New non-resident migratory bird permit is $60 and becomes effective Jan. 1, 2026. more

Monday, Dec. 29 — CLOSED more

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

Thanks to technology, it’s never been easier to pay for things. The times of reaching into your wallet or purse for cash or pulling out your checkbook are less frequent. Using your smartphone or using an app to make payments is now the norm. more

INSIDE TODAY’S ISSUE more

Michael L. Mason more

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) celebrated the graduation of 21 students from the Missouri Security Operations Center (MOSOC) Training Program during three ceremonies held in Columbia, Lee’s Summit, and South St. Louis on Friday. The students completed the eight-week MOSOC Training Program as part of the Career Opportunity Training for Youth (COTY) program, which provides high school seniors and young adults up to age 24 with the opportunity to earn a professional certificate and gain valuable, work-ready skills and workplace experience. more

Jefferson City, MO — The Circuit Court of the Eastern District of Missouri has ruled in favor of Missouri Right to Education in its lawsuit against Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, finding that the ballot title language previously certified was misleading and prejudiced. more

The Polk County Courthouse will be closing at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, and remain closed Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, and Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, in observance of the Christmas Holiday. more

CIVIL PETITIONS more

Adorn you hearts with blessings of love, more

For the first 22 years of my life I was always home for Christmas morning, “home” being the current residence of our family. more

Most of you will agree that we are living in a broken world today. Find some time this Christmas week to get out of your house and go to a quiet place. more

SBU announces the students named to the university’s honor rolls, a distinction given to those who achieve the institution’s highest academic standards. more

Wednesday, Dec. 24 more

Citizens Memorial Hospital and the CMH Heart Institute Clinic welcome Jared Martin, FNP-BC, to the medical staff. more

The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas and holiday. When traveling during the holidays, remember to wear your seat belt and obey traffic laws. more

The Bolivar First Christian Church will host a retirement reception for Pastor Bill Nichols on Sunday, Jan. 4, from 2-4 p.m. more

Prairie Chapel Food Pantry, a vital resource for families in Dallas County and its surrounding areas, has received a generous $500 donation from OCHC. The contribution was presented more

Charles Cooper, of Pleasant Hope, has been charged with assault - 2nd degree, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon. more

Citizens Memorial Hospital held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the CMH Dialysis Center on Tuesday, Dec. 16, with more than 250 people present. more

Light the Park Continues: Enjoy the magic and give back more

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report an 18-year-old male received serious injuries when the Polaris RZR 1000 he was riding on crashed at 6:50 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

The swimming Liberators are diving into a new season and making quick progress in the pool. With early season state consideration times in two relay events and multiple top three finishes in individual events at each meet, Head Coach Kyle Smith’s swimmers are pacing for more program success this season. Smith recognizes the leadership from a strong core of experienced seniors and upperclassmen as a driving force behind early season success. more