Polk County Pulse

06/02/2026

A Flash Flood Warning for northeastern Polk County and south central Scott County:

06/01/2026

Pop-up afternoon storm:

06/01/2026

You might begin noticing some motorcycles with sidecars in town this week. They're here for their annual event, spending this year in Mena. You'll get a good chance to take a look at them near the entrance of Janssen Park during part of the Lum & Abner Music & Arts Festival on Saturday.

June 4 - 7, 2026, the USCA National Rally returns to CMA Iron Mountain. Drop by to visit and checkout some of the best sidecar rigs in the world.

06/01/2026

Polk County and the adjacent counties are not a part of the severe thunderstorm watch, but if you are traveling this afternoon, be aware. We are in part of the area at risk for severe winds from an earlier post by the US National Weather Service Little Rock Arkansas.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch is now in effect for much of the northeast half of Arkansas through 9 PM. Damaging winds and large hail are the primary hazards.

05/31/2026

The blue micro full moon peaks around 3:45 a.m. May 31, but it’s up over the horizon now if you don’t want stay up that late to see it.

05/29/2026

There were two more adoptions today at the City of Mena Animal Control adopt-a-thon.

The event picks up again tomorrow at 10 a.m. See two previous posts for details. They also have some giveaways that those who adopt get such as a gift card to Little Italy. And you get put in a running for some other prizes.

05/29/2026

More of the dogs available at the City of Mena Animal Control new site for the upcoming Mena City Animal Shelter. Today’s pop-up adopt-a-thon is from 10-2 and it will also occur Saturday. It’s located on Fairgrounds Road right off Highway 71.

Lots of friendly dogs, from puppies to adults. For those people with sensitive hearing, you might need earplugs/earphones.
See post below for more information.

05/29/2026

The pop-up adopt-a-thon is about to start at the former Dogwood Boarding and Grooming on Fairgrounds Road in Mena. It’s the new soon-to-be home of the Mena City Animal Shelter for the City of Mena Animal Control.

Fire Pup will be here, along with Jenn Moulaison of Blueberry Hill Farm and Rescue and
Moon Mountain Sanctuary and Rescue & Dawn Olivieri

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and Saturday. It’s the first building on the right when you turn off Highway 71 onto Fairgrounds Road. They only have dogs at the event.
Adoptions are $55 each. Most are spayed/neutered.

This is Mary Jane just being adopted. She has a sister, Diana Prince, and a brother, Clark Kent, still here as of 10:24.

05/27/2026

CONSUMER ALERT: Scammers Target Arkansans with Forged Tax Notice Letters
Scammers Are Sending Tax Notice Letters
Arkansans have reported receiving scam letters that look like official government tax notices. These letters claim consumers owe back taxes or could face tax liens, wage garnishments, or other penalties. The scammers pressure consumers to pay large upfront fees for supposed tax-relief services and may falsely claim to work with or contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

What Arkansans Should Know
These scam letters are designed to create fear and urgency. Some direct consumers to call private companies that pretend to help resolve tax problems. These companies may urge consumers to stay on the line while they pretend to “contact the IRS” in an effort to obtain personal or financial information.

How Arkansans Should Respond
• Do not call the number listed on the letter
• Do not share personal, banking, or financial information
• Do not make payments before verifying the company is legitimate
• Verify your tax status directly with official agencies:
o IRS: (800) 829-1040
o Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration: (501) 682-5000
• Check with your county office about any actual tax liens
• Request IRS transcripts to confirm your tax status
• Report suspicious letters to:
o Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
o Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA)
o Office of the Attorney General
• Contact your bank or credit card company immediately if you made a payment
For more information, please contact the Office of Attorney General at (501) 682-2007 or [email protected], or visit the website www.ArkansasAG.gov.