Midwest Floods Can’t Dampen Family’s Determination to Keep Store Open

Des Moines, Iowa – The recent extreme weather conditions in the upper Midwest have wreaked havoc on communities, presenting emotional and physical challenges for residents. Among the most heart-wrenching stories is that of the Barnes family, whose home collapsed into the Blue Earth River near an at-risk dam in Mankato, Minnesota. The house, which once stood as a symbol of familial history and memories, was engulfed by the river’s angry waters. However, the Barnes family remains undeterred, pledging to reopen their beloved Rapidan Dam Store to continue selling their renowned homemade pies and burgers as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Rapidan Dam Store miraculously withstood the floodwaters on Wednesday, despite the Barnes family home being swept away the day before. This small but significant victory provides a glimmer of hope in otherwise challenging times. Jenny Barnes and her brother David Hruska are uncertain about the future, but their determination to maintain their family’s culinary legacy shines brightly.

As the floodwaters continue to travel south, the Midwest faces a growing crisis, with communities like Mankato bearing the brunt of nature’s wrath. These floodwaters have resulted in the loss of numerous homes and properties, marking the early casualties of this extreme weather event. Reports indicate that up to 18 inches of rain have inundated certain areas, pushing rivers to unprecedented levels. The west fork of the Des Moines River, for instance, was expected to crest at nearly 17 feet in Humboldt overnight into Thursday. Meanwhile, the Missouri River’s crest at Omaha is anticipated on Thursday, according to Kevin Low, a National Weather Service hydrologist.

The severity of the situation is highlighted by the accounts of residents like Jessica Keech and her 11-year-old son, who witnessed the partial collapse of the Barnes family home into the river. Blue Earth County officials have expressed concerns about the integrity of the riverbank and a nearby bridge, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by the floodwaters. Early data from the National Weather Service reveals that this flooding has resulted in record-high river levels at over a dozen locations in South Dakota and Iowa, surpassing previous records by an average of 3.5 feet.

In Sioux City, Iowa, the Big Sioux River’s levee overflow has led to substantial damage, with officials estimating that hundreds of homes have been affected. The local wastewater treatment plant is grappling with an overwhelming influx of floodwaters, necessitating the discharge of approximately a million gallons of untreated sewage into the Missouri River daily. This environmental and public health challenge adds yet another layer of complexity to the disaster.

While the Barnes family and other residents navigate the aftermath of this calamity, their resilience and hope offer a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to endure and rebuild. The Rapidan Dam Store’s eventual reopening will symbolize not only a return to normalcy but also the unwavering determination of a family and community to overcome nature’s unpredictability.