Missing Willow Woman Found Safe

Denene Kargel, 45, of Willow Springs, has been found safe after an absence of a little less than a week. Kargel’s sister, Regina Roberts, began to spread awareness online and also filed a missing person report with Howell County Sheriff’s Office on December 14. At that point, Kargel had been missing for four days. 

“She went out to smoke and just never came back,” Roberts said. The family became increasingly concerned when Kargel missed church on Sunday and her volunteer shift at MUNCH. 

Deputies with Douglas County Sheriff’s Office located Kargel in Douglas County on December 15, and she was in “no distress,” reported Deputy Buddy Thompson of HSCO in a phone interview. 

Roberts and her family were advised that Kargel was safe at about 2:45 that afternoon, Roberts said. Kargel came home of her own volition on December 17.

“We’re glad she’s home,” Roberts said.