On Wednesday, Dec. 17, the Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce and community members celebrated the grand opening of Grand Missouri Bank. With two convenient Bolivar locations—downtown at 111 E. Jackson and the main branch at 1630 S. Killingsworth. Grand Missouri Bank is locally owned and focused on quality community banking. more

Jenna and Paul Folbre are putting the finishing touches on their event center before their official opening of MOVINO Winery southeast of Bolivar. The couple has traveled the world, including Italy, France and the US, learning all they can about wine culture and the wine industry. more

The Bolivar First Christian Church will host a retirement reception for Pastor Bill Nichols on Sunday, Jan. 4, from 2-4 p.m. more

I'm Kitty Kat. I'm a sweet boy. I'm not a fan of other pets, so I'd like to be your one and only. If you are a "one and only" type, come get me asap! I’m super sweet and live to cuddle with you. more

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports 10 people died in traffic crashes during this year’s Christmas holiday counting period--from 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 24, 2025, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2025. There were no boating crashes or drownings. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

After 25 years of publishing twice weekly, the Bolivar Herald-Free Press has announced a significant change to its print schedule - returning to being published in print only on Wednesdays. more

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration. No one wants to start 2026 with a traffic crash or DWI arrest. During the 2024-2025 New Year’s period, one person was killed and 118 injured in 264 traffic crashes in Missouri. more

There’s a lot of money flying around during the holiday season, and you’ll almost certainly use multi-factor authentication to access a bank account, credit card or the website for your favorite store within the next couple weeks. more

Jefferson City – The ACLU of Missouri filed a lawsuit in Cole County Circuit Court against the State of Missouri and Secretary of State for violating Missourians’ right to referendum by enacting the congressional maps in House Bill 1 before voters have the opportunity to approve or reject the measure as provided by the state constitution. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of two Jackson County residents who are registered voters, seeks to suspend House Bill 1 and prevent state election authorities from using the new maps until the referendum process is complete. more

HI LOW CONDITIONS more

Nonresident hunters will only be allowed one bird, nonresident landowners will still have a harvest limit of two bearded birds, and youth hunters can harvest a second bird earlier. more

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

The Pink and White Basketball Tournament, one of the most prestigious girls basketball venues in Southwest Missouri, opened Dec. 26 at Drury University in Springfield. more

The SW MO Spring Forage Conference will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO. more

Skylar Nicholas Johnson, 19, has been arrested by the Polk County Sheriff for burglary and property damage. He is being held in the Polk County jail on a $50,000 bond. more

Theresa Leigh Adams more

Michael Lee Mason more

Larry G. Jones more

Violet Stillions more

A5 more

Theresa L. Adams more

Undergraduate and graduate students studying music can apply for the DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship through January 31, 2026. Sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the scholarship provides a one-time $5,000 award to one student annually who is pursuing undergraduate or graduate study in music. more

As the New Year begins, many people reflect on their lives and create resolutions aimed at improving themselves and their communities. One powerful resolution for the year ahead is to focus on loving and connecting with your immediate neighbors. more

New non-resident migratory bird permit is $60 and becomes effective Jan. 1, 2026. more