John Hofstetter, of Bolivar, faces second-degree involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident, resulting in death charges. more

A Bolivar man faces felony charges after the death of his 13-year-old son. more

A Collins, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court today for receiving child pornography on his cell phone. more

Be Alert for Signs of Human Trafficking more

In the 01/03/24 and 01/05/24 issues, the Volume number and Issue numbers were incorrect as Volume 152 Issue No. 1 for 01/03/24 and Volume 152 Issue No. 2 for 01/05/24, should be Volume 151 Issue No. 97 for 01/03/24 and Volume 151 No. 98 for 01/05/24. more

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce wrapped up its 20th Annual Light the Park on Saturday, Dec. 30. The event features light displays throughout Bolivar’s Dunnegan Memorial Park, provided by businesses and organizations. more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

The Polk County prosecutor has ruled the officer-involved shooting of John Erven as justified. more

CIVIL ACTIONS more

On Dec. 15 at 1:25 p.m, Trooper A.R. Enerle responded to a single-car accident three miles south of Humansville on Highway 13. James Soukup, Bronwen Soukup, and Barbara Miller, all of Raymore, were traveling southbound on the highway when their vehicle, a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country, traveled off the left side of the roadway into the median. The driver, James Soukup, was taken to CMH Bolivar with minor injuries. Passenger Bronwen Soukup sustained moderate injuries and was taken to the same facility. Both were wearing seatbelts. Passenger Barbara Miller was not wearing a seatbelt and received serious injuries. She was taken to Cox South in Springfield. The totaled vehicle was removed from the scene by C and H Towing. more

Whether you choose a real one or opt for the everlasting fake one, there is no doubt that the tree is the centerpiece of any yuletide decor. I remember my mom’s trees were always showpieces; our Victorian-styled house had a coinciding tanenbaum bejeweled in beautiful white lights and delicate ornaments that took her days to arrange just right. She then got ambitious and decided our lodge-style den needed an equally elaborate tree with bears and moose adorning every branch. One was the fun tree, the other was the fancy tree, but both were always the focal points of our home. more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

A Bolivar man is facing felony charges in Polk County Circuit Court after breaking into Bolivar City Hall on Friday night, Dec. 8. more

CIVIL ACTIONS more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

CIVIL PETITIONS more

On Monday, Nov. 27, Gary Henderson was driving his 2012 Chevrolet Silverado northbound on Highway 13. Two miles north of Bolivar, the tire of his vehicle came off and struck 28-year-old Jacob Detherage, who was doing work in the median. Detherage received serious injuries and was transported to Cox South via ambulance. Henderson, 65, of Ankeny, Iowa, was not injured in the accident but his truck did sustain minor damage. It was removed from the scene by B&B Towing. Trooper M.J. Owens was the responding officer. more

Polk County Republican Women will hold their monthly meeting Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Brenda’s Café at noon. We will collect Share Your Christmas gifts for teenage girls. Please bring an unwrapped item with you to the meeting. We will be welcoming our new slate of officers for the 2024 year. Please call your lunch orders in ahead of time to help the wait staff. more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

CIVIL ACTIONS more

On Friday, Nov. 3, at 1:40 p.m., Corporal J.R. Rorie responded to a vehicle accident three miles south of Bolivar on MO-13. Tammy Combs, 57, of Springfield, was driving north on the highway when she went off the road. Combs was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected when her vehicle overturned. She was transported to CMH in Bolivar and was pronounced deceased at 2:48 p.m. by Dr. Assmann. Combs’ 2008 Chevrolet Impala was totaled in the accident and was removed by B&B Wrecker. more

The Bolivar Police Department is seeking the community’s help in identifying the driver of a vehicle in a hit and run incident. more

The Polk County Courthouse will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023 in observance of the Veteran’s Day Holiday. more

The Bolivar School District has called for an election on Nov. 7, 2023, for the residents within their boundaries. Absentee voting started on Sept. 26. The Polk County Clerk’s office will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday and open through the lunch hour for absentee voting. The deadline for casting an absentee ballot in person at the County Clerk’s office is 5 p.m. the day before the election, Tuesday, Nov. 7. The County Clerk’s office will also be open on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 8 a.m. to noon. more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more