In Rapidan, Minnesota, the Barnes family finds themselves at the center of an imminent crisis revolving around the local dam, poised on the brink of collapse. Their family home, mere feet from the Blue Earth River, is under threat as floodwaters relentlessly erode the dam’s stability.

Beyond being local residents, the Barneses are proprietors of the cherished Dam Store, a quaint café celebrated throughout Minnesota for its irresistible homemade pies and wholesome sandwiches. Established in 1910, the café has flourished under their care for nearly five decades, serving as a culinary haven and community hub, as reported by NBC News affiliate KARE 11.

Jenny Barnes, grappling with the unfolding catastrophe, confronts the stark reality of losing their beloved family abode. "We’re inevitably going to lose our house," she laments. "Whether it succumbs to the river or we must dismantle it, the damage is irreparable, and our home is at great risk."

Recent aerial imagery starkly illustrates the dam’s compromised state, portraying the Barneses’ residence perched precariously at the river’s edge. The encroaching river has eroded the foundation of their home, exposing it to imminent peril.

Managed by the county, the Rapidan Dam has battled recurrent flooding over decades, resulting in gradual structural decay. A comprehensive 2021 assessment underscored the urgent need for extensive repairs or complete reconstruction to mitigate substantial risks to public safety and liability.

In response to the crisis, Blue Earth County is exploring options, including seeking exemption from federal licensure for the dam, acknowledging its compromised ability to generate electricity due to sustained damage.

For Jenny Barnes, raised in the imperiled home, the current crisis exceeds any prior flood threat they had anticipated. "We were situated higher on this embankment," she recalls, emphasizing their false sense of security. "We never imagined such a flood risk."

As the community braces for potential devastation, social media has rallied around the Barnes family and their iconic Dam Store, flooding comment sections with messages of support and tributes to its culinary delights and warm hospitality. Despite its remote location, the café enjoys statewide renown for its pies, drawing patrons willing to travel for a taste.

Local resident Lori Ann Bode fondly regards the Dam Store as a "historic" landmark and a cherished gathering spot for the community. She shares deep concerns about the uncertain future facing the area, highlighting the profound emotional impact on neighbors who share close bonds.

Reflecting on broader implications, Bode draws parallels to major national disasters, emphasizing the significant local impact despite external perceptions. "City dwellers might underestimate it," she remarks. "But for us, it feels like New Orleans during a flood—not on the same scale, but the helplessness is real."

Despite the impending fate of Jenny Barnes’ home, she remains resolute, hopeful that once the turbulent weather subsides and damage is assessed, their beloved Dam Store will endure. "We’re holding on as best we can," she asserts with determination. "We can’t predict the future, but we’re steadfast in saving our Dam Store."