Erika Deitch Schwartz will be the speaker at the July 3 meeting of Polk County Genealogical Society. Schwartz was born in 1944 in Nazi-occupied Hungary. She and her mother were the sole survivors of her mother’s entire family. Schwartz will speak about her family and the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis. She will speak of the individuality of these people who loved, and were loved, by people who are still alive. This isn’t ancient history and her closing message of hope…that our lives don’t have to be defined by our circumstances…has resonated with many who have heard her speak. Schwartz spoke at the March meeting of the Polk County more

Lewis and Wanda Dodd McBride of Bolivar celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Saturday, June 21, at the Humansville High School reunion. A good time was had visiting with "old " friends. more

CIVIL PETITIONS more

The Polk County Courthouse will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day Holiday. more

A tribute to the fireworks guys more

My cousin sent me the cutest card that started off with some little ladybug printed on it with the following “Advice from a Ladybug.” It said, “Spot new opportunities. Spend time in your garden. Be well-rounded. Enjoy the wonders of nature. Don’t let the small things bug you. Keep family close by. Be simply beautiful!” All of these suggestions are great advice and a neat little way to remind us of some of the important things we can easily lose sight of. These cards also had a couple of other neat features. Printed on the back of the card was, “This card is 100% Replanted! New 18-24” seedling trees are planted for all paper used.” This series of cards is part of an “Advice For Life” series. You can learn more about them if you are interested at: myadviceforlife.com. more

Free school supplies, hygiene items for Polk County students more

Bolivar High School recently released its second semester honor roll. According to a school news release, the following students earned spots on the list: more

The annual Halfway Antique-Farm Stock-Classic Tractor Pull will be held on Saturday, July 12, at the Lions Club grounds in Halfway. Weigh in starts at 1 p.m. with the first class of tractors pulling at 6 p.m. All proceeds go towards community projects and facility maintenance. Trophies will be presented to the top four finishers in each class. Admission is $5 per person, 10 and under free. Bring your lawn chairs! Concessions such as grilled hamburgers, pulled pork, brats and homemade pie will be available. Contact Casey Jones at 417-328-9051 or Dean Voris at 417-399-3665 for more information. more

University of Missouri Nutrition specialist Hannah Whittaker and the Polk County Extension are sponsoring a Stay Strong, Stay Healthy workshop. It will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning July 15 and concluding on September 2 from 12 noon to 1 pm. It will be held at the Polk County Extension Center, 110 E Jefferson, Bolivar. more

The first time I met Grace Pursley was the first day of fourth grade at Mitchell Elementary. The year was 1954; it was the second year the Mitchell Building was open for classes. more

Bolivar Pentecostal Church of God will be in revival July 18 - 20, with Evangelist Shamgar Deatherage and family from Sterlington, Louisiana. Service times are 7 p.m. nightly and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. more

Teresa Susan Barker more

DEATHS more

Effie Maxine Cron more

INSIDE TODAY’S ISSUE more

“F1: The Movie” takes viewers inside the exciting world of Formula One auto-racing. The director is Joseph Kosinski, best known for taking “Top Gun: Maverick” to the top of the yearly box office three years ago. Between that movie’s jets and this movie’s cars, it seems the man’s specialty is directing movies about things that go “whoosh.” And yes, this movie is best enjoyed in premium-format theaters (for me it was a Dolby) that can really give the audience a good taste of the whooshing. That is to say I got maximum enjoyment out of the whooshing cars and very little enjoyment out of everything else. more

Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar and Central Care Cancer Center of Salina, Kansas, have signed an agreement to continue their commitment to delivering comprehensive cancer care services to the Bolivar community through a refined partnership. more

Congratulations to Kendrix Wheelbarger, the winner of the $25 gift card to Brenda’s Cafe. Kendrix correctly guessed The Bank of Missouri as the location for June. Watch for a new location to start July 2. more

Southwest Baptist University Athletics had a school record 11 teams earn GLVC Academic Awards for the 2024-25 season as announced by the conference office Monday afternoon. This award recognizes the teams that have maintained a 3.30 grade point average for the academic year. more

SBU Athletic Director, Clark Sheehy, announces Paityn Walker as the new head beach volleyball coach. more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

Saturday, June 28 more

University of Missouri Nutrition specialist Hannah Whittaker and the Polk County Extension are sponsoring a Stay Strong, Stay Healthy workshop. It will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning July 15 and concluding on September 2 from 12 noon to 1 pm. It will be held at the Polk County Extension Center, 110 E Jefferson, Bolivar. more