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Roper Mountain Star Launches Full Digital and Print Overhaul

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 14:30 GMT by WYFF

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Roper Mountain Star Receives Major Digital and Print Overhaul, Revitalizing Local Journalism

The Roper Mountain Star—Arkansas’s longtime local newspaper that has served the city of Roper and the surrounding communities for more than a century—has announced a comprehensive upgrade to both its online presence and printing operations. The transformation, unveiled last week on the Fox 4 news website (WYFF4), comes as part of the paper’s commitment to adapt to the evolving media landscape and to better meet the information needs of the region’s residents.

A Legacy Reimagined

The Roper Mountain Star first hit the newsstands in 1889, and for decades it has been the primary source for everything from local government decisions to high school sports scores. In recent years, like many weekly newspapers across the United States, the Star’s circulation has slipped as more readers turn to digital outlets for instant news. Recognizing the urgent need to modernize, the paper’s publisher, Thomas L. “Tom” Reynolds, set in motion a multi‑phase overhaul that blends technology with the Star’s deep community roots.

"We’re not just updating a website or a printing press," Reynolds told reporters. "We’re re‑affirming our mission to inform, connect, and serve the people of Roper and the surrounding counties." His words echo the sentiment of many local readers who view the paper as a staple of their daily routine.

What the Upgrade Looks Like

1. A New Digital Home

The Star’s new website—now available at www.ropermountainstar.com—features a clean, responsive design optimized for desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Built on the WordPress CMS, the site offers:

• Real‑time news updates: Articles are pushed to the front page within minutes of breaking local events.
• Interactive sections: Weather forecasts with radar overlays, a community events calendar, and a dedicated “Local Sports” hub that includes live game streams and post‑game analysis.
• Multimedia storytelling: Video interviews with city council members, photo galleries from county fairs, and short podcasts that recap weekly news highlights.
• Searchable archives: Readers can dig through past issues back to 1940, making the paper’s rich history easily accessible.

The new layout also incorporates a commentary forum that encourages civic dialogue—something that has historically been limited on the Star’s paper edition.

2. A New Subscription Model

To address declining revenue, the Star introduced a tiered digital subscription model. The “Standard” plan—priced at $5.99 per month—provides full access to the website, newsletters, and a monthly e‑newsletter featuring in‑depth community stories. A “Premium” plan at $9.99 per month adds access to exclusive video content and a monthly print copy delivered to the subscriber’s doorstep.

The paper also announced a limited‑time free trial for new users, hoping to entice a younger demographic that is less inclined to pay for news. "We want to make sure the next generation sees the value in local journalism," Reynolds said.

3. Print Production Modernization

While the Star’s digital transformation has been headline‑making, the paper also invested heavily in its printing plant. A state‑of‑the‑art Horizon Press—a partnership with the industry supplier Schafer Press Systems—replaced the aging 1970s‑era printing line. Key benefits include:

• Faster turnaround: The new press reduces daily print time from 10 hours to just 6, allowing the paper to hit the distribution line earlier in the morning.
• Higher quality: Updated ink formulations and advanced paper handling give the printed copy a sharper, more vibrant look.
• Eco‑friendly operations: The press uses water‑based inks and recycles over 70% of its waste, aligning with the paper’s pledge to reduce its carbon footprint.

The upgrade also introduced a digital pre‑press workflow that streamlines layout and layout approval, cutting the editorial turnaround time by roughly 20%.

Community Impact and Support

The Roper Mountain Star’s overhaul has garnered support from several local stakeholders. The Roper County Chamber of Commerce praised the new advertising packages, noting that businesses now have the option to embed dynamic ads directly within the website’s interactive sections. A local advertiser, Henderson’s Hardware, highlighted the increased reach: “Our online ad on the new site has driven a 30% uptick in foot traffic to the store.”

Moreover, the paper received a $120,000 grant from the Arkansas Press Association to fund part of the digital redesign and to provide training for staff on data analytics and social media management. The grant underscores the statewide recognition of the Star’s role as a vital local news source.

The upgrade also creates new job opportunities. The paper has hired two full‑time Digital Content Editors and a Video Producer, roles that did not exist on the Star’s payroll in 2018. These hires are designed to keep the paper’s content fresh and engaging for a demographic that increasingly consumes news via video and social platforms.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the optimistic launch, the Star acknowledges the inherent challenges of a media‑transition. “The biggest hurdle will be convincing long‑time readers to embrace the digital format,” Reynolds admitted. He emphasized that the paper’s long‑standing brand equity will play a crucial role in driving subscription uptake.

The Star’s leadership is also exploring data‑driven storytelling to deepen engagement. Plans include launching a “Data Spotlight” segment that visualizes local economic trends, school district performance metrics, and public health data—making complex information more accessible to the average reader.

In addition, the paper has expressed interest in expanding its coverage beyond Roper. The newly upgraded site will allow for regional syndication of its best local stories, potentially opening a new revenue stream and increasing the paper’s influence across southern Arkansas.

Final Thoughts

The Roper Mountain Star’s recent upgrade marks a pivotal moment in the paper’s history. By marrying modern technology with a deep commitment to community journalism, the Star is setting a new standard for small‑town newspapers in the digital age. The comprehensive redesign—spanning an intuitive website, flexible subscription options, and advanced printing infrastructure—positions the Star to continue delivering reliable, timely, and relevant news to its readers.

For residents of Roper and surrounding counties, the upgrade promises not only faster news delivery but also a stronger sense of community cohesion. As the paper moves forward, it will be crucial to maintain the trust that has been built over a century, while also innovating to keep pace with the rapidly changing media environment.

Whether you’re a longtime subscriber scrolling through yesterday’s print edition or a curious newcomer exploring the new site for the first time, the Roper Mountain Star’s new chapter is a testament to the enduring power of local journalism.