Duane and Colleen Dalquist, parents of Erika Dalquist, who has been missing since Oct. 30, listened to investigators after an air and ground search was concluded Tuesday in the Barrows area. (Dispatch Photo by Steve Kohls)

By RENEE RICHARDSON
Senior Reporter

Search efforts for Erika Dalquist, conducted south of Brainerd Tuesday, did not reveal meaningful clues.

"We wrapped up about 3:30 p.m. yesterday and did not find anything significant," said Brainerd Police Chief John Bolduc this morning.

Today Bolduc said there are no immediate extensive search plans. Tuesday's search included the Mississippi River and wooded areas near the interchange of Highways 371 and Business 371. Potlatch reduced the water flow over the company's dam on the Mississippi River providing about 50 minutes of search time down river by helicopter.

Bolduc said while the search did not result in finding the missing 21-year-old Brainerd woman, it was not a wasted effort in the fact-gathering process.

"It means we've covered that area and now we can move on to something else," Bolduc said.

The police department does not have anyone in custody regarding the case, Bolduc said. Asked if there are suspects identified, the chief said he could not comment on that.

"We still have a number of leads we are following up on and the case is still under investigation and we will continue to follow up on those leads until we bring this case to a conclusion," he said. "... The information we have points to foul play. I'm afraid we have a worse-case scenario, but again, until we are finished, until we know all the facts -- there is always hope."

As tips come, the police department is checking areas on an individual basis. Bolduc said those tips are coming in daily and the public's help is still sought as people look on their own property and in remote areas.

"We believe that type of help by the public will help us solve this case," Bolduc said.

Bolduc said Erika's parents, Duane and Colleen Dalquist, and the family have been remarkable people, strong, understanding and supportive under the most difficult of circumstances.

The approaching holidays adds to the trauma and frustration felt by the family and officers, Bolduc said.

"We are involved in this case deeply," he said. "Each day that goes by and we don't have a conclusion it heightens the frustration level."

The Dalquist family said the extra effort is appreciated as people search their properties so they may be ruled out before a snowfall.

"We hope to find things," Colleen Dalquist said. "It's a double-edged sword. We hope to find things and on the other hand we hope not to because that still gives us hope."

Colleen Dalquist said many people ask how they can help and she wishes she had an answer. She said the family appreciates the community efforts so far and the police department's long hours.

"People have been great," she said.

And Colleen Dalquist said she wanted to thank those involved with the Angels for Erika fund-raiser at the Westgate Mall to help with the reward offered in her daughter's disappearance.

The family is going to spend the Thanksgiving holiday together.

"I do still have that hope that I am going to hear that 'Hi, Mama' tomorrow," she said. "That is my hope, but I try not to set myself up for a great disappointment -- but that may be the reality."

Erika Dalquist was last seen by friends on Oct. 30 in downtown Brainerd in the company of a white man with brown hair. She is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall, 135 pounds with brown, chin-length hair and blue eyes. She has a blue and green scroll tattoo on her lower back. She was last seen wearing blue jeans and a dark blue sweatshirt with a zipper in the front. The sweatshirt may have had a hood.

Anyone with information concerning the disappearance of Dalquist is asked to call the Brainerd Police Department at (218) 829-2805. Information also can be left at a Web site set up for Dalquist at http://www.erikasmissing.com/.