Troop 45 Pack 128 will host a Pinewood Derby from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Bolivar Elks Lodge. The event will feature a build-your-own Lego car class for the kids to build on-site. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

The Bolivar Community Teachers Association is now accepting applications for the Spring 2025 student-teaching scholarship. Bolivar High School graduates currently involved in a student-teaching experience should contact Renee Shelenhamer at Bolivar Primary School (326-5247) or rshelenhamer@bolivarschools.org for an application. more

Bolivar Police Chief Mark Webb has announced he will soon retire from his career in law enforcement. more

Saturday, Jan. 25 more

Each year is a block of time that consists of 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes, and 31,536,000 seconds. All this time is a gift from God given equally to each of us. Young or old, rich or poor, strong or weak, educated or not,. Every man, woman, and child has the same 24 hours every day. more

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

The loss of a loved one can have powerful effects on each of us. If you are looking for a caring small group in which to find support, encouragement, and help, then our GriefShare groups might be just the thing you are looking for. This program is a grief support group that features Christ-centered, biblical teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The DVD seminar features nationally respected grief experts, counselors, and real-life stories of people just like you, followed by a small group discussion about what was seen on the DVD. more

Monday, Jan. 27 — Smothered chicken breast, rosemary potatoes, country mix veggies, WG Biscuit, Pears. more

OATS Transit is currently offering regular transportation services. To schedule a ride or to inquire about services available in your area, please call the OATS Transit office at 417-887-9272 or 800-770-6287. You can also visit our website at www.oatstransit.org, where you can find your local schedule by clicking on your county under the “Bus Schedules” tab. OATS Transit is available to the rural general public of any age, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, we contract with various agencies to serve their clients. We are also hiring drivers statewide, so please share this opportunity with anyone you know who would make an excellent driver, allowing us to continue serving our passengers. Please note that OATS Transit offices will be closed, and regular routes will not operate on Monday, Feb. 17, for Presidents Day. more

“This is ‘bout the best time of year,” said Steve, “to get out and do something fun, like go to a rodeo.” more

DEATHS more

DEATHS more

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension economist Ben Brown and others predict 2025 corn prices will drop below $4.50 per bushel. more

A new study shows specific changes in the brain after muscle disuse that are linked with cognitive decline. more

William Allen Brown more

Meetings will be Feb. 13 in Springfield and Feb. 14 in Joplin. more

CIVIL PETITIONS more

The Lady Bearcats won their third straight game as they defeated the Bearcats of McKendree University by a score of 75-65. SBU is now 7-8 (5-4 GLVC) on the season. more

Boys more

Troop 45 Pack 128 will host a Pinewood Derby from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Bolivar Elks Lodge. The event will feature a build-your-own Lego car class for the kids to build on-site. more

Morrisville Agri Leaders/FFA will host a squirrel Derby, Saturday, Feb. 1. more

Marion C. Early Schools recently released its first-semester honor roll. According to a school news release, the following students earned spots on the list: more

A more

In the quietness of the early morning, he sat staring out the window at the first winter snow. The thermometer out the window showed that the temperature was in the mid-teens again, as it had been for several mornings lately. At least it was not windy and causing single-digit wind chills. What happened to global warming? more