The Bolivar Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its slate of events for 2025, offering a mix of professional networking, community engagement and time-honored traditions. more

Liberators finish 14th more

Chuck and Jamie Martin, Bolivar, announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their daughter, Paige, to Sterling Morphis, son of Russell Morphis and Mandi Kester, Lincoln, Arkansas. more

Friday, Dec. 27 more

Jefferson City, Mo. — As Governor Mike Parson concludes his tenure as Missouri’s top economic developer, the Department of Economic Development (DED) celebrates the impact of the Parson administration on the state’s economy. more

Like many critics, I despised the 2019 CGI version of “The Lion King.” The new animation was ugly and the rehashing of the story from the 1994 classic without many changes made the whole thing seem unnecessary. But unlike many critics, I’m not ready to throw prequel “Mufasa: The Lion King” away just because of the sins of its predecessor. I’m not saying that it’s not still inextricably tied to the 2019 film, especially with its still-terrible CGI animation, but the story and characters can do some roaming on their own that makes for a breath of fresh air. more

“Adding value to your cattle helps make your cattle operation profitable,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Therefore, MU Extension is partnering with Missouri State University to provide the SW MO Beef Cattle Conference, which will educate cattle producers on strategies that will add value to their beef cattle operation. more

Congratulations to Lori Henderson on winning the December gift card by guessing Creator Delights as the location. Watch for a new location starting on Jan. 1, 2025. more

Dr. Tim Garber next Assistant Superintendent of Academics, Mike PItts as Executive Director of Operations more

Just four more days to enjoy Light the Park more

Hello, I'm Liqueur. I'm a gentle soul, a bit shy, but oh so mellow. I've been a mother to four little kittens, teaching them the ways of the world. I'm a quiet presence, preferring to watch the world go by from a cozy corner. I may take a little while to warm up to you, but once I do, I promise a bond like no other. more

William of Normandy became William I of England in 1066 after winning the Battle of Hastings. For years he had to quell uprisings throughout his territories in England and France. While in Rouen, he died while subduing a riot. It is said that his horse reared up causing the horn of his saddle to hit him in the gut, rupturing a part of his intestine. He lingered in agony for weeks while his body filled with infection from the internal wound, until he finally passed away. Between his death and funeral service, his body grew bloated and filled with gases, making him too big for his coffin. While trying to cram him into the sarcophagus, things became unpleasant. Orderic, a monk on the scene explained it best, “the swollen bowels burst, and an intolerable stench assailed the nostrils of the bystanders,” leading to a very rushed funeral service. more

Monday, Dec. 30 — Closed more

Today: Fruitcake and Leftovers Day more

The Department is investigating numerous reports of sick and dead waterfowl across Missouri. more

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director CED Karen Stillings in Polk and Dallas County reminds producers that FSA is now accepting applications for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses due to drought. The deadline to apply for 2024 LFP assistance is Jan. 30, 2025. more

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

The Tri-County Baptist Group will hold its regular Fifth Sunday Service on Sunday, Dec. 29, at Rock Prairie Missionary Baptist Church in Polk County. more

Ryan Lucas Arnold more

Benjamin Edward “Ed” Clark more

My grandmother’s death changed everything. Besides my mother, she was the most influential person in my life; her death left a hole that will never be completely filled. more

Kenneth Woods more

If you’re one of the many shoppers returning or exchanging a gift this year, make sure you check the return policy before you get started! more

Randall “Randy” Brent Keith more

DEATHS more