The search continues for Radivoje "Ray" Novakovic, a 76-year-old Hugo man with medical problems who was last seen Sunday night as he set out for his usual 3- to 4-mile walk.

Novakovic was seen near the Fable Hills bridge near his home in the southern part of the city on the northern end of Bald Eagle Lake, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. When he didn't return, family members began a search, then called the sheriff's office about three hours later.

An intensive search that included local and state police and fire agencies, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Hugo Public Works Department, found no sign of him.

Novakovic suffers from diabetes, which can cause him to become disoriented, and also has a mild bipolar disorder.

The sheriff's office is asking for the public's continued assistance in making a thorough check of their property for any signs of Novakovic. These checks should include anyplace that Novakovic might have sought shelter, such as outbuildings, stored vehicles or watercraft, and covered pools.

On Monday afternoon, the Sheriff's Office received a tip that he was spotted in the northern White Bear Lake Township area, but that could not be corroborated. The search has been ongoing.

Anyone with any information regarding Novakovic's whereabouts is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 651-439-9381.

Jim Anderson