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January 22-23, 2009
Investigative field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-days; January 22-23, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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:	Review Hallaxs case file at the Michigan State Police Post in Newberry, Michigan; debrief Hallaxs family members, identify witnesses, and inventory physical evidence.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	None
SAR op results:	A lot was learned about Chris Hallaxs, his bush gear, and his wilderness habits.
SAR op photos:	Chris Hallaxs sans facial hair. (Chris Hallaxs photo)
	Chris Hallaxs, sans facial hair, pausing in the snow with a pair of his Iverson snowshoes. (Chris Hallaxs photo)
	Chris Hallaxs rigged for a wilderness foray. (Chris Hallaxs photo)
	Chris Hallaxs rigged for a wilderness foray. (Chris Hallaxs photo)
Additional resources:	• View photo album from this SAR op (none) • View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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January 23-25, 2009
SAR field operation
Joe Clewley missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	3-days; January 23-25, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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:	Track coyotes and wolves thru bush around Timberlost Road in hopes they'll pass by Joe Clewley's final resting place; view SAR op plan
MiBSAR team members:	Chris Ozminski, Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	none
SAR op results:	Joe Clewley was not located
SAR op photos:	As this photo of Chris Ozminski shows, there was a mountain of snow in Joe's Country. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Chris Ozminski)
	Michael Neiger with the Mother of all snowshoes, courtesy of Iverson Snowshoes in Seney, Michigan: custom-made 13 by 72 high-float Ojibwas. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger)
	A video clip of Chris Ozminski sledging west of the Timberlost Road. Click on photo to view video clip. (Video by Michael Neiger)
Additional resources:	• View photo album from this SAR op • Learn more about this investigation • View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web site for victim • View MiBSAR-provided Web site and Internet blog for victim
SAR op journal:	We arrived on Friday afternoon to find around 3 feet or more of snow on the ground in Joe's Country. After sledging south along the Timberlost Road for an hour, we established a SAR bivouac base several 100 meters west of the old railroad-grade-turned-bush-road. On Saturday, we arose to minus 7 degree temperatures. After a hearty breakfast we split up and spent the day tracking coyote and fox in the rolling hills situated between the Timberlost Road and the North Country Trail, both of which parallel each other in a north-south fashion. With a thick layer of fresh snow eliminating all prior sign of passing coyotes and fox on Sunday, we packed our sledges and spent the next two hours working the area north of our bivouac site for any sign of Joe. Finding none, we headed for our vehicles.

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February 7-18, 2009
Long-Range SAR operations field training exercise
9-day, 84-km, Moose River-Ice Expedition, James Bay, Arctic Ocean, Ontario, Canada

