Chris Jasper was the winner of the gift card to Brenda’s Cafe after winning the November I-Spy game, correctly guessing OakStar Bank. Chris is proof that reading the paper doesn’t just provide you with news and entertainment, it can pay off as well. more

Members of Southwest Electric Cooperative who had service in the years 1999 and 2000 will be receiving their portion of the more than $1.2 million in retired capital credits. Since the cooperative was formed in 1939, the board of directors has authorized the return of more than $51.5 million to members. “This is one of the main differences that set cooperatives apart from other utilities,” said James Ashworth, CEO/general manager. more

Wednesday, Dec. 4, opening the Willard Classic Basketball Tournament the Liberators got their first action of the new season. more

Boys more

Heidi Roweton goes hard to the basket. more

Saturday, Dec. 7, the Bolivar Lady Liberators lost a defensive struggle in a rematch with the Hillcrest Hornets for the Morrisville Tournament. 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

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

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

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

I have come again into the woods on a December evening. more

There will be a come and go reception to wish Mayor Christopher D. Warwick well as he leaves his post as Bolivar’s mayor and starts his new role as a state representative. It will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at Bolivar City Hall, immediately before his final Board of Aldermen meeting. more

Saturday, Dec. 7, turned out to be the perfect evening for a wonderful Down Home Christmas parade. Streets were lined with young and old to celebrate the season as more than 100 entries made their way through the streets of Bolivar. For more photos from the Bolivar parade see page A3 and enjoy the sights from the Pleasant Hope parade on A2. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

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

Mason McCurry, the 6'2'', 200 pound linebacker for the Bolivar Liberators has been selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl at AT&T stadium in Dallas, Texas on. Dec. 18. more

David and Donna Sikes of Bolivar celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Sunday, Dec. 8. They were married on Dec. 8, 1984 in Polk. They have three children, Stacey and Connie Sikes of Bolivar, Jason and Robyn Sikes of Monett and Dr. Brian and Mindy Hackleman of Collins. They have 13 grandchildren, April, Nikki and Brianna; Molly, Heidi, Emily, Elijah, Ella, Mabry and Lila; and Abigail, Madalynn and Grace. And five great-grandchildren, Ivan and Jordan; Henry and Hazel and James. more

Morris and Sharon Westfall, Halfway, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with an open house from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Halfway Baptist Church, State Highway 32, Halfway. Hosts are the couple’s friends and family. more

Public announcemnet more

I looked beyond the manger bed, more

Wandalea Fern Sconce more

Ric Lee Lawson more

Gary Short is stepping down after over 30 years at the helm of Ken’s Heating and Cooling, passing the torch to Trevor O’Brian. This once-employee is making the business his own, which is just fine with Short, “They’re in a different climate so to speak - it’s their business now.” more

Nasya Hannah Hoegh more