The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director CED Karen Stillings in Polk and Dallas County reminds producers that FSA is now accepting applications for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses due to drought. The deadline to apply for 2024 LFP assistance is Jan. 30, 2025. more

With more than $240 billion in U.S. online sales and almost $15 billion in holiday retail expected in Canada, shoppers across North America need to be alert to tactics used by scammers, such as fake advertisements to offer deep discounts and hard-to-find popular items. more

The Lady Liberator swim team is back in the pool and making waves early with best times and the program’s first ever meet championship win. Since opening the season on Dec. 5, Coach Kyle Smith’s swimmers have competed in five meets in 14 days, logging countless yards in the pool along with hundreds of miles on the road to Carthage, Gladstone, West Plains, Webb City, and Jefferson City. At the mid-season break, the team is looking to build on early success in the second half of the season. more

Many people forget or do not even know what Christmas is all about. They do not understand that the symbolism of gifts came from wise men bringing gifts to the baby Jesus in a stable long ago. They do not know the true Christmas story. Even those, who know get caught up in commercialism. more

I like old things. more

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

As the year draws to a close, Missouri Beef Days invites its community of supporters, partners, and friends to join in the end-of-year giving campaign. This special effort highlights the importance of preserving our local agricultural heritage and supporting programs that strengthen the region’s beef industry, youth engagement, and community involvement. more

The Christmas season of 2024 didn't bring any real snow to enjoy, but the bright lights and displays made for a beautiful and fun holiday season for all to enjoy. more

The “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie franchise has had quite the history. In 2019, jokes about the poorly-received first trailer were everywhere in pop culture. Paramount, to its credit, took the vitriol as constructive criticism and spent months redesigning the main character to have a more palatable appearance. When the upgraded movie was released in 2020, all was forgiven and the movie was a hit. more

The Christmas tree stood near the window so bright, more

11/27: Fruitcake and Leftovers Day more

Wednesday, Dec. 25 more

The play that went sideways more

Thursday, Dec. 19, the Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting at the law office of Branstetter, Cole & Lightfoot. The law office is located at 413 South Pike Avenue and they specialize in family law, juvenile law, criminal defense, business law, civil litigation and probate law as well as estate planning. 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

Commission also approved regulations regarding deer carcass movement and disposal. more

The Bolivar Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its slate of events for 2025, offering a mix of professional networking, community engagement and time-honored traditions. more

I looked beyond the manger bed, more

Missouri Department of Agriculture approves livestock movement permit for nine healthy reindeer. more

The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas. One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at their holiday celebrations safely. Wear your seat belt, obey all traffic laws, pay attention, and please, don’t drive impaired. Remember: Missouri is now a hands-free state. 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

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

DEATHS more

Kenneth Woods more

DEATHS more