MI MI - Eric Franks, 40, Buena Vista Twp, 21 March 2011 - #1

[Kiln Wood]

Just looking back through some old posts and noticed this. Bridgeport Twp. is who we called first, because that IS where the motel is. They basically did a couple quick interviews and said "case closed - Eric isn't around here any more." That's why we called BVPD next (since that's where eGF lived), and got a more professional response, though...they too are overwhelmed and things are taking a very long time and there are lots of ideas that we'd like to see pursued that haven't been.

MSP is saying they can't get involved unless the local PD requests it.

BBM

searchingfamily,

Have you asked the BVPD to request the MSP to "get involved?" If not, you have nothing to lose by asking them (except more time and an even colder trail).

 

[Moonflowers111]

Has anyone been able to deliver any posters into the area?

We are wanting to make the 4.5 hour trip, but don't want to come until the BVPD will agree to meet with us. They gave not yet accepted any of our proposed dates.

We hate to let it go so long without getting posters up. Just wondering if there is any help available.

Greetings,

I am happy to say that posters of Eric were posted yesterday in Bridgeport, Buena Vista, and I believe a little of Saginaw proper. As soon as I get notes together I can post the areas we posted in. I was fortunate a friend of mine knew the Saginaw area...and cars! She was pointing out Malibus to me when she saw them. She took excellent notes and we photo documented where we could. Everyone was very nice (except the motel owner but he let us leave posters) and some offered to post for us. We gave them posters, and even saw them posted! We left posters at the shelter, the rest area coming up to Bridgeport, (Clio maybe?) and a few places where we found empty stands inside. The posters are laser printed and will hold up until the paper dissolves tho' many times we were able to post inside or under a shelter.

I'll put up a complete list with some photos after I get that together. I might need some help posting that as I haven't done that.

Thanks so much, to my friend Phyllis, for her help!!

SearchingFamily, I sent you a message about my trip. Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Moonflowers111]

Hello,

Here are links to a few of the posters up for Eric. Sorry for the delay, had to downsize photos and delete docs so I had room for these (pack rat!).

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWWGIxQXF4MW54X0k/edit
Rest area - either side of phone booth and on kiosk that was out of order at other door. Very helpful employees.
http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,1607,7-151-9621_11041_21800_21802_22729-63912--,00.html

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWcXp6VnNZZ19PM0U/edit
Posted 3 posters at the Rest Area, then went to lunch at the Burger King at Exit 131 on West Vienna Rd., Clio, MI. Left several in an empty stand in entry since we couldn’t post inside.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWRVNocXVFa0Vhd0k/edit
Motel California – left flyers in “lobby”.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWNHQxUG5nYk5zVHc/edit
Dixie Hwy Admiral - front window!
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWWDFVLTUtaDZjZU0/edit
Dixie Hwy Admiral Ice - gave woman posters who asked us here and she posted for us down Dixie Hwy.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWNWMzWmY1RnBhWTg/edit
Rescue Mission - Burt St.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWbUZIWWpOTTZJZ3M/edit
Cumberland & Holland corner

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWX3JsNGczUndFdjQ/edit
Speedway Holland - couldn't post inside so found a pole at drive.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWRXRoNHBBcVlaczg/edit
800 Block – 4 posters

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWSnY2dTg5MDFVWFE/edit
Phone
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWbVJNcVNRbDBNN0k/edit
Phone 2
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWRFcyY3JIWDFIdW8/edit
Phone 3


Peace,
Moonflowers

 

[mikkismom]

Moonflowers, :yourock:

 

[Bubblyone]

Hello,

Here are links to a few of the posters up for Eric. Sorry for the delay, had to downsize photos and delete docs so I had room for these (pack rat!).

