NEWAYGO CO. -- Update 12:00 am Friday:
Mervin Newville was located around 7:30 Thursday night in northern Newaygo County. He flagged down a passing snowmobiler who later contacted authorities. He was then transported to Reed City Hospital for treatment.
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Newaygo County Sheriff's deputies are searching for an 81-year-old man who has been missing since Christmas Eve.
Mervin Newville, of Bitely, may have driven to the Big Rapids area on December 24th and failed to return home, according to Newaygo County Sheriff.
Newville is believed to have been driving a burgundy colored 1992 Buick Station wagon with wood grain side panels.
He was seen leaving his residence mid-morning on December 24th, heading to Big Rapids for groceries. The Sheriff's Office says it is believed Newville made a transaction at Wal-Mart in Big Rapids and at the BP Gas station in the early afternoon.
He was reportedly due to arrive back at his residence that evening but never showed.
A search of the area between Big Rapids and his residence was conducted with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter.
His whereabouts are still unknown.
Anyone with information as to his location is asked to call Newaygo County Central Dispatch at 231-689-5288.
