Tuesday 5PM Update: Law Enforcement on Missing Girls: "We are still working this as a 24-7 operation"

KCRG/Gazette/Courier Staff Reports

Authorities are monitoring Meyers Lake as the lake drains while the search efforts continue for Lyric Cook-Morrissey, 10, and Elizabeth Collins, 8, Tuesday, July 17, 2012, in Evansdale, Iowa. (MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor)

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jul 17, 2012 at 5:02 PM CDT

Story Updated: Dec 11, 2012 at 12:12 PM CDT

EVANSDALE, Iowa - Authorities continue to drain Meyers Lake and follow tips in the search for two missing girls, but officials haven't had any new information in connection with the disappearance.

"We are still working this as a 24-7 operation," said Capt. Rick Abben with the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office. He said investigators continue to receive leads from the public but was tight-lipped about any developments.

The girls were last seen in Evansdale, and their bikes and a purse were found on the bike trail behind Meyers Lake on Friday.

Abben said tips have come in that led police to areas outside of Evansdale, but he declined to be specific or talk about any results. "Every tip is being followed up on," said Abben, who again encouraged anyone with information to call the tip hotline.

He also declined to talk about the results of any tracking dogs that have been used during the search or what investigators have been able to tell from the abandoned bicycles. "The bikes have been processed," Abben said. As for the results of any fingerprinting, Abben said he would just "leave it at that."

Despite the fact that authorities are rounding out their fifth day in the search, morale was good Abben said.

Meanwhile at Meyers Lake, residents passed through during the day to see the drawdown, which began on Monday. on Tuesday, city workers removed boat docks from the north shore, carrying the structures past brick retaining walls topped with the remains of candles from earlier vigils.

Firefighters on kayaks floated toward anything that appeared suspicious.

Abben said crews have added a pump to speed up the draining.