Maura Curran

The Iowa departments that oversee emergency management and insurance are urging people to prepare for natural disasters before they hit during Severe Weather Awareness Week. The statewide initiative encourages Iowans to “prepare now, recover faster.”

The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Prairie City shared plans to reopen its visitor center, which has been closed for nearly two years due to major damage caused by a severe hailstorm. It's also seeking public input as it reevaluates what educational opportunities it can offer.