Duration & date:	9-days; February 7-18, 2009
Township & County:	Cochrane District
Nearest place-name:	Moosonee, Ontario, Canada
General location:	Moose River, James Bay, Arctic Ocean
Trail:	None
SAR op training mission:	Attempt to negotiate Moose River ice surface from Moose River Crossing to Moosonee, Ontario, an isolated, Arctic Ocean tidewater village situated along the southwestern coast of James Bay (lower Hudson Bay)
MiBSAR team members:	Dave Mansfield, Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	none
SAR op training photos:	Location of Moose River Expedition. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Michael Neiger)
	Michael Neiger below The Cross atop the west bank of the Moose River at Moose River Crossing on day no. 1. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Michael Neiger)
	Sunset over the Moose River, downstream of Murray Island, on day no. 1. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Michael Neiger)
	Dave Mansfield works his way down the Moose River after leaving the mouth of the Otakwahegan River on day no. 5. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Michael Neiger)
	Sunset on the Moose River on day no. 5. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Michael Neiger)
	Roped-up on dangerous ice near Allan Rapids on channel no. 1 on the Abitibi River on day no. 6. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Michael Neiger)
	Dave Mansfield working the frozen pack ice of the James Bay tidal flats at the 3-klick Kwetabohigan Rapids on day no. 8. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Michael Neiger)
	A Bushland Airways Cesna 206 ski-equipped plane parked on a side channel of the Moose River in Moosonee, opposite Moose Factory Island, on day no. 9. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Michael Neiger)
	The Polar Bear Express ONR Train Station in Moosonee, Ontario, the Gateway to the Arctic. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Michael Neiger)
Additional resources:	• View photo album, slide show, and video clip 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 from SAR op training mission
SAR op training journal:	Drive Day 1: Team MiBSAR—Dave Mansfield and I—met in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. After arranging long-term parking for his vehicle, we crossed the border without incident and drove to Chapleau, where a snowstorm to the north prevented further travel. Drive Day 2: Drove from Chapleau to Cochrane. Finished fabricating combination ice spud/thumper in hotel room: embedded 10-inch-long chisel in end of 6-foot-long piece of 1.5-inch-diameter stump-dried sapling, anchoring with four hose clamps. Chisel (spud) end would be used to check thickness of ice; blunt, thumper end would be used to sound-out ice to make sure it was supported by water (solid sound), not air (a deadly hollow sound). After our last, home-cooked meal, returned to room to make final equipment checks. Day 1: Drove to Ontario Northland Railroad station in Cochrane, Ontario and boarded Polar Bear Express train at 9:00 a.m. for 237-km ride to the insertion point for 12-day expedition: Moose River Crossing on the Moose River. Five hours later, had conductor stop train and drop us off at the trestle over the mighty Moose River at mile 143. Standing on the tracks, we were about 140 feet above the surface of the Arctic Ocean, which was situated 77-klicks (km) away. The Moose River's expansive ice sheet lay 40 feet below us. After checking to make sure our ice-rescue picks and bowies were easily accessible for the next 12 days of travelling and bivouacking on unpredictable river ice, we rigged swami belts around our waists and--after looking quickly each way for any rail traffic--looped an 80-foot chunk of rope around the downstream rail and proceeded to belay our 120-pound-plus, gear-laden sledges (containing 42 pounds of rations and 10 pounds of fuel each) to a plateau 20 feet below us. With all the gear moved off the tracks, we did a light rappel through nearly waist-deep snow down to our gear. After moving the sledges over to the steeply-cut bank of the river, we looped the rope around a huge, white, Cree Cross supporting a dream catcher and belayed and rappelled the final drop to the surface of the Moose River. After getting up close and personal with the ice, we harnessed up and began sledging downstream. Checked out some very old literal gypsum caves and conglomerate rock bank formations. As darkness set in, we unrolled our bedrolls on the ice surface, using a huge boulder for protection from a northwest wind. It clouded up around 3 a.m., after the rise of a full moon. During the night it snowed several inches. Elevation: 90 feet above sea level. Temperature: plus 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Day 2: When we arose, we found our bivouac sacks covered with several inches of fresh snow. As the weather gurus had predicted, a warm front moved in and we were treated to the unusual experience of a February sleet and rainstorm. Cold wind out of the southeast was inescapable on the river. Soaking wet, we avoided stops to prevent hypothermia, and to keep our life-saving insulting layers inside our sledges, where they would stay dry for the coming deep-freeze. Bivouacked up against the downstream end of a wind-swept island, about 500 meters upstream of Wabosh Rapids. To better protect ourselves from the foul weather, we fashioned snowwalls on the river and rigged our tarps over them. Elevation: 75 feet above sea level. Temperature: plus 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Day 3: Rain turned to snow by noon. Very cold wind coming directly up the river from James Bay challenged us all day. Bivouacked atop riverbank, 1.7 km upstream of Big Asp Island. Used pulley haul rig to rope our sledges up near-vertical bank. Winds were unrelenting until middle of night, but view was very nice. Elevation: 75 feet above sea level. Temperature: minus 1 degrees Fahrenheit. Day 4: Very windy and cold today. After lowering gear to ice, we sledged downstream to the head of Big Asp Island. Went around the backside of Big Asp Island, where I came close to breaking through (the ice collapsed under the front third of my snowshoe), and bushwhacked over to the Otakwahegan River, hoping to recon it for a future expedition. Once at the Otak proper, we sledged upstream a few klicks (km) and established a bivouac high atop its west bank. Along the way, we avoided a small section of open water. Night sky was awesome. Elevation: 68 feet above sea level. Temperature: minus 12 degrees Fahrenheit. Day 5: Sledged down Otakwahegan River to Moose River. In bright sun, we worked our way down center of Moose River, bivouacking in the lee of a small island upstream of Wikikanishi Island. Unlike the first few days, wolf tracks seemed to be everywhere. Elevation: 40 feet above sea level. Temperature: minus 16 degrees Fahrenheit. Day 6: Awoke to heavy ground fog, so thick we needed our compasses to navigate at first. The wind-driven fog created thick hoarfrost on the windward side of our equipment. We sledged along the east bank of Moose until we reached its confluence with the big Abitibi River. After lunch at the mouth of the Abitibi, we decided to recon it upstream for several kilometers to see if it would be suitable for a future expedition. Our maps showed the rivermouth consisted of four main channels, each separated by rather significant islands. Since we would face dangerous ice conditions--even open water--if we tried to cross in front of the rivermouth channels, we elected to work our way up the southernmost channel. As we neared Allen Rapids, we faced a long stretch of precarious ice and open, fast-moving water, which challenged our upstream progress. After roping up--attaching an 80-foot-long piece of one-half-inch rope between the swami belts we wore around our waist every day so we could easily rescue each other--we carefully worked our way up the rapids, chipping and sounding the ice as we moved. For a ways, we found ourselves atop a narrowing ice shelf, sandwiched between the open, swirling current and the cut bank. Eventually, we passed by the hazard, cleared Allen Rapids, and reached safer ice. As the sun set, we established our bivouac along the opposite side of the river, in the protective lee of Allen Island. We followed lots of wolf tracks during the day. Elevation: 45 feet above sea level. Temperature: minus 24 degrees Fahrenheit. Day 7: When we awoke in the morning, we found the river ice had cracked, and opened a bit, right through both our bivouac spots. After clearing Allen Island, we followed the eastern edge of the fourth channel down to the Moose River. As we worked our way across the Moose--which was at least 1,300 meters wide at this point--we paused mid-river to take in the expansive view. Bright and sunny, we decided to shoot a 360-degree panoramic video clip of the scene for Chris Ozminski, our partner who could not make the expedition at the last minute due to a work commitment. Sledging down the western edge of the river, we ended up bivouacking at the mouth of the Chimahagan River. Elevation: 25 feet above sea level. Temperature: minus 22 degrees Fahrenheit. Day 8: Awoke to a beautiful sunrise. Shortly after departing, we arrived at the head of Kwetabohigan Rapids, a 3-km-long set of roller coaster rapids. These rapids also marked our arrival at the upstream limit of the James Bay tidal flats. The violent turmoil of the Moose River's current against the ebb and flow of the Arctic Ocean's tidal waters was all too evident. For as far as the eye could see, upended ice--including 20-foot-plus high piles of almost vehicle-size ice slabs--was everywhere. Partway down the massive field of ice slabs and shards, we passed the mouth of Kwetabohigan River, which further added to the mix. After a few hours of picking our way through the field of massive ice chucks, we arrived at flatter ice. We bivouacked in a narrow river channel, in the lee of Arrow Island. Elevation: sea level. Temperature: not recorded. Day 9: After a hearty breakfast and a couple mugs of hot drinks, we sledged downstream. Eventually, we decided to see if we could make Moosonee--where the river swelled to over 5 kms in width--before the southbound Polar Bear Express departed. As we neared the upstream limits of Moosonee, one by one, groups of tethered sled dogs and free-roaming mongrels announced our arrival. In a narrow side channel behind Maidmans Island, we stopped at Bushland Airways, Ltd., to inspect two of their ski-equipped bush planes parked on the river ice. In showing our gear-laden sledges to the pilots of a single-engine Cessna 206, they agreed the six-seat, Super Skywagon would only be able to haul two of us at a time, considering the amount of gear we had. We learned they were also open to try and insert us 50 miles up the North French River in 2010. However, they were a bit concerned about landing on a remote, unknown section of river ice since the landing could be tricky, and any slush or overflow hidden under the snow might freeze them in for the winter. They thought it might be safer to drop us on a nearby lake....we'll be checking with a local helo pilot too as lakes are far and few between on the Hudson Bay lowlands. Delayed by our visit with the pilots, we hustled over to the train station, arriving with just 45 minutes to spare. Once at the station, we received a warm welcome from several locals as well as the Ontario Northland Railway personnel on the Polar Bear Express. Apparently, word had spread throughout the area about what we were doing. The pilots even joked the talk about town was they would have to fly out and rescue us, as they had ill-fated expeditions in past years. While we had trained hard and assembled first-rate outfits, we were indeed lucky that Mother Nature gave us a pass this time around. After a 6-hour ride, dinner, and lots of questions about our expedition aboard the Polar Bear Express--and a few stops to deliver cases upon cases of beer and barrels upon barrels of petrol to a couple of wilderness types living deep in the bush--we arrived in Cochrane. Thanks to reasonable driving conditions, we were both back in Michigan the following day, albeit very late at night. The planning and training for the February 13-28, 2010, 84-km Abitibi River Expedition, with an insert at Blacksmith Rapids, is underway...

