Following a catastrophic flood that left property damage, displacement, and heartbreak in its wake across New Richland, a strong community turnout at The Mill in Waseca provided a promising start toward healing and rebuilding for one of the town’s most vulnerable populations.
The historic September 19 storm dumped roughly nine inches of rain on the area, directly impacting 75 to 80 percent of homes—an estimated 350 to 400 properties—according to local officials. While New Richland is no stranger to high water, with long-time residents noting this as the fourth major event since 2007, the sheer volume of water made this disaster uniquely devastating.
Among the hardest-hit locations was the New Richland Care Center (NRCC). The senior living facility was completely inundated, forcing an emergency evacuation of all 36 residents.
“It was an awful experience I hope nobody ever has to go through,” recalled Bob Johannsen, NRCC administrator for the past four years, who received the 3:30 a.m. call to evacuate that September morning. “These people lost homes. The whole community lost homes. My staff is losing their jobs; I don’t know what to do.”
Despite the chaos, staff and emergency responders managed to find temporary placement for every resident at neighboring facilities within eight hours. However, the physical and economic damage left behind was severe.
Inside the facility, 22 inches of standing water damaged everything up to four feet high. All furniture, equipment, electrical systems, and plumbing were lost, and the NRCC building was deemed a complete loss.
The financial toll to get the facility back on its feet is estimated at $5 to $7 million. The structural loss has also taken a heavy human toll: of the 85 employees who cared for the residents, 82 had to be laid off. Only Johannsen, an office manager working on grants and business continuity, and a maintenance supervisor overseeing teardown and reconstruction remain on staff.
Cleanup crews have already gutted the drywall and cleared debris. Work is currently underway to remove damaged flooring and asbestos, with hopes to begin rebuilding electrical and plumbing infrastructure by December.
“If we can get people back by April, I’d be a very happy camper,” Johannsen said, noting that the timeline could stretch into June or July. “We’re looking forward to getting at least half of our residents back once we’re up and running. This is their home.”
During demolition, crews uncovered old, forgotten construction features—such as buried sink and water fountain lines—which explained why certain wall fixtures were compromised. To prevent a repeat of the disaster, reconstruction plans include flood mitigation measures such as permanent berms around facility walls or rollout barriers. Meanwhile, city, township, and county leaders are working on long-term infrastructure fixes, including rerouting ditches and improving tiling to permanently handle high water with the help of state and federal aid.
While repairs and rebuilding are underway, local residents haven’t waited to take action. Just two days after the flood, a group of local women began organizing a massive benefit event at The Mill. The initiative quickly expanded to include roughly 40 volunteers, alongside local businesses and neighboring healthcare networks.
Attendees at the fundraiser were greeted in the lobby by a silent auction featuring at least 60 donated items. Bidders competed for homemade crocheted blankets, spirit bundles, pet treats, fall decorations, Minnesota Vikings gear, wind chimes, a six-foot-tall wine rack, gift certificates to local businesses, and, ‘tis the season, Halloween candy.
Guests also enjoyed a bake sale and burger baskets served by NRCC employees and volunteers, alongside a popular 50/50 raffle, a gun raffle, and a $20 wine pull. Commemorative merchandise—including t-shirts, drink coozies, and tote bags featuring designs credited to a local organizer named Janet—bore the motto “New Richland Strong 9/19/26,” honoring the date of the storm that impacted so many.
As the community settles into the grueling phase of disaster recovery, organizers hope the momentum from the fundraiser continues.
“We’re deep into the clean-up, and unfortunately this is the part where people start losing interest in the story, but this is when we need help the most,” Johannsen said. Despite the immense challenge ahead, his devotion to the town remains steadfast: “You couldn’t ask for a better place to live.”
