Roadrunner
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Cheri said:
Well, 'any' news can be either good or bad, but in this case, we're sure hoping the very best that it is 'GOOD' news!
Missing Sioux Falls Woman
- Thread starter DreamDeaf
- Start date
Well, 'any' news can be either good or bad, but in this case, we're sure hoping the very best that it is 'GOOD' news!
Police focus on house in search for missing woman
By DAN HAUGEN
dhaugen@argusleader.com
February 8, 2006, 12:54 pm
Investigators looking for a missing Sioux Falls woman are searching a house near 26th Street and South Phillips Avenue.
A half-dozen patrol cars and two vans were at the scene early this afternoon. Officers were using surveying equipment to take measurements on the property.
Two women live at the house who are acquaintances of Darlene VanderGiesen, Sioux Falls police spokesman Loren McManus said.
VanderGiesen, 42, who was last seen Feb. 1, spent time at the house, McManus said.
He said activity at the house is part of an ongoing effort to question friends and others who might know anything about her disappearance.
“These things take time,” McManus said.
Police have not provided details on what they are doing at the home on South Phillips, but police vehicles have been coming and going throughout the day.
Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is asked to call the Sioux Falls police detective division at (605) 367-7256.
For more on this story, see Thursday's Argus Leader.
By DAN HAUGEN
dhaugen@argusleader.com
February 8, 2006, 12:54 pm
Investigators looking for a missing Sioux Falls woman are searching a house near 26th Street and South Phillips Avenue.
A half-dozen patrol cars and two vans were at the scene early this afternoon. Officers were using surveying equipment to take measurements on the property.
Two women live at the house who are acquaintances of Darlene VanderGiesen, Sioux Falls police spokesman Loren McManus said.
VanderGiesen, 42, who was last seen Feb. 1, spent time at the house, McManus said.
He said activity at the house is part of an ongoing effort to question friends and others who might know anything about her disappearance.
“These things take time,” McManus said.
Police have not provided details on what they are doing at the home on South Phillips, but police vehicles have been coming and going throughout the day.
Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is asked to call the Sioux Falls police detective division at (605) 367-7256.
For more on this story, see Thursday's Argus Leader.
WhisperHorse
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I will pray for her to getting home safe. 
thats so sad to hear that she had been missing since
thats so sad to hear that she had been missing since Police focus on home in search for woman
Laser lines, cameras set up around house where acquaintances of VanderGiesen live
NESTOR RAMOS & DAN HAUGEN
Argus Leader
February 9, 2006, 3:20 am
Investigators looking for a missing Sioux Falls woman focused on a house near 26th Street and South Phillips Avenue on Wednesday, searching for clues that might lead them to Darlene VanderGiesen.
The two women who live at the house are acquaintances of VanderGiesen, Sioux Falls police spokesman Loren McManus said.
Police say the women are cooperating, but a neighbor said she saw the police force open the door and enter with their guns drawn.
At least a half-dozen patrol cars and two vans were at the scene Wednesday, lining two neighborhood streets. Officers were using surveying equipment to take measurements in the front and back yards, setting up laser lines and cameras on tripods as traffic slowed to a crawl in the street, watching the police work.
A real estate agent showed a nearby home to a young couple, as police measured the width of the house with a tape measure.
VanderGiesen, 42, who was last seen Feb. 1, spent time at the house, McManus said.
He said activity at the house is part of an ongoing effort to question friends and others who might know anything about her disappearance.
Though police have not provided any more details about what they are doing at the home on South Phillips, one neighbor said officers had been in and around the home all night – at least since 11 a.m. Monday.
Kim West, whose back yard connects to the house police searched, said police used a screwdriver to pry open the back door, and police brought a dog in Wednesday morning.
“This is my back yard, and I’m going to find out what’s going on,” she said. West runs a child care service out of her home, and said she had wondered briefly whether she should move the children temporarily.
McManus, in an e-mail to media, said the search for VanderGiesen was ongoing, with no further updates.
“At this hour, we are still conducting interviews, following up on any new information and still asking for the public’s help with anything they may be able to provide,” he said.
The search for VanderGiesen began Feb. 1, when VanderGiesen, who is deaf, did not show up for work at JDS Industries in Sioux Falls. When she didn’t show up the next day, JDS notified her parents, who called police. Her car was found in a Pizza Hut parking lot at the corner of 26th St. and Sycamore Ave.