 

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February 26-27, 2009
SAR operations training exercise
2-day Emergency Management & Homeland Security CERT Course

Duration & date:	2-days; February 26-27, 2009
Township & County:	Negaunee Township, Marquette County
Nearest place-name:	Marquette, Michigan
General location:	Michigan State Police, Negaunee Post Complex
Trail:	None
SAR op training mission:	Complete 20-hour Community Emergency Response Team 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 members	Michael Neiger
SAR op training journal:	Day 1: Completed hands-on training modules focusing on Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety, Terrorism, Light Search-and-Rescue Operations, and Disaster Medical Operations (Part I). Day 2: Completed hands-on training modules focusing on Disaster Medical Operations (Part II), CERT Organization, Disaster Psychology, and Disaster Simulation

 

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March 2-5, 2009
Long-Range SAR operations field training exercise
4-day, 40-km, Lake Superior-Ice travel, Grand Island, Munising, Michigan

Duration & date:	4-days; March 2-5, 2009
Township & County:	Grand Island Township, Alger County
Nearest place-name:	Munising, Michigan
General location:	Grand Island, Munising Bay, Lake Superior
Trail:	None
SAR op training mission:	Attempt a 40-km circumnavigation of Grand Island on ice surface of Lake Superior
MiBSAR team members & guest:	Michael Neiger; Gail Staisil
Partner SAR teams & assets:	none
SAR op training photos:	Michael Neiger making the crossing from Powell's Point on the mainland to Wick Point on the Thumb of Grand Island. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Gail Staisil)
	Gail Staisil passing by the old, wooden East Channel Lighthouse on the Thumb of Grand Island. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Gail Staisil)
	Gail Staisil exploring the ice formations along the east side of Grand Island's Thumb. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Gail Staisil)
	Michael Neiger on the long crossing from the Thumb's Trout Point to the sheer cliffs along the east side of Grand Island proper. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Gail Staisil)
	Michael Neiger negotiating an ice shelf along the east side of Grand Island. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Gail Staisil)
	A sea of pack ice along the north shore of Grand Island at the foot of the North Light Lighthouse. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Gail Staisil)
Additional resources:	• View photo album or slide show from SAR op training mission
SAR op training journal:	Day 1: Skied 2-klick (km) of open ice from Powells Point on the mainland over to southern end of the Thumb of Grand Island. Worked ice up East Channel of Munising Bay, past old wooden East Channel Lighthouse, bivouacking on channel ice, up against eastern escarpment of the Thumb and opposite bell buoy. Low temp of minus 15°. Day 2: Skied up east channel, past the coyote-scavenged carcass of a white-tailed deer, rounded northern tip of Thumb, and completed 3-klick crossing of open ice to distant eastern escarpment of Grand Island proper. Once at base of island's towering cliffs, skied north along lake ice before bivouacking on ice shelf just south of Northeast Point of Grand Island. Lots of coyote tracks. Low temp of plus 3°. Day 3: Donned crampon-equipped snowshoes to negotiate sea of recently-frozen, upended pack ice, all the while keeping an eye on an ever-expanding east-to-west-running lead opening up in the ice just to the north. Once around Northeast Point of Island, climbed up on ice shelf and skied west to North Light Beach, which is overlooked by the old North Light Lighthouse. Due to high winds and dangerous opening lead, abandoned attempt to travel on ice, skied south, down center of island, along west bank of North Light Creek, bivouacking along western limit of North Light Creek Swamp. Lots of coyote and white-tailed deer tracks. Low temp of plus 6°. Day 4: From the North Light Creek Swamp, skied southward, passing by western shore of Echo Lake. After crossing Echo Creek, skied over to west shore of Island before tracing western escarpment of Island to Williams Landing, crossing lake ice back to Powells Point. Lots of white-tailed deer tracks; jumped one deer.

