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

The Salvation Army of Bolivar-Polk County invites members of the public to participate in its annual Red Kettle Campaign this Christmas season. more

The annual Kiwanis Glow Walk will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. Parking will be in the CMH north parking lot. Cost per family is $12 or $3 per person. more

The Annual Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade will kick off at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2. This year’s theme is “Let it Snow.” more

Friday, Nov. 24 more

Governor Mike Parson announced that a forthcoming book about his life titled No Turnin' Back will be released March 2024. The commemorative biography will detail the life of Michael L. Parson, Missouri's 57th Governor nicknamed "G57." More information can be found at https://www.safeordering.com/G57. more

McDonald’s of Bolivar is thrilled to host its second-annual fundraiser to benefit Bolivar Police Department’s Shop with a Cop event on Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Community members can participate by simply visiting McDonald’s of Bolivar to purchase their favorite menu items. McDonald’s will donate a portion of the proceeds during that time frame to support the Shop with a Cop event. more

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

Monday, Nov. 27 — Spaghetti with meat sauce, California blend, Caesar salad, garlic bread, orange sherbet. more

With the holiday season officially here, the Bolivar Police Department is seeking the community’s help as it works to make Christmas special for Polk County children. more

Funds raised will support The Food Bank’s network of faith-based and community charities more

I’m not a Black Friday shopper. I’m a Black Friday sleeper. While the stores see black on the bottom line, the only black I see is the inside of my eyelids while I dream about which Thanksgiving leftovers to eat first. more

I’ve been referring to this movie as “Hunger Game of Thrones.” It’s a prequel to “The Hunger Games,” but the influence of a certain HBO fantasy series is pretty apparent with the casting of Peter Dinklage and the “Song of Ice and Fire”-like subheading. I’ve seen it as little more than an attempt to combine two franchises that were wildly popular in their 2010’s heyday, but audiences have since left behind, frankly with a bad taste in their mouths after underwhelming finales. more

Polk County Republican Women will hold their monthly meeting Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Brenda’s Café at noon. We will collect Share Your Christmas gifts for teenage girls. Please bring an unwrapped item with you to the meeting. We will be welcoming our new slate of officers for the 2024 year. Please call your lunch orders in ahead of time to help the wait staff. more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

Thank you Lord for being our Great Provider in every way, more

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 23-09 closing state offices on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, the day after the Thanksgiving Day holiday. more

Program will be offered in two time slots on Nov. 30. more

Isaac Mabary, 12-years-old, took his first deer, an 8-point buck, with his 30-30 while hunting with his dad in a tree stand in Hickory County. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO more

Watch out when selling big-ticket items on Facebook Marketplace. Scammers have a new trick up their sleeves! According to BBB Scam Tracker reports, be wary of phony buyers who “need” you to upgrade your Zelle or another digital wallet app to accept money from them. more

A busy holiday shopping season is fast approaching – Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) advises consumers to be on the lookout for five common holiday shopping scams. more