Ground search follows new lead in case of missing Manitoulin Island woman

A police department searching for a missing Manitoulin Island woman says there will be an extensive ground search in M’Chigeeng First Nation on Wednesday, just days after a new lead was shared with police.

Juanita 'Winnie' Migwans, age 30, was last seen Oct. 2 in the M’Chigeeng First Nation area of Manitoulin Island.

In a news release, UCCM Anishnaabe Police Service said a significant number of police officers will be searching for the woman in the downtown area of M’Chigeeng First Nation on Wednesday.

"The public can expect a larger than normal police presence and the public are asked to please avoid the areas where the police are searching," said the release.

In a story published Wednesday on the Manitoulin Expositor website, UCCM Chief of Police James Killeen shared a new lead from a witness who said they spoke with Migwans on the phone on Oct. 4 — two days after her previous last known point of contact.

The article notes that a candlelight vigil was held Nov. 2 in M’Chigeeng Bay Beach Park, in which Migwans' family and friends appealed to the public once more to share what they know.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation or the whereabouts of Migwans is asked to immediately contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the nearest police authority. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.