Siouxland Strong!

The summer of 2024 will forever be etched in my memory as the summer of the flood.

Much like the devastating events of 2011, we Siouxlanders once again faced the challenge of sandbagging, coming together as a community to help those affected dig out from the aftermath. The floodwaters of the Big and Little Sioux Rivers and Rock River overflowed their banks, inundating homes and businesses with mud and debris, leaving many in our communities reeling from the impact.

Hawarden, Rock Valley, Spencer, Le Mars, Sioux City in Iowa, and McCook Lake in South Dakota bore the brunt of the flooding. These rivers—the very reason settlers chose to homestead in this area—have shaped the landscape of Northwest Iowa. As “River Rats,” we are well-acquainted with the beauty these waters provide, but we also understand the devastation they can unleash.

Without hesitation, community volunteers rallied together, stepping forward with determination and compassion. From the heartbreaking loss of possessions and homes, new friendships formed, and everyday heroes emerged. 

I will forever be changed by the hours spent peeling soggy sheetrock from basement walls and hauling it to curbside dumpsters. I recall the quiet rhythm of a fellow volunteer, standing calf-deep in water beside me, methodically pulling and scraping away the remnants of destruction. Amid the muck, we shared a moment of joy when we uncovered a framed family photo—intact and salvageable, a small victory amid the chaos.

The homeowners, tearfully grateful and overwhelmed, have now become dear friends. Our local food trucks and businesses played a vital role, providing nourishment for all those in need, while countless organizations offered their time and talents to comfort and support the affected families. That’s the essence of our Siouxland community.

Many came together to lend a hand, but I want to take a moment to recognize two unsung heroes who made significant contributions during this difficult time. 

Hannah Koerselman, a fellow Realtor with Keller Williams, founded the “Siouxland Flood Relief” group on Facebook. This group has become an invaluable source of communication and information for everyone affected, and it continues to serve that purpose even now. Well done, Hannah!

Then there’s Jolene Vasquez, truly a warrior on the front lines. Along with her crew, Jolene dedicated hours and days to clean out damaged homes, far surpassing the efforts of many others. She became the go-to resource for identifying which addresses needed help and how to assist. Her unwavering passion for aiding others deserves a medal!

On what I believe was day four or five of the cleanup, a family member of one of the flood victims arrived from out of state to lend a hand. As he stood on his parents’ muddy lawn, surveying the street filled with dumpsters, debris, and volunteers, he asked me, “Who are all these people?”

I told him, “This is our community, your neighbors.”

In the face of adversity, we have shown what it means to stand together. The summer of 2024 may be marked by hardship, but it has also reinforced the bonds within our community, reminding us of the strength and resilience we share.

For many the recover and repair is ongoing. Some lost a little and some lost all. I ask that our big hearted community take a drive to the areas that were affected and find out what else needs to be done.  How you help? What else needs to be done yet today?