MARSEILLES — A full-scale ground search will begin Wednesday, March 30, for local resident Susan J. Schultz, who was reported missing on Wednesday, March 23.

The last known contact with the 43-year-old daughter of Dorothy Schultz of Marseilles, and the late Ray Schultz, was Friday, March 18.

Marseilles Police Chief Jim Hovious said today that Susan has a history of mental and physical disabilities, is a severe diabetic, and would be in need of insulin. He said the exact date when she left is uncertain at this time.

She is described at 5 feet, 6 inches in height, weighing about 200 pounds, with brown hair and eyes, and sometimes wears glasses.

He said Susan has made statements in the past concerning suicide, and specifically jumping off the Illinois River bridge at Marseilles into the river.

A search of the river Monday downstream from Marseilles by the Ottawa River Rescue Squad did not turn up any evidence of the missing woman, Hovious said.

“We have carried out random searching on the riverbank and such,” Hovious said.

Hovious said Wednesday’s search would concentrate on the towpath along the Illinois and Michigan Canal. He said Susan, who lived alone in an apartment in Marseilles, enjoyed walking the towpath and did so on a frequent basis.

He said many agencies are to participate in the ground search Wednesday, including the La Salle County Ground Search and Rescue unit, and the local fire and ambulance departments.

“Other volunteers are coming on board as we speak,” he said.

To volunteer, contact the Marseilles Police Department at (815) 795-2131, or meet at the Lions Club, 511 Commercial St., Marseilles, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 30.

Anyone with additional information on the disappearance is asked to contact the police department at the same number.