Neiger
Community outreach mission results:

Over two dozen eye and head hazards were eliminated


Top of page
July 30, 2011
Long-range SAR operations endurance training exercise
26-mile Grand Island Trail Marathon

Duration & date:
1-day; July 30, 2011
Township & County:
Alger County
General location:
Munising, Michigan
SAR op training mission:
Complete 26-mile Grand Island Trail Marathon.
MiBSAR team members:
Michael Neiger
SAR op training results:

Team MiBSAR completed the 26-mile road marathon without incident, finishing 216th out of 297 registered runners.


Top of page
August 5-14, 2011
Long-range SAR operations Canadian expedition
10-days, Dog River Canyoneering

Duration & date:
10-days; Aug 5-14, 2011
Township & County:
Algoma District
Nearest place-name:
Wawa, Ontario, Canada
General location:
Nimoosh Provincial Park
Trail:
None
SAR op training mission:
Spend 10 days exploring the Dog River Valley
MiBSAR volunteers
4 Team MiBSAR members and 2 guests
SAR op training results:

Team MiBSAR successfully completed a 10-day recon of the Dog River Valley.

Learn more about this expedition.

View Mary Powell's slide show

View Ewa Roszczenko slide show

Trip logs


Top of page
August 22, 2011
Community Outreach
Noquemanon Trail Network trail maintenance

Duration & date:
1-day; August 22, 2011
Township & County:
Marquette, County
Nearest place-name:
Marquette, Michigan
General location:
Marquette, Michigan
Trail

South Trails, Noquemanon Trail Network

Community outreach mission:
Assist with brushing-out and clearing recent windfalls and low-hanging skull crushers on established single-track trails.
MiBSAR team members:
Michael Neiger
Community outreach mission results:

Numerous hazards were eliminated


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August 24, 2011
Community Outreach
Noquemanon Trail Network trail maintenance

Duration & date:
1-day; August 24, 2011
Township & County:
Marquette, County
Nearest place-name:
Marquette, Michigan
General location:
Marquette, Michigan
Trail

South Trails, Noquemanon Trail Network

Community outreach mission:
Assist with brushing-out and clearing recent windfalls and low-hanging skull crushers on established single-track trails.
MiBSAR team members:
Michael Neiger
Community outreach mission results:

Numerous hazards were eliminated


Top of page
August 27-29, 2011
Investigative operation
Iron County Bank Robbery

Duration & date:
3-day; August 27-29, 2011
Agency assisted:
  Federal Bureau of Investigation
Detroit Field Office
Marquette, Michigan Resident Agency
Township/County:
Iron County and Gogebic County
Nearest place-name:
Iron River, Michigan
General location:
Iron River, Michigan
Trail:
None
Victim:
Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union (SIRCFCU)
Case summary:
Early on the morning of Tuesday, March 29, 2011, a male subject armed with a handgun entered the Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union (SIRCFCU) in Iron River, Michigan and robbed a teller of an unknown amount of money.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Reward:
Up to $2,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers and the Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union.
Wanted Poster
 

Click here or on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, wanted poster for subject who robbed the Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union.

Investigative operation mission:
Investigate robbery
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger, Dave Goodyear, Todd Theoret
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
Investigative operation results: A three-day investigation was completed
Additional resources:

• View MiBSAR-provided investigative Web site


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August 31, 2011
Community Outreach
Noquemanon Trail Network trail maintenance

Duration & date:
1-day; August 31, 2011
Township & County:
Marquette, County
Nearest place-name:
Marquette, Michigan
General location:
Marquette, Michigan
Trail

South Trails, Noquemanon Trail Network

Community outreach mission:
Assist with brushing-out and clearing recent windfalls and low-hanging skull crushers on established single-track trails.
MiBSAR team members:
Michael Neiger
Community outreach mission results:

Numerous hazards were eliminated


Top of page
September 1-2, 2011
Investigative operation
Iron County Bank Robbery

Duration & date:
2-day; September 1-2, 2011
Agency assisted:
  Federal Bureau of Investigation
Detroit Field Office
Marquette, Michigan Resident Agency
Township/County:
Iron County and Gogebic County
Nearest place-name:
Iron River, Michigan
General location:
Iron River, Michigan
Trail:
None
Victim:
Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union (SIRCFCU)
Case summary:
Early on the morning of Tuesday, March 29, 2011, a male subject armed with a handgun entered the Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union (SIRCFCU) in Iron River, Michigan and robbed a teller of an unknown amount of money.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Reward:
Up to $2,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers and the Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union.
Wanted Poster
 

Click here or on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, wanted poster for subject who robbed the Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union.

