75 search, no sign of Kyle Brown

A search party of about 75 people scoured the wooded acreage surrounding Hogg Cemetery near Herod Wednesday for Kyle Brown, 19, Harrisburg, who has been missing since early Sunday, but found no sign of him.

Pope County Sheriff's Jerry Suits said starting at 7:30 a.m. friends, family, law enforcement and the county's Emergency Management Agency coordinator searched on foot, on all-terrain vehicles, on horseback and in an airplane, but have found neither his vehicle nor any sign of the man. Suits said Saline County Sheriff Keith Brown also joined the search in the Garden of the Gods area.

"The search was concentrated around Hogg Cemetery. Every time he goes missing that's where he goes," Suits said.

Brown's father is buried in the cemetery that is located at the end of Henry Hicks Road.

"I think it was a good thing. It was a good thing for the family and it was positive," Suits said.

The cold weather is a concern. Brown was last seen in a lightweight, long sleeve gray shirt, jeans and house shoes. Family believes he left Harrisburg driving a black 2001 Honda CRV with license plate F843829. The vehicle has some damage to the front passenger fender and headlight.

Suits was also concerned for the safety of the search party. He said coordinating 75 people in the woods and in the cold carried with it the chance of more missing people as well as hypothermia, but there were no issues. Groups maintained in contact with radios.

"As a spur of the moment search it was a positive effort and I commend them for making it happen," Suits said. "It was a good day, thought there were not good results."

Brown is described at 5 feet 8 inches tall, about 135 pounds with black hair and full beard and brown eyes.

Those with information may contact his mother, Tina Brown, at (618) 499-9351 or the Saline, Pope or Hardin county sheriff's departments.