ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Analysis from the University of Missouri Extension has placed Missouri as the 19th-most-populous state in the U.S. as of 2024, with 6.25 million residents. more

The Polk County Cattlemen’s Association honored outstanding members of the local cattle industry at the annual Missouri Beef Days Boots & Bling Banquet, held Saturday, May 3. more

Wayne Allen Gladden passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from complications of a stroke. more

DEATHS more

Larry A. Gipson, 64, Pittsburg more

An American Tradition for Nearly 150 Years more

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

Bettie Aarline Bybee more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on the following dates: more

The Polk County Assessor’s office will be mailing out value change notices of assessed value for real estate on May 9, 2025. Questions, call 417-326-4643. Thank you, Rita Lemmon, Polk County Assessor. more

What I’ve learned in waiting rooms more

The Missouri Beef Days Foundation continues to advance its mission of supporting agriculture and education throughout the region through strategic charitable giving. Anchored by its annual Boots & Bling fundraiser, the Foundation funds local scholarships, youth initiatives, and community projects that celebrate the area’s deep agricultural heritage. more

“The Accountant” was a midsized hit from 2016 that until recently had a reputation as a wannabe franchise-starter that never got a follow-up. I watched the first movie for research last weekend, and I would have guessed that the reason the film went so long without a sequel was that the key players knew that they had made a lousy movie and wanted to do better things with their careers. But apparently there was enough interest to bring about “The Accountant 2,” a film popular enough to make for one of the most crowded screenings I’ve attended in recent memory. I can’t say that I really see the appeal – either before or after the screening. more

SBU football kicker Logan Turner and softball second baseman Margo Frossard win the 2025 Rex Brown Award, as announced at the third annual Purple Carpet Premiere. more

Marinel Erven was the winner of the gift card to Brenda’s Cafe after winning the March I-Spy game, correctly guessing Westlake Ace Hardware. Marinel is proof that reading the paper doesn’t just provide you with news and entertainment, it can pay off as well. more

Friday, May 2 more

Bolivar’s biggest beef celebration is back and it is making a difference beyond the dinner table. On Saturday, May 3, Missouri Beef Days will host its annual Ag Expo and Street Festival, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Polk County Missouri Museum (201 W. Locust). This free, family-friendly event celebrates Missouri’s rich agricultural heritage while supporting a vital cause: proceeds from the beef cook-off ($10 to participate) will benefit the Citizens Memorial Healthcare Foundation – Carrie J. Babb Cancer Center in Bolivar. more

Citizens Memorial Hospital recognized Auxiliary volunteer Barbara Owens with the 2025 Lillian Hutcheson Award during the Auxiliary’s quarterly meeting April 18. more

Monday, May 5 — Chicken sandwich on WG bun, lettuce, tomato, onion, chips, coleslaw, cookie. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

The Polk County Assessor’s office will be mailing out value change notices of assessed value for real estate on May 9, 2025. Questions, call 417-326-4643. Thank you, Rita Lemmon, Polk County Assessor. more

Bolivar Schools and the City of Bolivar have reached a significant agreement to bolster community safety during weather emergencies. The partnership will grant public access to the Bolivar Middle School Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) gymnasium outside of regular school hours, including during tornado warnings, providing a vital refuge for residents. more

In a late season scheduled match the Liberator tennis team, 18-0 got the opportunity to face Class 2 Warrensburg, 13-0. more

Charles Albert Winfiel more