Author Beth Bednar talks with Aimee Tollefson after signing a copy of her book, "Dead Air - The Disappearance of Jodie Huisentriut" Tuesday at the Oak Park Mall.

Former KAAL news anchor Beth Bednar visited Austin on Tuesday to mingle and talk about her new book, “Dead Air: The Disappearance of Jodie Huisentruit.”

Bednar, who worked at KAAL for 20 years, had been digging up information about Huisentruit’s disappearance for years. Although they weren’t close friends, Bednar met Huisentruit, an anchor at KIMT in Mason City, on several occasions. Huisentruit’s disappearance, which happened in 1995, has never been solved.

Author Beth Bednar signs a copy of her book "Dead Air - The Disappearance of Jodie Huisentriut" during a book signing Tuesday at the Oak Park Mall. - Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

About a week ago, Bednar released her book, a project that took about a year and a half. She signed copies and saw familiar faces at Oak Park Mall, recalling how the book came about.

Bednar’s son told her she was compiling information for too long, and it was time to start writing. Bednar’s husband, Don, also said she spent a long time investigating — all on her own. Most of the information was public record, but Bednar filled in some blanks, he added.

“She put a lot of work into it,” Don said. “She did a lot of investigating and really dug deep into the story.”

Bednar felt compelled to write the story, as she’s lived the same lifestyle as a TV anchor.

“She’s lived the life of a concerned TV celebrity,” Don said. “There’s a lot of concern there.”

Bednar has not sold the rights to her book.

“She’s doing it all on her own,” Don said.

Her book reviews many of the details surrounding Huisentruit’s disappearance, such as the people in Huisentruit’s life and the night before she went missing.

Bednar now lives in the Twin Cities where she is a professional speaker.