Flooding Threatens Woolen Mill, Cheese Caves

FARIBAULT  (AP) - The southern Minnesota city of Faribault has declared a state of emergency as it works to hold back the Cannon and Straight Rivers.

A large sandbagging operation was launched Thursday morning to protect the Faribault Woolen Mill, a popular tourism destination, while crews were building a berm at the Caves of Faribault, which are known for their award-winning, cave-aged blue cheeses.

About 5 inches of rain fell overnight in Faribault. Numerous roads remain closed in the area.

Nearby Northfield is also bracing for flooding. Last month, the Cannon River flooded parts of the Carleton College campus. Northfield Police Chief Monte Nelson says he's been telling businesses to prepare for flood levels they last saw in 2010.