KPD searching for missing Kellogg woman

The Kellogg Police Department (KPD) is seeking information regarding the whereabouts of 62-year-old Karen Orchard of Kellogg.

Reported missing by her son Sunday night, Orchard has not been seen since her neighbors saw her at her home on March 25 around 2 p.m.

Orchard suffers from the initial stages of dementia and has been known to appear in areas not consistent with her daily routine, having no recollection of how she got there.

Normally she can be seen walking west of Kellogg in the mornings on the rails-to-trail path with her two white dogs.

She is also a regular patron at Best Shots in Kellogg.

Orchard’s welfare became a concern Sunday morning when a KPD officer found her dogs loose with no leashes.

The officer then made attempts to make contact with her after he had taken the dogs back to her residence, but she could not be found.

After investigating her home, KPD says that no foul play is suspected in her disappearance and nothing was taken.

Described as a thin older woman with graying hair, Orchard is believed to be wearing pink boots and a gray sweatshirt (as they are missing from her home).

She is also believed to be in possession of her cellphone, but it goes straight to voice mail when called.

KPD has no insight on where she might be, but it is possible that she is hitchhiking, since she has done it in the past.

As far as her mental state, KPD Sgt. Paul Twidt said she may be confused and unwilling to accept help, but is not considered violent.

If you see Orchard or have any information on her location, contact the Kellogg Police Department at 208-786-9131 or the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office at 208-556-1114.