Sunday, Dec. 1, the Kiwanis Club had their annual Glow Walk through the park. The park was closed for drive through traffic so everyone could enjoy the displays by walking around the park. The weather cooperated and was cold but not so cold that everyone could enjoy the walk, visiting Santa and his elf and warming up with hot chocolate and cookies. (For more scenes from the Glow Walk, see page 2). more

What to know about protecting your skin during colder months more

The Polk County Library will hold a Book+ Sale on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Morrisville Branch, located at 5308 S. Main Street, Morrisville. more

On Saturday evening, Nov. 2, Clover Kids and 4-H members from Polk County were recognized for their accomplishments during the 2024 4-H year. more

It was a Saturday sweep for SBU basketball as both men’s and women’s teams beat Lincoln University. In the GLVC opener, they welcomed the newcomer Blue Tigers with open arms by beating them a combined 54 points. Women’s basketball won their game 102-67 while the men won their game 75-56. more

Top harvest counties were Franklin, Texas, and Howell. more

As you know by now, our recycling center has moved to a brand new location. Being able to unload your items “inside” for the first time was kind of a neat thing all by itself. Learning how to recycle in this new place is made much easier by the people there to help explain how things now work. They are very willing to answer all our questions and do everything they can to make this transition as painless as possible. Please do your part to be especially patient during this period of learning for everyone involved. We need to be grateful that we still have the opportunity to recycle at the local level. more

Sofia Smashey, daughter of Aimee and David Smashey and Cooper Bethell, son of Carey and Nate Bethell, have been chosen Student Rotarians for the month of December. more

If tree-pruning is one of the chores on your to-do list, the cool months of winter is the time to reach for the loppers and saw. more

CIVIL PETITIONS more

Former Missouri State Representative Mike Stephens has officially launched his campaign for mayor of Bolivar. more

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce annual parade will kick off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. This year’s theme is Down Home Country Christmas. more

WASHINGTON — On Cyber Monday, the Internal Revenue Service and its Security Summit partners warned taxpayers to approach their holiday shopping with extra caution because scammers are also shopping – for their next victim’s personal information. more

The December meeting of the Polk County Genealogical Society will be held tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 5. It is our annual Christmas party and share time meeting. Members are encouraged to bring treats/finger foods for all to enjoy. This is one of the favorite meetings as everyone can bring an item to share or a story to tell. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the genealogy library on the southeast corner of the square in Bolivar. Anyand all are invited to attend. Consider bringing a Christmas present for the library which could be cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, etc. more

Hey, kids! Do you have a message or a wish list you would like to send to Santa? Write him a letter! more

How well do you know Polk County? more

The First Annual Fair Play Christmas Market will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, in the Fair Play high school cafeteria. more

Please join us at Bolivar Pentecostal Church of God on Sunday evening, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. for our Christmas play, “The Sky is Falling!” Written & directed by Gwendolyn Miller. more

It is the time of the year to start getting ready for Christmas. Toys For Tots are now being accepted at the following locations: more

The First Christian Church is hosting the annual bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec.14. Homemade vegetable soup, chili, sandwiches and pie are served starting at 11 a.m. There will be baked goods, candies, and gift items for sale. Money from the sales is used to help support various community charities. more

Step into the holiday season with Christmas at Fellowship Park, a free event designed to bring the Bolivar community together in the spirit of joy and giving. The third annual event is organized by Bolivar FIrst Baptist Church and features a live nativity by the Open Hearts Methodist Church. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the community park, on the campus of Bolivar First Baptist Church, north of the Bolivar square. more

The 44th annual Festival of Christmas, presented by Southwest Baptist University and Community Outreach Ministries, will take place at 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8, in Pike Auditorium on SBU’s Bolivar campus. more

Christmas is a time for giving, and with the holiday season upon us, organizations are seeking gift donations. This year, the community can donate stocking stuffers to the specialized care program at the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch. more

With the holiday season officially here, the Bolivar Police Department is seeking the community’s help as it works to make Christmas special for Polk County children. more

The 40th Share Your Christmas distribution sponsored by Polk County Christian Social Ministries will be held next Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 11 and 12. Distribution will once again be a drive through event to be held at the Bolivar First Assembly of God Church on S. Springfield Ave. in Bolivar. The volunteers loading the items in the cars are asking that the vehicles be clutter free. This makes it easier to load all the items. more