The pandemic - the term conjures so many mixed emotions, most of which are not positive. Yet, there were instances of silver linings that developed from the fear and trepidation of such uncertain times. I remember people in Europe creating mini chorus lines from their windows - people singing in harmony showing camaraderie and providing bits of peace for each other. Not every good deed was highly publicized, with many flying under the radar; instances abound of neighbor helping neighbor with small tokens of assistance or comfort for people they usually did not associate with. To borrow from Charles Dickens, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” more

Bolivar: more

Deaths more

Beverly J. Cloyd more

Harry Lee Hargrave more

Show us what you love about Polk County! more

Know the hazards associated with carbon monoxide gas. more

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

Monday, Dec. 18 — Smothered chicken breast, rice, country mix veggies, biscuit, pears more

Beverly Joyce Cloyd more

Emergency responders from several area agencies came together on Saturday, Dec. 9, to shop with local children at this year’s Shop with a Cop. Law enforcement officers and firefighters joined together to shop with 138 children at Bolivar’s Walmart throughout the day. The children, who are in kindergarten through third grade and were nominated for the program by local school counselors, came from every school district in Polk County. Each child received around a $100 shopping spree for Christmas presents. The kids also had the chance to visit with Santa Claus and eat snacks after shopping. The Bolivar Police Department, which sponsors the program, raised around $30,000 for the program throughout 2023. more

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Bolivar and Polk County have more events for the family to enjoy as the Christmas season is in full swing. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

Friday, Dec. 15 more

Grant will allow Community Outreach Ministries to sustain hunger-relief efforts for families in Polk County more

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of Tree of Life Healing Arts Studio, 450 S. Main Ave., on Tuesday, Dec. 12. more

Monday, Dec. 11, the Lady Panthers traveled to the Bolivar Field House to take on the Lady Liberators in a roundball contest. more

The Pomme de Terre Chamber of Commerce's "Light up the Lake" event got an extra dose of international flair, thanks to six exchange students from (ISE) International Student Exchange. Matthias (Italy), Jovan (Montenegro), Haritz (Spain), Emil (Denmark), Emanuele (Italy), and Bernat (Spain) volunteered to help set up the event at Pomme de Terre Lake dam site park on Nov.r 26 and 27. more

NOTE: This Japanese film is available in both “Subbed” and “Dubbed” versions. This review will focuson the “Dubbed” version with the English-language voice cast. more

One of the things my dad taught me about the working world is that it’s always good to have “multiple revenue streams.” That way, if one stream dries up or slows to a trickle, you’ll have another one to keep you going. more

Top harvest counties were Callaway, Pike, and Lincoln. more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

Bolivar: more

A drive through Christmas light display in Hermitage began Dec. 1 and runs through Dec. 31. 5:30 to 9 p.m. nightly. more

Friday, Dec. 15 more