GAYS MILLS, Wis. -- After extensive flood damage in Gays Mills, many people there are deciding whether to stay and rebuild or leave town.

Some local businesses like Michelson's Market have reopened but owners said they are unsure how long they can continue.

"It's a small community and it's tough to survive as it is. We don't need people to leave. We need people to move into our area," said Steven Michelson of Michelson's Market.

The market was closed for eight days and lost lots of perishable inventory. With many people out of town, the market's sales are also down, WISC-TV reported.

"It's my fear. I don't want this town to roll up and go away. To me, Gays Mills has that classic home feel, that charm," said Brad Otto, a Gays Mills resident.

At a town meeting Wednesday night, emotions ran high as residents discussed staying or leaving. Some residents said that they don't want to leave the community but are tired of reoccurring floods.

People affected by recent flooding in western Wisconsin now have a place to go to apply for assistance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency opened disaster recovery centers in La Crosse, Crawford and Richland counties Thursday.

In Crawford County, the center is located at North Crawford High School in Soldier's Grove. In La Crosse County, the center is located in the town of Shelby Town Hall in La Crosse. In Richland County, the disaster recovery center is located in the Richland County Production Services Building in Richland Center.

The disaster recovery centers are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Representatives of state and federal agencies, as well as customer service representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available at the centers to answer questions and provide recovery information.