Oregon city prays for Wilberger's return

CORVALLIS, Ore. — "Pray for the Safe Return of Brooke."

The plastic banner has adorned First Presbyterian Church's message board since Brooke Wilberger disappeared a year ago, and there are no plans to take it down.

"The sign is going to stay up for a while," said John Dennis, the church's senior minister.

The Brigham Young University freshman vanished from an apartment complex parking lot a year ago today and triggered massive searches, prayer vigils and an outpouring of support.

Despite massive search efforts, no sign of her has been found.

Few people have forgotten. Reminders abound in this quiet college town.

"We've prayed in a fairly consistent way each week," Dennis said.

He has stayed in touch with her parents and remains quietly optimistic.

"I hope something unexpectedly good comes out of this," he said.

Searchers put in about 8,000 hours looking for Wilberger.

Megan Zimmerman wears one of the pink bracelets with the Find Brooke Web address and hotline number. The bracelets were commissioned by the family as a fund-raising effort and a way to increase awareness about Wilberger's disappearance.

Kevin Roddie of Peak Sports said the store sold more than 2,000 of the bracelets since they went on sale last October.

Lately, sales have slowed and Peak Sports no longer stocks them.

But Zimmerman said her Brooke bracelet is still a catalyst for conversation.

"A girl disappears, and it's like our whole town got turned upside down," Zimmerman said. "I think about Brooke every day."