Good Samaritan Boys Ranch is pleased to announce that they received an appropriation of $635,000 to provide essential support for vulnerable young adults in our community. The state budget signed by Missouri Governor Mike Parson will help cover a portion of the $1.6 million resource center for youth aging out of foster care. more

Public pre-testing of the Image Cast voting machines for the Aug. 6, 2024 Primary Election will be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at the Polk County Road & Bridge Complex conference room, 724 S Killingsworth, Bolivar. more

Being in good health and avoiding various diseases often comes down to a combination of factors. Individuals may be aware that nutrition and exercise play important roles in personal well-being, but it appears that nature may provide its own medicinal benefits as well. more

The McNeil Family from Texas will be in concert at the Aldrich United Methodist Church at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 20. A wonderful Christian family sing their talent to praise the Lord. If you are looking for a blessing come and be blessed. more

The Downtown Bolivar Association is now accepting applications for vendors who would like to sign up for a booth space at Country Days. This annual event hosts a variety of organizations and vendors who offer food, entertainment, and other goods. This year, Country Days will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. more

Ragweeds are flowering plants in the genus Ambrosia in the aster family, Asteraceae. Ragweeds are erect, single stemmed, summer annual weeds primarily found in pastures, hayfields, right-of-ways, timberlines, and roadsides. Several species have been introduced to our region, some have naturalized, and many have become invasive species over time. These plants can cause allergy sufferers major problems (Hay Fever) during the summer and fall times of the year. Ragweed, depending on which one it is, can germinate and grow through the entire summer months as well as late into the fall. Pastures which are overgrazed, thin, low in fertility, and abused will most likely contain Common and Lance Leaf Ragweed. Giant Ragweed prefers a more fertile soil to grow. Ragweed seeds are often brought to and spread on the farm through low quality/cheap hay, which was put up to late in the year. more

Polk County Humane Society (PCHS) will hold a golf tournament at Silo Ridge Golf & Country Club on Monday, August 12, in an effort to raise funds in support of the cats and dogs in their care. more

Wednesday, July 10, was an exciting day for the Bolivar TOPS [Take Off Pounds Sensibly] chapter. TOPS focuses on addressing health issues to create a well rounded plan for each member. This week’s guest speaker, Sandy Chamberlain, is the TOPS Advocate for Southwest Missouri. She advises 27 chapters throughout this part of Missouri. During her talk, she shared strategies for setting your mind to be prepared mentally for weight loss and sticking with your plan. Different plans work for each individual from portion control to eliminating carbs, to utilizing a basic food group exchange system or eating a high protein diet. Each person’s body reacts differently so it is important to determine the best plan for you. She progressed right on down through our body emphasizing how each part of our body plays a role in our success. more

Co-Sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 66, American Legion Post 183, and Bolivar Elks Lodge 2828. more

BBB has tips to help you save money on air conditioning (AC) this summer – or find a good contractor if you need a tune-up. more

I have been writing for the Polk County Historical Society’s newsletter, “The Resumé” for a few years now, and it recently occurred to me that, although I have created or copied stories about our county’s early settlers, I have never written about the first people here...the Native Americans who lived here long before white settlement began. more

At 1:46 a.m. on July 14, Trooper D.J. Jackson responded to an accident involving an all-terrain vehicle on South 117th Road, five miles north of Bolivar. more

When it comes to advertising symbols that have captured the public’s affection, Smokey Bear is a bear beyond compare. America’s most loveable fire-fighter – Smokey Bear – is celebrating his 80th birthday this year and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to recognize this festive occasion with a photo opportunity. To honor Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday, MDC and the Missouri State University Brass and Sass Band are inviting the public to have a birthday picture taken with Smokey on four nights at this year’s Ozark Empire Fair. If a person has a cell phone, all they have to do is come by the MDC building on the west side of the fairgrounds on the nights Smokey will be there. An MDC staff person will snap a picture of you, or you and your family, with Smokey, and you will have a picture on your phone with you and one of the country’s most iconic symbols of nature and also of fire safety. Smokey will be at the MDC building from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in front of the MDC building on the west side of the fairgrounds on Thursday, July 25; Saturday, July 27; Wednesday, July 31 and Friday, August 2. more

Newspaper reporters don’t typically get much respect as writers. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

Paula Hubbert, a school board member from the Bolivar R-I School District, has been elected vice president of the Missouri School Boards’ Association for the 2024-25 year. more

MidMo Bank this week announced Gabe Magnuson as its new Community President for its Bolivar location. more

Citizens Memorial Hospital and Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation announce the appointment of Jenna Hicks, MBA, BSN, RN, and Donna Shelby to new leadership positions. more

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a school bus driver, please join Bolivar Schools for a bus driver open house on Tuesday, July 23, at Bolivar High School from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Food will be provided. You will learn all the specifics of school bus driving, and you can even get behind the wheel and take a short drive on a bus! more

The Polk County Health Center and Community Outreach Ministries are offering their free lunches again for the month of July. Lunches are available for free to kids between 0-18. As in the past years the lunches are provided between 11:30 and 12:30 p.m., at Cribbs Family Park, 410 W. Madison, Bolivar. more

Lucas Oil Speedway has a long tradition of recognizing active-duty military and veterans before each racing program. This week, it will be taken to an even higher level with Horton Supply Company Veterans and Military Night at the Races. more

The City of Bolivar has officially opened the application process for this year’s managed deer hunt. more

July 22-27 more

To celebrate 60 years since graduation, the Bolivar High School class of 1964 will gather for a class reunion on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 1 p.m. at Smith’s Restaurant. For more information contact Ken Murray at 417-777-1530 or Deanna Burns at 417-770-0484. more

The Sew ‘N’ Sew Quilt Guild will meet Friday, July 19, at United Methodist Church, 105 E. Division Street, Bolivar. Please come to the east entrance into the fellowship hall. Social time starts at 9:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 10 a.m. and the meeting to follow at 11 a.m. The program this month will be Sashiko quilting techniques by Tammy Condren and Elizabeth Morgan. All those interested in quilting are welcome. more