Local News
Missing 14-year-old Harleigh Shew found safe
Update: She has been found safe.
Authorities and family members are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Harleigh Shew, a 14-year-old female who has been reported missing from Harrisburg, Illinois, and may be in the Mt. Vernon area.
Missing Since: December 27, 2025
Description
- Age: 14
- Sex: Female
- Race: White
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 2 inches
- Weight: Approximately 100 pounds
- Hair: Brown/blonde with pink coloring
- Eyes: Blue
Harleigh was last seen on Saturday evening at approximately 10:45 p.m. leaving a friend’s residence in Harrisburg, Illinois.
Family members report she may have left with a 19-year-old male identified only as Ethan, last name unknown, who is believed to be from Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
It is possible Harleigh is currently in or around the Mt. Vernon area with this individual.
At the time she was last seen, Harleigh was wearing:
- Black leggings
- A light pink hoodie
- A black jacket
- Cheetah-print shoes
Harleigh was in possession of her cellphone; however, it has since been turned off, and her family has not had any contact with her since she left the residence.
Anyone who has seen Harleigh Shew, knows her current whereabouts, or has any information that may assist in locating her is urged to contact law enforcement immediately:
- Mt. Vernon Police Department: 618-242-2131
- Harrisburg Police Department: 618-252-4528
You may also contact her mother:
- Kelsey Sanford: 618-771-7451
Please share this information to help bring Harleigh home safely.
Emergency crews in Bethesda, Montgomery County, responded to a serious trench collapse Tuesday at a work site in the 8100 block of Kentbury Drive, where two workers became trapped in a deep excavation.
According to initial reports, the incident involved a 10 to 12-foot-deep trench that collapsed while the workers were inside.
One victim was reported to be buried up to the waist, while the second victim was buried up to the head, creating an urgent and dangerous situation for responders.
Specialized rescue teams from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched to the scene and initiated a technical trench rescue operation.
These types of incidents require careful stabilization of the surrounding soil and trench walls to prevent additional collapse while rescuers work to safely reach and extract the trapped individuals.
Emergency personnel secured the area and began implementing protective measures, including shoring the trench to stabilize the excavation site before attempting to free the victims.
The condition of the trapped workers has not yet been released.
Rescue operations were ongoing as crews worked methodically to remove soil and safely extricate the victims.
Officials are expected to provide further updates as the rescue effort continues and investigators determine what led to the collapse.