DEATHS more

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce’s 20th Annual Light the Park is open from 6 to 8 p.m. every evening through Dec. 30. The event features Christmas light displays throughout Bolivar’s Dunnegan Memorial Park, 601 W. Forrest. Displays are sponsored by local businesses and organizations. more

The Lady Liberators met the Stafford Indians in the opening round of the Pink and White after an almost two week layoff. more

Blue and Gold vs Willard-Bolivar falls in first round of the Blue and Gold 69-53 more

On Saturday evening, Nov. 4, thirty-four Polk County 4-H Clover Kids and 4-H members were recognized for their project work and other 4H accomplishments during the 2023 4-H year. Thirteen 4-H volunteers were recognized for their years of service as club and project leaders. The “Friends of Polk County 4-H” awards were given to Bolivar Tractor Supply and Midwest Archery. Recipients of this award are selected by the 4-H youth and are given to thank the person, group or business for their continued support of the Polk County 4-H program. more

As we bid 2023 farewell, here's to the memories that were made and going into 2024 our wish is for peace and prosperity. May the New Year bless you with health and happiness. From all of us at Bolivar Herald-Free Press - thank you for letting us serve you in the year past, and we look forward to bringing you the news in the upcoming year. more

Citizens Memorial Hospital and Pleasant Hope Family Medical Center welcome Kristin L. Waugh, FNP-C, to the medical staff. 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. 31, at Sentinel Missionary Baptist Church in Polk County. more

Monday, Jan. 1 — Close. Happy New Year. more

Thursday, Dec. 28 more

Congratulations Lisa Lehman for guessing the correct location, Open Hearts United Methodist Church, in this month's contest. Thank you to all who participated, be watching for a new location beginning Jan. 3. more

2023 has not been good for the DC Extended Universe. The year will end without “The Flash” as one of the top 20 highest money-earners at the domestic box office. “Blue Beetle” will finish out of the top 30, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” out of the top 40. Newest offering “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” will probably fare a little better since it’s been positioned as the big Christmas weekend release, but it can finish out of the top 50 for all I care because this movie is terrible. more

January marks the start of a new year, and that sense of a new beginning is palpable for millions of people across the globe. New Year's resolutions are typically made at the start of January, and those can serve as a springboard to an enjoyable year. As the calendar turns to January, there's much to learn about this meaningful month. more

Make the most of the coast more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

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

Bolivar: more

Mobile gaming app has new missions this season at MDC nature centers. more

At noon Christmas Day 2023 the weather provided us with some blue sky and some gray sky as the sun tried to shine through the heavy clouds that bought some rain during the morning hours. (Statistics not available at press time.)  more

New Year's Day marks the unofficial culmination of the holiday season, which some feel begins months earlier with Halloween. Retailers have had all sorts of party and decorative goods filling shelves throughout the holiday season, and much emphasis has been placed on celebrating with friends and family. more

DEATHS more

Deaths more

Resolutions made at the start of a new year often focus on personal improvement. Giving up poor habits like smoking or drinking too much alcohol and losing weight through diet and exercise are some popular resolutions. more

Show us what you love about Polk County! more