Turtles are leaving their winter dens and crossing roads in search of grub and a mate more

Learn about native aquatic plants more

The 2024-2025 Middle School Softball Team is composed of Alea Dawson (8th grade), Liddy Moore (8th grade), Melina Novak (8th grade), Kloie Richardson (8th grade), Autumn Snow (8th grade), Alessandra Buckle (7th grade), Lily Burdette (7th grade), Hailee Eaton (7th grade), Ardon Emerson (6th grade), Addie Harley (6th grade), Karlee Sims (6th grade), Lydia Sims (6th grade), Olivia Stephens (6th grade), Tawnee Wood (6th grade), and Kaylee Cartwright (6th grade). Each athlete occupies a specific position and has played a vital role in the team's success this season. The team has shown consistent improvement with each game, concluding with a strong finish in second place in the Greater Ozarks Conference (GOC), fell out by Marion C. Early, with a score of 9-1. Led by Head Coach Stacy Burdette and Assistant Coach Rylee Stell, the team is dedicated to enhancing individual skills, building strong team chemistry, and maintaining a positive, resilient attitude. Key contributors include Lily Burdette, an effective pitcher; Liddy Moore, a dependable catcher; and players with versatile skills capable of filling multiple positions. Notably, this year's team achieved more wins than the combined total of the past two years. more

The Pleasant Hope FFA Chapter attended the 97th Annual Missouri State FFA Convention April 23rd-25th. While there, their dairy cattle team, which consisted of Loraine Arciniegas, Addison Rogers, Gracie Pulley, and Maddyson Alexander got the opportunity to compete. They went up against fifty-nine other teams from around the state. The dairy cattle girls ended up taking on the big stage at state and being awarded a fourth place plaque. Loraine Arciniegas placed fifth highest individual and received a group one rating and Addison Rogers placed seventeenth highest individual and also received a group one rating. Gracie Pulley and Maddyson Alexander both received a group two rating more

The Polk County Courthouse will be closed on Thursday, May 8, in observance of the Truman Day Holiday. more

CIVIL PETITIONS more

Applications for the Polk County Senior Tax Credit Program will be accepted until Friday, May 30. With less than a month remaining, if you are considering applying for the program it is encouraged that you do so well before the May 30 deadline as all documentation must be submitted by the deadline and failure to do so will result in your application being denied for 2025. Applications are still available on the second floor of the Courthouse and on the county website homepage www.polkcountymo.gov. more

Jesus understands you. He’s faced hunger, sorrow, and death and wants to face them with you. The Bible in Hebrews 4:15 says Jesus “understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.” more

On my most recent trip to the recycling center, I had a couple of glass jars in my collection of items to be recycled. I knew there might be a fee on glass, but decided it was time to find out. Everyone at the recycling center is very helpful and courteous. Ther person helping me told me there was a $1 fee for what I had brought, which may seem like a lot for a couple of jars, but I could have filled a 30 gallon tote and brought it in to be recycled for the $1 fee. There is only a $2 fee if I were to bring a 35 gallon drum. And if I were really going to have a LOT of glass, I can purchase a Glass Pass for $20 and bring unlimited glass all during the year. What a deal! more

Know anyone who loves vehicles of all kinds? Dreams of driving a police car, fire truck or dump truck someday? Just likes to learn about cool stuff? If so, the City of Bolivar has the perfect event for you! more

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of Bolivar Night at the Springfield Cardinals, happening Sunday, June 1 at Hammons Field in Springfield, Missouri. Gates open at 5:05 p.m., with first pitch set for 6:05 p.m. more

World-renowned animal behaviorist, livestock welfare advocate, autism spokesperson, and one of USA TODAY’s 2025 Women of the year, Dr. Temple Grandin will be a special guest at the 2025 Missouri Beef Days, participating in multiple events throughout the celebration. On Friday, May 9, she will greet attendees and sign copies of her books during the Missouri Beef Days Rodeo Market. Then on Saturday, May 10, Dr. Grandin will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Missouri Beef Days Parade, leading the procession through Bolivar in a community-wide salute to the region’s agricultural roots. more

Juris P. Simanis, M.D., MPH, MSPH, FAAFP, DiMM, FAWM, DiDMM, a board-certified sports medicine physician with Citizens Memorial Hospital, was a featured speaker at the 2025 Wilderness Medical Society Winter Conference in Crested Butte, Colorado, in February. more

Thursday, May 8 more

In an effort to enhance road safety and protect first responders and roadway workers, the Bolivar City Fire Department has integrated HAAS Alert's Safety Cloud digital alerting into its vehicles. more

In recognition of Women’s Health Month, the Polk County Health Center hopes to raise awareness of a program designed to empower women to prioritize their health. Through the Show Me Healthy Women program, the center provides free initial care for breast and cervical cancers which are aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing the risks of cancer through early detection. more

A group of local investors has successfully acquired LimeBank, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the community-focused institution. This acquisition signals a renewed commitment to empowering local decision-making and delivering personalized banking services tailored to the unique needs of the region. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

Bolivar soccer has entered the final two weeks of regular season play before Districts, but the schedule is only intensifying. Recent weather forced the Lady Liberators to postpone, relocate or adjust multiple matches. Still, the girls in blue and white continue to push toward a strong finish. more

Boys more

District play in tennis began with eight districts in class 1A in Missouri. Bolivar hosted District 6. more

Brighton Cemetery more

Sew 'N' Sew Quilt Guild will meet Friday, May 16, at the United Methodist Church, 105 E. Division Street. Please come to the east entrance into the Fellowship Hall. Social time is at 9:30 a.m. with the meeting starting at 10 a.m.. more

The Blue Hens Flea Market more

Entries are now being accepted for all Missouri State Fair livestock shows and competitive exhibits. Complete rules and regulations for all shows and contests are available in the online Premium Guide. All entrants must register online or complete the vendor input form to receive premium payment(s). Premium checks will be issued after Aug. 17, 2025, and must be claimed before Dec. 31, 2025. All shows and competitions have entry deadlines, which are listed within the rules and regulations for each department. more