Couple missing; car found Dec. 1 at Dena Mora rest area on interstate
Mineral Independent | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 years AGO
24-year-old Michelle Labelle and her boyfriend, Sherwin “Jay” Fernandez Lamando Jr., 25, were reported missing in late November by family members. They were last seen at the Dena Mora rest area near mile marker 4 off I-90 in Mineral County. Local authorities are asking for assistance to help find the missing couple. (Photo courtesy of the Mineral County Sheriffs Office)
The Mineral County Sheriff’s Office along with Issaquah Police Department posted a request last weekend on Facebook and asked for information regarding two individuals who were believed to have been in the area of the Dena Mora rest area in late November. The rest area is located at mile marker 4 on the westbound side of Interstate 90.
The individuals are Suzanne “Annie” Michelle Labelle, 24 years of age and Sherwin “Jay” Fernandez Lamando Jr., 25 years of age, both from California.
Mineral County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Issaquah, Washington, Police Department on Dec. 1 concerning Labelle and Lamando, who were reported missing by family earlier that day. Deputies located their vehicle parked at the Dena Mora rest area later that night. A five-day search was conducted by deputies, Mineral County Search and Rescue, and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue out of Idaho.
The search was called off by Mineral County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 7 due to weather conditions and a lack of indication that anyone was in the area. It is unknown if the individuals left the area on foot or if someone gave them a ride.
By press time, the couple was still reported as missing and officials are asking anyone with information to call the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office at 406-822-3555 or the Issaquah Police Department at 425-837-3200.
On Facebook, the Mineral County Sheriffs Office thanked the Mineral County Search and Rescue for their dedication and hard work during the last week of battling the weather and steep terrain. They also extended a special thank you to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and their Search and Rescue team who brought over equipment, personnel, and a K9 team to assist in the search.
ARTICLES BY MINERAL INDEPENDENT
Homicide suspect to appear in court on April 16
The arraignment for former Thompson Falls resident Danielle Wood, who has been charged with one count of deliberate homicide, has been set for Tuesday, April 16 before District Court Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher.
Bears seeking food sources ahead of hibernation
Montana is bear country. Black bears and grizzly bears are very active right now as denning season approaches. Bears are actively seeking food sources before winter, and residents are advised to clean up or secure food attractants, such as garbage, dog food, and livestock. Bears are particularly seeking out natural fruits, such as berries, and domestic fruits, such as apples and pears. Residents are advised to pick up any fallen fruit from their property to help prevent attracting a bear.
Rendezvousing with the past
A rugged group of individuals with a thirst for adventure and fortune made their way west after the Lewis and Clark Expedition – after some time in the wilderness they would rendezvous in places like St. Louis to trade fur and goods as well as engage in friendly competition. Stories of daring and close escapes from Indians were swapped around a campfire by people like John Colter, who ran hundreds of miles in nothing but his Birthday suit to get safely back to civilization.