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Many businesses getting hit hard by wet weather

George Henson uses a hammer to lower a section of drain pipe in a pond at Weatherwax Golf Course on Tuesday. Heavy rain during the last week caused water to come up through drains in the cart storage area below the clubhouse. Lowering the pond level could alleviate the problem, according to Henson.

Staff photo by Nick Graham George Henson uses a hammer to lower a section of drain pipe in a pond at Weatherwax Golf Course on Tuesday. Heavy rain during the last week caused water to come up through drains in the cart storage area below the clubhouse. Lowering the pond level could alleviate the problem, according to Henson.

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By Rick McCrabb, Staff Writer Updated 10:42 AM Wednesday, April 27, 2011

MIDDLETOWN — Besides umbrella sales, it’s hard to find a business that has benefited from this month’s record rainfall.

If your business is somehow connected to the outdoors, it’s been all wet in April. From golf courses, to window washing companies to lawn service businesses, all are reporting dismal sales.

Blame it on Mother Nature.

For instance, at Weatherwax Golf Course in Madison Twp., Dave Tieman, director of golf, said the number of rounds played this month — compared to the same time last year — is down nearly 70 percent.

He said every weekend this month — the two busiest days of the week — has been either rainy, damp or both.

With the course unplayable for several days this month, Tieman’s motto: “See how little we can spend.”

He has reduced the number of hours the maintenance department works because if no one is playing golf, there’s no need to mow the fairways. He also doesn’t want the heavy equipment to cause any damage to the saturated turf.

Tieman hopes the dry weather predicted for this weekend will allow play to resume because he said, “it’s still possible” to have a successful season.

At Shaker Run Golf Course, Tyler Geswein, head professional, said the number of rounds this month compared to last year is down nearly 70 percent, from 4,000 to 1,300.

When the forecast is for rain, even, say 40 percent, Geswein said that “dramatically” impacts the number of golfers, who are eager to play again. Geswein said the forecast is for the sun to make a rare appearance on Friday, and so far, 160 golfers have tee times that day at Shaker.

He said the course “looks awesome,” and he doesn’t expect the greens to burn out from a lack of rain like they did last year.

Other businesses also are hurting. Mike Dougherty, owner of Dougherty Landscaping and Tree Service, said he hasn’t worked in three weeks. The grass is too wet to withstand the weight of his large trucks.

Cherie Berns, owner of Berns Garden Center, said the rain and cool temperatures have dampened her business. But after 55 years in the garden business, Berns, 81, understands one thing: “You can’t fight the weather.”

Rick Cornele, owner of Cornele Plumbing, is in a business that actually benefits from the heavy rain. He said the need for sump pumps has increased because of flooded basements.

But even he’s unhappy.

“The customer is glad to see you,” he said, “but they’re upset what has caused you to be there.”

Contact this reporter at (513)

705-2842

rmccrabb

coxohio.com.

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