I’ve been a paid writer most of my life — 49 of my 76 years. more

The 2024 4-H Ag Innovators Experience (4-H AIE) Protect the Plate, explores how different technologies have transformed agriculture and how farmers, government, and consumers must continue to innovate, learn, and adapt to grow more food in a sustainable manner while focusing on food safety. The activity dives into the science behind food safety and the role crops play in food safety, especially in the solutions to feed a hungry planet. more

In 1945 while Americans celebrated victory in Europe and Japan, back home, the newly formed Rural Electric Administration had put the brakes on its goal of providing electricity to every farmer in Missouri. Rationing and shortages of materials had held the focus of the nation for four long years. Now the REA was poised to begin an electrical revolution on the farm. Towns and cities had access to electricity but the farming communities had such sparse populations that they did not produce as much revenue per mile of line, therefore they went mostly unserved. Around 10% of the farms in the area had electricity. Twelve men from the Bolivar area were faced with a daunting task. They had to build the Southwest Electric Cooperative from the ground up by becoming its charter members. Talking up the benefits to thrifty farmers who had just survived the Great Depression, they were able to convince them to pay a $5 membership fee and the new members also encouraged their neighbors to sign up as well. Three members per mile were required if the REA was going to fund fully. The project that WWII had halted the progress of. But with the end of the war, came a demand for change. At one time, four thousand customers were on the waiting list to get electrical lines leading to their farms. more

The Polk County Courthouse will hold a come and go retirement reception for John Parks on Friday, July 26, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m on the third floor in the courtroom. John began his services with Polk County in February of 2003 as our Child Support Enforcement Attorney. more

The Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation Soirée, generously presented by SGC Foodservice, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the farm of Tim and Nancy Erickson in Bolivar. more

Talented identical twins, Katy Lou & Penny Lea Clark, raised on a working purple hull pea farm near Kilgore, Texas, perform across the country and abroad as a 3 piece band, delivering a variety of sounds that most people at first listen confuse with a five-piece. Concentrations focus on multi-genre venues, festival appearances, churches and house concerts. more

The ARPA Funds were received in two payments. $3.1 million was received in 2021 and the second installment of $3.1 was received in 2022. Rules and guidelines from the Federal Government directed counties of how and where these funds could be utilized. Rules and regulations stated these funds are to be obligated by year end 2024 and expended by year end 2025, that expended date has now been extended to year end 2026. Early in 2022 we were able to utilize a portion of these funds for sick pay for employees missing work due to covid, we discontinued that option in September of 2023. more

The Westlake Ace Hardware in Bolivar, recently hosted a Fan Drive to benefit The Salvation Army and customers stepped up to donate $950 in change to purchase 54 new box fans to help their fellow citizens in need. Every penny that is donated stays in the local community and can really add up! A single box fan can significantly impact energy costs by circulating air throughout a home and enhancing the efficiency of a window unit air conditioner. more

The Cabins at Stockton Lake are proud to present Karli & James in concert, Saturday, July 27, starting at 7:30 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public and will be held at the Cabin Pavillion. more

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Business of the Year and Community Partner of the Year along with new business awards, including a People’s Choice selection. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

Community members now have an opportunity to show financial support for a project designed to beautify and promote Bolivar for many years to come. more