Citizens Memorial Hospital will host a special exhibit Thursday, Aug. 7, showcasing the ION Robotic Bronchoscopy System, now available at the CMH Pulmonology Clinic. more

The Polk County Museum will be hosting a “Mitchell Family” exhibit Aug. 18-29. The museum is open Monday, Thursday, Friday from 1-4 p.m. more

Polk County Community Connections will host its monthly breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 at the Polk County Senior Center, 1850 W. Broadway, Bolivar. A free breakfast is provided. more

Tim Ritter makes a return visit to Polk County Genealogical Society on Thursday, Aug.7, to present a program about the New Madrid Fault. This talk examines what is known to have happened, as well as a few legends, to piece together the story of the horrifying events of that time on a fault line that remains active to this day. Ritter has spoken several times at the Society’s meetings and is always welcomed, and enjoyed, by a large group. You can visit Ritter’s website at timritter.net to find out more about him and the programs and books he has written. The meeting will be held at the PCGS Research Facility on the southeast corner of the square beginning at 7 p.m. with a short business meeting. The meeting is open to the public. more

Wednesday, Aug. 6 more

 Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) will recognize 111 Farm Families on Monday, August 11, as part of the 2025 Farm Family Day celebration at the Missouri State Fair. more

Liberty’s annual aerial inspection of electric transmission lines and substations has begun. Depending upon weather and wind conditions, the inspection is expected to run through the second week of August. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

Saturday, Aug. 2, the BHS campus was filled with up to eight lanes of traffic waiting to make it through the line to gather back-to-school gear. Students from all Polk County districts could pick up back-to-school necessities, hygiene products, underwear and socks, and their favorite color of new backpacks. The event provided 745 students with the new gear for the fast approaching school year. more

HI LOW CONDITIONS more

The Bolivar Aquatic Center fall schedule will begin on Monday, Aug. 11. 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

David Nelson Dawson more

Bolivar Parks & Recreation is hosting its first community pickleball tournament on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Cribbs Family Youth Park, 410 W. Madison Street. more

Vesta Seiner was the winner of the gift card to Brenda’s Cafe after winning the July I-Spy game, correctly guessing Bill Roberts Chevrolet. Vesta is proof that reading the paper doesn’t just provide you with news and entertainment, it can pay off as well. more

The first day of school will be here before you know it. School supplies can be expensive, so it makes sense to search out the best prices – just make sure you’re not falling for a deal that’s too good to be true. more

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

Tuesday, August. 5, voters were at the polls for the special election regarding the Polk County use tax. Results were not available at press time, watch for results to be posted on our Facebook page and in Friday's edition. more

Sally Ann Ward of Bolivar passed away peacefully surrounded by family and love. Born on June 8, 1954, in Germany, Sally lived a life marked by strength, devotion, and unwavering love for her family. more

You are never without hope when you have Jesus. You are never without help. You are not walking through life alone. Even when it feels quiet or heavy. You are held by the one that overcame death. Who calms storms with a word. Who sees every tear and hears every whisper from your heart. more

INSIDE TODAY’S ISSUE more

DEATHS more

Due to the passage of Senate Bill 28, purchasing a motor vehicle in Missouri will look different down the road - in late 2026 or early 2027. 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

Friday, July 25, the Community Outreach Ministry hosted a COMedy Night as a fundraiser for their local food pantry. more