This time last year, residents of Charleston where preparing for the brutal winter weather ahead.

But this year’s change in weather, with temperatures rising to highs of 55 degrees, might have an effect on local businesses that may have been expecting snow at this point in time.

Jerry Weck, owner of Mattoon-based Weck’s Lawn and Janitorial Service said the weather a few years ago led to him getting rid of the snow removal aspect of his business.

Weck said the expensive snow removal section was affected because of the steep insurance costs.

“We weren’t having much snow,” Weck said. “It was costing too much insurance.”

Weck said he was unsure of other businesses that had also adopted this policy, but thought this winter would be hard for other snow removal companies.

Brian Jones, the director of recreation for the Charleston Parks and Recreation Department, said he believes some businesses that are relying on the snow might be suffering.

“That’s the nature of the business when you’re dealing with the weather,” Jones said.

Jones also said not having to spend money on salt and snow plowing equipment and drivers might be saving the city money.

“It’s probably saving us money because we don’t have to spend money,” Jones said.

The Charleston Parks and Recreation Department is offering a free contest in any city park until March 31, where residents can build a snowman and submit the photo for the snowman-building contest.

Contestants must pick up a registration form from the Parks and Recreation Department by April 5 and city park equipment must be present in the picture.

Jones said other than the fact that there is no snow to take part in the contest, participation in other events have not been affected.

Kathryn Richter can be reached at 581-2812 or kjrichter@eiu.edu.