Current Event in My Area

Updated on September 04, 2016
E.T. asks from Rochester, MN
10 answers

27 years ago I had just started college in Eastern South Dakota when a young boy named Jacob Wetterling went missing from St. Joseph, Minnesota. We took a road trip to Minneapolis about a month later and I remember seeing all of the missing person signs everywhere we went. For some reason, his disappearance resonated with me. When I actually moved to Minnesota 14 years ago, the case was still unsolved, but definitely not forgotten. Every October Jacob was remembered across the state. Just this week, Jacob was found. It wasn't the outcome that the Wetterlings were hoping for. I can't even begin to imagine the pain that has been rekindled.

I am extremely grateful for the Wetterling family. Because of their tireless efforts, all of our kids are safer. After Jacob went missing, they began laying the groundwork for sex offender registration, were a big part of getting the Amber Alert system in place, and they do a lot to educate about missing and exploited children.

Since I need to ask a question, will you please all keep the Wetterling family and those close to the case in your thoughts and prayers?

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Featured Answers

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K.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

Yes, this was a big deal, for those of us in MN, especially. I was substitute teaching (and pregnant with my first child) when Jacob was taken, the social studies classes assignment was to write letters to far flung relatives, and include the "Missing" flyer - it was really something. Patty Wetterling was tireless, she spoke at a conference on safety and other topics, and was mesmerizing. I, too, am appreciative of all the good work that came from the foundation and Jacob's Hope.

4 moms found this helpful

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

I'm glad you posted this information. Yes, I'll pray for them and all the missing children and families.

5 moms found this helpful

W.W.

answers from Washington DC on

I saw this and was saddened by the news.

I said a prayer. I always hope the missing are found.

4 moms found this helpful
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E.B.

answers from Beaumont on

Yes, will pray for them. I'm not from MN or anywhere near there and I remember his picture and story well. Isn't it strange how some of these cases resonate with you? Yes, it's because of their tireless efforts procedures have been put in place to make all our children safer.

4 moms found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I remember all the coverage when that happened and my heart broke for that family. My heart still hurts for them and all of the families who have lost their children this way.

Amber Hagerman lived near the DFW area when she went missing and there are still events that occur around the anniversary of her disappearance.

I can't imagine the pain and the potential hope they may have had at finding him, especially since some kidnapped children have been found years later.

My heart breaks for them again now and I hope this can bring them closure.

4 moms found this helpful
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K.B.

answers from Grand Rapids on

Sad day for sure. I had just started my 2 year of college in northern Minnesota and remember the story to this day. I remember driving around the area, driving home, etc. looking out the car windows just hoping to see Jacob and help bring him home.

3 moms found this helpful
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A.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

So sad. I had just started college then too, in Moorhead, Minnesota. Everyone was just stunned when this happened. I drove past Jacob's hometown many a weekend on my way to St Paul and thought of him and his family. All those years he was still missing, everyone held on to hope that by some miracle, he was still alive, somewhere, somehow.

3 moms found this helpful
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E.B.

answers from Honolulu on

I saw that in the news and thought about how long his family has suffered. They are amazing advocates for children, even in the midst of their grief.

3 moms found this helpful
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J.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

So heart breaking. I can not begin to imagine their pain then and now.😓

2 moms found this helpful
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K.M.

answers from New York on

I just read that story on CNN. I was 11 when it happened and knew nothing of it (I grew up in FL). It is very sad, but I am glad the parents have some closure. Praying for his family. Interesting to me...he went missing/died on Oct 22, 1989. My father passed away the next day.

2 moms found this helpful
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