Whitley County authorities may have called off the widespread search for Debra Houser over the weekend, but search efforts continue, including some new techniques to comb the area west of Columbia City.

On Wednesday, a team focused search efforts on Larwill and Goose lakes in a boat equipped with an underwater camera.

A diver was on hand in case the camera spotted anything, although it did not, Whitley County Sheriff’s Department Detective Chuck Vogely said.

Houser was reported missing Nov. 18; her ex-husband, Rodney Houser, 43, was charged with her murder after he reportedly asked a friend to help hide her body, according to court documents.

For 3 1/2 days, law enforcement officers and volunteers fanned out in the area near the home the couple shared at 4041 W. Old Trail Road.

Whitley County Sheriff Mark Hodges suspended the massive foot search Sunday, saying searchers were exhausted and had thoroughly covered the area where an informant thought the 49-year-old woman’s body was.

Hodges said more massive hunts, like the one Saturday that drew more than 100 people, seemed pointless unless investigators receive more information about where Houser’s body may be.

However, the department will continue to call in new equipment and techniques as they become available, Vogely said.

Cadaver-sniffing dogs were back out Wednesday. The Indiana State Police and Department of Natural Resources conservation officers should deploy boats rigged with sonar on local lakes next week, Vogely said.

As the search for the body continues, her accused killer is off limits to detectives. Police have not been able to talk to Rodney Houser since the day his ex-wife was reported missing.

He requested a lawyer after initial questioning by police. Although the court has now appointed him one, investigators cannot interview him unless he or his attorney approaches them first, Vogely said.

Houser appeared in court for an initial hearing Monday. His next hearing, a pretrial conference, is scheduled for Dec. 21.

mzennie@jg.net