Monday marked an entire week that James &uot;Hug&uot; Polnitz Sr. was last seen by relatives or anyone, for that matter, who knows him.

It was also the day when state and local authorities intensified their search, using a helicopter and other tracking devices to try and locate the 1986 brown and beige Chevy truck he took-off in a week ago.

But there was no sign of Polnitz, authorities said.

The 87-year-old man of Orrville is the father of nine children, all of whom are looking to bring closure to this heart-wrenching ordeal, Doris Polnitz said.

Polnitz left his place of residence sometime Monday morning, Sept. 9, and told relatives he was coming to Selma to visit a brother. But he never made it.

A search ensued, but so far he still hasn’t been found.

Dallas County Sheriff Harris Huffman Jr. said that this type of behavior is not unusual, and actually &uot;happens a good bit&uot; among elderly persons. Many times, Huffman said, the person is found in another state two or three weeks later.

Family members and relatives are concerned, though, because of the mental and physical heath of Polnitz.

They say that although Polnitz has not been diagnosed with having Alzheimer’s disease, he is not as mentally sound as he once was, and is on heart and kidney medication that he needs badly.

Relatives noted that Polnitz also has a bad case of arthritis that limits his mobility.

Polnitz is described as a 5’4” brown-skinned man, with black and gray hair and brown eyes. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing khaki pants with a matching shirt. Authorities have notified law enforcement personnel in surrounding counties and other measures have been taken to help assist in the search for Polnitz.

Huffman said, &uot;He could be anywhere and hopefully that’s what happened.&uot;

Doris Polnitz said the family is &uot;anxious to find out the outcome and will continue to think positive about the whole thing.&uot;

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Polnitz is asked to contact the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department at 875-2530 or 875-2578.