 

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April 14-16, 2009
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	3-days; April 14-16, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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:	SAR and CSI operation (document, search, sift, metal detect, and otherwise process scene for physical evidence) at site of remote, semi-permanent lean-to encampment with caches in the non-motorized Mackinaw Wilderness Tract to determine likelihood it was one of Chris Hallaxs' hidden bivouac sites. The lean-to encampment was located just south of the North Branch of the Carp River, just downstream of its confluence with Taylor Creek, in Section 6, Township 42 North of the Michigan Base Line, Range 5 West of the Michigan Meridian (Brevort Township; Mackinac County). Access to the site was gained by bushwhacking approximately 5.5 klicks (3.25 miles) through lowland areas including riverbanks, swamps, and marshes.
MiBSAR team members:	Chris Ozminski, Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	None
SAR op results:	After comparing and contrasting the evidence found at the remote encampment and its caches with the wilderness profile of Chris Hallaxs as well as information received from the Hallaxs Family, there is a high probability this encampment was one of Chris Hallaxs remote bivouac sites. The unique, signature clues discovered at this site may play an important role in the search for, and identification of, other camouflaged bivouac sites belonging to Chris Hallaxs.
SAR op photos:	The lean-to encampment. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire CSI Operation. (Photo by Chris Ozminski)
	The lean-to, with roof, side panels, and front closure reefed and camouflaged from aerial surveillance with pine boughs. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire CSI Operation. (Photo by Chris Ozminski)
	The lean-to, with camouflaging pine boughs removed from reefed roof, side panels, and front closure. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire CSI Operation. (Photo by Chris Ozminski)
	Click here or on image for video of Michael Neiger unfurling roof, side panels, and front closure of lean-to. Click here to view slide show of entire CSI Operation. (Photo by Chris Ozminski)
	The lean-to, with the roof and side panels unfurled. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire CSI Operation. (Photo by Chris Ozminski)
	The interior of the lean-to with the roof and side panels unfurled. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire CSI Operation. (Photo by Chris Ozminski)
	The interior of the lean-to with the roof and side panels unfurled. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire CSI Operation. (Photo by Chris Ozminski)
	Chris Ozminski sweeping the lean-to encampment area, including the hearth, for buried evidence or concealed caches with a high-sensitive Teroso-brand Silver U-Max metal detector. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire CSI Operation. (Photo by Chris Ozminski)
	A 127.6-grain, .30-caliber, steel-jacketed, lead-core bullet, (most likely fired from a Universal Arms or Military carbine) recovered by Chris Ozminski with a metal detector, 6 inches down in the soil 22 feet southwest of the lean-to. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire CSI Operation. (Photo by Chris Ozminski)
	A glass bottle with handwritten cinnamon-and-sugar label. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire CSI Operation. (Photo by Chris Ozminski)
	Click here or on image for video of Chris Ozminski and Michael Neiger packing out trash from the encampment site after their 3-day SAR & CSI operation. Click here to view slide show of entire CSI Operation. (Photo by Chris Ozminski)
Additional resources:	• View photo album from this SAR operation • View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim
SAR op journal:	None

 

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May 3-4, 2009
SAR field operation
Joe Clewley missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-days; May 3-4, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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 area between Timberlost Trail and the North Country Trail in Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	none
SAR op results:	Joe Clewley was not located
SAR op photos:	Morning on Lake 708 in the Camp 10 Lakes area. Click here or on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Photo by Michael Neiger)
	Snake in the grass and lichen. Click here or on photo to view video of snake. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Video by Michael Neiger)
	An old, rusty wagon wheel found just west of the Timberlost Road. Click here or on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Photo by Michael Neiger)
Additional resources:	• View photo album from this SAR op • Learn more about this investigation • View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web site for victim • View MiBSAR-provided Web site and Internet blog for victim
SAR op journal:	In addition to finding an old, rusting, 4-foot-diameter wagon wheel just west of the railroad-grade-turned-Timberlost-Road, I also encountered several bones from white-tailed deer. Warm, sunny weather on my 30-plus klick (km) recon of Joe's Country was accentuated by bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and white-tailed deer.

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May 5, 2009
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; May 5, 2009
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
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

 

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May 8-10, 2009
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	3-day; May 8-10, 2009
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
Partner SAR teams & assets:	Specialized K-9 teams including bloodhounds and human-remains detection dogs from K-9 One, Burt Crawford of Maple Lane Bloodhounds, and Paul Rice
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

 

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May 10, 2009
SAR field operation
Joe Clewley missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; May 10, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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:	Work Winston, a highly-trained bloodhound handled by Burt Crawford of Maple Lane Bloodhounds, along the North Country Trail (NCT) from the NCT Trailhead on the Tahqua Trail to determine if Winston could in fact pick up Joe Clewley's scent trail deposited in July of 2008. If so, a two-day K-9 SAR operation would be conducted on June 14-15.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	Burt Crawford
SAR op results:	Burt Crawford was reasonably certain Winston was able to locate and follow Joe Clewley's scent trail westward along the North Country Trail from the trailhead on the Tahqua Trail to the Timberlost Road.
SAR op photos:	Burt Crawford and Winston. (File photo by Michael Neiger)
Additional resources:	• View photo album from this SAR op (none) • Learn more about this investigation • View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web site for victim • View MiBSAR-provided Web site and Internet blog for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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May 15-17, 2009
SAR operations training exercise
3-day Man-tracking Course

