With flood threat easing, Minn. Guard pulling out

[April 03, 2009]  ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota National Guard has ended its mission around Moorhead, with the Red River receding, but North Dakota's mission is still operating.

The Minnesota Guard's mission in Clay County wound up Friday morning, although some command staff will remain because the river may crest again this month.

North Dakota National Guard spokesman Lt. Dan Murphy says troops will remain along its side of the river, with about 1,000 troops in Fargo and 200 in Grand Forks. It has not set a date for ending its mission.

The river reached its high water mark last weekend. Some homes and businesses in Moorhead and Fargo were flooded, but dikes bolstered by millions of sandbags largely held.

[Associated Press]

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