Investigative operation mission:
Distribute posters, canvas locals for leads, and otherwise investigate robbery in western Upper Peninsula along Wisconsin border.
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
Investigative operation results: A two-day investigation was completed
Additional resources:

• View MiBSAR-provided investigative Web site


Top of page
September 3, 2011
Long-range SAR operations endurance training exercise
26-mile Marquette Marathon

Duration & date:
1-day; September 3, 2011
Township & County:
Marquette County
General location:
Marquette, Michigan
SAR op training mission:
Complete 26-mile Marquette Marathon.
MiBSAR team members:
Michael Neiger
SAR op training results:

Team MiBSAR completed the 26-mile road marathon without incident, finishing 137th out of 200 registered runners.


Top of page
September 6-7, 2011
Investigative operation
Iron County Bank Robbery

Duration & date:
2-day; September 6-7, 2011
Agency assisted:
  Federal Bureau of Investigation
Detroit Field Office
Marquette, Michigan Resident Agency
Township/County:
Iron County and Gogebic County
Nearest place-name:
Iron River, Michigan
General location:
Iron River, Michigan
Trail:
None
Victim:
Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union (SIRCFCU)
Case summary:
Early on the morning of Tuesday, March 29, 2011, a male subject armed with a handgun entered the Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union (SIRCFCU) in Iron River, Michigan and robbed a teller of an unknown amount of money.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Reward:
Up to $2,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers and the Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union.
Wanted Poster
 

Click here or on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, wanted poster for subject who robbed the Superior Iron Range Community Federal Credit Union.

Investigative operation mission:
Distribute posters, canvas locals for leads, and otherwise investigate robbery in northern Wisconsin along Michigan border.
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
Investigative operation results: A two-day investigation was completed
Additional resources:

• View MiBSAR-provided investigative Web site


Top of page
September 29 to October 4, 2011
Long-range SAR operations Canadian expedition
6-days, Agawa Canyon & Kwagama Mountain

Duration & date:
6-days; September 29 to October 4, 2011
Township & County:
Algoma District
Nearest place-name:
Wawa, Ontario, Canada
General location:
Agawa Canyon
Trail:
None
SAR op training mission:
Spend 6 days exploring the Agawa Canyon & Kwagama Mountain areas
MiBSAR volunteers
4 Team MiBSAR members
SAR op training results:

Team MiBSAR successfully completed a 6-day recon of the Agawa Canyon & Kwagama Mountain areas.

Learn more about this expedition.

View Mary Powell's slide show

View Mary Ann Hayman's slide show

View Ewa Roszczenko's slide show

 


Top of page
October 15, 2011
Long-range SAR operations endurance training exercise
62-mile Top of Michigan Ultra-Marathon

Duration & date:
1-day; October 15, 2011
County:
Cheboygan, Otsego, and Crawford Counteis
General location:
Gaylord to Mackinaw City, Michigan
SAR op training mission:

Complete 62-mile Top of Michigan Ultra-Marathon

 

Click here to learn more about how this adventure turned out.

MiBSAR team members:
Michael Neiger
SAR op training results:

Team MiBSAR completed the 62-mile ultra-marathon without incident, finishing 16th out of 26 registered runners.


Top of page
October 22-24, 2011
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:
3-day; October 22-24, 2011
Agency assisted:
  Michigan State Police
Newberry Post
Newberry, Michigan
Complaint no.: 82-353-04; File class: 9900-3
Township & County:
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
McMillan Township, Luce County
Nearest place-name:
Paradise, Michigan
General location:
Lake Superior State Forest
Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the eastern Upper Peninsula
Trail:
Victim:
Name: Christopher Charles Hallaxs
Race & sex: White male
Age: 30 (at time of disappearance)
Hgt: 6'-1"
Wt: 185 lbs
Case summary:
Chris Hallaxs left Paradise, Michigan on March 16, 2004 and entered Lake Superior State Forest with a small pack, large walking stick, and a pair of wooden Iverson snowshoes with neoprene lacing. He was never seen or heard from again.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Reward:
Up to $1,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers
Missing-Person Poster
 

Click on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, missing-person poster for Chris Hallaxs.