When Gene and Dee VanderGiesen arrived at their daughter’s home, they found her cats hungry and her cell phone left behind, leading them to believe that she hadn’t simply run off without telling anyone. Her cellphone, her father said, was her lifeline, used frequently for sending text messages.
McManus said police have received a “fairly minimal” amount of calls regarding VanderGiesen since turning to the public for help. A possible lead that led police to Melvin, Iowa, turned into a dead end.
The investigation has been complicated by the fact that many of VanderGiesen’s friends and acquaintances are deaf and need help communicating with police, McManus said. According to neighbors, at least one of the residents at the house police searched Wednesday is deaf.
Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is asked to call the Sioux Falls police detective division at (605) 367-7256.
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060209/NEWS/60209001/1001
Laser lines, cameras set up around house where acquaintances of VanderGiesen live
NESTOR RAMOS & DAN HAUGEN
Argus Leader
February 9, 2006, 3:20 am
Investigators looking for a missing Sioux Falls woman focused on a house near 26th Street and South Phillips Avenue on Wednesday, searching for clues that might lead them to Darlene VanderGiesen.
The two women who live at the house are acquaintances of VanderGiesen, Sioux Falls police spokesman Loren McManus said.
Police say the women are cooperating, but a neighbor said she saw the police force open the door and enter with their guns drawn.
At least a half-dozen patrol cars and two vans were at the scene Wednesday, lining two neighborhood streets. Officers were using surveying equipment to take measurements in the front and back yards, setting up laser lines and cameras on tripods as traffic slowed to a crawl in the street, watching the police work.
A real estate agent showed a nearby home to a young couple, as police measured the width of the house with a tape measure.
VanderGiesen, 42, who was last seen Feb. 1, spent time at the house, McManus said.
He said activity at the house is part of an ongoing effort to question friends and others who might know anything about her disappearance.
Though police have not provided any more details about what they are doing at the home on South Phillips, one neighbor said officers had been in and around the home all night – at least since 11 a.m. Monday.
Kim West, whose back yard connects to the house police searched, said police used a screwdriver to pry open the back door, and police brought a dog in Wednesday morning.
“This is my back yard, and I’m going to find out what’s going on,” she said. West runs a child care service out of her home, and said she had wondered briefly whether she should move the children temporarily.
McManus, in an e-mail to media, said the search for VanderGiesen was ongoing, with no further updates.
“At this hour, we are still conducting interviews, following up on any new information and still asking for the public’s help with anything they may be able to provide,” he said.
The search for VanderGiesen began Feb. 1, when VanderGiesen, who is deaf, did not show up for work at JDS Industries in Sioux Falls. When she didn’t show up the next day, JDS notified her parents, who called police. Her car was found in a Pizza Hut parking lot at the corner of 26th St. and Sycamore Ave.
When Gene and Dee VanderGiesen arrived at their daughter’s home, they found her cats hungry and her cell phone left behind, leading them to believe that she hadn’t simply run off without telling anyone. Her cellphone, her father said, was her lifeline, used frequently for sending text messages.
McManus said police have received a “fairly minimal” amount of calls regarding VanderGiesen since turning to the public for help. A possible lead that led police to Melvin, Iowa, turned into a dead end.
The investigation has been complicated by the fact that many of VanderGiesen’s friends and acquaintances are deaf and need help communicating with police, McManus said. According to neighbors, at least one of the residents at the house police searched Wednesday is deaf.
Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is asked to call the Sioux Falls police detective division at (605) 367-7256.
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060209/NEWS/60209001/1001
02/08/2006
Missing Woman Investigation
Sioux Falls police are keeping a watchful eye on one Sioux Falls home because it's part of the investigation into a deaf woman's disappearance.
Forty-two-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen has been missing for a week now. She was last seen leaving work last Wednesday night. Officials are still asking for the public's help in finding her but Wednesday, investigators did some searching of their own.
Police began looking at a house on Phillips Avenue Tuesday night. They say it is a place Darlene VanderGiesen would spend time. She is friends with the two women who live here.
Police cars lined the streets surrounding 1806 South Phillips Avenue for two days now.
