As you visit the local Social Media groups, you will see reports of missing children. It seems like you can’t go for a week without seeing one posted. In 2016 the Eagle Mountain division of the Utah County Sheriff’s office responded to 12 missing person cases in Eagle Mountain alone. On 6/4/2017 a local LDS congregation was getting ready for church services when the Bishop, the leader of the local congregation, changed the scheduled meeting. Instead of having regular services, he asked the adult males and the youth to help them organize a search for one of their congregation that had left home the previous evening and was considered missing. The Eagle Mountain division of the Utah County Sheriff’s Office were already out looking for the individual. The congregation went into action and organized into groups and started the search. The boy was found within the next couple of hours safe.
This same story happened several weeks earlier after a teenage boy left his parents car, because of a disagreement. He remained missing that evening and was found the next day when he returned home to get some warmer clothes, water and food. He returned home during the families church service, thinking that everyone would be at church. The local congregation had canceled the regular church services and were organized into groups to search for the young man.
Not all of the missing children are disgruntled teens. In the middle of May 2017 a boy was also reported missing. The boy did not return home from school. After the word got out, search groups were also organized. He was found by an Eagle Mountain resident that lived in a different area of the city. The resident heard of the situation, and was on his way to the area to help with the search. He found the boy walking along the side of the road, miles away from the current search area. The resident notified the Sheriff’s office and the boy was reunited with his parents.
Not all missing person reports end in a situation were the missing person is reunited with relatives. One of the 12 2016 missing person cases started on Dec 22, 2016 when Alexander Hashida was reported missing by his parents. Alexander left for school in the morning, but did not arrive at school. The family found a note where Alexander said he was going to simply walk where the land took him. The community rallied together and organized a search for Alexander. The searches extended into the month of January as well. On May 25, 2017 the Utah County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call that a hiker had discovered human remains. The Utah County Sheriffs Office website states, “On May 25, 2017 the Utah County Sheriff’s Office responded to the foot hills east of the Eagle Mountain City Center regarding a dead body that had been discovered by a hiker. Deputies arrived and located the body, which appeared to have been there for some time. During the investigation, the body was positively identified as 15 year old Alexander Hashida by the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner on May, 31 2017. Based on information gathered at the time of Alexander’s disappearance and evidence gathered at the scene the death is not appear suspicious.”
Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.