Duration & date:	3-days; May 15-17, 2009
Township & County:	Burt Township, Alger County
Nearest place-name:	Grand Marais, Michigan
General location:	Coast Guard Station; Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Visitor Center, Grand Marais; Sucker Creek
Trail:	None
SAR op training mission:	Complete 20-hour Search and Rescue Track Aware class taught by Marvin Martin and Chuck Koehn of Universal Tracking Services—a Washington and Oregon-based tracking school that instructs civilian, police, and special forces trackers—hosted by Eastern Upper Peninsula Search and Rescue.
MiBSAR team members	Chris Ozminski, Michael Neiger
SAR op training journal:	Day 1: Morning classroom instruction included track identification, footprint characteristics, aging sign, tracking, tracking teams, tracking sticks, footprint sketching, etc. Afternoon field work included track identification and sketching, setting the tracking stick, team formation, starting the first track, and the process of step-by-step man-tracking. Night field work included principles of night tracking, use of artificial light after dark, and importance of team discipline. View video of Lake Superior gale at the Grand Marais harbor breakwall. Day 2: Morning and afternoon field work involved continuos man-tracking exercises. Day 3: Morning field work involved continuos man-tracking exercises.

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May 17-18, 2009
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-days; May 17-18, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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:	Search north shore of Betsy Lake in northern reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park for any sign of Chris Hallaxs or one of his remote bivouacs.
MiBSAR team members:	Chris Ozminski, Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	None
SAR op results:	After fording the Betsy River and wading a marsh, the eastern three-quarters of the remote, isolated, north shore of Betsy Lake was searched for any sign of Chris Hallaxs or one of his hidden bivouacs. An old, well-worn, camouflaged canoe; two paddles; and a long-sleeved shirt were located along the north shore of Betsy Lake. A search and sweep of the area surrounding the canoe cache with a metal detector revealed three long lengths of rusting bailing wire (running between two logs craddling the canoe along both sides) that may possibly have been used to bind camouflaging pine boughs (not found) atop the overturned canoe at one time. Due to the amount of work that was required to get to this isolated location, the manner in which the canoe was concealed, and the two odd paddles, it is possible, based on Chris' wilderness profile--he was known to frequent this area, had a map with an annotation relating to this approximate area, used bailing wire, attempted to conceal his caches, and had a propensity to recycle discarded items such as the homemade paddle, broken wooden paddle, and old canoe--that these items may be associated with activities of his in the area. No bivouac sites or hearths were discovered. A much longer SAR and CSI operation to finish searching the north shore of Betsy Lake as well as the lake's other shorelines, and the swamp-locked shoreline ridges abutting both Clark and Sheephead Lakes is in the planning stages.
SAR op photos:	Cutting and dragging a windfall on our way to the Betsy Lake area. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Photo by Michael Neiger)
	Click here or on photo for to view video of Chris Ozminski fording the Betsy River en route to the remote, isolated, north shore of Betsy Lake. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Photo by Michael Neiger)
	Michael Neiger's 15" bowie knife and 1-quart Nalgene water bottle indicate this pile of scat is from one, big, black bear. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Photo by Michael Neiger)
	Chris Ozminski making his way across a thigh-deep, 400-meter-wide marsh on his way to the remote, isolated, north shore of Betsy Lake. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Photo by Michael Neiger)
	A 17-foot, tandem, aluminum, camouflaged, Sea Nymph canoe found along the remote, isolated, north shore of Betsy Lake by Chris Ozminski. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Photo by Michael Neiger)
	Two paddles--a broken wooden one and a homemade steel-shafted one--found under the canoe. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Photo by Michael Neiger)
	A black, long-sleeved, Bassett Walker-brand shirt imprinted with a wolf-like logo and the words "Art in the Parks... Birmingham" and "Wm Bernadin...Mystic Chili Dog," that was found partially encapsulated in vegetation roots at the waterline along the north shore of Betsy Lake. Click on photos for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Photos by Michael Neiger)
Additional resources:	• View slide show from this SAR operation • View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim
SAR op journal:	None

 

 

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May 24 to June 1, 2009
Long-range SAR operations field training exercise
9-day, 64-km Wilderness Canoeing Expedition: Bremner River, Canada

Duration & date:	9-days; May 24 to June 1, 2009
Township & County:	Thunder Bay District, Ontario, Canada
Nearest place-name:	White River, Ontario,
General location:	Bremner River, White River Valley, Lake Superior Watershed
Trail:	None
SAR op training mission:	Attempt to paddle/track/portage up East Branch of Bremner River from the 700 Road to One Island Lake; portage over height of land to McCrea Creek, through North McCrea Lake and McCrea Lake, and paddle/line/portage down McCrea Creek and Main Branch of Bremner River to the 700 Road.
MiBSAR team members & guest:	Chris Ozminski, Michael Neiger; Steve Pence
Partner SAR teams & assets:	none
SAR op training photos:	A moose along the way. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Steve Pence)
	Reflections. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Steve Pence)
	Big brook trout everywhere. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Steve Pence)
	Packing and paddling. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Chris Ozminski)
	Old trapper's log cabin. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Steve Pence)
	A seldcom-visited fire tower. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Chris Ozminski)
Additional resources:	• View 215-image photo album, slide show, or 3-part YouTube video from SAR op training mission, courtesy of Chris Ozminski.
SAR op training journal:	Team MiBSAR successfully negotiated the route with lots of portaging, bushwhacking, tracking, lining, wading, dragging, and running short stretches of whitewater. Along the way, we saw three moose--two with huge shovels--two wolves, three bear, eagles, etc. Brook trout--two as big as 20 inches in length and 9 inches deep--were so plentiful and easy to catch that we ended up removing the barbs on single hooks, and two of three hooks on treble hooks, to facilitate catch-and-release.

