The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced today that all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants in Missouri will receive their full November benefits, following the passage of the FY26 Appropriations Act. more

Leah Jean Owens more

Gary Wayne Barham more

The American Heart Association says hunting safety should include awareness of warning signs of heart attack and stroke, importance of learning Hands-Only CPR and how to take action more

Katherine “Kay” Keller more

Twila Fern Burrell more

Southside Missionary Baptist Church will host a fifth Sunday singing Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. more

“Feeding management of cattle is important to the profitability of the cattle operation,” says Patrick Davis MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Furthermore, forage is the main part of the diet for cow-calf producers, so economics related to acquiring that forage is important to an operations bottom-line. Therefore, MU Extension, with the help of Wheeler Livestock Auction is providing a workshop to discuss these topics on December 15th at 6 pm at the Landmark Restaurant at 301 South Main, Lowry City, MO 64763. more

INSIDE TODAY’S ISSUE more

Baby, Madisyn Patton; Mother, Ally Schreiner; Grandmother, Cheyenne Underwood; Great-grandfather, Aaron Underwood; Great-great-grandmother, Sally Underwood. more

Gary W. Barham more

Join the Downtown Bolivar Association in ringing in the season on the square! more

The Bolivar Disabled American Veterans Chapter 66 and Auxiliary hosted the annual Veterans Day celebration, Tuesday, Nov. 11. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

The Polk County Democrats will be meeting on Monday, Nov. 17, at Basil and Bourbon restaurant. Come early for dinner and fellowship at 5-6:15 p.m. if you wish. The meeting will follow at 6:30 p.m. more

I sat in on a Sunday evening service a few weeks back in which the preacher offered suggestions on how to better read the Bible. 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

God wants you to know that everything will be okay. He hears your prayers, feels your pain, and knows your heart. Surrender it all. Let go. more

With the holiday season officially here, the Bolivar Police Department is seeking the community’s help as it works to make Christmas special for Polk County children. more

Citizens Memorial Hospital and Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation recognized five caregivers with the TULIP Award for their dedication and compassion in providing direct patient care.

Lori Cunningham, MA

Lori Cunningham, MA, is a medical assistant who works in the CMH Care Transitions Department. She was nominated for the TULIP Award by a grateful patient who experienced a medical emergency.

The patient reported that when she called the clinic, struggling with shortness of breath and difficulty speaking, Cunningham responded with compassion and urgency. Cunningham instructed the patient to check her oxygen saturation, which was low, and advised her to go to the emergency room. As the patient’s condition worsened, Cunningham determined it was unsafe for her to drive, called 911 and stayed on the phone until the ambulance arrived.

“You don’t find many nurses like this anymore,” the patient wrote. “She needs to be recognized for possibly saving my life because I have pneumonia.”

Jacob Delgado, CNA

Jacob Delgado, CNA, is a certified nursing assistant with CMH Home Care Services. A patient’s family member nominated him for the TULIP Award.

“Jacob comes to our home to bathe my husband. He is always so kind and caring,” the nomination states. “His gentleness, caring attitude and professionalism is outstanding. He always goes the extra mile. He talks to [my husband] while doing his job and really makes him feel at ease. He always leaves him nice and clean and makes notes if he sees anything wrong. He visits our home twice a week and always leaves it just as he found it.”

Amber Litchfield, MA

Amber Litchfield, MA, is a medical assistant at the CMH Gastroenterology Clinic. A patient nominated Litchfield for her exceptional care and compassion.

“Amber is a perfect combination of compassion and excellent health care. I felt at ease, though I was in a medical situation that I did not understand,” the patient wrote. “Amber called to follow up and explain [everything to me]. She also said to call if I had questions. She made me feel that my health is as important to her as it is to me. She never rushed me when we talked. For a senior woman learning to grow old, I felt blessed to have this young woman on my side to give me her valuable time and put me at ease.”

Kaylen Mings, CNA

Kaylen Mings, CNA, is a certified nursing assistant at Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility. A patient’s family member nominated her for the award.

“Kaylen is an absolute angel on earth. She cares for her Alzheimer's and dementia patients as if they were her own family,” the family member wrote. “I watch her every time we visit. She shows so much compassion to her residents and stays level-headed and calm under conditions that would bring most people to their knees. I just want her to know how appreciated she is. Moving a loved one into a facility is not always easy, but because of her, we know we made the best decision we could have made.”

Vanessa Rooffener, PTA

Vanessa Rooffener, PTA, is a physical therapy assistant at the CMH Outpatient Therapy Clinic. A patient nominated Rooffener for her dedication, expertise and compassionate care.

“Vanessa takes her job very seriously but mixes it with a hint of humor and fun. I looked forward to each appointment, knowing I’d not only see improvement in my condition but also enjoy the session,” the nomination states. “Vanessa approaches each appointment as an opportunity to meet her patient’s needs in that specific moment. She had an answer for each challenge. I gained great confidence knowing she could definitely help me return to a normal life. Vanessa has not only helped me but is currently helping my husband. CMH is very fortunate to have Vanessa on their team.”

About the TULIP Award

Citizens Memorial Hospital and the Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation created the TULIP Award in June 2021 to recognize outstanding caregivers who assist in direct patient care.

TULIP stands for Thoughtful, Unforgettable, Lasting Impact on Patient Care. The award committee selects one honoree each month.

The TULIP Award is given in conjunction with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing. Nominate a patient caregiver for the CMH TULIP Award at bit.ly/CMHTULIP.

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Howdy! I'm Buckeye, a vibrant guy with loads of love to give. I came to the shelter from the city pound in hopes of finding a forever home. I look to be a Heeler/Pit mix- two great dog breeds in one! I have some energy but nothing that playtime can't fix to wear me out. I seem to do good with other dogs but need a few pointers with things like leash walking and basic commands. I'm looking for that special someone to give me the chance I am looking for. more

Friday, Nov. 14 more

It is the time of the year to start getting ready for Christmas. Toys For Tots are now accepting donations at the following locations: more

The Bolivar High School cross country teams capped off an outstanding season with impressive finishes at the MSHSAA State Cross Country Championships this past weekend. more