In a weekend that I could have sworn would be dominated by family-friendly franchise fare “Freakier Friday,” it was an R-rated horror movie “Weapons” pulling off the upset. What happened here? I know stars Julia Garner and Josh Brolin have important roles in the MCU, but were they such draws without Garner in silver polymer or Brolin with an oversized chin? Did horror fans flock to the film because of writer/director Zach Cregger? His last film, 2022’s “Barbarian,” has already had its entire domestic box office run eclipsed by “Weapons” in its first weekend alone. An inundation of advertising? I knew the film was coming, but I’d had “Freakier Friday” shoved down my throat for months thanks to the Disney promotional machine. more

Hunters can apply through Aug. 31 for a chance to harvest their first deer. more

WHEATLAND, MO. (Aug. 11, 2025) - Sprint cars of both the winged and wingless variety will be in the spotlight on Saturday at Lucas Oil Speedway for the 14th annual Impact Signs, Awnings & Wraps Open Wheel Showdown Presented by Heritage Tractor. more

The Polk County Democrats will meet Aug. 18 at Basil & Bourbon at 6:30 p.m. Optional dinner time is from 5-6:15 p.m. if you want to come early for a nice dinner and mingle with friends. The agenda will include discussion about Country Days, area events, Jeff City updates and other items. more

HI LOW CONDITIONS more

Booth spaces are available now for the annual Country Days event. Pick up your application at the Polk County Genealogical Society Library on the southwest corner of the square this Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get ready to be a part of the big event that has something for everyone to enjoy - music, games, car show, food, arts and crafts. This year’s Country Days is Saturday, Sept. 6, on the Bolivar Square from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. more

The City of Bolivar has announced the date for a new free music and food truck festival in Bolivar. more

Mary Joyce Johnson Cowen more

Sue Ellen Kessler more

By Larry Whiteley more

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

 “Helping cow calf producers understand how their calves will perform in the feedyard is important to the sustainability of their cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. The Missouri Steer Feedout allows producers the opportunity to experience feeding cattle and gain knowledge on how those cattle will perform in the feedyard on a small scale. Furthermore, these producers can use knowledge gained to make management and marketing decisions that could improve the profitability of their operation. more

Tentiform leafminer confirmed in soybean fields. more

Harold Wayne Dunning more

As the new school year gets underway and your child begins using the internet for schoolwork or to play games with friends, Better Business Bureau has online safety tips for families. more

INSIDE TODAY’S ISSUE more

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Melvin “Randy” Randolph Garms Jr. more

Here's what I'm packing for August more

I have spent many years enjoying all the outdoors has to offer to anyone who seeks peace, adventure, quiet, solitude, and fun. I have fished, hunted, camped, and hiked all over America, and I have made several trips to Canada. more

The Missouri Department of Conservation will hold a youth dove hunt on Monday, Sept. 1. The event will take place in Aldrich from 3-7 p.m. more

Missouri is facing a serious issue when it comes to speeding-related fatalities. 2025 Speeding Report reveals that Missouri has a speeding death rate of 8.61 per 100,000 licensed drivers, significantly higher than the national average. In 2023, the state recorded 371 deaths in fatal crashes involving speeding, making up 36.24% of all fatal crashes in Missouri. more

POLICE REPORTS more

Southwest Baptist softball earned the 4th highest GPA in NCAA Division II softball more

The Polk County Democrats will meet Aug. 18 at Basil & Bourbon at 6:30 p.m. Optional dinner time is from 5-6:15 p.m. if you want to come early for a nice dinner and mingle with friends. The agenda will include discussion about Country Days, area events, Jeff City updates and other items. more