Al Deelstra lives across the street and said, "All day yesterday, all night, all day today, there's been many police vehicles here and detectives. We're just kind of curious of what's going on."
Police interviewed neighbors Tuesday night. "And asked us a few questions as to if we've seen any strange activities. And we haven't."
Wednesday police dogs searched the yard. Officers took measurements and removed cats from the home. Police entered with a search warrant Tuesday night.
Deelstra said, "They said they were going to go into the house late last (Tuesday) night and they did. And we saw photo flashes going off during the night."
There's no crime tape around the home. And police aren't sure whether a crime has even been committed. It's all part of the investigation in finding Darlene VanderGiesen. But for two days, a large part of the investigation has gone on inside this home.
Deelstra said, "It seems like a lot. I certainly hope they find her."
Police say the two women who live at the home have been interviewed and are cooperating. As of Wednesday evening, police were still doing other interviews as the investigation continues.
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?ID=0,45877
Missing Woman Investigation
Sioux Falls police are keeping a watchful eye on one Sioux Falls home because it's part of the investigation into a deaf woman's disappearance.
Forty-two-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen has been missing for a week now. She was last seen leaving work last Wednesday night. Officials are still asking for the public's help in finding her but Wednesday, investigators did some searching of their own.
Police began looking at a house on Phillips Avenue Tuesday night. They say it is a place Darlene VanderGiesen would spend time. She is friends with the two women who live here.
Police cars lined the streets surrounding 1806 South Phillips Avenue for two days now.
Al Deelstra lives across the street and said, "All day yesterday, all night, all day today, there's been many police vehicles here and detectives. We're just kind of curious of what's going on."
Police interviewed neighbors Tuesday night. "And asked us a few questions as to if we've seen any strange activities. And we haven't."
Wednesday police dogs searched the yard. Officers took measurements and removed cats from the home. Police entered with a search warrant Tuesday night.
Deelstra said, "They said they were going to go into the house late last (Tuesday) night and they did. And we saw photo flashes going off during the night."
There's no crime tape around the home. And police aren't sure whether a crime has even been committed. It's all part of the investigation in finding Darlene VanderGiesen. But for two days, a large part of the investigation has gone on inside this home.
Deelstra said, "It seems like a lot. I certainly hope they find her."
Police say the two women who live at the home have been interviewed and are cooperating. As of Wednesday evening, police were still doing other interviews as the investigation continues.
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?ID=0,45877
That is understandable. I hope it is not what I am thinking with the police looking in somebody's backyard. I will keep you and her, also her family in my prayers.
I hope the South Dakota State Police sent out an APB to all 50 state police agencies to have troopers all over America watch for that silver car with the license plate #.
I hope no one of our own did anything to her. I mean a Deaf person do something bad to another Deaf person. We have enough problems in the real world and do not need this, especially if a Deaf person is doing something bad to another Deaf person.
It is good that the 2 Deaf women are cooperating with the investigation.
God Bless you & her family and Darlene and hope, pray for her to return alive and safe back to the Deaf community and her family too. Please try to think positive and hope for the best.
I hope the South Dakota State Police sent out an APB to all 50 state police agencies to have troopers all over America watch for that silver car with the license plate #.
I hope no one of our own did anything to her. I mean a Deaf person do something bad to another Deaf person. We have enough problems in the real world and do not need this, especially if a Deaf person is doing something bad to another Deaf person.
It is good that the 2 Deaf women are cooperating with the investigation.
God Bless you & her family and Darlene and hope, pray for her to return alive and safe back to the Deaf community and her family too. Please try to think positive and hope for the best.
Miss-Delectable
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Search Continues For Missing Deaf Woman
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?Id=0,45895
The search for the missing deaf Sioux Falls woman has extended to the city landfill.
Snow and cold is hampering the search effort at the landfill. Officers are sifting through bags of garbage.
Forty-two-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen has been missing since Wednesday of last week. Today police have started searching the landfill for any clues to her disappearance.
Authorities still aren't sure if a crime has been committed, but because there is so little evidence in the case, they have to treat it like a possible homicide.
Police continue to watch a home on South Phillips Avenue, where Wednesday they used police dogs to search the house and yard. It's a house VanderGiesen is known to spend time, and she is friends with the two women who live there. They have been questioned and are cooperating in this investigation.
