This January, the Polk County Health Center is highlighting the importance of women's health and cervical cancer screenings. As a participant in the Show Me Healthy Women program, the center provides free initial care for cervical and breast cancers which are aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing the risks of cancer through early detection. more

Citizens Memorial Hospital/Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation recently appointed directors to four positions. They are filling roles in community relations and development, nursing, information technology and accounting. more

Jan. 16 is International Hot and Spicy Day more

Stephanie Loomer opened SML Aesthetics in May of 2024. She began the career after her kids grew up and new opportunities presented themselves, allowing her to try something new. “I wanted a career,” Loomer said. “I had always put kids first and decided I wanted to go to esthetician school.” more

Hi, I'm Cocoa! I'm a sweet boy with a great personality. I have diabetes and will need daily insulin for the rest of my life. I also have to be on a strict prescription diet, but I promise I'm worth it all! I love everyone and am looking for a place to call my home. Is that with you? more

On Saturday, Jan. 11, there will be a birthday celebration for William Pool who turns 100 on Jan. 13. Friends and family are invited to attend the come-and-go party between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Parkview Residential Care Home, located at 119 W. Forrest Street in Bolivar. Upon arrival, guests should go to the library for the festivities. The family asks that attendees do not bring gifts, but cards are encouraged. more

Sew "N" Sew Quilt Guild will meet on Friday, Jan. 17 at 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. and the meeting starts at 10 a.m. Amber with Sew Simple in Ozark will speak on “How to Design a Quilt Block”. All those interested in quilting are welcome to attend. Please contact Elizabeth Morgan at 417-422-7195 for more information. more

This past summer, local artist Larry Johnston spent several weeks teaching acrylic painting to the Young at Art class at the senior center. He produced a painting with various natural features, including a waterfall. After the course, he graciously donated his painting to the class. He suggested that we use it as a fundraiser. As a result, we held a raffle in November and Bolivar resident Gary White was the winner. Mr. Johnston joined the members of our art group in presenting the picture to White, who donated the painting to the Senior Center to be enjoyed by everyone. more

Today is Clean off Your Desk Day more

Monday, Jan. 13 more

This past summer, local artist Larry Johnston spent several weeks teaching acrylic painting to the Young at Art class at the senior center. He produced a painting with various natural features, including a waterfall. After the course, he graciously donated his painting to the class. He suggested that we use it as a fundraiser. As a result, we held a raffle in November and Bolivar resident Gary White was the winner. Mr. Johnston joined the members of our art group in presenting the picture to White, who donated the painting to the Senior Center to be enjoyed by everyone. more

This often misunderstood concept in American politics is one of the key factors that make America a Constitutional Republic and not a straight Democracy. The system was created to preserve the concepts of Federalism, or the rights of the states. It keeps major population centers from being the sole creators of U.S. policy. For example, California has a significantly higher number of people than Nebraska, and have very different political values. If elections were straight democracies, the vote would always go the way of CA, NY, and other large states. With the EC, states with smaller populations can make their voice heard. The number of electors for each state is the number of national representatives. Each state has two senators and a varying number of representatives based on population. Contrary to what the name implies, the system is not a college, but a group of electors who cast their votes for the candidate who wins the majority of their state's votes. However, the electoral college can, but hasn't, go against the votes of the people in their area. Though many people do not like the electoral college, it would take two-thirds of the states or congressional votes to amend it or remove it from U.S. policy.  more

Monday, Jan. 6 — Chili with cheese, sour cream and onion, house salad, cornbread, dessert more

Jan. 4: Trivia Day more

As most mothers are regarding their children, my mother is proud of me. I hear it all the time and, of course, it is wonderful that my mom likes to tell me this. more

Hello there, I'm Cletus. I was found roaming. I'm around 10 years old and look to be a Plott Hound/Heeler mix but the shelter doesn't know for sure. I've been around the block a few times and seen a thing or two. I'm an old soul, calm as a summer breeze. I enjoy slow walks, sunbathing, and a good belly rub. I'm all about companionship and taking it easy. I'm a friend who'll be by your side, a steady presence to brighten your days. If you're looking for a faithful friend with a gentle spirit, I'm your guy. more

On Dec. 31, about an hour before midnight, Fair Play Police Chief French and Officer Thompson arrested Christopher Simpson, of Milo, for speeding and drunk driving. more

Monday, Jan. 6 more

Today: Boston Tea Party Day more

I love Christmas. Like a little child, I look forward to it and begin planning right after Halloween. By then I have usually bought a gift or two, or at least know what I am getting people. Then, of course, my gift list gets longer and longer as the day approaches because, especially for my mom, I just keep finding things they “just have to have!” more

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – When used in controlled, supervised conditions, fire can be a beneficial land management tool. However, it’s important to stress that prescribed fire involves planning and on-site management. more

Starting next week, in the Jan. 8 edition of the BH-FP, there will no longer be a Woods ad insert. Discontinuing the advertisement was not a decision of the paper but of the grocery store. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this decision, please contact Woods at 417-326-7601. more

RAYMORE, Mo. – As first shared on This Week in Missouri Politics with Scott Faughn, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) is releasing a documentary recapping his week-long 2024 Town Hall Tour, a critical part of his service to Missouri’s 4th Congressional District. more

In case you don’t recognize the title, this is the song commonly sung at pretty much all New Year’s celebrations, it is of Scottish origin and translates to “For Old Times’ Sake.” The song, however, has a fascinating history and dates back to the 18th century. It was originally a poem written by Robert Burns who submitted the piece to the Scots Musical Museum. Though he credits himself with being the first to write down the words, he states the song itself has much older origins and represents preserving relationships and memories from the previous year. In Scotland, people link hands and stand in a circle holding hands, then cross arms at the beginning of the last verse. It became a Scottish national song to sing at social occasions to demonstrate Scottish pride, around 1850. more

Hello, I'm Liqueur. I'm a gentle soul, a bit shy, but oh so mellow. I've been a mother to four little kittens, teaching them the ways of the world. I'm a quiet presence, preferring to watch the world go by from a cozy corner. I may take a little while to warm up to you, but once I do, I promise a bond like no other. more