The sheriff called a meeting Wednesday evening with Barron County residents, but he barred reporters from attending, saying he wants to have a private dialogue with the people who elected him.
Bill Lueders, president of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, called the decision to bar the media "offensive."
"The media are uniquely able to help, in terms of getting out information and encouraging people to share tips," Lueders said. "Does he want to find this girl, or does he just want to make a public display of his dislike for the press?"
Investigators have '100 percent expectation' that missing Wisconsin girl Jayme Closs is still alive