Firm offers billboards to help search

Three billboards in the Inland Northwest are being donated by Lamar Advertising to display photos and descriptions of the two missing children from North Idaho.

Authorities continue to follow leads and tips in the disappearance of Shasta Groene, 8, and Dylan “D.J.” Groene, 9. Their mother, 40-year-old Brenda Groene, her boyfriend, 37-year-old Mark McKenzie, and her 13-year-old son Slade Groene were found dead in their home near Wolf Lodge Bay on May 16.

No new information on the investigation was released Thursday by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department.

The billboards will be located at U.S. Highway 95 and Garwood Road in North Idaho and at two locations in Spokane.

The FBI is offering a reward up to $100,000 for information leading to the safe return of the children. Secret Witness also is offering a $7,500 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case. Anonymous tips are accepted by Secret Witness.

Shasta is 3-foot-10, 54 pounds and has brown hair and hazel eyes. Dylan is 4 feet tall, 60 pounds and has short blond hair and blue eyes.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department is operating a tip line at (208) 446-2292. Information also can be e-mailed to kcgovtips@hotmail.com.

Rockslides, fog close Going-to-the-Sun Road

West Glacier Foggy, icy conditions and several rockslides closed a 12-mile stretch of Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park on Thursday.

Through traffic was blocked from the Loop to Jackson Glacier on the east side. Park officials did not expect conditions to improve until at least today.

Traffic was still allowed between West Glacier and the Loop, and the St. Mary entrance and Jackson Glacier Overlook.

Rockslides and winter driving conditions are common on the 52-mile scenic road, which reaches elevations of more than 6,400 feet. Park visitors were urged to be aware and come prepared.