More than two years ago, Bobby Penn dropped his daughter Keira off at school. But when he returned to pick her up, Keira never showed up.

Keira has been missing ever since. She was one of more than 40 children still missing in Nevada on Saturday as the country recognized National Missing Children’s Day, according to both Nevada Child Seekers and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

The day serves as a reminder of every missing child throughout the nation, as well as the precautions parents can take to protect their children.

For parents like Penn, it is an opportunity to continue to raise awareness for his missing daughter and share a crucial message with parents: “communicate with your children.”

’I just hope she’s in a safe place’

“It started with the divorce,” Penn said. He and his ex-wife had a “contentious” divorce, and he feels that Keira and her brother got caught in the middle. It culminated in Keira’s mother losing custody, he said.

When Keira and her brother moved in with Penn, he thought the family had finally found a “new normal.”

Penn said Keira was a diligent student in school and an avid gymnast.

But on Jan. 24, 2022, Keira left school during the day and hasn’t been seen since.

“It’s been difficult dealing with that,” Penn said. “I just hope she’s in a safe place.”

‘As of right now, it’s just frustrating’

Over the past couple of years, Penn said the flow of information coming in from police has slowed.

He said that police have exhausted a series of leads. A subpoenaed phone record shows Keira was communicating with a number that Penn said belonged to his ex wife’s boyfriend on the day of her disappearance. But after that, Keira went “completely off the grid.”

He said police have searched his ex wife’s house, but Keira was not there.

He’s worried about his daughter’s quality of life. “Is she going to school?” he wondered. “It’s kind of like she’s living on the run. What kind of life is that?”

‘Unimaginable circumstances’

John Piet, Nevada children’s advocate, said that the frustration parents feel speaks to the challenging nature of law enforcement work. In this statutory role, he prosecutes cases dealing with missing or exploited children.

“They are unimaginable circumstances,” he said. “They want, and rightfully so desire, a return of their children as quickly as possible. And sometimes, that doesn’t happen.”

While he believes this issue is something most parents don’t even want to think about, he said preparation is critical. Piet recommends parents download a mobile app created by the FBI called “FBI Child ID” that allows parents to input current information and photos of their children.

The app also provides detailed instructions of what to do in the event that a child does go missing. “The first thing you do if your child has gone missing is call 911,” Piet said.

The unsolved cases

Margarita Edwards, executive director of Nevada Child Seekers, said around 96 percent of missing children are eventually found.

Every month, Nevada Child Seekers conducts a Saturday search. Volunteers look for information on “open cases that have gone cold.” All volunteers undergo a background check and training before they take to city streets.

Edwards said the team will gather in an area where a child was last seen missing. Volunteers will then spread out, posting fliers and knocking on neighbors’ doors.

Piet said he understands that the longer these cases go on, the more frustrating it is for parents. “Those cases are just as important as the cases that have recently gone missing,” he said.

Nevada’s missing child problem

In missing child scenarios where there is a confirmed abduction with imminent danger to the child, an AMBER alert will be issued.

According to Adrienne Abbott, chair of Nevada’s Emergency Alert System (EAS), there have been 60 EAS activations for 88 cases of abducted and endangered children since 2001.

Of these, 78 children have been safely recovered, and nine are believed to be alive and in Mexico, she said.

Online dangers

According to Edwards, the summer months are the peak months to lure children. This is because children are online more, possibly while their parents are away at work.

“Predators don’t have to drive around looking for kids anymore,” Edwards said. Instead, they can send them ride-share cars and let them come to them.

Edwards emphasized that a very small number of cases involve abduction by a complete stranger. More than 99 percent of the time, a child will go missing because of someone already in their life, interacting with them on a daily basis.

‘Don’t put it off’

When Keira moved in with Penn, he said that he didn’t have a conversation with her about everything that was going on. “All I ever wanted for her was just to be a kid,” he said. But he regrets not having this difficult talk.

He urged parents to stay involved in their kids’ lives. “Don’t put it off, just do it now,” he said, adding that even if she hadn’t wanted to speak to him, “at least she would have heard it, and maybe she would not have run away.”

Keira is now 17 years old. Penn hopes that one day, perhaps once she turns 18, she will reconnect with her father and brother.

“She has a lot of good that she could do in this world,” Penn said.

Contact Estelle Atkinson at eatkinson@reviewjournal.com.

While Nevada might mainly be known for Las Vegas, the state is home to miles upon miles of natural beauty, as well as adorable small towns and parks. Whether you’re looking for somewhere designed for the indoorsy type, with boutiques, libraries, and galleries, or something more outdoorsy with options for fishing, golfing, and hiking, you’ll find the perfect place to settle down. Each town is equipped with health services, senior centers, and more, sure to make transitioning into your new home a breeze.

