The Ashland County Sheriff says the U.S. Forest Service is searching the area where a missing Taylor County's woman's van was found Wednesday.

38-year old Jean Viken was reported missing last week from her home southwest of Medford. Investigators say they think foul play may be involved. The van is now at the state crime lab in Wausau, being examined for evidence.

Ashland deputies say they searched the area where the van was and couldn't find anything to indicate anyone went into woods nearby.

Taylor County investigators are asking anyone who thinks they may have seen Viken or her van in the last week to call them. The phone number is 715-748-2200.

The family of a missing Taylor County woman says they're hoping for the best after investigators say they think foul play may be involved. Wednesday night investigators found the missing woman's van in the Chequamegon National Forest.

The Taylor County Sheriff's Department said the 2004 Chevrolet van that belongs to 38-year-old Jean A. Viken was discovered in the forest on the Ashland County side.

Investigators say Viken's whereabouts are still unknown and, at this time, foul play is suspected.

Viken was reported missing last week from her home in the Town of Holway. Her van is at the Wisconsin State Crime Lab, being examined for evidence.

On Thursday we spoke with Jean's sister, who was very upset about her disappearance. Family members would only say they are hoping for the best. Court documents show Jean filed for divorce from her husband Duane in September. We spoke with Duane's sister, Lori Viken from Medford, Thursday who says the couple's four young children are with their dad.

Jean Viken’s sister-in-law Lori Viken says, "I don't know what to think. I'm kind of hoping she just took off somewhere just to get away. I don't think she has any enemies."

We could not reach Duane Viken for comment.

The sheriff's department is asking anyone who thinks they may have seen Viken or her van in the last week to call them. The phone number is 715-748-2200 investigators say you can also leave confidential information.

There is a fund set up, according to the family, to help pay for ongoing costs.

Accounts are set up as the Jean Viken Fund and please send donations to:
Taylor Credit Union, 825 East Allman, Medford, WI 54451
Peoples Choice Credit Union, 352 North 8th Street, Medford, WI 54451