By Jessica Dillon
Two winter storms over the past two weeks have brought snow and ice to the area, creating a winter wonderland for play, while disrupting daily life and placing financial strain on local businesses.
Winter Storm Fern coated the region with at least two inches of ice, much of which has yet to thaw. As conditions began to improve, Winter Storm Gianna followed, dumping an additional six inches of snow and further delaying recovery efforts for residents and business owners.
Stephanie Morris-Mills, owner of Hattie’s Place, said the restaurant remained closed following the initial storm.
“I’m sure it will be another several days. It’s going to be hard on us to play catch-up. Our team is ready to return, not to mention we really miss our customers. Small businesses are just that. Small,” Morris-Mills said.
Kathy Kitzmiller, owner of Be Witched Diner, said weather delays have affected plans to open her second store, The Ninth House, forcing the grand opening to be postponed twice.
“Snow days can bring an incredibly difficult situation to small businesses. You aren’t just thinking of yourself and your finances, but you’re concerned for your staff and your customers’ safety,” Kitzmiller said. “Finding the balance between the three is really hard.”
Owners of Grandma’s Place, a new business offering an indoor playground for children, also said the loss of income has been challenging, though they remain hopeful for community support.
“The unfortunate side effect of snow is the slow business lasts for weeks or a month after while roads thaw,” said Jake Abell, owner of Scuffle Hill Brewing Company LLC.
At the MHC Heritage Museum, Executive Director Holly Kozelsky said visitor traffic slowed significantly.
“The two staff members, Davis Scott and I, live in the county, so I didn’t make it to the museum until Wednesday, and he came Friday,” Kozelsky said. “Everything was unusually slow, on not only visits, but also calls and emails in general.”
She said the slower pace did allow time for behind-the-scenes work, including research and preparation of the museum’s newsletter. Kozelsky also noted the museum continues to share local history on its Facebook page.
Lara Blair Denner, owner of Blu Tattoo Studio, said prolonged winter weather has affected many small businesses.
“Honestly, the past month has been really tough for local small businesses, and Blu Tattoo Studio is no different,” Denner said. “But we’re thankful for our clients that have shown up when we’ve been open to support us and holding on to the hope that our neighbors will come out when it warms up.”
Joyful Canvas Creations owner Maci Penn said scheduled events were also impacted.
“The snowstorm changed my plans for the weekend. I had two private events lined up for my face-painting business, but both ended up being canceled due to the weather,” Penn said. “It was a bit of a letdown because I had been practicing some really cool new designs that I was excited to introduce.”
Residents also expressed ongoing concerns about icy conditions.
Angela McKissick said parking lots and sidewalks remained hazardous even before the second storm.
“Our parking lot and sidewalks were still bad before the second round; now they’re even worse. It will probably be another week. Also, I don’t drive on ice and snow,” McKissick said.
Another resident, Jill Boyle, said winter utility costs were adding to the strain.
“I’m praying residents and businesses aren’t slapped with high electric bills. I already had two at almost $500 — food, gas for work, and it takes a whole check,” Boyle said.
