Iowa Park Staff Gets Permission to Continue Looking for Lost Hiker

Granted exemption from furloughs

As the government shutdown grinds into its second day and federally funded parks across America are shuttered, activity will continue at one national monument.

The Craters of the Moon National Monument was granted an exemption that will allow nine of its staff to continue the search for Dr. Jo Elliott-Blakeslee, 63, who went missing in the park Sept. 19.

Originally, only three employees were told they could remain at work to take care of necessary functions during a government-ordered furlough. However, exemptions were granted because the monument was conducting an emergency search, Plan Section Chief John Apel said Wednesday.