How well do you know Polk County? more

Lyndel Lavern McKinney more

2016 was a great year for animation. Disney gave the world a new musical masterwork in “Moana.” Pixar had its biggest hit up to that point in “Finding Dory.” Even underdog Laika came out with cult classic “Kubo and the Two Strings.” But the winner of the Best Animated Feature Oscar that year wasn’t any of those films (“Finding Dory” wasn’t even nominated), it was another Disney movie, “Zootopia.” It wasn’t a terribly controversial choice either, with critics and audiences alike praising the film for its more-thoughtful-than-usual look at race relations, symbolized as relations between various species of animals, though usually taking the form of predators vs. prey. The film was so successful, funny, and poignant that at time I advised Disney to add a whole Zootopia section to their Animal Kingdom theme park. To date, the property has only gotten a single attraction – a 3D movie in the park’s Tree of Life – but it’s in a key location. Anyway, here’s a look at the less-poignant sequel. more

Norma Faye Childs more

Missouri Woodland Mentor program invites landowners to share their knowledge. more

During the busiest delivery season of the year, Better Business Bureau® (BBB®) has tips for consumers to protect their packages. more

Citizens Memorial Hospital will host an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new CMH Dialysis Center from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 1160 W. Parkview St. in Bolivar. The ribbon cutting will take place at 1 p.m. more

INSIDE TODAY’S ISSUE more

Norma F. Childs more

Ronald Ted Hinds more

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

On Sunday, Dec. 7 the Aldrich United Methodist and the Aldrich Christian churches will celebrate Christmas together for the 100th time. Both churches have met at Christmastime for a noon meal and a shared worship service since 1924. more

Westlake Ace Hardware’s pro-level lighting tips are so festive that you might get a letter from the HOA. more

Current hours of operation for the Polk County Courthouse are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Effective January 01, 2026, the hours of operation for the Polk County Courthouse will be changed. The new hours of operation will be set at Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Courthouse will remain open during lunch hours as of now. This is subject to change pending the finalization of the 2026 budget. more

During the holiday season, Americans look forward to spending time with family. But thousands of service members will be spending the holidays deployed overseas - far away from their families and loved ones. more

Source: Robert Pierce, 573-882-4337 more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

Friday, Nov. 14, The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting at Arrow Appliance. more

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce is calling all floats, bands, businesses, and community groups to join the holiday fun in this year’s Christmas Parade, themed “Santa’s Soundtrack.” more

Citizens Memorial Hospital presented the DAISY Nurse Leader Award to Jenna Hicks, MBA, BSN, RN, a registered nurse and director of quality and population health at CMH. more

Hi, I'm Gabi! I'm an eight-month old Border Collie/Blue Heeler mix. I just recently graduated from a 10-week training program! I was chosen to be a part of the DARR Center Department of Ag Companion Animal Program this semester at MSU in Springfield. You see, I really have gone to college! The students worked with me on basic commands and obedience. I'm a sweet and smart girl and would be a great addition to any active person or family's life! more

The Missouri Primary Care Association (MPCA) proudly presented the 2025 Missouri Clinical Quality Awards during its Annual Conference Awards Luncheon, held on Oct. 24. This annual event recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of Missouri’s Community Health Centers (CHCs) in advancing quality health care across the state. more

Congratulations to Robin Sawyer, winner of the I-Spy game by guessing Walgreens as the November location. Watch for a new location beginning Dec. 3. more

Beverly Ann Holder more

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