Desert Search Yields No Clues
(Phoenix) AZ Republic 7Jan99; Page B1,3
By Jim Walsh

and

Mormon Stake Responds Quickly to Call for Help
(Phoenix) AZ Republic 7Jan99; Page B3
By Judi Villa

Approximately 100 Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputies searched a desert area northeast of Mesa in vain yesterday, looking for 11-year-old Mikelle Biggs. Mikelle disappeared late Saturday afternoon. She had been waiting with several children for an ice cream truck that apparently never came. The other children tired of waiting, and Mikelle's younger sister became chilled as the sun started setting so she left Mikelle alone for a few minutes while she went to their house four doors away for a sweater. When the sister returned a few minutes later, all she found was Mikelle's bike and the 2 quarters Mikelle was saving for the ice cream.

An immediate search was implemented, involving local authorities and members of the Biggs' ward. Neighbors and ward members have been passing out fliers, convassing neighborhoods, and tying yellow ribbons to their mailboxes. Each day that Mikelle is gone, prospects get bleaker for her safe return, but her parents remain hopeful.

The role of the LDS Church organization has been highlighted, not only for its assistance in looking for Mikelle, but for its support of Church members in general. Amber Mennenga, a Church member, said, "It's automatic. We're all God's children and we're here to help each other. It's compassion. It's almost like having something happen to yourself." Jolene Griffin said, "You say you're in need, and it's there. If somebody's hurt, you go and help. If somebody's lost their job, we find out and we try to help. We bring food. We might be able to find them a new job. That's the kind of thing that just happens. This is family."

Because of its strong organization, the local wards and stakes are perfect for addressing emergencies. A simple phone call in Mesa made it possiple for one church member to call seven people and end up with 500 volunteers to help search for Mikelle.

A nondenominational prayer service will be held for Mikelle at the Mesa High School auditorium at 7 p.m. Friday night. The Nation's Missing Children Organization has asked drivers everywhere to turn on their headlights while driving Friday, as symbolic "Search Lights for Missing Children."