Family That Lost Home to Flooded River Vows to Keep Store Open as Floodwaters Devastate Midwest

A home as it teeters before partially collapsing into the Blue Earth River at the Rapidan Dam in Rapidan, Minn., on June 25, 2024. Andrew Weinzierl/AW Aerial via AP

DES MOINES, Iowa—A family that watched their home collapse into a flooded river near an at risk Minnesota dam is vowing to reopen their nearby store to sell its homemade pie and burgers as soon as its safe to do so.

The Rapidan Dam Store remained standing Wednesday, but after the house where its owners, Jenny Barnes and brother David Hruska, grew up toppled into the Blue Earth River near Mankato the day before, they aren’t entirely sure what’s next.