Our changing economy illustrates how agriculture impacts our lives now more than ever. Farmers and ranchers provide the food, feed, fuel and fiber that serves consumers in Missouri and around the globe. Thanks to Missouri farmers, consumers can also find locally sourced food and goods. Consumers around the world enjoy what our farmers and ranchers produce. more

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, Polk County 4-H Council officers were honored to join the Bolivar Rotary at their monthly luncheon. The 4-H’ers enjoyed the opportunity and in turn shared information about 4-H and their projects. To learn more about 4-H, contact Velynda Cameron by email at cameronv@missouri.edu or by phone at 417-326-4916. more

The Bolivar CTA is hosting the annual School Board Candidate Forum on Tuesday, March 25 th in the Bolivar board room at the Central Office. The forum will begin at 6 p.m. with general questions, break for a meet and greet with the candidates then, conclude with submitted questions and closing comments. more

Saturday, March 1 more

Brandon K. Henson and live-in girlfriend, Hope Francka, were charged with multiple counts of child abuse in 2022 for the mistreatment of Francka’s four-year-old daughter. more

Hello, I'm Patches! My owner went to prison and left me behind. I'm an adult at 6 years old, but don't let that fool you, I've got a heart full of puppy love. I'm a sweet guy who loves making friends. Whether it's a game of fetch or a quiet evening on the couch, I'm always up for a good time. I'm smart, too, as you'd expect from a Border Collie, I've learned all sorts of tricks and commands. But what I'd love most is to learn the rhythm of a forever home. I dream of days filled with walks, treats, and endless belly rubs. Adopt me and let's create a lifetime of joyful memories together! more

The Bolivar City Fire Department held its annual awards banquet at Bolivar’s First Assembly of God on Saturday, Feb. 1. The department recognized its firefighters and their accomplishments in 2024 during the banquet. more

Receive an Ozarks adventure pass for free admission to area attractions more

How well do you know Polk County? more

Citizens Memorial Hospice will host bereavement support group classes this spring. The seven-week series will begin Tuesday, March 4, at 10 a.m. more

Monday, March 3 — Chicken cordon bleu casserole, scallop potatoes, Tuscon veggies, WG roll, cinnamon apples.. more

Polk County will begin taking applications for the Senior Tax Credit in March. In November 2024, residents passed the ballot issue asking if they wanted the tax credit initiated in Polk County. more

SBU Director of Athletics, Clark Sheehy, announces Paul Hansen as the 10th SBU Head Football Coach. Coach Hansen earned his Master of Education at Southwest Baptist and returns with 19 years of football coaching experience. more

Swine’s Snout more

Robert “Bob” Taylor KImes Sr. more

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI-MU) will host the 2025 Abner W. Womack Missouri Agriculture Outlook Conference on Wednesday, April 9, at the MU Bradford Research Farm in Columbia. more

Deaths more

DEATHS more

Bolivar Pentecostal Church of God will be in revival with Evangelist Rocky Milsap and family from Tulsa, Oklahoma beginning Wednesday night March 12 through Sunday night March 16. more

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

POLICE REPORTS more

Public pre-testing of the Image Cast voting machines for the April 8, 2025 General Municipal Election will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at the Polk County Road and Bridge Complex conference room, 724 S Killingsworth, Bolivar. more

Polk County will begin taking applications for the Senior Tax Credit in March. In November 2024, residents passed the ballot issue asking if they wanted the tax credit initiated in Polk County. more

The window to frost-seed opens soon. more

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension has a new publication about vaccination programs for cow-calf operations. more