>>Authorities Continue Search for Missing Columbia Heights Teen
Columbia Heights, MN) – Columbia Heights police are asking for the public’s help finding missing 16-year-old Jordan Collins Jr., a.k.a. Manny. Manny’s mother, Ashley Berry, says he’s never run away before, he texts and calls her every day, and he has plans for the future. Berry pleads that Manny’s father speak out soon. Manny was last seen at 4 a.m. on May 8th while at his father’s residence. Authorities say they have spoken with the father multiple times, but not about whether he’s cooperating. Since then, his phone pinged on Mother’s Day for three minutes before shutting off again. Officials believe Manny’s disappearance is against his will, and they fear the worst.
>>Brooklyn Park Public Works Director Accused Of Rape Resigns
(Brooklyn Park, MN) — A Brooklyn Park official is resigning following allegations of rape in Atlanta during a work-related conference. Public Works Director Daniel Ruiz recently submitted his resignation. He has been indicted by a Fulton County grand jury on charges of rape, aggravated sodomy, and false imprisonment. Ruiz is currently out on bond. Brooklyn Park officials have not indicated whether they conducted an internal investigation into the allegations. An arraignment is set for June 3rd.
>>12-Acre Horse River Fire 0% Contained
(Horse River, MN) — Spanning 12 acres, the Horse River fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) area in northern Minnesota is 0% contained. 19 personnel with the Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team are manning the fire. Two Wildland Fire Modules were added today to evaluate suppression options and appropriate firefighting tactics. Officials say a warming and drying weather trend over the next five days is expected to increase fire activity.
>>Drought Conditions Continue to Improve in Minnesota
(Lincoln, NE) — Drought conditions are improving in most of Minnesota. The new U.S. Drought Monitor map shows 72% of the state is abnormally dry, down eight percent from last week. Areas with moderate drought dropped from 18%-15% this week. There is no longer any severe drought in Minnesota. The driest parts of the state are in the northwest, north central, and southwest.
>>Camp House Fire Now 98% Contained
(Brimson, MN) — The Camp House Fire in Brimson is now 98% contained. While the fire is almost out, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued an air quality alert today through tomorrow, with an increase of smoke particles drifting down from wildfires in Canada. The Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team says the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) will continue to monitor the fire and look for hot spots in burned areas.
>>Jenkins Creek Fire Now 95% Contained
(St. Louis County, MN) — The Jenkins Creek Fire in St. Louis County is now 95% contained. The Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team says drone flights yesterday, looking at the southern and eastern edges, showed no signs of heat or active burning, but late night patrol saw some fire northeast of Skibo. Chipping and grading operations are underway along the 113 Road within the fire’s perimeter.
>>3 MN Salvation Army Members Sent to St. Louis for Tornado Cleanup
(Roseville, MN) — 3 Minnesotan Salvation Army members are in St. Louis this week to provide relief to those hit by deadly tornadoes just two weeks ago. Led by Twin Cities Director of Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Dorothy Maples, the team is operating a mobile feeding unit to give out hot food, hydration, and emotional care to the community. The group is also providing tarps, personal hygiene kits, and mobile generators to help power medical equipment and mobile communications. Officials say anyone who wants to volunteer in future EDS efforts can sign up online.
