State legislators from across Missouri descended upon the state Capitol last Wednesday to kick off the 2024 state legislative session. From now through May 17, these elected leaders will debate and deliberate bills and topics important to them and their constituents. The hope each and every year is for priority issues to be passed by the General Assembly and ultimately land on the Governor’s desk for his signature. more

The Matilda Polk Campbell chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, will hold its monthly meeting Saturday, Jan. 20, at Open Hearts United Methodist Church in Bolivar. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. more

DEATHS more

DEATHS more

Be Alert for Signs of Human Trafficking more

Lisa Lehman happily poses with her gift card to Brenda’s Cafe after winning the I-Spy game, correctly guessing Open Hearts United Methodist Church as the December location. LIsa is proof that reading the paper doesn’t just provide you with news and entertainment, it can pay off as well. more

The Dunnegan Rural Fire Department will hold their annual meeting at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at Station #1, located in Dunnegan at the corner of Hwy 123 and A Hwy in Polk County. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

When life takes a sharp turn more

The Central Lady Bulldogs traveled Monday, Jan. 8, to Bolivar to take on the Lady Liberators for an early winter basketball matchup. more

With winter weather heading our way we would love to see your snow pictures! Share them either by emailing them to news@bolivarmonews.com or through messenger on Facebook.  more

Diane Louise Withey more

Monday, Jan. 15 — Martin Luther King Day, closed. more

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Karen Stillings in Polk/Dallas Counties reminds producers that FSA continues to accept applications for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses due to drought. The deadline to apply for 2023 LFP assistance is Jan. 30, 2024. more

For the first time since the pandemic, January means the release of a terrible horror movie in “Night Swim.” Actually, the pandemic only really affected January horror in 2021. It’s just that with January 2022 bringing us that nifty “Scream” reboot and January 2023 giving the world the instantly-iconic “M3GAN,” I can’t say that the horror in those years was terrible. But now we’re back to January being a dumping ground for pathetic leftovers that couldn’t cut it at Halloween. more

Sheriff Danny Morrison has applied, and been approved, for two separate grants, allowing Polk County to update, repair, and improve the jail. more

DEATHS more

DEATHS more

Marianne Royce Bigelow more

Ula Olena Boren more

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

Kathy Ann Overcast more

Jerry Lee Enyart more

Hannah Mae Vest more