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The lake is draining through a 3-foot culvert with a grate over it that would prevent a body from flowing into it, Abben said. A pump was brought in on Tuesday to quicken the pace. The lake was drained in 2008 when the area flooded and in 2009 when a fish kill prompted the city to empty it and restock it. Abben said he was told it was down 3 feet on Tuesday morning and the water level continued to fall throughout the day with more of the bank visible. A massive sweep of the area that drew hundreds of volunteers over the weekend failed to find any evidence. Authorities previously dredged the lake and have been interviewing family, friends and registered sex offenders who live in the area. Abben said that local, state and federal officials have been "grasping for straws" in the search. A tip line turned up numerous reports of articles of clothing that had been found, but none belonged to the girls. He said it was as if they had just disappeared. Abben declined to talk specifically about evidence other than saying the bicycle and purse, which had a cellphone in it, did not definitely place the girls at the lake. The cellphone was used by the girls to play games and was not activated to make calls, he said. He said tips were coming from across the United States since the story has gained national attention. He said the family has been cooperating with the investigation. "We have no reason to believe there was any foul play at this time," he said. "Everyone is suspect until we find something." Lyric's mother, Misty Morrissey, said the family members were trying to stay as upbeat as possible considering the circumstances. "We're pretty emotional, pretty sad, trying to remain positive and trying to hold on to our faith and know that God is still in control and we're going to find a resolution to this," she said.
[Associated
Press;
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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