Forty-three-year-old Sherry Arnold was a well-respected teacher, mother, and dear friend to many. "She was a go-getter, a great teacher, and just a very nice down-to-earth person," longtime Sidney resident; Joy Johnson said.
Johnson attended a press conference Friday afternoon to learn the facts about Sherry's disappearance. "It's nice to know that they have a couple of people detained, but that still leaves you with questions as to what happened and why," Johnson said.
A 47-year-old man and a 22-year-old man are being held in Williston, North Dakota, on aggravated kidnapping charges. Both are in connection with Sherry Arnold's disappearance. Officials with Williams County Jail said the two men were booked on Friday. "We didn't learn a lot. But, it's good to know that there are things going on, and I came because I wanted firsthand information. We're in a small town. There's a lot of stories that can get started, and I wanted to hear things firsthand," Chamber of Commerce Executive Director of Agriculture.
News of Arnold’s death comes on the heels of an emotional week for the family and for area residents who had maintained hope and offered many prayers. Arnold went missing last weekend about 6:30 a.m. when she went for her normal morning run and didn’t return. Within hours, 100 residents were searching streets and posting flyers. Word spread quickly, eventually drawing attention from national news organizations, especially after only a single running shoe was found.
On Sunday, more than 1,000 volunteers, traveling even from Williston,N.D., arrived at the high school to help search for the high school math teacher. Law enforcement sent more than half away in order to maintain control but said they appreciated their support. The search continued until nightfall.
On Monday, law enforcement handled the search efforts, only calling on the public for help when needed. A day later, news came the FBI had taken over and were working out of the Richland County Law & Justice Center with assistance from Sidney police. A tip line was set up.
The Herald spoke Thursday afternoon with Arnold’s family who said they were “hanging in there” as they struggled through numerous regional and national interviews. “It’s been a challenge,” Gary Arnold said of the media attention. “Not any of us have ever been speakers on that kind of a stage. It’s what you do to get her home.”
The Herald received condolences from across the nation when word came of Sherry Arnold’s death. Gov. Brian Schweitzer told the Herald Friday that “Sherry’s family, friends and the entire Sidney community are in Nancy’s and my thoughts and prayers. She will always be remembered as a wonderful daughter, mother, wife, teacher and a beloved member of the Sidney community.”
An email from U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said, “Sharla and I are deeply saddened by today’s tragic news. Sherry was a beloved member of the Sidney community whose legacy as a mother and a teacher will not be forgotten. Sharla and I have Sherry’s family and the entire Sidney community in our thoughts and prayers.”
Arnold's family called Sherry a “go-getter” who was “never late” and many appointments she had she arrived ahead of time. A leader, planner, referee, a best friend, beloved daughter; she was a “wonderful wife” and “fantastic mother,” Gary said.
She was strong, he said. She defeated cancer six years ago. “She was a survivor. She came out of the cancer surgery 11 and a half hours, and she surprised the doctors. They expected her to have to walk with a brace, and when she said no, she meant no, and she learned how to walk without the brace – and not only walk but jog and run.” An “exemplary” illustration of the ideal patient.
Her stepdaughter, Catherine Arnold, said she’s reminded of Sherry’s attitude when she thinks of her battle with cancer. If one didn't already know, they wouldn't suspect she had cancer. “Because she was always focused on everybody else,” she said. “And that’s how she was, every single day…She never once strayed away from that.
No comments:
Post a Comment