Despite a large search effort over the weekend, there is still no sign of Rain Shields, who has been missing since Oct. 31.
About 35 searchers from Castlegar, South Columbia, Rossland, Kaslo, and Nelson took part in a ground search on Saturday.
Scott Spencer of Nelson Search and Rescue says the initial effort began last Wednesday around the orange bridge, followed Thursday by a helicopter search along the Kootenay River.
However, tips then started to come in that Shields, 56, was seen walking from Nelson towards Taghum and was last spotted at Grohman Forest Service Road, so they concentrated on that area.
“The approach on Saturday was primarily a ground search, using several techniques, such as grid searching,” Spencer said. “We did go along Grohman Forest Service Road and did some door-to-door searching in the community of Grohman. We were unsuccessful in finding any more tips or information about Ms. Shields’ whereabouts.”
Spencer lauded the volunteers, who “put in a lot of effort going through some rough terrain … They are an incredibly dedicated group.”
Spencer says they are now working with Emergency Management BC, Nelson Police, RCMP, and BC Search and Rescue to determine if there is any other area they should search.
Sproule Creek-area residents are encouraged to check their outbuildings and outlying properties.
Shields (aka Bella Black) is approximately five-foot-seven with a medium build. Nelson Police said friends are concerned about her well-being.
Anyone who has spoken to Shields in the past few days, or who was on or near Grohman Forestry Service Road on Oct. 31 is asked to contact the Nelson Police Department at 250-354-3919 or your local RCMP Detachment.