Search Ramps Up for Missing 9-Year-Old Girl Near Rockerville

RAPID CITY, SD. (AP) — A Pennington County Sheriff  says searchers so far have found no trace of a missing 9-year-old girl who ran away from staff at a residential youth home near Rockerville.

Serenity Dennard is a Caucasian female, 4 foot 9 inches, 90-100 pounds, with blue eyes and shoulder length dark blonde hair. She was last seen wearing only a long sleeved grey shirt with flowers, blue jeans and snow boots.

Pennington County Sheriff Kevin Thom said Monday afternoon that 65 people assisted by dogs are searching for Serenity. As of Tuesday morning, the search team has grown to over 100 people. Deputies have been going door to door speaking with neighbors and looking in outbuildings, log piles, hay bales, anywhere a child might hide or take refuge. The Civil Air Patrol joined the search Monday morning.

Police are encouraging anyone who has a game camera set up in the area, to look over footage and let authorities know if you see anything.

Investigators have been able to speak with a couple who last saw the girl near the children’s home, to better define a timeline of events. The couple were cutting wood and driving a pickup.

Sheriff’s officials say the girl left the Children’s Home Society near Rockerville about 10:45 Sunday morning without a coat. The Rapid City Journal reports the organization’s executive director, Bill Colson, says Serenity was playing in the gym inside the facility when she ran away from staff.

If anyone has seen or had contact with Serenity Dennard, please contact the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office at (605) 394-6115.