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?Id=0,45895
The search for the missing deaf Sioux Falls woman has extended to the city landfill.
Snow and cold is hampering the search effort at the landfill. Officers are sifting through bags of garbage.
Forty-two-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen has been missing since Wednesday of last week. Today police have started searching the landfill for any clues to her disappearance.
Authorities still aren't sure if a crime has been committed, but because there is so little evidence in the case, they have to treat it like a possible homicide.
Police continue to watch a home on South Phillips Avenue, where Wednesday they used police dogs to search the house and yard. It's a house VanderGiesen is known to spend time, and she is friends with the two women who live there. They have been questioned and are cooperating in this investigation.
Landfill searched in disappearance
Family, friends pray during vigil
DAN HAUGEN
dhaugen@argusleader.com
February 10, 2006, 3:00 am
A community turned to prayer late Thursday after a seventh day of searching failed to unearth new clues about a Sioux Falls woman’s disappearance.
More than 50 people gathered in Drake Springs Park at a candlelight vigil for Darlene VanderGiesen, 42, who was last seen on Feb. 1.
“All we can do now is to ask God to help us and help her,” the Rev. John Thornton said. “We need to pray for a miracle.”
The pastor repeated her parents’ plea for anybody with information possibly related to their daughter’s disappearance to come forward to police.
“At this point, we still do not know what has happened to her,” police spokesman Loren McManus said.
About 60 officers from local, state and federal agencies spent hours Thursday raking through trash at the city’s landfill in search of anything that could lead to answers. However, police would not say why they were looking in the landfill.
A piercing wind whipped snow against the backs of their gray protective bodysuits. The stench of rotten produce filled the air as birds pecked at food wrappers on an adjacent mound.
The excavation focused on garbage that arrived in the landfill since VanderGiesen disappeared. The area is about 40 feet wide, 70 feet deep and 15 feet high. Police cleared about a fifth of the material by the end of the afternoon.
Searchers worked in shifts, with about 20 officers combing through the pile at a time. Others warmed up in a bus, trailer and tent set up for the operation.
At the request of Sioux Falls police, the FBI dispatched a special unit out of Minneapolis to assist with the search. They worked alongside police officers, sheriff’s deputies and emergency management crews.
“It’s a group of highly trained and well-equipped FBI personnel who specialize in organizing and conducting major evidence recovery operations,” special agent Paul McCabe said.
The team has assisted at several high-profile crime and accident scenes, including last year’s Red Lake school shooting, the fatal South Dakota plane crash that killed golfer Payne Stewart and the recovery effort following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Several employees from the Minneapolis office were assigned to a landfill in Staten Island, where they sorted through debris from one of the World Trade Center buildings for items such as guns, money, classified information and body parts, according to a memo from the Department of Justice.
McCabe said he could not comment about how many agents make up the teams or what types of technology the teams use in the field.
After more than a week of searching for VanderGiesen, rumors and concern about the case are spreading in the deaf community, said Rick Norris, a spokesman for Communication Services for the Deaf.
“I think people are fearing that it may be worse than what we were originally hoping for,” Norris said, “but of course everyone is hoping for a positive outcome.”
Cherie Cartledge is one of several in the deaf community who attended Thursday night’s vigil. She lives on the eastside not far from VanderGiesen’s apartment and said through an interpreter she’s shocked about the disappearance.
“It’s hard to believe,” William Christiansen, who also is deaf, said through an interpreter. He knows VanderGiesen through various activities for the deaf in Sioux Falls. He said he’s scared she’s been killed by somebody.
Norris said a program for the deaf community will be held tonight to address concerns and correct any false rumors circulating. He said people who are hard of hearing can empathize with unique concerns VanderGiesen could have because she is deaf.
“She may not have the ability to communicate as easily and freely as someone else in a crisis,” Norris said.
Without access to a newspaper, he said, she might not know people are looking for her.
VanderGiesen’s parents, Gene and Dee, said they were overwhelmed by the turnout for Thursday night’s vigil, which was planned on short notice.
VanderGiesen was last seen leaving her job on Feb. 1. Her car was found parked outside a Pizza Hut at 26th Street and Sycamore Avenue on the city’s east side.
McManus said two residents of a house near 26th Street and Phillips Avenue, where much of the investigation has focused, are cooperating with police.
Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is asked to call the Sioux Falls police detective division at (605) 367-7256.
Reach Dan Haugen at (605) 331-2335.
Family, friends pray during vigil
DAN HAUGEN
dhaugen@argusleader.com
February 10, 2006, 3:00 am
A community turned to prayer late Thursday after a seventh day of searching failed to unearth new clues about a Sioux Falls woman’s disappearance.
More than 50 people gathered in Drake Springs Park at a candlelight vigil for Darlene VanderGiesen, 42, who was last seen on Feb. 1.
“All we can do now is to ask God to help us and help her,” the Rev. John Thornton said. “We need to pray for a miracle.”
The pastor repeated her parents’ plea for anybody with information possibly related to their daughter’s disappearance to come forward to police.
“At this point, we still do not know what has happened to her,” police spokesman Loren McManus said.
About 60 officers from local, state and federal agencies spent hours Thursday raking through trash at the city’s landfill in search of anything that could lead to answers. However, police would not say why they were looking in the landfill.
A piercing wind whipped snow against the backs of their gray protective bodysuits. The stench of rotten produce filled the air as birds pecked at food wrappers on an adjacent mound.
The excavation focused on garbage that arrived in the landfill since VanderGiesen disappeared. The area is about 40 feet wide, 70 feet deep and 15 feet high. Police cleared about a fifth of the material by the end of the afternoon.
Searchers worked in shifts, with about 20 officers combing through the pile at a time. Others warmed up in a bus, trailer and tent set up for the operation.
At the request of Sioux Falls police, the FBI dispatched a special unit out of Minneapolis to assist with the search. They worked alongside police officers, sheriff’s deputies and emergency management crews.
“It’s a group of highly trained and well-equipped FBI personnel who specialize in organizing and conducting major evidence recovery operations,” special agent Paul McCabe said.
The team has assisted at several high-profile crime and accident scenes, including last year’s Red Lake school shooting, the fatal South Dakota plane crash that killed golfer Payne Stewart and the recovery effort following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Several employees from the Minneapolis office were assigned to a landfill in Staten Island, where they sorted through debris from one of the World Trade Center buildings for items such as guns, money, classified information and body parts, according to a memo from the Department of Justice.
McCabe said he could not comment about how many agents make up the teams or what types of technology the teams use in the field.
After more than a week of searching for VanderGiesen, rumors and concern about the case are spreading in the deaf community, said Rick Norris, a spokesman for Communication Services for the Deaf.
“I think people are fearing that it may be worse than what we were originally hoping for,” Norris said, “but of course everyone is hoping for a positive outcome.”
Cherie Cartledge is one of several in the deaf community who attended Thursday night’s vigil. She lives on the eastside not far from VanderGiesen’s apartment and said through an interpreter she’s shocked about the disappearance.
“It’s hard to believe,” William Christiansen, who also is deaf, said through an interpreter. He knows VanderGiesen through various activities for the deaf in Sioux Falls. He said he’s scared she’s been killed by somebody.
Norris said a program for the deaf community will be held tonight to address concerns and correct any false rumors circulating. He said people who are hard of hearing can empathize with unique concerns VanderGiesen could have because she is deaf.
“She may not have the ability to communicate as easily and freely as someone else in a crisis,” Norris said.
Without access to a newspaper, he said, she might not know people are looking for her.
VanderGiesen’s parents, Gene and Dee, said they were overwhelmed by the turnout for Thursday night’s vigil, which was planned on short notice.
VanderGiesen was last seen leaving her job on Feb. 1. Her car was found parked outside a Pizza Hut at 26th Street and Sycamore Avenue on the city’s east side.
McManus said two residents of a house near 26th Street and Phillips Avenue, where much of the investigation has focused, are cooperating with police.
Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is asked to call the Sioux Falls police detective division at (605) 367-7256.
Reach Dan Haugen at (605) 331-2335.
Crews return to landfill in search for woman
By DAN HAUGEN
dhaugen@argusleader.com
Article Published: 02/10/06, 11:02 am
Searchers returned to the city landfill this morning in an effort to find evidence in the case of a missing Sioux Falls woman.
Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead said digging resumed at around 8 a.m.
Darlene VanderGiesen, 42, has been missing since Feb. 1.
Police spokesman Loren McManus said no leads resulted from Thursday’s search, which involved about 60 officers.