SAR op mission:
Recon Tahquamenon River river-mouth area and points to the south
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger, Dave Goodyear, Todd Theoret, Mary Ann Hayman, Chris Latta, and Matt Acker
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
SAR op results: No sign of Chris Hallaxs or one of his remote encampments was found
Additional resources:

• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim

SAR op photos:

Mary Ann Hayman's slide show


Top of page
November 4-5, 2011
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:
2-day; November 4-5, 2011
Agency assisted:
  Michigan State Police
Newberry Post
Newberry, Michigan
Complaint no.: 82-353-04; File class: 9900-3
Township & County:
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
Nearest place-name:
Paradise, Michigan
General location:
Lake Superior State Forest
Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the eastern Upper Peninsula
Trail:
Victim:
Name: Christopher Charles Hallaxs
Race & sex: White male
Age: 30 (at time of disappearance)
Hgt: 6'-1"
Wt: 185 lbs
Case summary:
Chris Hallaxs left Paradise, Michigan on March 16, 2004 and entered Lake Superior State Forest with a small pack, large walking stick, and a pair of wooden Iverson snowshoes with neoprene lacing. He was never seen or heard from again.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Reward:
Up to $1,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers
Missing-Person Poster
 

Click on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, missing-person poster for Chris Hallaxs.

SAR op mission:
Recon Tahquamenon River river-mouth area and points to the south
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger, Todd Theoret, Larry Bryan, Mary Ann Hayman, and Mary Powell
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
SAR op results: No sign of Chris Hallaxs or one of his remote encampments was found
Additional resources:

• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim

Post-SAR op blog:

Blog post


Top of page
November 5-6, 2011
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:
2-day; November 5-6, 2011
Agency assisted:
  Michigan State Police
Newberry Post
Newberry, Michigan
Complaint no.: 82-353-04; File class: 9900-3
Township & County:
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
Nearest place-name:
Paradise, Michigan
General location:
Lake Superior State Forest
Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the eastern Upper Peninsula
Trail:
Victim:
Name: Christopher Charles Hallaxs
Race & sex: White male
Age: 30 (at time of disappearance)
Hgt: 6'-1"
Wt: 185 lbs
Case summary:
Chris Hallaxs left Paradise, Michigan on March 16, 2004 and entered Lake Superior State Forest with a small pack, large walking stick, and a pair of wooden Iverson snowshoes with neoprene lacing. He was never seen or heard from again.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Reward:
Up to $1,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers
Missing-Person Poster
 

Click on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, missing-person poster for Chris Hallaxs.

SAR op mission:
Recon Tahquamenon River river-mouth area and points to the south
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger, Todd Theoret, Larry Bryan, Mary Ann Hayman, and Mary Powell
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
SAR op results: No sign of Chris Hallaxs or one of his remote encampments was found
Additional resources:

• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim

Post-SAR op blog:

Blog post


Top of page
November 6, 2011
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:
1-day; November 6, 2011
Agency assisted:
  Michigan State Police
Newberry Post
Newberry, Michigan
Complaint no.: 82-353-04; File class: 9900-3
Township & County:
Whitefish Township, Chippewa County
Nearest place-name:
Paradise, Michigan
General location:
Lake Superior State Forest
Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the eastern Upper Peninsula
Trail:
Victim:
Name: Christopher Charles Hallaxs
Race & sex: White male
Age: 30 (at time of disappearance)
Hgt: 6'-1"
Wt: 185 lbs
Case summary:
Chris Hallaxs left Paradise, Michigan on March 16, 2004 and entered Lake Superior State Forest with a small pack, large walking stick, and a pair of wooden Iverson snowshoes with neoprene lacing. He was never seen or heard from again.
Report a tip:
Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tip Line: 1-800-465-7867
Reward:
Up to $1,000 reward for anonymous tips from Northern International Crime Stoppers
Missing-Person Poster
 

Click on image to view or print MiBSAR-designed, full-color, missing-person poster for Chris Hallaxs.

SAR op mission:
Recon Tahquamenon River river-mouth area and points to the south
MiBSAR team volunteers:
Michael Neiger and Todd Theoret
Partner SAR teams & assets:
None
SAR op results: No sign of Chris Hallaxs or one of his remote encampments was found
Additional resources:

• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim

Post-SAR op blog:

Blog post

 


Click here to return to operations log index

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In God's wilderness
lies the hope of the world,
the great, fresh, unblighted,
unredeemed wilderness.

 — John Muir, 1838-1914
Alaska Wilderness, 1890

If you've been able to read this Web page...
thank a Teacher;
If you've been able to read this Web page in English...
thank a Veteran.
—Author unknown

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Content Copyright © 1984 -- 2011-11-15
by Michael A. Neiger

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No part of this Web page or this Web site protected by copyright law may be reproduced, transmitted, or used in any form--including graphic, electronic, Web, mechanical or other form--or by any means--including photocopying, recording, taping, Internet distribution, information storage retrieval system, or by other means--for any purpose, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages, without the prior, express, written permission of the author.
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