Police narrow in on creek

The Bloomington Police Department and Bloomington branch of the FBI are leaving no stone unturned in their search for missing IU student Jill Behrman.\nThe police agencies will construct two 4,000-foot temporary dams and drain 15 million gallons of water from Salt Creek.\nConstruction began Monday on the dams near the north fork of Salt Creek. Investigators, who said they believe Jill is in the creek, which was last searched in early August. The search revealed evidence, which is currently undergoing forensic analysis.\n"We firmly believe Jill is in that creek," FBI Special Agent Gary Dunn said in a statement released by IU. "Otherwise, we wouldn't be there."\nDunn said once the creek was drained, members from the FBI recovery team, as well as cadaver dogs, would begin their search.\n"We are going to do this very professionally, thoroughly and meticulously," Dunn said. "Hopefully we are going to find some evidence related to Jill."\nPrior to draining the area, state officials from the Department of Environmental Management will evaluate if any aquatic species from the creek need to be removed.\n"We've inspected the site to make sure the water quality won't be affected," IDEM spokesperson Keri McGrath said. "We want to make sure the water quality complies with rules and laws, but also that we make sure the search has the best possibility for success."\nSeptember is an ideal time for this venture because monthly rainfall is traditionally low, according to an FBI statement. The impact on fishermen, sportsmen and others engaged in activities in and around Salt Creek will be minimal.\nThe dams will be constructed roughly parallel to McGowen Road and extend one half-mile south of Kent Road to the Old Friendship Road Bridge.\nResidents living along the northern fork of Salt Creek will be the only group allowed entry to the guarded area for the duration of the project.\nThe ability to implement this project in a swift manner is the result of numerous state agencies combining their efforts for a common goal, the statement said. \nFunding for the project has been collected from monies previously given to the Jill Behrman reward fund. Several individuals who donated money have been contacted and all have pledged their financial support in the search for Jill.\nThose with any information pertaining to the Behrman investigation are encouraged to call the Bloomington police at 349-3325 or the FBI's Bloomington office at 332-9275.