Search for missing dispatcher intensifies

GARLAND COUNTY, AR - The Garland County Mounted Unit saddled-up, while the State Police Air Unit took off. It's all to search for mother of three and police dispatcher Dawna Natzke, who disappeared more than a week ago.

Problem is, rescuers don't have much to go on.

"The car is straight through there," one volunteer pointed out. The car belongs to Natzke. The U.S. Forest Service found it in woods off Highway 298 near Hot Springs Village. They found it burnt. It's the only clue rescuers have to work with.

The rescuers are largely volunteers. They search as needed, about 10 times a year on average. Most head out on horseback, others stay inside a van equipped with fairly sophisticated tracking technology.

"Each team has a tracking collar with them on a horse," explained Volunteer Keith Blocker, "and we can keep up with where each team is and where they've been."

Where Blocker is supposed to be right now is on vacation. He decided to search instead. He knows Natzke but not all that well. Doesn't matter, like most of the volunteers, he sees the search as his duty.

"I just hope and pray everything turns out for the good," he said.

Because in situations like this, sometimes praying, is all you can really do.

If rescue teams haven't located Natzke by Saturday morning, her friends plan to go out and look for her on their own. They're asking for any volunteers who'd like to help. They plan to meet at Jessieville High School off Highway 7 Saturday morning at 8 a.m.