Milstead said there is talk today about activating police reserve officers to assist at the landfill so other officers can tend to regular duties.
Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is asked to call the Sioux Falls police detective division at (605) 367-7256.
By DAN HAUGEN
dhaugen@argusleader.com
Article Published: 02/10/06, 11:02 am
Searchers returned to the city landfill this morning in an effort to find evidence in the case of a missing Sioux Falls woman.
Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead said digging resumed at around 8 a.m.
Darlene VanderGiesen, 42, has been missing since Feb. 1.
Police spokesman Loren McManus said no leads resulted from Thursday’s search, which involved about 60 officers.
Milstead said there is talk today about activating police reserve officers to assist at the landfill so other officers can tend to regular duties.
Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is asked to call the Sioux Falls police detective division at (605) 367-7256.
02/09/2006
Vigil Honors Missing Sioux Falls Woman
They haven't seen her for more than a week. But Thursday night, friends and family of Darlene VanderGiesen gathered to pray for the deaf woman's safe return.
As the investigation into VanderGiesen's disappearance continues, authorities have had very little new information to release. So those close to the 42-year-old are coping with the situation by following their faith.
“We don't know where she is, we don't know what happened, so all we can do now is ask for God to help us,” said Pastor John Thornton of the Community Reform Church, which VanderGiesen often attended.
A group of more than 100 people gathered in a dark and cold parking lot to collectively pray for her safe return.
“She's somewhere and we just don't know where, so being outside under the starts gives us a greater touch with God himself,” said one of VanderGiesen’s friends, Pat Reiter.
VanderGiesen's parents were at the ceremony, and with tears in their eyes, they shared their gratitude for the community's continued support.
“It just takes away some of the burden and lets you know that God is surrounding you with his love,” said Darlene’s mom, Dee VanderGiesen.
Many of those who attended say VanderGiesen brought joy to their lives, and wish there was more they could do to help with the search.
“We're willing, snow, whatever, if there's something we could do just ask us,” Reiter said.
The unknown still outweighs the clues in this case, but there was an abundance of love and support among these friends and family. VanderGiesen's parents say they're holding on to hope that someone with information will come forward.
“Even if you think its not important, it might be the link that leads them to Darlene,” VanderGiesen said.
And for those who loved her, each candle light at Thursday’s vigil represented a flicker of hope in the middle of a very dark journey.
“Darlene is well liked in our community, she's a gem. I just pray she's still with us,” Reiter said.
The group is planning another vigil tomorrow night where they hope to have a member of law enforcement present to clarify the facts, and put an end to any rumors about the investigation.
Early on Thursday, police shifted the focus of their search for VanderGiesen from a Sioux Falls home to the Sioux Falls landfill. But they still haven't found any leads.
Sixty officers from several different departments spent the day searching through eight days worth of trash looking for clues in the disappearance of Vandergiesen. It was a slow process. The pile is 15 feet high, 40 feet wide and 70 feet deep. And police aren't saying exactly what led them there.
"Through the interviews and through all the information we gathered, it has led us to take a look out at the landfill. What we're looking for, it could be anything," said Loren McManus with the Sioux Falls Police Department.
Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is encouraged to call Sioux Falls police right away.
Vigil Honors Missing Sioux Falls Woman
They haven't seen her for more than a week. But Thursday night, friends and family of Darlene VanderGiesen gathered to pray for the deaf woman's safe return.
As the investigation into VanderGiesen's disappearance continues, authorities have had very little new information to release. So those close to the 42-year-old are coping with the situation by following their faith.
“We don't know where she is, we don't know what happened, so all we can do now is ask for God to help us,” said Pastor John Thornton of the Community Reform Church, which VanderGiesen often attended.
A group of more than 100 people gathered in a dark and cold parking lot to collectively pray for her safe return.
“She's somewhere and we just don't know where, so being outside under the starts gives us a greater touch with God himself,” said one of VanderGiesen’s friends, Pat Reiter.
VanderGiesen's parents were at the ceremony, and with tears in their eyes, they shared their gratitude for the community's continued support.
“It just takes away some of the burden and lets you know that God is surrounding you with his love,” said Darlene’s mom, Dee VanderGiesen.
Many of those who attended say VanderGiesen brought joy to their lives, and wish there was more they could do to help with the search.
