TWO RIVERS, Wis. — Some businesses in Two Rivers, Wis., have put blue hearts on their windows to support Elijah Vue while others continued to search for him.
In front of the Crafty Cravings Café, there is a three-layered blue heart. Manager Alex Dewitt said the three hearts represented Vue’s age.
Vue, 3, has been missing since Feb. 20.
“This is just a display to show him that this is a safe place to come and remind the community that we need their help,” said Dewitt. “He’s 3 years old and he can’t do it himself.”
Dewitt said the blue hearts also express support for police in their search efforts.
“They’re not alone — that there are communities and individuals and businesses who are on their side and want the best for this little boy,” said Dewitt.
James Kohlhagen of Sheboygan Falls, Wis., put on his boots to join in the search for Vue. His headed just north of Two Rivers this morning to look for the missing child.
He said he believes it is his public duty to help in any way he can.
“I feel sorry for this little boy,” said Kohlhagen. “He did nothing to anybody. I would like to find him. I hope we can.”
Two Rivers has also established an online fund for those who want to support the search efforts.
City manager Greg Buckley said they are thankful for everyone who has helped out since Vue went missing.
“There are numerous community search groups and individuals all over Manitowoc County and beyond that are engaging in searching,” said Buckley. “There are considerable expenses associated and if people want to help offset some of those official police and city government expenses or augment the reward those are opportunities.”
Dewitt said it is still shocking that this tragedy happened.
“We care just as much as everyone and we join the search efforts and it’s important for everyone to take part,” said Dewitt.
She also said she is grateful to see her community band together with the goal of bring Elijah Vue home.
Vue’s mother, Katrina Baur, is in jail on charges of child neglect and obstructing police. Her boyfriend, Jesse Vang, is in jail on charges of child neglect.
Vue’s father has been incarcerated at Oshkosh Correctional Institute since 2023, in an unrelated matter.
Vue is a 3-year-old male with sandy colored hair and brown eyes. Two Rivers Police Department said he “was described as having Hmong and white ethnicity.”
He has a birthmark on his left knee. He is 3-feet-tall and weighs 45 pounds.
In the Amber Alert issued Feb. 20, police said he was last seen wearing gray sweatpants, as well as a long-sleeve, dark-colored shirt and red and green dinosaur slip-on shoes.