As I was driving toward Springfield last night, I realized I did not have my phone. That left me with quite a dilemma. It was alright to be shut off from the world for a while; no alerts for emails, no text message buzzes, and no phone calls interrupting my drive, were just fine with me. What I lamented was the lack of my beloved playlist blaring through my car stereo. There was no podcast or music designed just for my listening enjoyment. I had a choice to make: sit in silence (Heaven forbid) or go through the radio searching for a station that was actually playing music. I chose the latter and began my quest, hitting the ‘next’ button repeatedly. After hearing DJs waxing on for multiple stations, I finally stumbled upon some music. more

Having opportunities to work, earn and live comfortably in a community you love – it’s more

It’s late November and my mind begins to dwell on Thanksgiving dinner— not eating, but cooking. more

Fads are a way of life in society. Diet fads, exercise fads, clothing fads, linguistic fads, animal fads - all these fly-by-night things that come barging into our lives, inspired by some sense of “fear of missing out,” then just as quickly, they are gone again. I am not a person usually affected by the concept of FOMO, I am at an age where I dress to look nice AND be comfortable, I like what I like without a care if it is popular; this is just one of the perks of aging, I suppose. more

Sweet potatoes may be stars; cornbread dressing a contender. Dinner rolls are divine and green bean casserole a go-to. But Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete without turkey. more

Monday, Nov. 20 — Beef pot roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and onion, wheat roll, chocolate mint cake. more

Bolivar Middle School recently released its first-quarter honor roll. According to a school news release, the following students earned spots on the list: more

Pleasant Hope Middle School recently released its first-quarter honor roll. According to a school news release, the following students earned spots on the list: more

All month: more

The forty years after WWII were a time of upheaval in the United States Military. The world war had ended only five years earlier, and the veterans who saw combat were still adjusting to civilian life. The war’s former allies, the United States and the Soviet Union, were at each other's throats, often using other nations as a means of taking jabs at their nemesis. The spread of communism and the fear of it coming to the Western hemisphere prompted conflicts throughout the world for the next few decades. The Cold War was upon us. As proxy wars waged across the oceans the military at home had its own battles to fight. more

Most Americans hold the military in high esteem, and rightfully so; they bravely go places many of us avoid. Since the beginning of our nation, nay, before we were a nation, our fighters have led the United States to multiple victories, keeping us a free nation, at the detriment of their safety, mental well-being, and lives. Unlike Memorial Day, which pays homage to those service members no longer with us, Veterans Day respects those still able to feel the praise of a grateful populace. Every nation, be it Canada with Remembrance Day, France with Armistice Day, Britain with Remembrance Sunday, or America with Veterans Day, has a day established for demonstrating pride in their fighting forces. Interestingly, all of these countries chose on, or near, November 11 to have this holiday. What is it about the eleventh day of the eleventh month that makes it a prime choice for celebrating the military? more

Monday, Nov. 13 — BBQ beef stuffed baked potato, cheese, sour cream, onion, side salad, chocolate pudding, celebration cake. more

On Friday, Nov. 3, at 1:40 p.m., Corporal J.R. Rorie responded to a vehicle accident three miles south of Bolivar on MO-13. Tammy Combs, 57, of Springfield, was driving north on the highway when she went off the road. Combs was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected when her vehicle overturned. She was transported to CMH in Bolivar and was pronounced deceased at 2:48 p.m. by Dr. Assmann. Combs’ 2008 Chevrolet Impala was totaled in the accident and was removed by B&B Wrecker. more

All month: more

CMH Hospice's annual holiday fundraiser honors the lives of loved ones more

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

Monday, Nov. 6 — Kielbasa and potatoes, cabbage, wheat roll, apple cobbler. more

All month: more

The Bolivar Branch is still under construction so there are no events scheduled there at this time.  These other branches have the following events:  more

Monday, Oct. 30 — Beef and noodles, side salad, wheat roll, apple crisp. more

If statistics are to be believed, I’m part of a shrinking minority: I go to church every Sunday. more

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Once a hunter has bagged a deer, the work is only half over. How to field dress it, skin it, process the meat and store it for future tasty meals are skills hunters need to know. more

WHAT: Memory Screening Day where individuals can get a free cognitive assessment and learn about treatment for Alzheimer's from Dr. Curtis Schreiber. more

Citizens Memorial Hospital Pediatric Clinic will offer three drive-thru flu shot clinics for children aged 6 months to high school seniors from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, Thursday, Oct. 12, and Tuesday, Oct. 17, outside the clinic located at 1195 N. Oakland Ave., Bolivar. more