At 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2, officers responded to a single-vehicle crash in Dallas County, two miles west of Buffalo. more

Lady Liberator swimmers were among more than 450 individual athletes representing 39 schools from across the state at the Springfield Invitational last Saturday, Feb. 1 at Foster Natatorium. In more than seven hours of competition, Bolivar’s 20 swimmers combined for 30 best times with multiple Lady Liberators improving their rank among the program’s all-time top finishes. more

Mizzou more

HI LOW PRECIP more

Wednesday, Feb. 5 more

Citizens Memorial Hospital is hosting a Topping Out Ceremony at 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at the hospital construction entrance on North Butterfield Road, Bolivar. more

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has made cuts to staffing and expenditures in the 2025 budget due to a lack of revenue. The Sheriff’s Office will be eliminating one full-time Deputy Sheriff position, one part-time Deputy Sheriff position, and one full-time Correctional Officer. These positions were currently in the process of being filled with qualified applicants, however, all interviews have been stopped because these positions are no longer available. There are significant concerns about future cuts in the Sheriff’s budget and personnel if alternative funding is not secured. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

Citizens Memorial Hospital is offering a new support group for individuals who have experienced a miscarriage or infant loss. A six-week bereavement class will begin Thursday, Feb. 20. more

Berean Baptist Church in Bolivar will soon be hosting Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. This financial organization and management program has been tried and proven literally millions of times over, and it can help you as well. If you struggle to make ends meet, if you have debt problems, if you don’t have an “every transaction” system of tracking expenses and budgeting, if you want to learn how to better save for retirement or children’s schooling, or if you just need to learn how to better manage finances, then this course is for you. Financial Peace University is a nine-week course, and will be on Sunday evenings from 5:30-7 p.m. starting on Feb.16 . If you would like to sign up or need more information, please contact Berean Baptist Church at www.bbcbolivar.com or call 417-326-7758. The address for the church is 4450 S. Scenic Ave., Bolivar, MO 65613. more

Robert “Steve” Stephen Biggerstaff more

“Pastures and cattle management are very important to the profitability and sustainability of cattle operations in Cedar County and the surrounding areas,” says Patrick Davis, MU Extension Livestock Field Specialist. Furthermore, education to manage these aspects of your cattle operation properly could enhance its profitability. Therefore, MU Extension, Cedar County Soil and Water Conservation District and Cedar County Farm Bureau are cooperating to provide the Cedar County Livestock and Forage Conference on Feb. 27, at 5:30 p.m. at the Stockton United Methodist Church Family Life Center at 708 State Hwy 32, Stockton. more

DEATHS more

Deaths more

Program will include online chat through which participants can submit questions. more

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

Bob Moreland more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

I notice that I’ve given a “C” rating to every movie I’ve reviewed in 2025. That’s four straight times I’ve basically said that the movie, while not worth writing off entirely, isn’t worth recommending. I even split the review last weekend and gave out two “C” ratings. Director Mel Gibson’s “Flight Risk” ends the “C” streak. It doesn’t end the streak by earning my recommendation, but by being a movie that I feel is indeed worth writing off. more

Give me a minute. I'll think of it. more

Apply at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey/turkey-spring-managed-hunts. more

Monday, Feb. 3 — Philly cheesesteak sandwich, WG Chips, broccoli salad, chocolate chip cookie. more

You probably do not realize this but someone is watching you. It may be your child or grandchild, other family members, friends, or neighbors. Maybe someone you don’t even know. more

Jack Lee Crozier will be 90-years young Feb. 8. Jack was born in Lebanon. He was brought up on a farm near Bennett Springs. His parents were Clarance E Crozier and Ethel May Crozier. Jack had four brothers and five sisters and he was next to the youngest. In 1957 he married Bluebell Singleton. They have three children Richard ( Fran) Crozier, Rhonda (Randy) Austin, Rory (Stella) Crozier, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Jack and Bluebell lived in Cheyenne, Wyoming and while Jack was in the military they lived in Alabama, Virginia and New York. After living in Arizona for 35-years, they retired in Aldrich in 2001. Jack enjoys his family, likes to hunt, fish, and play cards with friends. He is a charter member of the Bolivar Elks. Jack will be celebrating at home with family, but cards may be sent to Jack Crozier, 4837 S 11th Road, Aldrich, MO 65601. more

Southwest Baptist has brought thousands of people all over the globe to Bolivar since its inception in 1878. People become a Bearcat for a variety of reasons whether that is the Christian atmosphere, nationally recognized academics, or the caring community. For third year athletic trainer, Kristian Wilkinson, it is the focus on family. more