Search for Ga. Hiker to Be Scaled Back

The search for a 24-year-old hiker who disappeared from the northern Georgia woods on New Year's Day will be scaled back, authorities said Sunday.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation spokesman John Bankhead said the search for Meredith Emerson will not stop, but that only trained search and rescue individuals and law enforcement will be involved on Monday. Authorities believe Emerson is no longer alive.

"We're not going to be using volunteers starting tomorrow," Bankhead said. "Given the scenario and the fact that it's a recovery effort, the mission has changed."

Also on Monday, the man accused of abudcting Emerson is scheduled to …