Boatright's body was discovered near the end of this primitive
road near the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Gilmer County
 Sheriff Carl Ballengee have searchers get on same radio frequency
 Group of searchers get organized in village of Orton
By Bob Weaver 2005
The body of seventy-nine-year-old Calvin Boatright was found about noon today, about 150 yards from where his truck was discovered last night lodged against some trees at the dead end of a primitive Gilmer County road.
Police dogs began a search last night, picking up Boatright's scent, but a pouring rain disrupted the trail.
Boatright, allegedly suffering from Alzheimer's disease, had been missing for about six days.
Calhoun Sheriff Carl Ballengee organized a search party this morning to look for the Sassafras Ridge man.
Searchers from Calhoun's three fire departments, along with other volunteers, began looking in an area near Orton, about two miles south of Normantown and US 33-119.
Searchers begin mountain ascent commencing
search during a downpour of snow
Ballengee said the search began in an area where Boatright's Norwegian dog was spotted. The dog was shot and killed by a farmer who said it was chasing his cattle and was growling and angry.
Boatright's body was discovered by a searcher in an area near the Oak Grove Baptist Church and cemetery, which is located on a high hill.
It was here were the Boatright vehicle traveled, continuing down a muddy road until it could go no further.
The vehicle was located Monday after a farmer saw a flier printed from the Hur Herald at Sear's Exxon, and returned to the scene of the disabled truck to check the license number.
New fallen snow continued as the search group ascended the mountain where Boatright's truck was found.
The Gilmer County Sheriff's department was notified, in addition to the Gilmer County Coroner. The body has been taken to the State Medical Examiner's office in Charleston.
"The investigation is continuing," Ballengee said. "We are still looking at all the options."
Ballengee said he is appreciative of the dozens of individuals who have offered information and all the volunteers who provided assistance in helping locate Boatright.
Ballengee points toward area where Boatright's dog was first spotted
Searchers begin this morning's efforts to find missing man
Search party getting organized at Sear's Exxon, Stumptown
SEE earlier Herald stories.
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