News

--The search for a U.S. college student who went missing in the Dominican Republic intensified on Monday after a man, a student at St. Cloud State University was questioned by authorities visited the beach where she was last seen and spoke with officials. Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student at the University of Pittsburgh and an Indian citizen, vanished before dawn on March 6 in the resort town of Punta Cana. Authorities are scouring waters in case she drowned. SCSU student Joshua Riibe has not been named as a suspect but is believed to be the last person to see her. On Sunday, he and his attorney met with officials on the beach. According to the transcript of an interview with prosecutors, reported by Dominican media as well as NBC and Telemundo, Riibe told police he was drinking with Konanki on the beach and they were kissing in waist-deep water when they were pulled out to sea by a strong tide. Riibe said he was a former lifeguard and swam her into shore. He told investigators he vomited upon reaching the beach and that Konanki said she was going to fetch her things. When he looked up, she was gone. He said he was later surprised to hear of her disappearance. Riibe’s parents have accused Dominican officials of detaining him “under irregular conditions” without translators or legal counsel, saying he has been confined to a hotel room with police surveillance for more than a week. They said Riibe, a senior at SCSU, has been repeatedly taken to the police station and interrogated, adding that he has “fully cooperated” with police. The statement on Friday by Albert and Tine Riibe provided no details about Konanki’s disappearance or their son’s connection to her. His parents said the family has retained a lawyer to ensure his rights are protected. Dominican public prosecutors have not responded to the statement.

--Congratulations to three members of the Little Falls Community High School Lindy Dance Team who made the all-state team. Caylin Sachs (freshman) and Kyla LaValle (Senior) made the AA All-State Kick Team and Chelsea Williams (Senior) made the AA All-State Jazz team. This will be Caylin’s second time participating in All State, Chelsea’s 3rd time participating and Kyla’s first time.