Missing Franklin Township woman found safe

Numerous private organizations, police and fire departments, and state agencies aided the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department in locating 75-year-old Judith Plute of Franklin Township Wednesday afternoon. It was her neighbor and his dog who eventually tracked her down within the search area staked out by organizers. John Burcar guided Judith to medical personnel where she was examined and released to her family.

The operation covered ground and air, with a helicopter from the Michigan State Police Aviation unit circling the skies above.

Assisting in the search were Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office K-9, Houghton and Hancock City Police, Michigan State Police – Calumet troopers as well as the MSP K-9 units in Calumet, Iron Mountain, and Gladstone, Baraga Tribe K-9, DNR Conservation Officers, and Michigan Tech Public Safety.

Quincy-Franklin and Dollar Bay Fire along with Superior Search and Rescue, Baraga Search and Rescue, Mercy EMS, the Salvation Army, Walmart, Houghton County Office of Emergency Measures, and Garden View Assisted Living also contributed to the efforts.