The Bolivar Community Teachers Association is now accepting applications for the fall 2025 student-teaching scholarship. Bolivar High School graduates currently involved in a student-teaching experience should contact Renee Shelenhamer at Bolivar Primary School 417-326-5247 or rshelenhamer@bolivarschools.org for an application. more

The Bolivar Area Community Foundation (an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks) is seeking applications for grants from two funds. more

The Polk County Historical Society will hold its Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. more

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and the community to an After Hours Social on Thursday, October 2, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at The 1906 Wine Bar and Pub, 115 W. Broadway, Bolivar. more

HI LOW CONDITIONS more

Living Waters Ranch of Osceola is gearing up for its 18th Annual Free Fall Festival. Many fun outdoor activities will be set up including the zipline, archery, BB guns, outdoor games, hayride, giant slide, mechanical bull, pony rides, exotic animal petting zoo, wild edibles (plants and bugs) and back by popular demand the Forgers for Christ ministry. Kids will step up on a large trailer with old time forging stations and forge either a dinner bell or a tomahawk to take home. Limited number available so come early and get signed up. more

MD-Luxe Medical Spa provides a medically driven approach combining advanced aesthetic treatments with personalized care to help you look and feel your best. more

INSIDE TODAY’S ISSUE more

(FLAG) more

Ronnie Dean Erven more

Noel Elsworth Harris more

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

In 2024, there were 194 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment/implements. In those crashes, two people were killed and 65 were injured. Missouri has entered the fall harvest season and it’s important that drivers and farmers pay attention and share the road. Farmers and motorists are likely to encounter each other on any roadway, at any time of the day or night. Whether you are driving a vehicle or operating farm machinery, these crashes can be prevented by paying attention to the full-time job of driving and obeying all traffic laws. more

When off the grid goes all wrong more

I was walking along a gravel bar while fishing a creek when I saw it. The sun was shining on it like a beacon, guiding me to it. I knelt, picked it up, and held it gently in my hand. It was a Native American arrowhead. more

POLICE REPORTS more

Meet Kendall and Kylie — Two Sweethearts on the Road to Recovery. Kendall and Kylie arrived at Polk County Humane Society after wandering together, clearly bonded and looking for safety. Unfortunately, both girls tested positive for heartworms—a serious but treatable condition. more

SBU football returned to action for the second week of the season as they took on the Roosevelt Lakers Saturday afternoon. The Bearcats held the lead throughout the majority of the game and came away with a 40-34 victory. This win gave head coach Paul Hansen his first win as a Bearcat and moves the team to 1-1 on the season. more

Citizens Memorial Hospital announces the addition of pathologist Prachi Raut, M.D., to its medical staff. She joins Craig Dunseth, M.D., in CMH Pathology Services. more

The Matilda Polk Campbell chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, will hold its first monthly meeting of the new chapter year on Saturday, Sept. 20, and will include a potluck luncheon. Please contact the chapter at matildapolkcampbell@gmail.com to obtain details about meeting time and place. more

The Polk County Historical Society will hold its Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. more

The Bolivar Area Community Foundation (an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks) is seeking applications for grants from two funds. more

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and the community to an After Hours Social on Thursday, October 2, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at The 1906 Wine Bar and Pub, 115 W. Broadway, Bolivar. more

The Polk County Humane Society invites the community to an unforgettable evening of amusement and compassion at the Benefit Bazaar, a Cirque du Soleil–inspired charity event on Saturday, Oct.18. more

The Dunnegan Rural Fire Department annual meeting will be at Station 1, at 6 p.m. in the community room, on Friday, Oct. 17. Refreshments will be served. All members are encouraged to attend. The order of business will be, opening prayer, reading of minutes, treasurer's report, president’s report, chief’s report, election of officers whose terms are up. more