The Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office has issued an urgent appeal for community assistance in locating a missing 16‑year‑old girl from the county. Authorities say Auwynn E. Kraeger was last observed on the night of Oct. 11, 2026, at approximately 10:15 p.m. while she was in a rural area of Waupaca County.
Kraeger left her home without a cellphone and has been entered into the system as a missing/runaway juvenile. She is described as standing about 5‑foot‑4, weighing roughly 155 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a nose ring.
Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deputy Sheriff Mark Jensen emphasized that the department is relying on the eyes and ears of local residents to bring this case to a swift resolution. “We ask anyone who may have seen Auwynn or who noticed any unusual activity in the area that night to contact us immediately,” Jensen said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office at 715‑258‑4466. The department assures callers that they can remain anonymous, and tips will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
How the community can help
Residents are urged to check nearby roads, farms, and any locations where a teenager might seek shelter or rest. Neighbors who noticed a vehicle parked unusually long, or who heard voices or music around the time of the disappearance, should report those observations.
Family members and friends are also asked to spread the word through social media, local churches, schools, and community groups. The sheriff’s office will distribute flyers with Kraeger’s description to businesses, schools, and churches throughout the county.
What to expect when you call
When you call the tip line, be prepared to provide any details you remember, such as the direction of travel, description of any vehicles, or people you may have seen with Kraeger. Even seemingly minor information can be critical in piecing together her movements.
The sheriff’s department will follow up on every lead, and investigators will continue to canvass the area, checking with local farms, roadside rest stops, and any other locations where a teenager might have sought refuge.
Support for families of missing youths
Waupaca County has a network of volunteers and counseling services ready to support families dealing with the stress of a missing child. Local churches and community organizations have offered their facilities for family meetings and prayer vigils.
Deputy Jensen added, “Our community’s compassion and vigilance have helped resolve many missing‑person cases in the past. We are confident that, with your help, we will bring Auwynn home safely.”
If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please call the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office at 715‑258‑4466. Your tip could make the difference between a hopeful reunion and continued uncertainty.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
