MAPLETON, Iowa (AP) – It’s been four months since a tornado ripped through the northwest Iowa town of Mapleton. Damage is still visible as a reminder of the April 9 storm. But signs of recovery are numerous and reassuring to residents. There are new roofs, windows, doors and siding on many homes and businesses in the community of 1,200,  which sits about 45 miles southeast of Sioux City.

Volunteers continue to come. Some AmeriCorps volunteers soon will arrive and are expected to remain for about six weeks. John Stoll says the daily stress of rebuilding is tough to cope with, though. He says some days are good, some days are bad, “and fortunately we’ve got small-town spirit here, and that really helps.”