“We're willing, snow, whatever, if there's something we could do just ask us,” Reiter said.
The unknown still outweighs the clues in this case, but there was an abundance of love and support among these friends and family. VanderGiesen's parents say they're holding on to hope that someone with information will come forward.
“Even if you think its not important, it might be the link that leads them to Darlene,” VanderGiesen said.
And for those who loved her, each candle light at Thursday’s vigil represented a flicker of hope in the middle of a very dark journey.
“Darlene is well liked in our community, she's a gem. I just pray she's still with us,” Reiter said.
The group is planning another vigil tomorrow night where they hope to have a member of law enforcement present to clarify the facts, and put an end to any rumors about the investigation.
Early on Thursday, police shifted the focus of their search for VanderGiesen from a Sioux Falls home to the Sioux Falls landfill. But they still haven't found any leads.
Sixty officers from several different departments spent the day searching through eight days worth of trash looking for clues in the disappearance of Vandergiesen. It was a slow process. The pile is 15 feet high, 40 feet wide and 70 feet deep. And police aren't saying exactly what led them there.
"Through the interviews and through all the information we gathered, it has led us to take a look out at the landfill. What we're looking for, it could be anything," said Loren McManus with the Sioux Falls Police Department.
Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is encouraged to call Sioux Falls police right away.
02/10/2006
Landfill Searched For Missing Woman
The search for the missing deaf Sioux Falls woman is now centered at the Sioux Falls landfill. 60 officers from several different departments are sifting through the last 8 days-worth of garbage in hopes of finding any clues in the disappearance of 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen.
This is the challenge officers face: a 15 foot high pile of garbage that runs 40 feet wide and 70 feet deep. They began early this morning and will likely continue into tomorrow, as there are still no clues in the disappearance of VanderGiesen.
Police can't share exactly what information led them to the Sioux Falls landfill.
“I don't have specific reasons why we focused on that area, but it's like everything we've done in this case,” says police information officer Loren McManus. “Every time information comes up that leads us in whatever direction we have to go, that's the direction we're going to go.”
But it is all in the search for Darlene VanderGiesen. Officers line up and sift through a bucket-load of garbage with picks and rakes.
“Once they go through that line, then a bulldozer comes and cleans that all up into a different pile, and they start the process all over again,” says McManus.
Officers include Sioux Falls police, Minnehaha County Deputies, Division of Criminal Investigation and even the FBI. So, what they're looking for?
“It could be anything,” McManus says.
Police still aren't calling this a murder case, although they have to treat missing-persons cases as if they are.
“You start with the assumption the person is deceased,” McManus says. “And you work backward from there.”
And they could be out here for days.
“But don't forget we still haven't ruled out... She could be anywhere,” McManus says.
If they wish, officers can use flood light to work through the night. Federal agents were brought in from Minneapolis because of their experience searching through rubble. They helped at ground-zero following the 9-11 attacks.
Landfill Searched For Missing Woman
The search for the missing deaf Sioux Falls woman is now centered at the Sioux Falls landfill. 60 officers from several different departments are sifting through the last 8 days-worth of garbage in hopes of finding any clues in the disappearance of 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen.
This is the challenge officers face: a 15 foot high pile of garbage that runs 40 feet wide and 70 feet deep. They began early this morning and will likely continue into tomorrow, as there are still no clues in the disappearance of VanderGiesen.
Police can't share exactly what information led them to the Sioux Falls landfill.
“I don't have specific reasons why we focused on that area, but it's like everything we've done in this case,” says police information officer Loren McManus. “Every time information comes up that leads us in whatever direction we have to go, that's the direction we're going to go.”
But it is all in the search for Darlene VanderGiesen. Officers line up and sift through a bucket-load of garbage with picks and rakes.
“Once they go through that line, then a bulldozer comes and cleans that all up into a different pile, and they start the process all over again,” says McManus.
Officers include Sioux Falls police, Minnehaha County Deputies, Division of Criminal Investigation and even the FBI. So, what they're looking for?
“It could be anything,” McManus says.
Police still aren't calling this a murder case, although they have to treat missing-persons cases as if they are.
“You start with the assumption the person is deceased,” McManus says. “And you work backward from there.”
And they could be out here for days.
“But don't forget we still haven't ruled out... She could be anywhere,” McManus says.
