For almost three years the Greene County Sheriff’s Department has conducted a persistent search for Hattie Knott. It all began on Nov. 14, 2002 when Knott mysteriously disappeared from the Springfield community in Greene County. No trace of her has been found since that day.

In most cases, after such an extended search, most departments would call off the search. However, Greene County authorities believe Knott may still be alive.

Rumors have surfaced through the years that Knott could still be alive. While the department does not have enough to act on right away, they do not plan to discount any possibility that Knott could be alive and well.

Sheriff Johnny Isaac wanted people to know that they are still on the lookout and plan to continue their search as long as there is hope.

“We just wanted to let people know we are still searching for her,” Isaac said. “We would like to let it come up in the papers again that we are still looking for her.”

One rumor circulating with the case was that Knott was alive and out of state. Isaac said, while there is no solid proof, they are not ruling this out.

“That is a possibility,” Isaac said.

At one-point authorities thought they had a break in the case when a man claimed to have picked her up. However, a further investigation showed no substance to the claim.

Knott, who is in her 90’s and suffers from Alzheimer’s, was originally thought to have wandered off. Police were searching for Knott within an hour of her disappearance and others had already begun a search. The party left no stone unturned, however, they were unable to find any sign of Knott. Authorities searched by four wheelers, horses and on foot to no avail.

Isaac said they can’t be sure what happened that day, but they will not rule out any possibilities.

“We can’t be for absolute sure,” Isaac said. “But I just can’t believe as fast as we were there when she was reported missing and someone saw her on the road how she could disappear.”

Since Knott’s disappearance the department has put out a nationwide alert.

Knott was last seen wearing a maroon top with green pants, moccasin shoes and a black Tobboggan. She has white hair and is about 5’6″ to 5’8″ and weighs around 140 pounds.

If you come in contact with any information regarding the whereabouts of Knott, please call the Greene County Sheriff’s Department at 205-372-3242 or Lula Davis at 205-372-3793.