Relatives of missing Oregon boy urge optimism

By NIGEL DUARA Associated Press Writer

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Relatives of a 7-year-old Oregon boy who went missing from his Portland school and hasn't been seen for five days are urging those working to find him to carry on the search with optimism.

Twenty-two state, local and federal agencies have been following up on more than 1,200 tips in the search for Kyron Horman.

The second grader disappeared Friday, and Multnomah County sheriff's deputies and volunteers have been combing through the densely wooded area near his school since then.

Kelly Ramirez, the sister of the boy's mother, thanked everyone who has worked on the search.

She asked in a statement Monday evening that people to print and distribute fliers with the boy's photo. And she says searchers shouldn't give up hope, since Kyron's family never will.