How well do you know Polk County? more

The City of Bolivar will place a franchise agreement with Southwest Electric Cooperative on the ballot for the Tuesday, Nov. 4, election. Voters will decide whether to approve the agreement. more

​History was made at Silo Ridge on Thursday, Oct. 9, as the Bolivar High School girls golf team captured the first-ever team district championship in school history. This is a monumental moment for the Liberator golf program, as this is the first time a team has made the state tournament. more

In Polk County, enthusiasm and support for high school sports runs deep through generations of tradition and school pride. Local barber shops, cafes and parking lots find small town sports fans replaying last week’s games, questioning coaches and officials, assessing the area talent and reminiscing about their own glory days and longstanding rivalries. But under the Friday Night Lights in Pleasant Hope, three area schools are forgetting rivalries and forging a new brotherhood under one banner. more

On Sunday, Oct. 12, at approximately 1:20 p.m., there was a two-car accident on MO-13, three miles north of Bolivar. more

Friday, Oct. 17 more

Bolivar Technical College’s 20th Anniversary weekend, Oct. 4 was filled with celebration, gratitude, and community pride as students, alumni, and supporters gathered to honor two decades of excellence in education. The day kicked off with a Community Celebration, featuring live music, games, inflatables, refreshments, and tours of the college’s state-of-the-art simulation labs. Alumni and their families returned to campus for a special luncheon sponsored by Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH), reconnecting with classmates, faculty, and mentors. more

It was an honor to be the winning bidder for Minda Cox's exceptional painting at the Bolivar Technical College Gala auction. To stop by and visit with Minda, a truly inspirational artist and neighbor, and share this moment with her was especially meaningful. more

Mary Lou Robertson more

True Charity is teaming up with Polk County Cares, Community Outreach Ministries, Polk County Health Center, CMH, Community Connections, and Grand Missouri Bank for a Community Workshop aimed at fostering more effective, compassionate responses to poverty. True Charity, a national organization dedicated to championing a resurgence of civil society in the fight against poverty, will bring their team of experts to share seven key principles, blending philosophy with practical solutions. more

As a writer, finding the most concise word is important. Using the word flower, for example, might be sufficient. Yet, a red rose brings a very distinct image to mind. The color, the smell, the thorns, the symbol of love. It makes a difference. Words matter. In writing. And in life. more

Clint A. Allison more

IN TODAY’S ISSUE more

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

Friends of the Polk County Library will hold their fall book sale on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the library in Bolivar. more

The Bolivar R-1 School District is excited to announce that construction has begun on a major expansion to the Bolivar Schools Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC). more

Coming of phone-age in complicated times more

How well do you know Polk County? more

Monday, Oct. 13 — Closed in observance of Columbus Day. more

This November 11, the Polk County Genealogical Society (PCGS) will be honoring Veterans with a display of carnations on the front steps of their building. Individuals will have the opportunity to purchase a carnation to honor a veteran. A card will be attached to the carnation with the veteran’s name and service information. Then PCGS volunteers will place the carnations on the steps of the PCGS Research Facility early on November 11. Any veteran whether living or deceased may be honored. more

The annual Fair Play Carnival will be from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, in the high school gymnasium. more

Friends of the Polk County Library will hold their fall book sale on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the library in Bolivar. more

The Polk County Courthouse will be closed on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in observance of the Columbus Day Holiday. more

Meet the Hairdo Crew! Pixie, Bob, Braid, and Shag are four stylish siblings with big personalities and a hairstyle theme to match. These kittens are a little spicy and still learning to trust people, but with ongoing socialization, they’re already starting to come out of their shells. They’ll need patient adopters who can help them build confidence—but with time and love, they’ll grow into affectionate, playful companions. Think of it as a makeover, inside and out! Ready to help a kitten glow up? Come meet the Hairdo Crew! more

Friday, Oct. 10 more