Community relieved after learning Kathryn Stalbaum found safe

WALES (WITI) -- The Wales-Genesee community was turned upside down after 15-year-old Kathryn Stalbaum was reported missing on Tuesday, November 5th. Residents breathed a collective sigh of relief as the girl was found safe in Chicago on Friday evening, November 8th.

"We've been posting her picture. It's just been a crazy, intense week so I'm glad that they found her," said Erin Widmann.

The good news spread quickly in the small town of Wales, but there are still many unanswered questions.

"I'm relieved to hear she's been found. I'm concerned with how she got to Chicago," said Mathew Widmann.

Investigators say the believe Stalbaum approached a Chicago police officer and asked for help. Officials hope to reunite the girl with her parents as early as Friday night.