 

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June 6, 2009
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; June 6, 2009
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
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

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June 13, 2009
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; June 13, 2009
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
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

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June 14-15, 2009
SAR field operation
Joe Clewley missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-day; June 14-15, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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:	Work Winston, a highly-trained bloodhound handled by Burt Crawford of Maple Lane Bloodhounds, along the North Country Trail (NCT) to see if Joe's scent trail could be located and followed.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	Burt Crawford and bloodhound Winston of Maple Lane Bloodhounds
SAR op results:	While Joe Clewley's scent trail was picked up by Winston from time to time, Joe Clewley was not located.
SAR op photos:	Sunrise over Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Michael Neiger)
	Click here or on photo for video of Burt Crawford snatching a windfall that was blocking the Timberlost Road. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Michael Neiger)
	Click here or on photo for video of Burt Crawford and his bloodhound Winston working Joe Clewley's scent trail. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Michael Neiger)
	Burt Crawford and his bloodhound Winston working Joe Clewley's scent trail. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show. (Photos by Michael Neiger)
Additional resources:	• View slide show from this SAR op • Learn more about this investigation • View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web site for victim • View MiBSAR-provided Web site and Internet blog for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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June 15, 2009
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; June 15, 2009
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
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

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June 23, 2009
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; June 23, 2009
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
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

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June 24-25, 2009
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-days; June 24-25, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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:	Search entire shoreline of Clark Lake and the eastern shoreline of Betsy Lake in the northern reaches of Tahquamenon Falls State Park for any sign of Chris Hallaxs or one of his remote bivouacs.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	None
SAR op results:	The whereabouts of Chris Hallaxs, as well as the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, remain a mystery.
SAR op photos:	A military-style canteen, insulated canteen holder, and web belt found along the eastern shore of the northern reaches of Betsy Lake. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Photo by Michael Neiger)
	The northern reaches of Betsy Lake. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Photo by Michael Neiger)
	Click on photo for video of Betsy Lake bivouac area. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Photo by Michael Neiger)
	Sunset on Betsy Lake. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Photo by Michael Neiger)
	South shore of Clark Lake. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Photo by Michael Neiger)
	West shore of Clark Lake. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. Click here to view slide show of entire SAR Operation. (Photo by Michael Neiger)
Additional resources:	• View slide show from this SAR operation • View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim
SAR op journal:	Much of this area is beautiful and seldom-traveled, except by those willing to portage a canoe. Those who access this area as I did, by bushwhacking, can expect to get wet pushing through tag alder swamps, marshes, and bogs. One hearth (fire pit) was found along the north shore of Clark Lake; three were located along the east shore of Betsy Lake; and one military-style canteen, insulated canteen case, and web belt were found near the northeast corner of Betsy Lake. Mosquitoes were out in force. Eagles, sand hill cranes, beaver, isolated open ridges, and old growth made it all worth while. Worn out from too much bushwhacking, my pants where in shreds and beyond repair when I emerged from Chris' Country.

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June 25, 2009
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; June 25, 2009
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
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

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June 28, 2009
Long-range SAR operations endurance training exercise
15-mile (25-km) Pictured Rocks Road Race

Duration & date:	1-day; June 28, 2009
Township & County:	Alger County
Nearest place-name:	Munising, Michigan
General location:	Munising and surrounding area
Trail:	None
SAR op training mission:	Complete 15-mile (25-km) Pictured Rock Road Race.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
SAR op training results:	Team MiBSAR completed the 15-mile (25-km) road-and-wilderness-trail race without incident. Michael finished 54th out of a field of 133 runners. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo courtesy of Michael Arrowood)

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July 3-4, 2009
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-day; July 3-4, 2009
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
Partner SAR teams & assets:	K-9 One
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

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July 4-5, 2009
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-days; July 4-5, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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:	Interview informant who reportedly stumbled upon what may have been one of Chris Hallaxs' remote bivouac sites two weeks after he went missing; search the Chris Brown Lake and Wabash Creek area for any sign of Chris or one of his remote bivouacs or equipment caches.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	None
SAR op results:	The interview with the informant revealed valuable information about the remote bivouac site. A CSI operation is being planned so the site can thoroughly combed for any clues to the whereabouts of Chris. A search of the Chris Brown Lake area and Wabash Creek watershed did not reveal any clues to Chris' disappearance. The whereabouts of Chris Hallaxs, as well as the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, remain a mystery.
Additional resources:	• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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July 12, 2009
Long-range SAR operations endurance training exercise
15-mile (25-km) Trail Run, Keweenaw Trail Running Festival

Duration & date:	1-day; July 12, 2009
Township & County:	Keweenaw County
Nearest place-name:	Copper Harbor, Michigan
General location:	Keweenaw Mountain area
Trail:	Keweenaw Mountain area trails
SAR op training mission:	Complete 15-mile (25-km)Keweenaw Trail Running Festival.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
SAR op training results:	Team MiBSAR completed the 15-mile (25-km) rugged trail run without incident. Michael finished 68th out of a field of 113 runners.