Ely

A small mountain town known for its wild west history and mining, Ely brings together plenty of opportunities for both recreational activities and taking care of everyday essentials. The town has a dedicated hospital, medical clinic, and pharmacy, making keeping up with your health easy and accessible. Dollar stores, supermarkets, and hardware stores take care of shopping. You can also take advantage of the animal shelter if you’re looking for some companionship, or somewhere to spend your days volunteering. For meals, look forward to cuisines like homestyle American, Chinese, Mexican, and an old fashioned diner. There are also plenty of cafes and dessert spots, such as a snowcone shop and a floral-themed coffee house. Stay active indoors with a bowling alley, four casinos, and the Ely Art Bank. There is also a seniors center offering daily lunch, pool tables, and bingo. For those who love to be outdoors, stay close to home with a mural walk, showcasing 20 beautiful murals painted on the sides of the town buildings. Or visit the Ely Renaissance Village, an outdoor museum featuring dozens of old buildings, displays, and interactive exhibits. There are also plenty of events to look forward to, including Fire and Ice Fest, with sculptures and ice fishing, the Ely Filk Art and Music Festival, and the Schellraiser Music Festival in nearby McGill. For those looking to escape into the wilderness, spend the day at the different parks around Ely. Great Basin National Park is home to the world’s oldest trees, the bristlecones. It also has caves to explore, and great chances for star gazing at night. The Garnet Hill dormant volcano zone offers the opportunity to search for gems, and Cave Lake State Park and Ward Mountain are great for those who enjoy mountain biking. Comin’s Lake is a fishing haven, with species such as pike, trout, and bass. There is also the White Pine Golf Course for those who love to play the game. Homes in Ely average around an affordable $279,000.

Elko

The town of Elko combines big-name amenities with small-town charm and is located on Interstate 80. Shop for the big stuff at Walmart or Home Depot, and support local at the supermarket and Latin American grocers. There is also an urgent care center, medical offices, dental clinics, and a hospital. The senior center serves daily lunch and offers chances for socializing with horseshoe pits and a patio. Fill your stomach with delicious restaurants offering Mediterranean and Japanese dishes as well as steakhouses. Keep your nights busy with the Old West saloon, perfect for feeling like you’re back in the Old West. There is also a casino, a sports lounge for catching big games, whiskey rooms for sampling, and the 7018 Brewery for trying the newest craft beer. Stay active with the town pool, as well as the 51 mural art walk. In July, enjoy the Silver State Stampede, featuring live music, tasty eats, and rodeo events. Surrounding Elko are several ghost towns, historic sites, and rock-collecting areas, great for immersing yourself in the state’s history. The Humbolt River provides plenty of walking trails, and Angel Lake is great for fishing. Lamoille Canyon features majestic waterfalls and beautiful wildflowers. The Ruby Mountains offer endless backpacking trails and afternoon hiking opportunities. The Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge lets you take part in birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Homes here average around $415,000.

Winnemucca

Off Interstate 80 is the adorable town of Winnemucca. Surrounded by mountains and recreational areas, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had. Experience the Winnemucca Sand Dunes, Nevada’s largest dune field. Water Canyon Recreation Area is perfect for hiking and sightseeing, and the Humbolt River is a fisher’s dream, offering walleye, bass, and catfish. Park your chair next to the shore or find a dock and spend the afternoon casting a line in the sun. Love to golf? Play a game or purchase a membership at the Winnemucca Golf Course. For those who enjoy a lovely summer picnic, take advantage of the various parks, which have different offerings like picnic shelters and groomed walking trails. On warm days, take a dip at the community swimming pool, or make some friends and play a game of tennis at the public courts. Ride a motorcycle or have always wanted to? Make your way down to the Motorcycle and Music Festival. More of a fan of Old West culture, farming, or daredevil sports? Come on down to Rodeo Weekend. Winnemucca isn’t all fun and adventure, as it also offers everyday necessities such as a Walmart, discount grocery stores, a hospital, a dermatology center, and mental health services. There is also the Pleasant Seniors Center, with weekday meals, transit options, classes such as sewing, legal services, and health services. You can expect to spend around $398,000 on a home here.

