The Polk County Historical Society will meet for its annual Dinner Meeting on Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. at Flat Creek Restaurant in Bolivar. We will order from the menu. The public is welcome to attend. We will be discussing some of the things that have transpired at the museum during the Open Season of 2025. more

In conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Open House weekend, the First Christian Church will have their annual bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 15. more

Mandi Brantley, PT, is the 2025 recipient of the Troy Pinon Servant Leader Award. She is a physical therapist at Stockton Rehabilitation Clinic in Stockton. more

On Saturday, Oct. 4, 4-H’ers from across Missouri participated in one of Missouri 4-H’s oldest competitions, the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest. Held on MU’s campus, 61 4-H’ers from counties across the state gathered to show off their skills. These 4-H’ers worked hard all year to prepare for this annual culminating experience which allows them to showcase their skills to a panel of judges. Senior participants that won first place in one of the five categories had the opportunity to show off their skills to participants and their families at the end of the contest. In 4-H, youth begin at a young age to learn to speak in front of others by giving age-appropriate demonstrations to their peers, and then participating in conference judging for their projects. Through this contest, 4-H’ers grow in their abilities. The contest consists of five speech categories, appealing to a variety of interests and skill levels. more

The annual Southwest Missouri Beef Conference and Trade show will be held Monday, Nov. 17 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church, 1405 West Fair Play Street in Bolivar. more

Residents of Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation’s long-term and residential care facilities competed in the 25th Golden Age Games Friday, Oct. 17, on the campus of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar. more

The Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced today that the state has received official guidance from the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services (USDA-FNS) allowing partial funding to issue November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. more

What happens when a house goes wild more

Monday, Nov. 10 — Celebration Day! Brown beans and ham, stewed tomatoes, cornbread, ice cream. more

Sew ’N’ Sew Quilt Guild will be hosting a quilt show Friday and Saturday, Nov. 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at The Life Church Bolivar, 110 West Jackson Street, Bolivar. Please join us to enjoy the quilts and there will be gifts available for your holiday shopping. more

The Citizens Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will host a linen sale from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, and 7 a.m.to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, on the second floor of the Kerry and Synda Douglas Medical Center, 1155 W. Parkview St. in Bolivar. more

Campbell Grove Missionary Baptist Church will be having a revival held by Brother Matt Millam. The revival will start Monday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. more

4A Deaths more

Mae M. Thomason more

One of Bolivar’s most beloved holiday traditions, Light the Park, will once again shine brightly in Dunnegan Memorial Park from November 23 through December 30, open nightly from 6–8 p.m. more

Psalms 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Be still. God knows you are tired. more

Sherri Cochran was the winner of the gift card to Brenda’s Cafe after winning the October II-Spy game, correctly guessing Aldi as the location. Sherriis proof that reading the paper doesn’t just provide you with news and entertainment, it can pay off as well. more

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

Hi! I'm Fluffy. As my name suggests, I'm a fluffy girl with a big personality. I was an outdoor barn cat prior to coming here so while I am not feral - I'm still a little spicy. I enjoy pets but once I'm satisfied you can stop touching me now lol. I'd make a great barn cat again or even an indoor cat if someone is willing to put in the time for me. more

Halfway R-3 Schools will host their annual Senior Citizens Holiday Dinner on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in the library at 11 a.m.. All seniors in the Halfway School District are welcome to attend by making reservations on or before Nov. 19, by calling the school at 417-445-2200, extension 5. more

Pleasant Hope Schools recently released its first-quarter honor roll. According to a school news release, the following students earned spots on the list: more

I know many veterans. Several attend our church. We always take time to honor them for their service on Veterans’ Day and any other opportunity we might have throughout the year. We have a wall in our church dedicated to our veterans. more

Bolivar High School is excited to welcome local senior citizens for a night of great food, entertainment, and community connection at the annual BHS Senior Citizen Night on Thursday, Nov. 6. This free event is a beloved Bolivar tradition celebrating the district’s appreciation for the senior members of our community. more

Whether we’re ready or not, November is upon us. Most retailers must think November is already over because the Christmas displays in some stores began in early October. I do like to plan as many of my Christmas purchases a little early to avoid that last minute craziness, but early October is a real stretch. However, since we are on the subject, this might be a good time for you to look at some possibilities in your gift giving. For example, my brother Don likes to get things for Christmas that are consumable. He doesn’t mind one bit getting special foods, drinks and other edible treats as a gift. He also likes certain calendars and subscription renewals. He doesn’t look at it from the perspective of those items being necessities. He is instead happy to get things he can and does use and don’t add to his clutter longterm. more