Snow, snow, snow — it’s cold outside!
The snow that has eluded northwest Arkansas for nearly a decade has arrived in full force!
For all who’ve been wanting snow, your wish has been more than fulfilled!
For several winters, people have bemoaned the mild winters here in the Arkansas Ozarks and noted that kindergarten students had not seen a snow of any accumulation in their lifetimes. Well, it’s here now and will be one for the record books, apparently.
Perusing the old editions of The TIMES, I’m reminded of 2011 when Pea Ridge students missed 11 days of school due to snow days. Then, they REALLY had snow days and were out of school without the options of “virtual schooling” or “remote learning.” In 2011, School Board members discussed ways to “make up” those missed days and contemplated both a Saturday in school and shortening Spring break.
This year, with advances in technology and restrictions imposed by government regulations prompted by the covid-19 pandemic, students are expected to complete their school work on computers even when at home. There are basically NO snow days for today’s students. About 20% of Pea Ridge students are enrolled in virtual school because of the pandemic, but all students are “virtual” on snow days.
Monday, Feb. 15, was President’s Day, a federal holiday and was already designated a “remote learning” day. With the snow-covered roads, in-session school would have been canceled. But it’s a moot point with virtual schooling.
Even now, on Monday, snow is falling steadily, recovering the sidewalk and driveway I’ve cleared repeatedly. The snow has been light and dry and easily blown off the walkways, unlike the ice that preceded it. As of noon Monday, more than 6 inches had fallen in Pea Ridge, with residents in some areas reporting more.
Street/road crews from the city, county and state have worked tirelessly clearing, treating roadways which are almost as quickly covered again with the seemingly unending snowfall. Police, firefighters and other emergency personnel are still on duty — responding to calls as needed, getting out in the frigid temperatures.
Too many people are quick to complain, to criticize others and social media allows an almost anonymous method of doing so, but it’s been pleasant to see some people commending the workers who are serving their communities.
During the December snowfall this past year, temperatures were cold, but not below freezing. During this winter storm, below freezing temperatures have hindered children going out to sled or build snowmen.
I moved here from Louisiana, where this type of winter was not experienced. The few snowfalls in northwest Louisiana quickly melted into a muddy, mushy mess.
The snowfalls here more than 25 years ago, were memorable. I clearly remember winters and snows that entailed bundling children into snow suits, hats, gloves, boots to go outside build snow men, sled and enjoy the snow. They seldom admitted being cold, although their little cheeks were brilliant red. We lived on top of a hill above Sugar Creek and would slide down the great big hill to Grandma and Grandpa’s, then go inside, shedding all those layers, dripping snow. We’d hang up the outwear around the wood-burning stove to dry and warm them while the children filled up with Grandma’s delicious food. Then, they’d bundle up again to go outside again, and again, and again.
In theory, it seems fun to sled, build snowmen and enjoy being out in the snow. But, as a young mother, I remember being fatigued by the amount of work it entailed. Now, my adult children have the audacity to say I’m old and may slip and fall on the ice!
During one of my first winters here, there was an ice storm across the south. I was determined to go back home for the holidays. We slipped and slid all the way down the old Highway 71, a trip that took more than nine hours back then. For the return journey, we thought we’d try the Oklahoma roads, which we thought might be less hilly and curvy and possibly less icy. They, too, were ice-covered. It made for an interesting, frustrating and memorable journey.
The forecast calls for more snow and continued cold temperatures. This winter will definitely be one for making memories!
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