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Missing hiker search turns to Yellowstone’s most hazardous areas
The National Park Service says 22-year-old Winona native Austin King-Henke made a call from the summit of Eagle Peak Sept. 17, and hasn’t been heard from since.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. — A more favorable weather pattern is allowing search and rescue teams to expand the search for a missing hiker from Minnesota who went missing after scaling the highest peak in Yellowstone.
National Park Service (NPS) officials say 22-year-old Austin King-Henke – a concessions worker at Yellowstone National Park who grew up in Winona – embarked on a solo hike Sept. 14, and last Tuesday called a family member from the summit of Eagle Peak, the highest point in Yellowstone. During the call King-Henke described challenging weather that included wind, fog, rain, sleet and hail.
When he failed to show up for a boat scheduled to pick him on Friday, Sept. 20, King-Henke was listed as missing, and an all-out search was launched to find him.
Since Saturday, 85 search personnel, two helicopters, drones and a search dog team have focused on what the NPS calls a “high-elevation, expansive and hazardous area.” Team members report accumulations of snow and ice, including 6-foot drifts, on Eagle Peak. The park service says the search and rescue operation will continue their quest to find King-Henke over the next few days as a favorable weather forecast improves conditions.
Pictures released by the NPS show the terrain rescue teams are facing, trails and craggy rock faces in an area described as among the most remote in the lower 48 states.
Search for missing Minnesota hiker turns focus to most hazardous areas of Yellowstone
King-Henke grew up in Winona and graduated from Cotter High School before heading west. His Facebook page reflects a young man who loves adventure, with pictures and descriptions of mountains and remote areas he has explored. He is described as 6 feet tall, 150 lbs. with brown hair and hazel eyes. King-Henke was last seen wearing glasses, a black sweatshirt and gray pants.
Anyone who sees Austin King-Henke or knows what happened to him is asked to call the Yellowstone Interagency Communications System at 307-344-2643.
The proceeds will go toward heart research and programs.
MINNEAPOLIS — The only thing better than live music is a concert with a good cause.
You can jam out to country artist Brad Paisley while raising money for research and education at the Heart360 Concert for Heart Research. The fundraiser will take place at the Armory in Minneapolis on Nov. 2.
Proceeds will go toward the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, which aims to reduce heart and vascular diseases across the world.
Brad Paisley is known for Grammy-winning songs such as “Throttleneck” and “Letter to Me.” Tickets range from $50 to $175 and can be purchased at this link on Ticketmaster.
You can also support Heart360’s mission by donating money or purchasing auction items. The auction is live at this link and includes a guitar signed by Brad Paisley and a variety of quality experiences.
Jay Hughes and Nick Robbins joined KARE 11 News at Noon to discuss the event.
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — The Mall of America is hosting Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead festival this upcoming weekend.
The Minnesota Latino Museum will host the celebration of culture and creativity in the mall’s atrium from Friday, Nov. 1, to Sunday, Nov. 3, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Experience the traditions of the Day of the Dead through an altar installation by Minnesota artisan Margarita Sandoval, hands-on workshops and live music.
Jay Hughes and Nick Robbins joined KARE 11 News at Noon to discuss the event.
Authorities requested that Woodbury neighbors check their property, including unlocked cars, under decks or in playsets.
WOODBURY, Minn. — Woodbury police are asking for the public’s help in finding a missing woman with Alzheimer’s, according to a post on Facebook on Wednesday.
Woodbury police said Mary Billmeyer left her home near the Bailey Lake/Twenty-One Oaks neighborhood on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.
Billmeyer was last seen in pink and white pajamas. Authorities requested that Woodbury neighbors check their property, including unlocked cars, under decks or in playsets.
If you see Billmeyer, call 911.
