Christmas movies are nostalgic; they bring memories from childhood and of a time that brought forth the magic of the season. When we are kids, we gladly wear our rose-colored glasses and just see the bright lights of the holiday. more

Commission also approved regulations regarding deer carcass movement and disposal. more

The Bolivar Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its slate of events for 2025, offering a mix of professional networking, community engagement and time-honored traditions. more

The legend of Santa Claus dates back to the third and fourth centuries. Saint Nicholas has been credited with being a monk or a bishop, but historians disagree on which. Nicholas was born in Turkey, which was then called Patara toward the end of the third century. He became wealthy and used that money to give to the less fortunate. He became a saint in 1446, over a thousand years after his death, and was canonized by Pope Eugene VI. St. Nick became part of American culture when immigrants from Europe brought the tales with them. Nicholas became Santa Claus thanks to the Dutch settlers, who called him Sinter Klaas, a shortened version of Sint Nikolaas - or St. Nicholas. Santa’s appearance of a fat man, dressed in red, who is jolly and merry, came from the 1823 poem, Twas the Night Before Christmas,” by Clement Clarke Moore. more

I looked beyond the manger bed, more

Missouri Department of Agriculture approves livestock movement permit for nine healthy reindeer. more

The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas. One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at their holiday celebrations safely. Wear your seat belt, obey all traffic laws, pay attention, and please, don’t drive impaired. Remember: Missouri is now a hands-free state. more

The Tri-County Baptist Group will hold its regular Fifth Sunday Service on Sunday, Dec. 29, at Rock Prairie Missionary Baptist Church in Polk County. more

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

DEATHS more

Kenneth Woods more

DEATHS more

Hi, I'm Camella! I'm a sweet and playful girl. I'm around 3 years old and look to be a Parson Russell Terrier at just 30 lbs. I seem to be nearly potty-trained. I get along great with other dogs and love to play! I can be a snuggler or an active gal- I can adjust accordingly! Take me home and we can be BFF's. more

POLICE REPORTS more

Baby born first Christmas morn more

Family game nights extend holiday fun more

In between the blockbusters of the Thanksgiving season and the blockbusters of the Christmas season comes “Kraven the Hunter,” a movie that was never going to be a blockbuster in any season. Sergei “Kraven” Kravinoff (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) is another one of those Spider-Man villains that’s getting his own movie because Sony still has a piece of the “Spider-Man” franchise and they think fans will mistake it for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is owned by Disney. “Venom,” “Morbius,” and “Madame Web” are all part of the same branch. Supposedly there are (or at least “were”) plans for a big Avengers-style crossover down the line, but these movies keep bombing so badly that fans don’t care if they continue. more

Southwest Baptist University is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the Life Beautiful Award, the highest honor bestowed upon faculty and staff members who exemplify Christ-like behavior, actively engage in their church and community, strive for excellence in their work, and selflessly serve others through their roles at SBU. more

Friday, Dec. 20 more

The Pleasant Hope Fire Protection District recently installed a dry fire hydrant in the northern part of their district. No reliable water source was available for fire department use in this area requiring the department to haul water long distances during emergency incidents. Jim and Nancy McDaniel recently constructed a large lake on their property located on EE Highway in the Schofield area and allowed the district to install the hydrant at this location. Jim and son Bryan McDaniel, who owns a local excavation company, donated the equipment and time to assist department members with the installation. The district would like to say thank you to the McDaniel family for providing this much needed resource to the members of the community. more

The holiday season is a little brighter because of the beautiful displays at this year's Light the Park. Still plenty of time to enjoy taking the family through and help support an organization with your donation. more

St. Alban's Episcopal Church will celebrate Christmas Eve with lessons and carols at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24. The church is located at 201 S. Killingsworth Road in Bolivar. more

Monday, Dec. 23 — Chicken sandwich on WG Bun, Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, tator tots, poke cake. more

The Tri-County Baptist Group will hold its regular Fifth Sunday Service on Sunday, Dec. 29, at Rock Prairie Missionary Baptist Church in Polk County. more

Receive a cozy blanket from Community Blood Center of the Ozarks more