MIDDLESBORO — While search teams spread out across Middlesboro to search for Katherine Heck, who went missing Sunday morning, the family is not staying idle. They’ve been out with the search teams at all hours.

“We’re all taking turns staying here,” said Pat Heck, Katherine’s daughter-in-law. While a family member watches the house, the rest join the search parties, going door-to-door handing out fliers and scouting Katherine’s last known whereabouts.

The family is not alone in their search. They have seen an outpouring of generosity from friends, coworkers, and emergency service workers and volunteers who have devoted every waking hour to find her.

“Everybody we know with a four-wheeler” has joined the search, said Pat.

Even a local ATV group, The Holler Crawlers, combed an extensive area yesterday.

Pat estimated that over 100, to even 200 people have joined the search since yesterday.

Those volunteers have “searched on 46th street, Beans Fork, and Noetown,” according to Pat. Through reports of sightings and search dogs, the Bell Co. Rescue Squad and Middlesboro Police Dept. tracked Katherine across Noetown to Cumberland Avenue.

But the trace ended there. “The dogs lost the scent at the Dollar General,” said Pat.

While the search continued on the railroad tracks south of the Dollar General on Monday, snow slowed the progress. “The weather is not in our favor,” she said.

Pat asked residents in Middlesboro to look in any buildings or sheds that they own, or any vehicles that Katherine could have used for shelter. She also asked if anyone has seen a woman fitting Katherine’s description getting into a vehicle to contact authorities.

For Katherine’s family, any leads could help.

“We’re just really wanting to find her,” said Pat. “We’re all anxious.”

Katherine Heck was last seen around the 46th Street area of Middlesboro wearing a bluish green shirt, blue jeans, and white shoes, according to an MPD report. She is described as white female, 5’1”, 170 pounds, with blonde hair covering her ears and blue eyes. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Katherine Heck is encouraged to contact the Bell County Rescue Squad at (606)248-7444 or the Middlesboro Police Department at (606)248-3636.

Stephen Woodward is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. He may be contacted at swoodward@middlesborodailynews.com.