March 19, 2024

Elkader residents recovering from recent flood

ELKADER (AP) — Businesses in Elkader are trying to get back to normal as floodwaters recede after the Turkey River crested last week.

The river crested 5 feet below record 2008 flood levels on Friday.

Volunteers erected a 6-foot-6 wall of sandbags across a street to protect Wilke’s Grocery store and other businesses from the water. The grocery store was able to remain open during the flooding even though frozen and refrigerated items and those stowed on lower shelves removed as a precaution.

The store has now been restocked.

“It was just amazing,” Wilke said of the volunteer support. “There was no possible way we could have gotten all of that done with our employees ... and we’re really thankful.”

Olson Appliance stored some of its items at the community fire station, while other appliances were stowed away in trailers, garages and warehouses throughout the city.

The building has 3 feet of water in its basement, damaging some used appliances that owner Paul Olson had planned to refurbish. The store plans to reopen Wednesday.

“It’s a chore moving everything back, but considering the alternative, we are lucky we didn’t have any damage,” Olson said.

Clayton County Board of Supervisors chairman Ron McCartney says it’s too early to determine the extent of damage, but early reports indicate it’s minor.

Sheriff Michael Tschirgi says all Clayton County secondary gravel roads affected by the flooding were reopened by Monday afternoon.

The gravel road that leads to the Turkey River boat landing remains closed.