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July 25, 2009
Long-range SAR operations endurance training exercise
26.2-mile (42.2-km) Grand Island Trail Marathon

Duration & date:	1-day; July 25, 2009
Township & County:	Alger County
Nearest place-name:	Munising, Michigan
General location:	Munising and surrounding area
Trail:	USFS Grand Island National Recreation Area trails (more info)
SAR op training mission:	Complete 26.2-mile (42.2 km) Grand Island Trail Marathon.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
SAR op training results:	Team MiBSAR complete the 26.2-mile (42.2 km) Grand Island Trail Marathon without incident. With marathoners from 38 states and Canadian provinces, Michael finished 181st out of a field of 300-some registered runners. (View or purchase photos from the "Grand Island Marathon" at RacePhotoNetwork)

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August 17-19, 2009
Community Outreach Project
Racecourse cartography for the Marquette Trail 50

Duration & date:	3-day; August 17-19, 2009
Township & County:	Marquette County
Nearest place-name:	Marquette, Michigan
General location:	Marquette and surrounding area
Trail:	North Country Trail, etc.
Community Outreach Project	Complete 50-km racecourse map for the Marquette Trail 50 as part of MiBSAR's Extreme Maps for Extreme Races community outreach iniative.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
Project results	A 50-km racecourse map was produced for the Marquette Trail 50

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August 22, 2009
Long-range SAR operations endurance training exercise
50-mile (83-km) Marquette Trail Ultra-marathon

Duration & date:	1-day; August 22, 2009
Township & County:	Marquette County
Nearest place-name:	Marquette, Michigan
General location:	Sugarloaf Mountain, Top of the World Mountain, Hogback Mountain
Trail:	North Country Trail, Noquemanon Ski Trails, bush roads, railroad grades, goat trails, etc.
SAR op training mission:	Complete 50-mile (83 km) Marquette Trail 50 ultra-marathon
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
SAR op training results:	Team MiBSAR completed the Marquette Trail 50-mile (83 km) ultra-marathon without incident. After a complete "thrashing"—including upwards of 6,000-feet in total elevation gain—Michael finished the ultra-marathon in 11 hours and 43 minutes. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) In the spirit of community outreach, MiBSAR donated its cartographic skills to the Marquette Trail 50 organization by creating a custom route map for 32-mile racers and support personnel. For the August 2010 running of this ultra-marathon, the 32-mile race route map will be revised and improved, and a custom map will be introduced for the 50-mile race route. Click on image for high-resolution imagery. Look for the results of this ultra-marathon in an upcoming issue of Ultra Running Magazine.

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August 26-27, 2009
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-days; August 26-27, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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 small lake and associated ridges in swamp situated east of Tahquamenon Falls State Park's Clark and Sheephead lakes, in Sections 22 and 23, for any sign of Chris Hallaxs or one of his remote bivouacs.
MiBSAR team members:	Chris Ozminski, Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	None
SAR op results:	The whereabouts of Chris Hallaxs, as well as the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, remain a mystery.
Additional resources:	• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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August 27-28, 2009
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-days; August 27-28, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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 bush north of the Betsy River, north of Tahquamemon Falls State Park's Betsy and Sheephead lakes, for one of Chris Hallaxs' remote, semi-permanent encampments--a wooden shelter with a hearth and sheet steel reflector--which an informant found about two weeks after Chris went missing.
MiBSAR team members:	Chris Ozminski, Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	None
SAR op results:	The location of Chris Hallaxs' remote encampment was not found. The whereabouts of Chris Hallaxs, as well as the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, remain a mystery.
Additional resources:	• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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August 28-29, 2009
SAR field operation
Joe Clewley missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-days; August 28-29, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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 Timberlost area south of the Timberlost Trail in Tahquamenon Falls State Park with mountain bikes and on foot.
MiBSAR team members:	Chris Ozminski, Michael Neiger
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 and Internet blog for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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September 1-2, 2009
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-day; September 1-2, 2009
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
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

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September 8, 2009
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; September 8, 2009
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
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

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September 9, 2009
SAR field operation
Joe Clewley missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; September 9, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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 bush south of the Timberlost Lodge in Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
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 and Internet blog for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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September 9, 2009
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; September 9, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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:	Interview family members regarding Chris' forensic behavioral profile, location of remote encampment north of Betsy River, inventory of survival firearms, and inventory of forensic evidence—DNA exemplars, handwriting evidence and exemplars, and 3 computers—to be submitted for analysis by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Michigan State Police.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	None
Additional resources:	• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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September 19, 2009
Long-range SAR operations endurance training exercise
50-mile (83-km) North Country Trail Ultra-marathon

Duration & date:	1-day; September 19, 2009
Township & County:	Manistee County
Nearest place-name:	Manistee, Michigan
General location:	Udell Hills in Manistee National Forest
Trail:	US Forest Service's Big M Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike Trail system
SAR op training mission:	Complete the 10th-annual running of the 50-mile (83 km) North Country Trail 50-mile ultra-marathon sponsored by Striders—an athletic, namely running, specialty store—of Grandville, Michigan.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
SAR op training results:	The event used many of the multi-sport single tracks in the Udell Hills, a system of trails managed by the Manistee Cross Country Ski Council during the winter months. Despite some gnawingly-painful blisters, Team MiBSAR successfully completed this event in 11 hours and 9 minutes, finishing 54th out of some 80-plus registered runners. Look for the results of this ultra-marathon in an upcoming issue of Ultra Running Magazine.

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September 24, 2009
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; September 24, 2009
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
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 for victim

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September 24-25, 2009
SAR field operation
Joe Clewley missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-day; September 24-25, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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 bush east of Timberlost Road and north of Camp 10 Lakes in Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
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 and Internet blog for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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September 25, 2009
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; September 25, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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:	Search bush adjacent to Goose Marsh in Section 14, north of the East Branch of the Betsy River, in Lake Superior State Forest
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	None
SAR op results:	Goose Marsh was circumnavigated without finding any sign of Chris Hallaxs or one of his remote encampments. Additional searching is scheduled for several piney ridges set back from the marsh proper.
Additional resources:	• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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September 26, 2009
Long-range SAR operations endurance training exercise
13-mile (22-km) Lake Superior Shore Run half-marathon

Duration & date:	1-day; September 26, 2009
Township & County:	Marquette County
Nearest place-name:	Marquette, Michigan
General location:	Little Presque Isle, Top of the World Mountain, Bareback Ridge
Trail:	Various single and double tracks in bush
SAR op training mission:	Complete the 13-mile (22-km) Lake Superior Shore Run half-marathon sponsored by the Superiorland Cross Country Ski Club of Marquette, Michigan.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
SAR op training results:	Run along the rocky escarpment west of Marquette, the route included several easy miles along the picturesque shore of Lake Superior near Little Presque Isle as well as some arduous miles summiting rocky peaks such as Top of the World and Bareback Ridge, both of which offered awesome views of Lake Superior and the rugged Huron Mountain Range to the northwest. Team MiBSAR successfully completed this event in 2 hours and 7 minutes, finishing 86th out of 130 registered runners.

