MORENCI, MI (WTOL) – Volunteers have finished their organized searches for three missing brothers from Morenci Friday.
The boys disappeared without a trace last week and police, the FBI and searchers have had no luck locating them.
For many, ending the search without finding boys is difficult, yet allows them to hold out hope that the boys are still alive.
The formal search for the boys also continued Friday as several teams searched the St. Joseph River and Lazy River Campground near Pioneer.
Also, Angola Fire Department crews searched the water at the Lazy River Campground using sonar technology, which gives searchers a 3D-like image of the river bottom.
Crews cleared 700 yards of water and did not find any sign of the boys.
Nine-year-old Andrew, 7-year-old Alexander and 5-year-old Tanner Skelton haven't been seen since Thanksgiving Day. Their father is jailed on kidnapping charges.
In a news conference Wednesday, Morenci Police Chief Weeks asked for volunteers to take a break from formal searches this weekend.
However, Weeks says the FBI and investigators will continue to search Saturday and Sunday. He also asked folks who live in rural areas to search their own properties over the weekend.
Police say they will use the weekend to evaluate evidence and reassess the search.
Volunteers may be asked to regroup next week if needed.
Police still want anyone who may have seen Skelton's minivan last week to call police.
Officials want anyone who may have spotted the blue 2000-model Dodge Caravan with Michigan license plate 9JQH93 last Thursday and Friday to call at 517-458-7104.
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