Family members frantically search for missing Ashland mother Lynn Jackenheimer

CLEVELAND - The family of missing Ashland mother Lynn Jackenheimer is now assisting law enforcement, searching a mile around the North Carolina residence in question.

Dare County Sheriff's Office chief deputy Steve Hoggard said about 25-30 of his officers, the National Park Service, and at least two other police departments are at the scene in Salvo, North Carolina.

Canines are not being used as part of the search Thursday because of the rainy weather conditions from the morning, when it rained for 3 hours. Friday's forecast isn't looking much brighter, as cloudy skies and thunderstorms are likely.

Lynn Jackenheimer's brother, Shaun, and his fiancee, Brittany Patterson, were the first family members to North Carolina. Patterson told a reporter the family came down to get some "peace of mind." She said they want to bring Lynn home one way or another so the family can have closure.

"The drive was rough. It's all about prayers," explained Shaun.

Jackenheimer, 33, was last heard from on July 3 before midnight, according to her best friend, Naomi Jackson.

"Lynn called a friend that she works with," said Jackson, who did not make the trip to Salvo because she is six months pregnant.

"Our thoughts are that's where she's at. Just from what he said, that's all we know is what he said to his brother. And then they stayed there the whole week. We are just searching where he was at," said Jackson.

Businesses are also taking donations for purple ribbons, hoping to help Lynn's family, too.

"I pray that they find her. Everybody needs peace in this mess. I'm just praying they find her alive," said Affinity Salon owner Sabrina Valentine.

On June 30, Jackenheimer decided to travel with on-again, off-again boyfriend Nathan Summerfield, 27, for vacation in Nags Head, North Carolina. According to Jackson, the two were back on a trial basis, but had been broken up previously.

Jackson said Summerfield told his former girlfriend he had gone to counseling and got help. She believes Jackenheimer wanted to reunite her family, as she and Summerfield have a 3-year-old son together.

In 2009, Jackenheimer had an order of protection against Summerfield.

"He dragged her through the house," Jackson said. The mom-to-be is fielding media questions for the family because she said they are a bit overwhelmed.

Police and the FBI got involved with the case when Summerfield's brother called 911 saying his brother admitted to strangling Jackenheimer. Police have been unable to speak with Summerfield, and at this point, neither has anyone else in the family. Summerfield came back to Ashland, Ohio from North Carolina on July 7, dropped off their 3-year-old and Jackenheimer's 13-year-old daughter, who has autism, and then, he too, disappeared.

Jackenheimer was seen eating in a restaurant in Salvo with her two children. The restaurant owner said he did not see Summerfield with her.

Meanwhile, Jackson is asking anyone with information, a photo, or if they've seen either Jackenheimer or Summerfield , to contact authorities.

The Ashland County Sheriff's Office can be reached at (419) 289-3911. Dare County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina can be reached at (252) 475-5980.

A reward for information leading to Jackenheimer has soared to $8,000. Around Ashland, you'll find a sea of purple ribbons as people put up reminders about the missing mother of two. Friends are also selling T-shirts for $10. All proceeds go to benefit the family.

If you would like to make a donation, you can visit any Chase Bank and donate to the Lynn A. Jackenheimer Family Trust Fund. Donations are also being taken by Beer Barrell Goodfellows Pizza, 1677 Claremont Avenue, Ashland, Ohio, and at O'bryan's Pub, 1065 Claremont Avenue, Ashland, Ohio.