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September 30, 2009
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; September 30, 2009
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
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 for victim

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September 30, 2009
SAR field operation
Joe Clewley missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-day; September 30 to October 1, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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 bush along Timberlost Road, northwest of Camp 10 Lakes in Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	none
SAR op results:	Joe Clewley was not located.
SAR op photos:	Sunrise on a Lake 716 bivouac in the Camp 10 Lakes. Click on photo for high-resolution imagery. (Photo courtesy of Michael Neiger)
Additional resources:	• View official, Sheriff's Office-provided Web site for victim • View MiBSAR-provided Web site and Internet blog for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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October 1-2, 2009
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-day; October 1-2, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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:	Search bush along north bank of the East Branch of Betsy River in Lake Superior State Forest
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	None
SAR op results:	No sign of Chris Hallaxs or one of his remote, hidden encampments was located.
Additional resources:	• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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October 15, 2009
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; October 15, 2009
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
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 for victim

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October 15-16, 2009
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-day; October 15-16, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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:	Search bush southwest of Bear Lake in Lake Superior State Forest for Chris Hallaxs' remote encampment.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	None
SAR op results:	Michael Neiger processes the probable site of one of Chris Hallaxs' remote encampments in Section 31 with a metal detector. Click here or on image for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) Based on an informant's tip, it is believed remnants of one of Chris Hallaxs' remote encampments were located in Section 31, southwest of Bear Lake. Further investigation of this site will be conducted.
Additional resources:	• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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October 16-17, 2009
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-day; October 16-17, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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:	Finish initial recon of shoreline around Betsy and Sheephead lakes in Tahquamenon Falls State Park for any sign of Chris Hallaxs or one of his remote encampments.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	None
SAR op results:	Michael Neiger exploring the channel connecting Betsy and Sheephead lakes for any sign of Chris Hallaxs. Click here or on image for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) An initial recon of the shoreline ridges surrounding Betsy and Clark lakes in Tahquamenon Falls State Park was completed without finding any sign of Chris Hallaxs or one of his encampments. Several large bone specimens collected near the remote, northeast corner of Betsy Lake were determined to be animal in origin (moose) by a physical anthropologist.
Additional resources:	• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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October 17-18
SAR field operation
Joe Clewley missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-day; October 17-18, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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 bush east of Timberlost Road and north of Camp 10 Lakes in Tahquamenon Falls State Park for any sign of Joe Clewley.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
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 and Internet blog for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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October 24, 2009
Long-range SAR operations endurance training exercise
GoreTex 50 North Face Endurance Challenge: Midwest Regional, 50-mile (83-km)Trail Ultra-marathon

Duration & date:	1-day; October 24, 2009
Township & County:	Waukesha County
Nearest place-name:	Madison, Wisconsin
General location:	Kettle Moraine State Forest
Trail:	Kettle Moraine State Park trails and Ice Age Trail
SAR op training mission:	Complete the 50-mile (83 km) Gore-Tex 50 Trail Ultra-marathon, the Midwest Regional event of the national, North Face Endurance Challenge.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
SAR op training results:	The event used many of the multi-sport single tracks in Kettle Moraine State Park, including a portion of the Ice Age Trail situated in Kettle Moraine State Forest. Wind-driven, 38-degree mist whittled the 6:00 a.m. headlamp starting field from 230 to 169. 11 hours and 4 minutes later, Team MiBSAR crossed the finish line, 114th out 169. Look for the results of this ultra-marathon in an upcoming issue of Ultra Running Magazine.

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October 27, 2009
Investigative field operation
Derrick Henagan missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; October 27, 2009
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
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

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October 27-28, 2009
SAR field operation
Joe Clewley missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-day; October 27-28, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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 bush east of Timberlost Road and north of Camp 10 Lakes in Tahquamenon Falls State Park for any sign of Joe Clewley.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
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 and Internet blog for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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October 28-29, 2009
SAR field operation
Joe Clewley missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	2-day; October 28-29, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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:	Pond on West Branch of Lynch Creek . Click here or on image for high-resolution imagery. (Photo by Michael Neiger) Search the bush near the west and east branches of Lynch Creek in Tahquamenon Falls State Park for any sign of Joe Clewley.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
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 and Internet blog for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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October 29, 2009
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation

Duration & date:	1-day; October 29, 2009
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:	North Country Trail (NCT)
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:	Interview Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Newberry Forest Manager to identify any loggers conducting operations in the Chris Brown Lake area since 2000 so they can be contacted to see if they recall seeing any sign of one of Chris Hallaxs' remote encampments.
MiBSAR team members:	Michael Neiger
Partner SAR teams & assets:	None
SAR op results:	The logging companies operating in the Chris Brown Lake area since 2000 were identified for subsequent interviews.
Additional resources:	• View MiBSAR-provided Web site for victim
SAR op journal:	None

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November 8, 2009
SAR field operation
Chris Hallaxs missing-person investigation