On Friday, Feb. 9, a two-car collision occurred half a mile north of Bolivar on Mo. 13. The accident happened as a 2006 GMC Sierra, driven by 75-year-old Patton Fraser of Bolivar, traveled straight, crossing Mo. 13 from a county road crossover. He failed to yield to oncoming traffic and was struck by a 2013 Ford Escape. In the Escape were 29-year-old Jordan Turner (driver), passenger Madison Fulton, 24, and a 1-year-old male, all from Belton. Everyone involved was taken to Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, with all but Fulton receiving minor injuries. Fulton had serious injuries. Both vehicles were severely damaged and towed from the scene: the GMC was taken by Wakefield Towing and the Ford was removed by B and B Towing. Trooper J.K. Marlin was the responding officer. more

John Hofstetter, of Bolivar, faces second-degree involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident, resulting in death charges. more

A Bolivar man faces felony charges after the death of his 13-year-old son. more

A Collins, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court today for receiving child pornography on his cell phone. more

Be Alert for Signs of Human Trafficking more

In the 01/03/24 and 01/05/24 issues, the Volume number and Issue numbers were incorrect as Volume 152 Issue No. 1 for 01/03/24 and Volume 152 Issue No. 2 for 01/05/24, should be Volume 151 Issue No. 97 for 01/03/24 and Volume 151 No. 98 for 01/05/24. more

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce wrapped up its 20th Annual Light the Park on Saturday, Dec. 30. The event features light displays throughout Bolivar’s Dunnegan Memorial Park, provided by businesses and organizations. more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

The Polk County prosecutor has ruled the officer-involved shooting of John Erven as justified. more

CIVIL ACTIONS more

On Dec. 15 at 1:25 p.m, Trooper A.R. Enerle responded to a single-car accident three miles south of Humansville on Highway 13. James Soukup, Bronwen Soukup, and Barbara Miller, all of Raymore, were traveling southbound on the highway when their vehicle, a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country, traveled off the left side of the roadway into the median. The driver, James Soukup, was taken to CMH Bolivar with minor injuries. Passenger Bronwen Soukup sustained moderate injuries and was taken to the same facility. Both were wearing seatbelts. Passenger Barbara Miller was not wearing a seatbelt and received serious injuries. She was taken to Cox South in Springfield. The totaled vehicle was removed from the scene by C and H Towing. more

Whether you choose a real one or opt for the everlasting fake one, there is no doubt that the tree is the centerpiece of any yuletide decor. I remember my mom’s trees were always showpieces; our Victorian-styled house had a coinciding tanenbaum bejeweled in beautiful white lights and delicate ornaments that took her days to arrange just right. She then got ambitious and decided our lodge-style den needed an equally elaborate tree with bears and moose adorning every branch. One was the fun tree, the other was the fancy tree, but both were always the focal points of our home. more