Barron, Wis. – The signs proclaimed the newfound joy throughout town on a sunny Friday, adorning businesses, churches and a government building with the warmest of wishes:
"Welcome Home Jayme," read one outside city hall.
"Thank You For Bringing Her Home," an electric sign flashed at the Dairy Queen.
"Welcome home Jayme thank you God," read the message outside the First Baptist Church.
Finally, after three months of living under a pall of worry and fear after James and Denise Closs were shot to death in their home, their 13-year-old daughter, Jayme, apparently abducted, residents in this northwest Wisconsin community had something to celebrate: Jayme had escaped from her captor and was returning to her family, authorities had announced.
Elated residents couldn't help but gush.
"Amazing," they said. "Astonishing." "Unbelievable."
"It's a happy day in Barron," said former longtime Mayor Bard Kittleson. "Thank God for miracles."