Local Reactions Mixed to Solar Eclipse

RISON - Local reactions to the first significant solar eclipse to impact Arkansas since 1918 were mixed Monday as many made it a special point to be outside to witness the celestial show while others went about their business as though it was any other day.While Cleveland County was not within the path of totality, it was close enough that anywhere from 97 to 99 percent of the sun was covered by the moon when it reached its peak at about 1:52 p.m. Monday. The path of totality itself was about 100 miles across with the eastern-most edge of the path coming within about 40 miles of Rison.Viewing was somewhat obscured by passing clouds on Moday. There were a few brief showers in the county before noon, but there were enough breaks in the clouds that most people were able to get a good view of the eclipse as it passed over.Locally, the eclipse started at about 12:31 p.m. and officially ended at about 3:11 p.m. When the eclipsed peaked at about 1:52 p.m., the light-activated street lights in downtown Rison did come on for about 10 minutes before going off again. Dogs were also heard howling and the birds were actively sounding off as well.Nearly all businesses in downtown Rison were open as usual Monday but many of those working inside stepped outside during the peak to take a look through their special glasses.While traffic in downtown Rison was very light during most of the eclipse, some people were going about their business as though nothing was happening. Vehicles were pulling through the drive-through at Rison Pharmacy just as the eclipse was at its darkest, and the ambulance was called out at about that same time.While many of the state’s school districts that were within the path of totality canceled classes Monday for the eclipse, both the Cleveland County and Woodlawn School Districts remained in session. Both districts reported they had a few students absent Monday who went with their families to experience the ecl...