Ragweeds are flowering plants in the genus Ambrosia in the aster family, Asteraceae. Ragweeds are erect, single stemmed, summer annual weeds primarily found in pastures, hayfields, right-of-ways, timberlines, and roadsides. Several species have been introduced to our region, some have naturalized, and many have become invasive species over time. These plants can cause allergy sufferers major problems (Hay Fever) during the summer and fall times of the year. Ragweed, depending on which one it is, can germinate and grow through the entire summer months as well as late into the fall. Pastures which are overgrazed, thin, low in fertility, and abused will most likely contain Common and Lance Leaf Ragweed. Giant Ragweed prefers a more fertile soil to grow. Ragweed seeds are often brought to and spread on the farm through low quality/cheap hay, which was put up to late in the year. more

Polk County Humane Society (PCHS) will hold a golf tournament at Silo Ridge Golf & Country Club on Monday, August 12, in an effort to raise funds in support of the cats and dogs in their care. more

Wednesday, July 10, was an exciting day for the Bolivar TOPS [Take Off Pounds Sensibly] chapter. TOPS focuses on addressing health issues to create a well rounded plan for each member. This week’s guest speaker, Sandy Chamberlain, is the TOPS Advocate for Southwest Missouri. She advises 27 chapters throughout this part of Missouri. During her talk, she shared strategies for setting your mind to be prepared mentally for weight loss and sticking with your plan. Different plans work for each individual from portion control to eliminating carbs, to utilizing a basic food group exchange system or eating a high protein diet. Each person’s body reacts differently so it is important to determine the best plan for you. She progressed right on down through our body emphasizing how each part of our body plays a role in our success. more

Co-Sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 66, American Legion Post 183, and Bolivar Elks Lodge 2828. more

BBB has tips to help you save money on air conditioning (AC) this summer – or find a good contractor if you need a tune-up. more

I have been writing for the Polk County Historical Society’s newsletter, “The Resumé” for a few years now, and it recently occurred to me that, although I have created or copied stories about our county’s early settlers, I have never written about the first people here...the Native Americans who lived here long before white settlement began. more

When it comes to advertising symbols that have captured the public’s affection, Smokey Bear is a bear beyond compare. America’s most loveable fire-fighter – Smokey Bear – is celebrating his 80th birthday this year and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to recognize this festive occasion with a photo opportunity. To honor Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday, MDC and the Missouri State University Brass and Sass Band are inviting the public to have a birthday picture taken with Smokey on four nights at this year’s Ozark Empire Fair. If a person has a cell phone, all they have to do is come by the MDC building on the west side of the fairgrounds on the nights Smokey will be there. An MDC staff person will snap a picture of you, or you and your family, with Smokey, and you will have a picture on your phone with you and one of the country’s most iconic symbols of nature and also of fire safety. Smokey will be at the MDC building from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in front of the MDC building on the west side of the fairgrounds on Thursday, July 25; Saturday, July 27; Wednesday, July 31 and Friday, August 2. more

Newspaper reporters don’t typically get much respect as writers. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

Paula Hubbert, a school board member from the Bolivar R-I School District, has been elected vice president of the Missouri School Boards’ Association for the 2024-25 year. more

MidMo Bank this week announced Gabe Magnuson as its new Community President for its Bolivar location. more

Citizens Memorial Hospital and Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation announce the appointment of Jenna Hicks, MBA, BSN, RN, and Donna Shelby to new leadership positions. more

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a school bus driver, please join Bolivar Schools for a bus driver open house on Tuesday, July 23, at Bolivar High School from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Food will be provided. You will learn all the specifics of school bus driving, and you can even get behind the wheel and take a short drive on a bus! more

The Polk County Health Center and Community Outreach Ministries are offering their free lunches again for the month of July. Lunches are available for free to kids between 0-18. As in the past years the lunches are provided between 11:30 and 12:30 p.m., at Cribbs Family Park, 410 W. Madison, Bolivar. more

Lucas Oil Speedway has a long tradition of recognizing active-duty military and veterans before each racing program. This week, it will be taken to an even higher level with Horton Supply Company Veterans and Military Night at the Races. more

The City of Bolivar has officially opened the application process for this year’s managed deer hunt. more

July 22-27 more

To celebrate 60 years since graduation, the Bolivar High School class of 1964 will gather for a class reunion on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 1 p.m. at Smith’s Restaurant. For more information contact Ken Murray at 417-777-1530 or Deanna Burns at 417-770-0484. more

The Sew ‘N’ Sew Quilt Guild will meet Friday, July 19, at United Methodist Church, 105 E. Division Street, Bolivar. Please come to the east entrance into the fellowship hall. Social time starts at 9:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 10 a.m. and the meeting to follow at 11 a.m. The program this month will be Sashiko quilting techniques by Tammy Condren and Elizabeth Morgan. All those interested in quilting are welcome. more

School supplies collected now Planning is underway for the 11th annual Polk County Back to School Extravaganza, a charitable event that provides Polk County K-12 students with school supplies and other needed products. This year’s drive-through event is from 8 to 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 3, on the Bolivar High School campus, located at 1401 Highway D in Bolivar. more

The Bolivar Herald-Free Press invites residents to send their engagement, wedding, baby, and other milestone announcements. more

The Southwest Missouri Horse Show Association is hosting an All Breed Gaited Horse Show on Saturday, July 20, at the Bolivar Saddle Club. Start time is 7 p.m. The show will offer classes for Fox Trot and Walking horses. There will also be a Lead Line class for children not quite ready to ride on their own, as well as a Walk Only class for those 11-years-old and under just starting out. This is open to any breed. Concession will be by Bar G Ranch. There is no admission charge. more

Twenty Bearcats earned the Great Lakes Valley Conference highest academic honor, Council of Presidents’ Academic Excellence award. The recipients of this award exemplify the outstanding student-athletes across the GLVC. Each honoree has exhausted their eligibility in their intercollegiate sport and maintained a 3.5 GPA throughout their academic career. more

CIVIL PETITIONS more

The Board of Aldermen approved the new logo in the Tuesday, May 28, board meeting, and staff has been working to implement the new design. more