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWWGIxQXF4MW54X0k/edit
Rest area - either side of phone booth and on kiosk that was out of order at other door. Very helpful employees.
http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,1607,7-151-9621_11041_21800_21802_22729-63912--,00.html

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWcXp6VnNZZ19PM0U/edit
Posted 3 posters at the Rest Area, then went to lunch at the Burger King at Exit 131 on West Vienna Rd., Clio, MI. Left several in an empty stand in entry since we couldn’t post inside.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWRVNocXVFa0Vhd0k/edit
Motel California – left flyers in “lobby”.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWNHQxUG5nYk5zVHc/edit
Dixie Hwy Admiral - front window!
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWWDFVLTUtaDZjZU0/edit
Dixie Hwy Admiral Ice - gave woman posters who asked us here and she posted for us down Dixie Hwy.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWNWMzWmY1RnBhWTg/edit
Rescue Mission - Burt St.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWbUZIWWpOTTZJZ3M/edit
Cumberland & Holland corner

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWX3JsNGczUndFdjQ/edit
Speedway Holland - couldn't post inside so found a pole at drive.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWRXRoNHBBcVlaczg/edit
800 Block – 4 posters

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWSnY2dTg5MDFVWFE/edit
Phone
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWbVJNcVNRbDBNN0k/edit
Phone 2
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0By58r7p94TMWRFcyY3JIWDFIdW8/edit
Phone 3


Peace,
Moonflowers

Moonflowers,
A huge Thank You to you and your friend Phyllis! I know Eric thanks you too!!

 

[Moonflowers111]

Greetings,

My friend just sent me this link:
http://www.abc12.com/story/19687630/missing-ohio-man-last-seen-in-mid-michigan

Good thing we put up posters with the BVPD phone number as they forgot it in the article.

Guess they saw the posters!

 

[Kiln Wood]

Greetings,

My friend just sent me this link:
http://www.abc12.com/story/19687630/missing-ohio-man-last-seen-in-mid-michigan

Good thing we put up posters with the BVPD phone number as they forgot it in the article.

Guess they saw the posters!

BBM

The article in this link states Eric checked out of the motel. Maybe it's late--or maybe I'm losing it--but don't I recall near the beginning of this thread that he did NOT check out?

Moonflowers111, thank you so much for all the work you've done here! I keep returning to Eric's thread night after night for updates, and your news is very gratifying!

 

[Moonflowers111]

http://www.archboldbuckeye.com/news/2012-10-03/Public_Record/

 

[Bubblyone]

BBM

The article in this link states Eric checked out of the motel. Maybe it's late--or maybe I'm losing it--but don't I recall near the beginning of this thread that he did NOT check out?

Moonflowers111, thank you so much for all the work you've done here! I keep returning to Eric's thread night after night for updates, and your news is very gratifying!

Here is a copy of the email that I sent to the author of the article this morning. Perhaps it will generate some more (accurate) information goin out across the news.

Terry,
Actually Eric did not check out of the motel. According to the motel owner his estranged girlfriend checked him out of the hotel after he paid a week’s rent in advance. The estranged girlfriend cleared out all of his belongings, and then left town about 6 months later.

 

[Bubblyone]

Hey guys,
Great news! The reporter emailed me back and here is his reply...

Hi ,
Thanks so much for the information. I was hasty in writing the story and should have checked a little more with the detectives on how he left the motel. My apologies. Could you please keep in touch with me on this. I would really like to know more. If any of Eric’s family comes up here, I would like to talk to them.
Thanks so much,
Terry


Terry left me his cell number. Searching Family, If you would like it please let me know and I will get it to you!!

 

[scorekeeper]

A big

:yourock::yourock::yourock:

to those that are helping Eric's family!!! But most of all, to getting his story out there!!

Bless you all!!

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

:tyou: Many thanks to those who have posted fliers with Eric's photo and pertinent information :tyou:

I'm kinda bummed that there was no response to several news releases that I sent to local media - TV news departments, Detroit newspapers, a local news radio station. I suppose that metro-Detroit has enough news of its own and doesn't feel that they can cover every story that happens statewide. I think moderator nursebeeme sent several notices, as well, but I haven't seen or heard any local coverage about Eric Franks.

I hope that Eric's family is able to make the trip to the Saginaw area and meet with LE to get some answers about what might have happened to their loved one.

 

[longtallcold]

FWIW - Terry Camp is an awesome person, not just reporter. I worked with him and his wife long ago at the other station in saginaw.

Please reach out to him as needed, very good person!

