ST. CLOUD — As the 25 year anniversary of Jacob Wetterling’s abduction nears, a new billboard campaign is underway to keep the spotlight on Jacob’s case.

A joint news conference announcing the initiative was held in St. Cloud today with representatives from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Minnesota BCA, FBI, Jerry and Patty Wetterling and Stearns County Sheriff John Sanner.

National Center President and CEO John Ryan says history has shown missing children are found and returned to their families even decades later.  He says from 2009-2013, the NCMEC has identified 160 missing children who have been returned to their families 11-20 years after their disappearance.  Forty-two of those kids were missing for more than 20 years.

Patty and Jerry Wetterling thanked the public and the media for continued efforts in keeping Jacob’s case at the forefront here in Minnesota.  Patty Wetterling says, while Jacob’s abduction remains unsolved, there has been success stories of children being reunited with their families even years later.

Six billboards have been designed and donated by Lamar Advertising and LifeTouch Photography depicting an age enhanced photo of Jacob. The billboards are being strategically placed near the abduction site and corridors leading to the area where Jacob was taken.

Authorities are asking anyone who may have information on Jacob’s abduction to call 1-800-THE-LOST.

Wednesday, October 22nd marks 25 years since Jacob was taken near his St. Joseph home by a masked gunman.

Source:  Lee Voss/Townsquare Media

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