Search for woman resumes

By John Grant Emeigh - 05/31/2008

Search dogs combed the rocky and wooded terrain near Delmoe Lake Road Friday morning for signs of a Butte woman who has been missing since November.

This was the first time in several months that police have resumed the search for Brandy Christiansen. Friends and family last reported seeing her Nov. 2, 2007.

Butte Sheriff John Walsh said deep snow made it difficult to conduct the search throughout the winter.

Investigators have no indication whether Christiansen is alive or dead, Walsh said.

On Nov. 14, the missing woman’s 1991 Toyota Tercel was found abandoned on the road between Homestake Lake and Delmoe Lake, east of Butte beyond the East Ridge. Police found no signs of foul play.

Personnel with High Country Search Dogs on Friday used two dogs to comb the area, which is about a mile north of Homestake Pass on Interstate 90. Officers from Butte and Jefferson County assisted.

Dave Kauffman searched with his dog, Radar, a red heeler. As of 1:30 p.m., Kauffman, of Montana City, said none of the dogs had picked up any signs of the missing woman.

“We try to get the dogs’ noses into the wind and look for a reaction from the dog, but we’ve had no luck,” Kauffman said.

The search is expected to continue over the weekend.

— Reporter John Grant Emeigh may be reached via e-mail at john.emeigh@lee.net.