And areas of the Blue Earth River that were once between 15 and 20 feet deep are now between one and four. "The entire system's just being choked out," Hilgendorf said.

Rising waters on the Blue Earth River in Minnesota washed out a portion of the Rapidan Dam near the town of Mankato, 50 miles southwest of Minneapolis, as floods inundated parts of the Midwest.

The disaster impacted many — including the Hruska family, after their house fell into the Blue Earth River and they lost their original Dam Store location — and is now a part of local history.

Blue Earth County will decide whether to repair or remove the dam. Even now, Barnes said she’s never been a fan of taking it out. “I know it has its issues. I think it needs to stay.

The first U.S. bishop appointed by Pope Leo XIV has called for priests, deacons and parish leaders to accompany migrants to court and stand in solidarity with them. Rev. Michael Pham, who was ...