There’s a certain point every year when the temperature drops, the sky turns that particular shade of gray, and we all look around and think, “Welp … here we go.” Winter in Iowa — at least this year — isn’t subtle. It just shows up and sticks around.

And with winter comes a whole new set of questions, worries, and honest conversations I hear from folks around Webster County. People want to know how the roads are going to look. They want to understand the plan for plowing, sanding, and keeping everything moving. They worry about getting to work, getting kids to school, and checking on relatives who might need a little extra help.

Winter weather isn’t just an inconvenience. It affects real lives.

As a county supervisor, I’ve learned that preparing for winter isn’t only about equipment and salt piles and staffing — although that’s super important, obviously. It’s also about expectations. We’re not going to pretend every storm will be easy or that every road will be cleared immediately — especially when there are back-to-back-to-back storms seemingly every week. That wouldn’t be honest, and folks deserve honesty. What I can promise is that our crews work incredibly hard, often at hours when the rest of us are asleep, drinking coffee, or staring out the window debating whether we absolutely have to go outside.

These crews? They just go.

While we’re talking about going, let me say this: Winter requires patience and a little grace. It requires slowing down, giving other drivers space, and remembering that the person in the plow truck has been out there a long time doing their very best.

If you’re someone who works in healthcare, long-term care, or any job that doesn’t stop because of weather, I see you. I know you feel anxiety when you hear the forecast. Planning ahead matters. Making arrangements early matters. And if you’re struggling, reach out. Ask a friend, a coworker, your employer. No one should feel like they’re facing winter alone.

On the flip side, winter also brings out some of the best in us. Neighbors (like my neighbor Gary — hi Gary!) shovel each other’s sidewalks. People drop off chili and cinnamon rolls. High school kids get recruited to dig out driveways. We check in on folks who don’t get out as easily. Our friends at (John F.) Kennedy (Memorial Park) and over on Third Street put on their yearly light shows. It’s the kind of community effort that doesn’t always make headlines but wow does it make a difference.

Winter won’t always be pretty. It won’t always be convenient. But every year, it reminds us that we’re at our best when we look out for each other, slow down, stay patient. When we remember that weather is temporary but what we do here in our community is not.

Bundle up. Drive safe. Be kind. And if you can, check on someone who might need a little help.

Because that’s how we get through winter. Together.

Niki Conrad is the chairwoman of the Webster County Board of Supervisors.