The Polk County Humane Society invites the community to an unforgettable evening of amusement and compassion at the Benefit Bazaar, a Cirque du Soleil–inspired charity event on Saturday, Oct.18. more

Citizens Memorial Hospital Pediatric Clinic will offer two drive-thru flu shot clinics for children ages 6 months through high school seniors on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 4-6 p.m. outside the clinic at 1195 N. Oakland Ave. in Bolivar. more

The Bolivar School Board met in regular session September 18, 2025. After recognizing Micah Thomas for his academic excellence, as demonstrated by his designation as a semi-finalist for the merit award (see Bolivar Herald-Free Press, 9/19), the board moved on to give commendations to several others for their work. Among these were several athletes, teams and representatives of the community including Carly Cribbs, Chevy Dealers of the Ozarks Athlete of the Month; BHS Girls’ Golf team, which won 1st place at the tournament in Seymour; Ron Bandy, FCA and ROTC for organizing the Cross Country meet with over 2,300 runners; Anna Bly, Lydia Tilley, Payton Cobel, Phillip Bly, Lucas Roker, Bill Todd, Bill Marshall and Corbin Parks for their selection into the Invitational Honor Choir; DeLaney Daniels for her win in the Springfield Catholic tournament-and the team, for taking 3rd place); Kami Bryan and Jillian Horner 1st place in doubles, Emma Goodman and Josie Thomas, 3rd place in doubles in Springfield Invitational; Domino's Pizza for donating certificates to help celebrate students of the week at BMS; Wynne Photography, parent volunteers and PTA for successful fall picture days; Wommack Monuments for donating books for every first grader; and Rotary Club for their donation to the PAT program. more

Anniversary events highlight nursing education, community partnerships, and a bright future more

Special guest Chris Chinn, Director Missouri Department of Agriculture and other state leaders Wheeler Livestock Auction in Osceola, will hold its Annual Anniversary Customer Appreciation Sale on Thursday, Oct. 2. Attending this special event will be Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn. Director Chinn will have a special announcement regarding the sale barn. In addition to the Director, State Senator Sandy Crawford (R) Missouri Senate District 28, Senator Lincoln Hough (R) State Senate District 30 and State Representative Jim Kalberloh (R) Missouri House of Representatives District 125 have all confirmed their attendance. more

Congratulations Camri Wheelbarger, winner of the $25 gift card from Brenda’s Cafe. Camri was drawn after guessing Sonic as the location for the September I-Spy. Be watching for a new location starting Oct. 1. more

The DAR (National Society Daughters of the American Revolution) was founded in 1890; membership is for women who can trace lineage to someone who supported American independence during the Revolutionary War. more

New registration link! Learn about new deer hunting regulations, efforts to keep Missouri deer healthy, and deer management in the coming decade. more

The Bolivar Board of Aldermen welcomed two “new” (returning) police officers, Mark Morris and Mike Smith, during their regular meeting September 23, 2025. more

The Bolivar Cub Scout Pack 128 had recruitment night, Monday, Sept. 22. The total of the pack was 72. The pack meets on Monday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Come join anytime. more

INSIDE TODAY’S ISSUE more

Bolivar Family Care Center and Willard Medical Center welcome Harley Domby, PMHNP-BC, a certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, to the Citizens Memorial Hospital medical staff. more

Living Waters Ranch of Osceola is gearing up for its 18th Annual Free Fall Festival. Many fun outdoor activities will be set up including the zipline, archery, BB guns, outdoor games, hayride, giant slide, mechanical bull, pony rides, exotic animal petting zoo, wild edibles (plants and bugs) and back by popular demand the Forgers for Christ ministry. Kids will step up on a large trailer with old time forging stations and forge either a dinner bell or a tomahawk to take home. Limited number available so come early and get signed up. more

The newly elected National Commander Dan Wiley visits all 55 departments of the American Legion to introduce himself. Wiley visited with local American Legion Post and Members. more

Join the Bolivar Police Department for the Hook 'Em & Book 'Em Fishin' Brawl from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Old Park Marina at Stockton Lake. more

George Bruce Woodmansee more

(FLAG) more

The Parkview Vikings traveled to Bolivar for an Ozark Mountain Conference showdown on Friday, Sept. 19. They met a defense that was unrelenting. more

Though my mother brought me home to live in a chicken house on my grandparents’ farm, I have not always been a farm boy. more

The City of Bolivar has called for a Special Election on Nov. 4, 2025. Absentee voting more

CIVIL PETITIONS more

Bolivar High School is proud to announce the 2025 inductees to our prestigious Hall of Fame. Each year, this honor recognizes Bolivar High School alumni who have made outstanding contributions to our school, our community, and beyond. These individuals exemplify the spirit, dedication, and excellence that define Bolivar High School, and we are thrilled to celebrate their achievements and welcome them into this distinguished legacy. These inductees will be recognized at the Bolivar High School Homecoming pep assembly, ride in the Homecoming parade, attend a Hall of Fame dinner, and be honored at halftime of the Homecoming football game, Friday, Oct. 3. more

A Bolivar teen is accused of an assault at a nightclub in Springfield, leaving the victim with a broken jaw that required surgery. more

People with drug and alcohol addictions often face poverty, abuse, illness and a slew of legal issues including losing driving licenses, jail time or even losing their children. Society as a whole faces issues related to drug and alcohol abuse, ranging from discomfort as a bystander on the scene of a belligerent drunk to the loss of a loved one killed by someone driving under the influence. Addictive behaviors affect the people with addictions and everyone else, too. more