BEMIDJI -- The family of Rose Downwind is calling for volunteers to help with a ground search Saturday for the Redby woman and mother of five who has been missing more than three weeks.
A Facebook page, Looking for Rose, has been created by Dwa Weston, Downwind's cousin and a family spokesperson. Volunteers are asked to meet Saturday at 10 a.m. at Newby's Market at state Highway 15 and Island View Road north of Bemidji.
According to the Facebook page, the search is being coordinated by Lissa Yellowbird-Chase of Sahnish Scouts in North Dakota. Volunteers must have a whistle and a blaze orange vest or sweater/coat. People should dress in layers and should have a raincoat as well as waterproof boots. Those with hand-held radios are asked to bring them. Volunteers will be required to sign-in, the Facebook page said. All ages are welcome as coordinators will have jobs for children or for those who can't walk long distances. Donations of water, hot cocoa, coffee and sandwiches are needed, the post said.
Downwind, 31, was last seen leaving a residence on Stoner Avenue in southeast Bemidji on Oct. 21 and the Bemidji Police Department and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension believes foul play was involved. Downwind is described as an American Indian woman, 5 feet 4 inches and 115 pounds with long, straight dark hair. She was last seen wearing a blue sweater and black pants.
The investigation, however, has since focused north of Bemidji to include Lake Bemidji State Park and Buena Vista State Forest.
ADVERTISEMENT
Anyone with information about Downwind's disappearance is asked to contact the Bemidji Police Department at (218) 333-9111.
Another Facebook page, Help Find Rose Downwind, has been set up by the family to provide updates. A donation page at the fundraising website GoFundMe has also been established to help with expenses for Downwind's five children and can be visited at https://www.gofundme.com/gz7zz3pg .
Hunters and property owners in the area are also asked to check their structures and land for suspicious activity such as trespassing, a recent fire or disturbed ground.
