Step into the holiday season with Christmas at Fellowship Park, a free event designed to bring the Bolivar community together in the spirit of joy and giving. The third annual event is organized by Bolivar FIrst Baptist Church and features a live nativity by the Open Hearts Methodist Church. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the community park, on the campus of Bolivar First Baptist Church, north of the Bolivar square. more

Join the Downtown Bolivar Association for a Treat Trot Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. more

The 44th annual Festival of Christmas, presented by Southwest Baptist University and Community Outreach Ministries, will take place at 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8, in Pike Auditorium on SBU’s Bolivar campus. more

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

Members of Southwest Electric Cooperative who had service in the years 1999 and 2000 will be receiving their portion of the more than $1.2 million in retired capital credits. Since the cooperative was formed in 1939, the board of directors has authorized the return of more than $51.5 million to members. “This is one of the main differences that set cooperatives apart from other utilities,” said James Ashworth, CEO/general manager. more

Monday, Dec. 9 — Celebration Cake. Sloppy Joes on WG bun, mac and cheese, peas and onions, pears. 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

Put Christ back in Christmas this year by recognizing that our fellow humans are just as beloved children of God as we are. more

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

Sandra Sue Ralston more

DEATHS more

DEATHS more

Sunday, Dec. 1, the Kiwanis Club had their annual Glow Walk through the park. The park was closed for drive through traffic so everyone could enjoy the displays by walking around the park. The weather cooperated and was cold but not so cold that everyone could enjoy the walk, visiting Santa and his elf and warming up with hot chocolate and cookies. (For more scenes from the Glow Walk, see page 2). more

What to know about protecting your skin during colder months 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

On Saturday evening, Nov. 2, Clover Kids and 4-H members from Polk County were recognized for their accomplishments during the 2024 4-H year. more

It was a Saturday sweep for SBU basketball as both men’s and women’s teams beat Lincoln University. In the GLVC opener, they welcomed the newcomer Blue Tigers with open arms by beating them a combined 54 points. Women’s basketball won their game 102-67 while the men won their game 75-56. more

Top harvest counties were Franklin, Texas, and Howell. more

As you know by now, our recycling center has moved to a brand new location. Being able to unload your items “inside” for the first time was kind of a neat thing all by itself. Learning how to recycle in this new place is made much easier by the people there to help explain how things now work. They are very willing to answer all our questions and do everything they can to make this transition as painless as possible. Please do your part to be especially patient during this period of learning for everyone involved. We need to be grateful that we still have the opportunity to recycle at the local level. more

Sofia Smashey, daughter of Aimee and David Smashey and Cooper Bethell, son of Carey and Nate Bethell, have been chosen Student Rotarians for the month of December. more

If tree-pruning is one of the chores on your to-do list, the cool months of winter is the time to reach for the loppers and saw. more

CIVIL PETITIONS more

Former Missouri State Representative Mike Stephens has officially launched his campaign for mayor of Bolivar. more

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce annual parade will kick off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. This year’s theme is Down Home Country Christmas. more