Thomas “Tom” Lee Wilson more

DEATHS more

It was Christmas morning. The kids were still in bed. They had all been to their church Christmas Eve service the night before. Mom and Dan were drinking their coffee and admiring the decorated real Christmas tree they and the kids had picked out and cut down at a local tree farm. There were a few lights on it, ornaments, things the kids had made, and family pictures. They both agreed they liked it much better than their old artificial tree. more

DEATHS more

The beloved tale, written by Charles Dickens in 1843, was more than a mere Christmas story; it changed how people celebrated the holiday. Because of the story, traditions like charitable contributions and making the holiday an event to celebrate with friends and family; before this, it wasn’t really a ‘big deal’ as we see it now. The appearance of ghosts, however, was a longstanding tradition in England, and they often told scary stories during the holiday. Dickens created the classic for multiple reasons. Firstly, he was broke and needed the funds. Secondly, it was a reform piece, designed to show the plight of the poor - something close to the author’s heart (he spent some of his childhood in a workhouse). To get the book printed by Christmas, a simple six-page manuscript was submitted to the publishers for approval as the book was not fully envisioned. It was printed and ready to sell by Dec. 19, and sold out by Christmas Eve; within a year, the book had been reprinted 13 times. Though A Christmas Carol is his most popular, Dickens wrote four other holiday stories, The Chimes, The Cricket on the Hearth, The Battle of Life, and The Haunted Man. more

Today is Ugly Sweater Day more

Cody Gibson more

CIVIL PETITIONS more

As the year winds down, Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) is writing its naughty list of the top 12 holiday scams. more

Commission also approved regulations regarding deer carcass movement and disposal. more

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, the Smith-Cotton Lady Tigers rolled their yellow bus to the Bolivar field house to face the Lady Liberators, who had defeated them twice last season. more

SBU Athletics Hall of Famer and former Athletic Director, Rex Brown, passed away Saturday at the age of 89. Brown was an instrumental part in the development of SBU Athletics for more than 25 years. more

Boys more

Don't most people have a Christmas wish? more

Dear Grandkids, more

“For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) more

The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas. One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at their holiday celebrations safely. Wear your seat belt, obey all traffic laws, pay attention, and please, don’t drive impaired. Remember: Missouri is now a hands-free state. more

The low water bridge located on E 435th Road between D Hwy and S 150 is being replaced. Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 18 be prepared to detour as the road will be closed while this is being built. The expected time for this project is at least 90-days. The county appreciates your patience while we make these much needed repairs. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

December 10, 2024 more

The Polk County Courthouse will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 in observance of the Christmas Holiday. more

Wednesday, Dec. 18 more

Saturday, Dec. 14, the Christmas spirit was shared big with  parades in Fair Play and Morrisville. For more scenes from the parades see pages 2A and 3A. more

Most teachers would never dream of giving control to a bunch of seven or eight-year-olds. However, that is exactly what Amber Tucker, Bolivar Primary School (BPS) music teacher, did for the second-grade Christmas play, “Reindeer Zone.” more