Dad was a coon hunter and I was the boy who tagged along behind him. more

Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” did rather well for itself over Thanksgiving weekend, opening in the #2 position at the domestic box office behind the second weekend of the new “Hunger Games.” A debut at #2 behind a not-particularly-beloved returning champion may not sound impressive, but my prediction was that it wouldn’t even finish in the top three. more

More than 20 years ago, Tom gave me a gift certificate for an hour-long massage as an anniversary gift. I’d never had a professional massage before. (Women don’t count the one-handed massages men sometimes give while holding the remote with their other hand.) more

Hey, kids! Do you have a message or a wish list you would like to send to Santa? Write him a letter! more

The Salvation Army of Bolivar-Polk County invites members of the public to participate in its annual Red Kettle Campaign this Christmas season. more

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce’s 20th Annual Light the Park is now open from 6 to 8 p.m. every evening through Dec. 30. The event features light displays throughout Bolivar’s Dunnegan Memorial Park, 601 W. Forrest. Displays are sponsored by local businesses and organizations. more

To kick off the Christmas season, Bolivar First Baptist Church invites all to join them from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 for ‘Christmas at Fellowship Park.’ The community park is located on the corner of Springfield Avenue and Locust Street, just east of the church. The event is free and open to all. more

Cold temperatures have officially hit the area, and the Bolivar City Fire Department wants to remind the community about the importance of heating source safety. more

One of the favorite meeting topics for Polk County Genealogical Society is share time, or show and tell, as some people call it. This is the topic of the Dec. 7 meeting. Not only do we bring an item or story to share, we also bring goodies to share. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at the PCGS Research Facility on the southeast corner of the square. A short business meeting will begin the evening. more

Monday, Dec. 4 — Goulash, green beans, wheat roll, cherry Jell-O with whipped cream. more

Bolivar First Christian Church will be hosting their annual Christmas bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 9. The bazaar is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. more

Bolivar Pentecostal Church of God will present their Christmas play, “Somebody Testify!” written by Gwendolyn Miller. The play will be presented at 6 p.m. Sunday Dec. 17. The public is invited to join in to celebrate the JOY of Christmas! more