81-year-old Bitely man found safe

BITELY, Mich. (WOOD) - An 81-year-old man with Alzheimer's who had not been seen since Dec. 24 has been found.

Mervin Newville was found safe on Dec. 27, according to Newaygo County authorities.

He flagged down a passing snowmobile in northern Newyago County. The snowmobile driver called 911 and deputies and medical responders soon arrived on scene.

Newville was taken to Reed City Hospital.

Newville initially went missing around 9 a.m. Dec. 24 while on his way from Bitely to Big Rapids for some groceries.

That afternoon, investigators said, he made a transaction at a Walmart and a BP gas station in Big Rapids. He was expected back home but did not show up.

Part of the effort to find Newville included a helicopter search from the US Coast Guard, but that was not successful.