If they wish, officers can use flood light to work through the night. Federal agents were brought in from Minneapolis because of their experience searching through rubble. They helped at ground-zero following the 9-11 attacks.
02/09/2006
VanderGiesen's Workplace Reacts To Continuing Investigation
The investigation into the disappearance of 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen has shifted from a Sioux Falls home to the Sioux Falls landfill.
VanderGiesen hasn't been seen since Wednesday of last week. And Thursday, 60 officers began combing through the trash at 8:30 a.m. in search of any clues that might help locate her. Sioux Falls police, Minnehaha County Sheriff's Department, the Division of Criminal Investigation, and even the FBI is helping in this search. The Federal Agents are from Minneapolis. Flood lights can be turned on, and the search could continue for a while.
VanderGiesen was last seen leaving the company where she worked, JDS Industries. The management of JDS Industries says they can't remember a time when VanderGiesen has missed a day of work, without calling first. And that's why her disappearance has come as such a shock.
Her coworkers say even though she can only talk with her hands, Darlene VanderGiesen still manages to make working at JDS Industries more enjoyable.
“She's the person who walks in and always has a smile on her face, and always had a lot of energy,” Mike May said, who was one of VanderGiesen’s supervisors.
For over a decade, VanderGiesen has worked at one of these checking and packing stations, where she prepares the company's products for shipping.
“Darlene is very dependable, we could always expect her to be here on time,” he said.
That's why, when VanderGiesen didn't show up for work two days in a row, management tried to find out where she was.
“A second day is unusual and that's why we tried to reach her,” he said.
There was no answer at her apartment, so they got in touch with her parents in Iowa. Soon, the police started an investigation. And days later, employees say it's frustrating not knowing what has happened to a person they've grown to love.
“She's fun to play jokes with and to laugh with and have a lot of fun with at work,” he said.
But for now, that fun is replaced with worry as they wait for any word on VanderGiesen.
“Our thoughts and prayers are definitely with the family and I think that's the true of all the workers here at JDS Industries,” he said.
Employees who worked with VanderGiesen say the fact that she is deaf actually encouraged many employees to learn some sign language. They also say there was no indication last Wednesday that VanderGiesen had any plans not to be at work.
http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,45902
VanderGiesen's Workplace Reacts To Continuing Investigation
The investigation into the disappearance of 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen has shifted from a Sioux Falls home to the Sioux Falls landfill.
VanderGiesen hasn't been seen since Wednesday of last week. And Thursday, 60 officers began combing through the trash at 8:30 a.m. in search of any clues that might help locate her. Sioux Falls police, Minnehaha County Sheriff's Department, the Division of Criminal Investigation, and even the FBI is helping in this search. The Federal Agents are from Minneapolis. Flood lights can be turned on, and the search could continue for a while.
VanderGiesen was last seen leaving the company where she worked, JDS Industries. The management of JDS Industries says they can't remember a time when VanderGiesen has missed a day of work, without calling first. And that's why her disappearance has come as such a shock.
Her coworkers say even though she can only talk with her hands, Darlene VanderGiesen still manages to make working at JDS Industries more enjoyable.
“She's the person who walks in and always has a smile on her face, and always had a lot of energy,” Mike May said, who was one of VanderGiesen’s supervisors.
For over a decade, VanderGiesen has worked at one of these checking and packing stations, where she prepares the company's products for shipping.
“Darlene is very dependable, we could always expect her to be here on time,” he said.
That's why, when VanderGiesen didn't show up for work two days in a row, management tried to find out where she was.
“A second day is unusual and that's why we tried to reach her,” he said.
There was no answer at her apartment, so they got in touch with her parents in Iowa. Soon, the police started an investigation. And days later, employees say it's frustrating not knowing what has happened to a person they've grown to love.
“She's fun to play jokes with and to laugh with and have a lot of fun with at work,” he said.
But for now, that fun is replaced with worry as they wait for any word on VanderGiesen.
“Our thoughts and prayers are definitely with the family and I think that's the true of all the workers here at JDS Industries,” he said.
Employees who worked with VanderGiesen say the fact that she is deaf actually encouraged many employees to learn some sign language. They also say there was no indication last Wednesday that VanderGiesen had any plans not to be at work.
http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,45902