Snow Removal Businesses Praise Nature’s Gift

SIOUX FALLS, SD -  
Thursday's snow is being blamed for nearly 100 crashes in the Sioux Falls area. While that's not a welcome part of the winter weather, some businesses are glad to see the blast of snow.

They say there's no business like show business, but snow business is quite unique as well.

"The downfall of snow removal is you have got to have enough of it 'cause you never know if it's going to snow, you know," James Schoenhard said. 

Many Downtown Sioux Falls hire Schoenhard to clean up when the snow comes down. He hasn't had to put in many hours this winter.  But Friday, he's pulled an all-nighter and is staring at a 24-hour work shift.

"My other people needed some sleep.  So, I let them go home and take a break and told them to come back later," Schoenhard said.

"I prefer to mow lawns.  But snow removal limps me along until spring arrives," Rex Gulickson said.

It's a similar story for Gulickson. He, too, is glad to finally be working and is putting in plenty of hours.

"It's a good snow. It's not too much but it's enough to do all of the accounts. There's a little moisture in it.  It's a little heavy.  But it is what it is and we'll take what we can get," Gulickson said.

And in a winter that seems to have arrived fashionably late, those working to remove snow will gladly grab a shovel.

"When you're dealing with Mother Nature, you can't fight it. So, you just deal with what you get," Gulickson said.

And this week, they finally got the snow they've been hoping for all season.

Those removing snow say they had to return to some of the places they first scooped out Thursday because ice formed on those sidewalks and driveways.