Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today signed Emergency Executive Order 09-10, directing the Minnesota National Guard to assist the Cass County Sheriff in search and recovery efforts. On or about Friday, July 24, a citizen was reported missing in the Cass County area. The Cass County Sherriff today requested National Guard assistance in search and recovery operations after exhausting all local resources. The Governor’s Emergency Executive Order calls for personnel and equipment assistance from the Minnesota National Guard.

The following is the text of the Governor’s emergency executive order:

EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDER 09-10

PROVIDING FOR EMERGENCY SEARCH AND RECOVERY ASSISTANCE TO THE CASS COUNTY SHERIFF

I, TIM PAWLENTY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Minnesota Constitution and applicable laws, do hereby issue this emergency executive order:

WHEREAS, on or about July 24, 2009, a citizen was reported missing in the Cass County area, and;

WHEREAS, on July 25, 2009, a car was found in a rural area northeast of Staples, Minnesota; and

WHEREAS, Cass County has exhausted all local resources for providing search and recovery operations; and

WHEREAS, the Cass County Sheriff has requested the Minnesota National Guard to provide search and recovery assistance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I hereby order that:

1. The Adjutant General of Minnesota order to state active duty on or about August 8, 2009, in the service of the State, such personnel and equipment of the military forces of the State as required and for such period of time as necessary to provide search and recovery assistance in Cass County.

2. The Adjutant General is authorized to purchase, lease or contract goods or services necessary to accomplish the mission.

3. The cost of subsistence, transportation, fuel, pay and allowances of personnel shall be defrayed from the general fund of the State, as provided for in Minnesota Statutes 2008, Sections 192.49, 192.52 and 192.54.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 2008, Section 4.035, Subdivision 2, this Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until such date as elements of the military forces of the State are no longer required.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have set my hand this 7th day of August, 2009.