Some companies glad for dry weather, others wishing for typical winter

CEDAR RAPIDS - Above-average temperatures and a lack of snow have made for a different kind of December in Eastern Iowa.

Normally by this time in the season, Cedar Rapids has seen more than 9 inches of snowfall, but this year it's received less than an inch. While the unusual weather has been good news for some local businesses, it presents a challenge for others.

“I don't remember this warm of a December,” said Rick Krusie, whose company Power of Nature sells and repairs machines that remove snow.

This so-far dry winter has put a big dent in business, with snow plows parked on the green grass.

“It's really slowed us down,” Krusie said. “We are running at half capacity - we've got equipment left over.”

The lack of snow has also left some sporting good shops fully stocked with winter gear.

“It's kind of hard - when people look outside, they are not thinking about buying sleds or cross-country skis and things like that,” said Mike Roeder, manager at Play It Again Sports.

But some business owners, like Pat Lang of Pat Lang Construction Co., are thankful for what December didn't bring.

“This is absolutely a godsend, to continue to work and prepare all these homes for winter without winter being here yet,” he said.

Lang's employees have been roofing and siding all month long, something they typically don't do in December. The company usually lays people off for the winter months, but so far it's been able to keep everyone on staff.

“I have been doing this for 41 years, and I can only remember a handful of times we've been able to be working clear through January without the harmful effects of snow and ice,” he said.

But as Iowans know, eventually the snow will come - and some just hope it comes sooner than later.

“We got some making up to do - a lot of making up to do,” Krusie said.

On average, two-thirds of Iowa's snow falls from late December through April, so there's still plenty of winter left to go.