James Laack

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Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

A Scioto County man, missing since he left work on Sept. 24, remains the object of an intense manhunt in the area. James Laack, 35, of Swauger Valley was reported missing after he left for what officials believed was a lunch break, at Taylor Lumber, and he has not been seen since.

Scioto County Sheriff’s Detective Dan Malone said family and friends of Laack asked for his photo to be put back in the newspaper in hopes that someone may have seen him recently.

“They are still looking for him,” Malone said. “They are unable even to know where to look for him.”

Laack was missing for two weeks when his car was found in the Scherer’s Hollow area, about 1.5 miles behind a steel gate.

“We’ve gone through with the search dogs,” Malone said. “We had the Ohio State Highway Patrol bring their helicopter in, and they went around the whole perimeter. Family and friends have gone all over the property with four-wheelers and on foot.”

Malone said another location behind the Laack residence, where Laack used to go to be by himself, has been scoured by authorities and family.

“There were no signs of anybody being back in there for a while,” Malone said.

Malone said family and friends are out of ideas and are again asking for help from the public.

“They’re still having good feelings that he’s still alive, possibly just on a drinking binge,” Malone said. “He could be homeless living on a street somewhere, and they are just very concerned with his safety.”

Malone said anyone who sees Laack, or has knowledge of his whereabouts, should call his direct number at 740-351-1099.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com.