In January the Des Plaines runs black between plates of ice, and the Ruby Street bridge lifts for a barge with steam coming off the water. G & S Landscaping Inc works those cold weeks in Joliet — plowing drives and lots, clearing walks and steps, spreading salt where meltwater runs and refreezes overnight. Wind coming up the river channel makes short work of a sloppy clearing job, so the crew pushes the banks back far and leaves room for the next storm. Getting a lot open before the first car turns in is the entire ambition. By the time the sun clears the east bank the pavement is dark and the day can start.