A Minnesota mom-and-pop store is torn from its perch near a dam damaged by river flooding

RAPIDAN, Minn. (AP) — County officials have purchased and demolished a Minnesota mom-and-pop store that was perched precariously next to a cliff near a flood-damaged dam, authorities said Friday.

Blue Earth County purchased the Rapidan Dam Store and then removed the structure to reduce downstream impact if it fell into the Blue Earth River, the county said in a statement.

For decades, the Hruska family operated the store and lived in a nearby home, but recent heavy rains caused the river upstream to rise dramatically and carved a channel between Rapidan Dam and the riverbank. The house collapsed into the river Tuesday, and the river continued to erode land near the store.

“The Dam Store was an integral part of the community and remains ingrained in the memories of many residents,” the release said. “Our thoughts are with the Hruska family and all their loved ones.”

No one was reported injured during the partial failure of the dam.

Officials said the dam, located a few miles southwest of Mankato in southern Minnesota, remains stable, as does a bridge just upstream. However, officials are cautiously monitoring both structures, noting that the still-flooding river has dramatically altered the area.

The county did not disclose how much it paid for the store. On Thursday, county employees and the Hruska family worked to remove a bar, booths, kitchen appliances and other items from the shelves.

Last week's flooding caused millions of dollars in damage to bridges, homes and roads in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The high waters have been blamed for at least three deaths in the Upper Midwest.