LOCAL TEEN MISSING

Still missing. After all this time. Amidst speculations and stated fears. John and I ate breakfast in a downtown cafe one day last week. A reporter and photographer roamed among the diners. "Do you know the girl?" they asked us. When we admitted that we didn't, they asked if we had comments. "Yes," I said. "I believe our local police are doing their best trying to find her." Any more comments? "We're all united, praying for Hailey's safe return."

She could still return, though she disappeared December 27 or 28. Someone reported spotting her in Odessa last week. It could be true...if she really is a runaway. I choose to believe that and that she'll return.

People keep searching and praying.