The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Business of the Year and Community Partner of the Year along with new business awards, including a People’s Choice selection. more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

The Polk County Courthouse will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 in observance of the Labor Day Holiday. more

On Saturday, Aug. 17, a gathering of tractor pullers met at the Polk County Fairgrounds in Bolivar for another competition. more

The annual Halfway Antique-Farm Stock-Classic Tractor Pull will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Lions Club grounds in Halfway. Weigh in starts at 1 p.m. with the first class of tractors pulling at 6 p.m. All proceeds go towards community projects and facility maintenance. Trophies will be presented to the top four finishers in each class. Admission is $5 per person, 10 and under free. Bring your lawn chairs! Concessions such as grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and homemade pie will be available. Contact Casey Jones at 417-328-9051 or Dean Voris at 417-399-3665 for more information. more

The Marion C. Early schools welcome some new faces to the staff for the 2024-25 school year. more

As the new school year gets underway and your child begins using the internet for schoolwork or to play games with friends, Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) has tips for teaching them how to stay safe online. more

Get ready for the annual Country Days event coming up, Saturday, Sept. 7. The event is scheduled to take place beginning at 9 a.m. on the Bolivar square and promises to be a full day of fun for everyone. Entertainment, booths to shop at, games, food vendors and crafters, car show, Tommy Hawks axe throwing, Polk County Bike Club Bike Ride…something for everyone. There will be street shows to enjoy as well as entertainment on the Main Street stage. more

Monday, Aug. 26 — Beef and noodles, Antigua veggies, wheat roll, apple crisp. more

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

Saturday, Aug. 24 more

Bolivar resident Christopher Richards, 52, was seriously injured when his 2015 Harley Davidson Road Glide Special collided with another vehicle on Highway 13, just north of Springfield. more

Polk County Republican Women will hold their monthly meeting Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Brenda’s Café at noon. Our guest speaker will be Senator Sandy Crawford. She will be giving us a legislative update and discuss the upcoming November election. We will be wrapping up our plans for Country Days. Please call your lunch orders in ahead of time to help the wait staff. more

Pre-season reservation period will run Sept. 1-18 with results posted Oct. 1. more

DEATHS more

DEATHS more

Carl “Richard” Brown more

I was outside enjoying my morning cup of coffee. The sunrise was beautiful. Birds serenaded me with songs. I sat down on the porch to spend a little time talking to God. more

Tuesday morning, Aug. 20, students were saying goodbye to summer fun and hello to school fun! Lots of smiles, high-fives and maybe a tear or two, but the Liberators were all ready to take on the 2024-25 year and face new challenges. more

My heroes used razor blades more

Michael Methvin more

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

The Polk County Courthouse will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 in more

of the Year and Community Partner of the Year along with new business awards, including a People’s Choice selection. more

Aug. 22-27 more