Greg and Peter more

Missouri nonfarm payroll employment increased by 7,900 jobs in June 2025, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was steady at 4 percent. Private industry employment increased by 7,200 jobs and government employment increased by 700 jobs. Over the year, there was an increase of 25,600 jobs from June 2024 to June 2025, and the unemployment rate increased by two-tenths of a percentage point, from 3.8 percent in June 2024 to 4 percent in June 2025. more

The Polk County Humane Society (PCHS) has had a busy summer so far in 2025. more

The following events are happening at your local Polk County library branch. more

POLICE REPORTS more

With Zack Snyder’s version of the DC Universe having officially fizzled out, Warner Bros. is trying a hard reboot of the multi-faceted superhero franchise under the direction of James Gunn. First up for Gunn is “Superman,” with actor David Corenswet stepping into the role of space alien Kal-El/mild- mannered reporter Clark Kent/blue-suited metahuman Superman. Corenswet is a good fit for the role, as he unflinchingly nails the character’s strength and stoicism, as well as his unrelenting moral dedication and occasionally-naïve optimism. His mere casting is the first good decision by Gunn, getting the movie (and thus, the series) off on the right foot. more

The thing that drives me up a wall more

Friday, July 18 more

The Polk County Historical Society will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 24. The topic will be “Museum Treasures” presented by Jean Pufahl Vincent. more

The Whittenberg, Hawley, Latham, Blake, and Sell Reunion will be held at the Rose Hill Baptist Church Activities Building on Saturday, Aug. 2. Rose Hill Baptist Church is located at 9903 N State Hwy Z; approximately 5 miles northwest of Willard. 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, July 21 — Broccoli and beef, rice, egg roll, fortune cookie, dessert. more

For over a decade, Community Outreach Ministries (COM) has worked to build financial stability and stronger relationships in Polk County by sharing Christ’s love through practical help and hope. This summer, we’re inviting the community to join us in a night of laughter and generosity—all for a good cause. more

Polk County Democrats will be meeting for their monthly meeting on July 21, at Basil & Bourbon. The optional dinner time for those who would like to meet early is from 5-6:15 p.m. The meeting will follow at 6:30 p.m. more

Citizens Memorial Hospital is inviting the community to an open house in celebration of the newly renamed CMH Senior Fitness Center, formerly known as the CMH Senior Health Center. The event is from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, July 24, at 1840 W. Broadway St., Bolivar. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

The greens at Silo Ridge Country Club were packed with purpose on July 14 as 40 teams gathered for the annual Doug Potts BEAF Golf Classic for Kids — an event that blends friendly competition with community impact. Hosted by the Bolivar Educational Advancement Foundation (BEAF) in partnership with the Potts family, the tournament continues to grow in size and significance, raising funds for classroom grants, scholarships, and the Doug Potts Liberator Pride Scholarship, which supports students in the Bolivar R-1 School District. more

Polk County Humane Society (PCHS) will hold its second annual golf tournament at Silo Ridge Golf & Country Club on Monday, Aug.11, in an effort to raise funds in support of the cats and dogs in their care. more

Michelle “Shelly” Ann Tweedie more

A Bolivar man was sentenced in federal court Tuesday, July 15, for unlawfully possessing a firearm. more

INSIDE TODAY’S ISSUE more

Nancy Grace McMillin was born on Aug. 26, 1933, on a farm south of Greenfield. She passed peacefully into eternity on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the age of 91. She was the first child of Lacey and Mildred (Marshall) Stapp. She grew up on that farm and enjoyed climbing trees, milking cows, and helping with chores. She attended Limestone School, a one room schoolhouse, then later Greenfield High School, where she was valedictorian of her graduating class. She attended Southwest Missouri State (MSU) for one year before working at MFA in Springfield. more

Dottie Fellers more

DEATHS more

Missouri cattle producers can take a deep dive into essential topics at the Cattle Reproduction Short Course, hosted by University of Missouri Extension specialists Chloe Collins and Elizabeth Picking. more