 

[Moonflowers111]

Here are local phone numbers:

Crime Stoppers in Saginaw New Number: 800 422 JAIL (5245)
http://www.saginaw-mi.com/government/departments/police/crimestoppers.php

Buena Vista Township D.P.S. (989) 753-7793

Birch Run P.D. (989) 624-1113

Saginaw County Sheriff Department (989) 790-5456

FBI: (989) 753-6363 or (313) 965-2323

Michigan State Police - Bridgeport Post #37: (989) 777-3700
6280 Dixie Highway Bridgeport, Michigan 48722

Bridgeport Township P.D. (989) 777-2800
6206 Dixie Highway Bridgeport, Michigan 48722

Miller's Motel (989) 777-5250
4853 Dixie Highway, Saginaw, MI

 

[Moonflowers111]

"We have no evidence of foul play at this point," he said. (Buena Vista Township Police Chief Sean Waterman.)

He is "not sure" what happened to Eric who disappeared without a trace. I would want to be sure that nothing happened in my township on my watch. I hope he feels the same. Perhaps the Chief would ask the detective assigned to the case to set up a meeting with the family since they are in such close contact? Thanks, Chief!!

Do they have evidence of something besides foul play? Something suspect? (I mean something besides disappearing without a trace and perhaps conflicting stories?) Would a married woman with a boyfriend she has a child with who didn't know for years who disappears be considered a suspicious event? (Hinky Meter check time!) Especially after the exGF and hubster leave town and move to the far west or down south or somewhere? Is that suspicious? (Hinky Meter check time!)

Did dogs go to the motel room and property at all? What about when the other land was searched by LE? Did they use dogs or just walk around? Just curious.

I think he meant no evidence has been found yet....you have to be looking to find it!! Keep on looking, please. Thank you!

Ahhh more coffee please!

 

[Bubblyone]

I am thinking that Mr. Police Chief, is beginning to hear the squeaky wheel, which has been needing oil for some time now. I am wondering if since the posters are now up, and there is a reporter who has written a new article, and is interested, if perhaps now someone on that police department may take a real interest in what happened to Eric and how did it happen??

My thought is to keep the pressure on; both the police and the egf.

 

[longtallcold]

I'd love to think that bubbly - but they are so overwhelmed, it's easier to say "i don't know maybe he doesn't want to be found"

 

[Moonflowers111]

Should there be another poster campaign? I have a feeling the news caught the Chief by surprise...his statement was a bit different from what was printed in September.

...At this time, detectives have not been able to establish any wrong-doing but do suspect something happened to Franks and believe he may be dead. (Sept. 7, 2012)

Is that what the Chief means when he said he thinks Eric may be "laying low", that he is dead? Does he think he is dead and not wanting to be found at the same time? Of course I may be confused myself. I haven't had much coffee today.

What would motivate them to make an effort to look for evidence or search a few areas?

Is this feeling cold to anyone else?

 

[Bubblyone]

Should there be another poster campaign? I have a feeling the news caught the Chief by surprise...his statement was a bit different from what was printed in September.

...At this time, detectives have not been able to establish any wrong-doing but do suspect something happened to Franks and believe he may be dead. (Sept. 7, 2012)

Is that what the Chief means when he said he thinks Eric may be "laying low", that he is dead? Does he think he is dead and not wanting to be found at the same time? Of course I may be confused myself. I haven't had much coffee today.

What would motivate them to make an effort to look for evidence or search a few areas?

Is this feeling cold to anyone else?

Moonflowers,
I too think that the posters have taken people by surprise. I think that the police may have thought, ok his family lives out of town, so we may not have to answer to them, like we would have to answer to people who have family right here.

Taking into account that they may be overwhelmed with other cases ( I think I interviewed in Saginaw about 5 years ago and was a little taken a back with what I saw). If the press starts asking questions, it is going to make them come up with some answers.

I live about 3 hours away, but my schedule is now free on weekends, and would be willing to make the drive if others were to meet me.

 

[searchingfamily]

BBM

The article in this link states Eric checked out of the motel. Maybe it's late--or maybe I'm losing it--but don't I recall near the beginning of this thread that he did NOT check out?

That "Eric checked out" language was in the original police press release, and we pointed out to BVPD that this was inaccurate based on the motel owner's testimony. Apparently that didn't bother to change it in the updated one requesting hunters' assistance too.