October in Whiteside County smells like dry corn and diesel, and the elevators at the edge of town run late while the combines finish. Dirks Lawn Care Services works that turn of the year closely — last mowings and leaf cleanups while the light holds, then plows and shovels standing ready for whatever the first hard week of December brings. Snow clearing out here is measured in drives opened and walks made safe before anyone has to guess at the ice underneath. Come April the same properties get the first cut of the year and the whole loop begins again. Sterling keeps both seasons in full, and so does the truck.