DES MOINES, Iowa – Backhoes and dogs are being used to search for a missing Iowa State University student authorities fear could be buried in the snow.
Jon Lacina hasn't been seen since he left a small gathering at a friend's home in Ames the night of Jan. 22. The Iowa State senior's father reported him missing Saturday, prompting a weekend search by about 250 people helped by a helicopter and dive team.
Searchers Monday began using backhoes to scrape away snow near where Lacina was last seen.
Parts of central Iowa were blanketed in several inches of snow in the days after Lacina went missing, and about 5 inches remains in Ames.
Officials say there's no indication Lacina would want to leave the area or hurt himself. Police don't suspect foul play but the investigation is ongoing.
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