ST. PAUL, MINN- Federal authorities were notified by the State of Minnesota that it’s longtime neighbor North Dakota was missing. After waiting the required 24 hours for North Dakota to turn up, it was officially declared "missing" at 12:45 PM EST.

"When we went out to get our paper yesterday, it just wasn’t there," a worried Minnesota told the press. "When something like this happens, it really makes you think. It’s tragic. North Dakota is so quiet, but, well, when it’s gone you start to miss the little, special things.." Minnesota declined to comment on the "little, special things."

Federal authorities are quoted as saying, "We are following up all possible leads in this matter, but we are having great difficulties since no one can give any kind of description of North Dakota." In addition, they made no comment on speculations that South Dakota may be a suspect, or that North Dakota ran off with Canada.

Although the Federal authorities would not comment on the matter, there is growing suspicion that this disappearance could be the latest in a string of related tragedies that have made America sit up and take notice. Many feel that North Dakota’s disappearance may be related to Wyoming’s explosion, which injured both Wyomans; and the disappearance of Iowa’s car keys.