Mena Newspapers, Inc.

07/31/2025

This Saturday! No, there is not an address on the flier. The fun and games are in front of the old armory and the firehouse. If the weather does not participate, it will be in the REA parking garage. This is for all Polk County students. The No Sale Yard Sale and school supplies will be happening inside of the Old Armory. Find more details in today's Mena Star on the front page.

The Back to School Bash is happening THIS Saturday, August 2nd at the Old Armory — and we don’t want anyone to miss out!

🎒 Free school supplies

🌭 Hot dogs

🎈 Bounce houses

🛍️ No Sale Yard Sale

🎉 Fun for the whole family!

This event is open to ALL Polk County Schools — come celebrate the start of the 25/26 school year with us!

07/31/2025

An arrest has been made in connection with the double homicide at Devil's Den State Park.

07/30/2025

ORSD - Acorn Campus Backpack Food Distribution

Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Acorn High School Office (building check-in entrance)

For more information, contact: Dewayne Taylor, AHS Principal
(479) 394-5544

07/30/2025

ATTENTION - Preschool Registration at ORSD! Current openings!

2025-2026 Acorn Preschool Registration

To register, child must be 3 or 4 years of age on or by August 1, 2025.

The following documentation is needed for registration:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Current immunization record
- Current physical
- Verification of household income & address
- Completed application

Applications may be obtained from the Acorn Elementary School Office or ORSD Administration Office.

Acorn Preschool
Kathy Medford Preschool Building
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-4833 x, 416

07/29/2025

A new photo and a sketch of a person of interest from the double murder at Devil's Den State Park this weekend. Police are seeking any assistance in identifying this person.

07/29/2025

Dozens of people are working inside and a few people are outside working on the signs at what will be Harps Food Stores. The ribbon cutting will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30.

07/28/2025

Canceled!

Youth camp tonight will be cancelled for the safety of our campers due to anticipated wet bulb temperatures and state policies regarding the heat.

We will look for another date and if it is rescheduled we will get that information out via social media.

07/23/2025

Come by The Star and tell your tale if you're 18 and older. Earn cash, no strings attached.

07/23/2025

James' Super Save Foods sales for the week July 23-July 29 according to the ad circular, but the store is closing after closing on Sunday, July 27.

07/21/2025

ASP CID investigating officer-involved shooting in Wickes
July 20, 2025
WICKES, Ark. — The Polk County Sheriff's Office has requested the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) to assist with an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Saturday July 19, 2025, at about 10:30 p.m. at a home on County Road 14, in Wickes.
A Grannis Police Department (GPD) officer was responding to a request for assistance at the residence related to an eviction. When the GPD officer approached the residence in his patrol vehicle, Darrin Laudermilk, 65, reportedly walked onto the driveway holding a pistol, firing the weapon. The officer returned fire, striking Laudermilk. The Polk County Coroner declared Laudermilk dead at the scene.
The deceased will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab, where official manner and cause of death will be determined.
ASP CID Special Agents will prepare an investigative file to be submitted to the Polk County Prosecutor, who will determine whether the lethal use of force was consistent with Arkansas law.

07/17/2025

Check out what's happening this Friday at Shady Mountain Events!