Tonopah

By now you’ve probably noticed that Nevada is home to some world-class Western history, and Tonopah is no different. But unlike its smaller counterparts, Tonopah seems to offer endless opportunities for exploration, shopping, and experiencing new things. But first, let’s tackle what this quirky town has for amenities. The medical clinic, urgent care center, and chiropractor office keep your health a priority with timely and caring services. Restaurants like pizza joints, Mexican kitchens, and fried chicken stops keep you satisfied, and the Tonopah Brewing Company is great for meeting with friends and treating yourself to some late-night beverages. Take part in fun town activities like square dancing, bingo, talent shows, craft sales, and blacksmithing. The outdoor pool is great for a hot summer day, and you can take group or self-guided walking tours of the town’s history when you have some spare time. Shop at stores like bike shops, supermarkets, convenience marts, gift shops, and hardware stores to pick up supplies for your latest project. The senior center offers lunch, transportation, and an on-site thrift store great for finding your new favorite outfit. Now let’s get into what makes Tonopah unique. Visit the Historic Mining Park, or the Belmont Ghost Town for a blast to the past. Learn about the town’s history, especially when it comes to turquoise and silver mining, and try some hands-on activities. The Central Nevada Museum lets you take your time learning about the state’s Western past. The iconic Mizpah Hotel is also another hotspot and is even rumored to be haunted. The downtown core of Tonopah features Western stores, saloons, and possibly ghost-infested bars. Surrounding the town are even more chances for activity. Visit the Cresent Sand Dunes, or take in Monte Cristo’s Castle Rock Formation. The Alta Toquima Wilderness Area has hiking trails that lead to Mt. Jefferson and Pine Creek, and the Table Mountain and Arc Dome wildness areas are perfect for wildlife sightseeing. Take part in a fishing derby at Sportsman Park, or catch some heart-pumping racing at the Tonopah Speedway. Homes in Tonopah average around $450,000.

Laughlin

Located right next to the borders of California and Arizona, Laughlin is like a miniature version of Las Vegas and is great for those who love to keep the night going and feel like they’re on an endless vacation during retirement. It is also right next to the community of Bullhead City in Arizona, which provides tons of big-name amenities such as Walmart and Safeway. Home to a hospital and an international airport, your medical and flying needs are covered as well. And it is only an hour and a half drive to Vegas if you want to experience Paradise as well. When it comes to outdoor activities, take part in some swimming and fishing on the Colorado River. Lake Mohave is perfect for boating, and Big Bend of the Colorado River offers spectacular kayaking. Golf at courses such as the El Rio Golf Club, Huukan Golf Club, and Los Lagos Golf Club. Stroll along the River Walk, which winds its way along the Colorado River in town. There are also plenty of boat cruises available, offering river tours and transportation to different casinos. Speaking of casinos, Laughlin is home to eight of them, and they all feature different events and activities, including live music, comedy shows, and unique places to try a drink. Try the many different sports bars, piano bars, martini lounges, and dance clubs throughout town, or keep it lowkey at the cinema. Pamper yourself at the spa or salon. Shop till you drop at the outlet mall, or pick up some quirky knickknacks at a gift store. For breakfast, visit a cafe, with some of them being open 24/7. For lunch, grab some delicious seafood at Bubba Gump Shrimp, or at an American homestyle restaurant. For dinner, enjoy a top-tier steakhouse, dinner cruise, or tap house. A home in Laughlin averages around a surprising $279,900.

Fallon

An hour from Reno, the town of Fallon has a hospital for all your medical needs, and a Safeway for that important grocery run. The library is great for finding your new favorite book or taking part in a workshop. Catch the latest flick at the cinema. Swim at either the indoor or outdoor pool depending on the weather, and play some disc golf and softball at a local park. There is also a gym and plenty of walking trails. Dine out at restaurants offering Chinese, American homestyle, and farm fresh eats, and afterward, grab a drink at the Frey Ranch Estate Distillery. The town also offers transit services for seniors, as well as bus service to Reno and Las Vegas for a weekend getaway. The Oats Park Arts Center is perfect for embracing your creative side and showcasing live performances. Love cars? Enjoy some racing at the Rattlesnake Raceway or Top Gun Raceway. The Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge is great for birdwatching, as well as off-roading activities. The Lahontan State Recreation Area provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploring ruins. Grimes Point is a nearby archeological area where you can witness carved writings and petroglyphs. Fallon is also home to a good amount of yearly events, such as the Spring Wings Bird Festival in May, a Food and Drink Festival, and the Fallon Cantaloupe Festival in August. The Cantaloupe Festival is also Nevada’s longest-running. Expect to spend around $414,800 for a home here.

Whether you’re into a more resort-centric atmosphere with plenty of live shows, casinos, and lounges, or a more low-key life filled with outdoor exploration and quiet days at a cafe, Nevada has it all. And with its close proximity to Arizona and California, the opportunities for adventure are limitless. With its mild climate compared to other states in the winter, as well as various landscapes like farmland, mountain ranges, and sand dunes, Nevada is a great candidate for the perfect retirement spot.