William of Normandy became William I of England in 1066 after winning the Battle of Hastings. For years he had to quell uprisings throughout his territories in England and France. While in Rouen, he died while subduing a riot. It is said that his horse reared up causing the horn of his saddle to hit him in the gut, rupturing a part of his intestine. He lingered in agony for weeks while his body filled with infection from the internal wound, until he finally passed away. Between his death and funeral service, his body grew bloated and filled with gases, making him too big for his coffin. While trying to cram him into the sarcophagus, things became unpleasant. Orderic, a monk on the scene explained it best, “the swollen bowels burst, and an intolerable stench assailed the nostrils of the bystanders,” leading to a very rushed funeral service. more

Today: Fruitcake and Leftovers Day more

My grandmother’s death changed everything. Besides my mother, she was the most influential person in my life; her death left a hole that will never be completely filled. more

If you’re one of the many shoppers returning or exchanging a gift this year, make sure you check the return policy before you get started! more

On Christmas Eve around 9:40 p.m., Corporal J.R. Rorie responded to a crash on Mo. 64, seven miles south of Pittsburg. more

11/27: Fruitcake and Leftovers Day more

Christmas movies are nostalgic; they bring memories from childhood and of a time that brought forth the magic of the season. When we are kids, we gladly wear our rose-colored glasses and just see the bright lights of the holiday. more

The legend of Santa Claus dates back to the third and fourth centuries. Saint Nicholas has been credited with being a monk or a bishop, but historians disagree on which. Nicholas was born in Turkey, which was then called Patara toward the end of the third century. He became wealthy and used that money to give to the less fortunate. He became a saint in 1446, over a thousand years after his death, and was canonized by Pope Eugene VI. St. Nick became part of American culture when immigrants from Europe brought the tales with them. Nicholas became Santa Claus thanks to the Dutch settlers, who called him Sinter Klaas, a shortened version of Sint Nikolaas - or St. Nicholas. Santa’s appearance of a fat man, dressed in red, who is jolly and merry, came from the 1823 poem, Twas the Night Before Christmas,” by Clement Clarke Moore. more

Hi, I'm Camella! I'm a sweet and playful girl. I'm around 3 years old and look to be a Parson Russell Terrier at just 30 lbs. I seem to be nearly potty-trained. I get along great with other dogs and love to play! I can be a snuggler or an active gal- I can adjust accordingly! Take me home and we can be BFF's. more

St. Alban's Episcopal Church will celebrate Christmas Eve with lessons and carols at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24. The church is located at 201 S. Killingsworth Road in Bolivar. more

Monday, Dec. 23 — Chicken sandwich on WG Bun, Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, tator tots, poke cake. more

The Tri-County Baptist Group will hold its regular Fifth Sunday Service on Sunday, Dec. 29, at Rock Prairie Missionary Baptist Church in Polk County. more

Receive a cozy blanket from Community Blood Center of the Ozarks more

The low water bridge located on E 435th Road between D Hwy and S 150 is being replaced. Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 18 be prepared to detour as the road will be closed while this is being built. The expected time for this project is at least 90-days. The county appreciates your patience while we make these much needed repairs. more

The beloved tale, written by Charles Dickens in 1843, was more than a mere Christmas story; it changed how people celebrated the holiday. Because of the story, traditions like charitable contributions and making the holiday an event to celebrate with friends and family; before this, it wasn’t really a ‘big deal’ as we see it now. The appearance of ghosts, however, was a longstanding tradition in England, and they often told scary stories during the holiday. Dickens created the classic for multiple reasons. Firstly, he was broke and needed the funds. Secondly, it was a reform piece, designed to show the plight of the poor - something close to the author’s heart (he spent some of his childhood in a workhouse). To get the book printed by Christmas, a simple six-page manuscript was submitted to the publishers for approval as the book was not fully envisioned. It was printed and ready to sell by Dec. 19, and sold out by Christmas Eve; within a year, the book had been reprinted 13 times. Though A Christmas Carol is his most popular, Dickens wrote four other holiday stories, The Chimes, The Cricket on the Hearth, The Battle of Life, and The Haunted Man. more

Today is Ugly Sweater Day more

Most teachers would never dream of giving control to a bunch of seven or eight-year-olds. However, that is exactly what Amber Tucker, Bolivar Primary School (BPS) music teacher, did for the second-grade Christmas play, “Reindeer Zone.” more

I often sit at the bar attached to my kitchen island, drink my morning coffee, and let nature entertain me. more

Hello, I'm Clementine. I may be a bit bashful at first, but I promise, it's worth getting to know me. I'm a bit of a lone ranger, cherishing my solitude and independence. I enjoy spending my days observing the world around me, and finding joy in the little things. I may not be the first to greet you, but once I trust you, I'll be your cuddle bug. more

On Sunday, Nov. 8, at 6:19 p.m., the highway patrol responded to an accident involving a pedestrian on Highway 32, one mile east of Fair Play near 43rd Road. more

11/12: National Gingerbread House Day and Poinsettia Day more

Gary Short is stepping down after over 30 years at the helm of Ken’s Heating and Cooling, passing the torch to Trevor O’Brian. This once-employee is making the business his own, which is just fine with Short, “They’re in a different climate so to speak - it’s their business now.” more

12/7: National Letter Writing Day more

Hi, I'm Dayton! I'm around five months old, and I am a French Bulldog/Australian Shepherd mix. I'm looking for a family who loves fun as much as I do. With me, every day will be an adventure. Adopt me, and let's start our journey together! more

The Polk County Library will hold a Book+ Sale on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Morrisville Branch, located at 5308 S. Main Street, Morrisville. more