A Bolivar teen is accused of an assault at a nightclub in Springfield, leaving the victim with a broken jaw that required surgery. more

People with drug and alcohol addictions often face poverty, abuse, illness and a slew of legal issues including losing driving licenses, jail time or even losing their children. Society as a whole faces issues related to drug and alcohol abuse, ranging from discomfort as a bystander on the scene of a belligerent drunk to the loss of a loved one killed by someone driving under the influence. Addictive behaviors affect the people with addictions and everyone else, too. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

Citizens Memorial Hospital presented DAISY Awards for Extraordinary Nurses to five nursing staff, recognizing the impact they have on their patients. more

The Polk County MU Extension Council has partnered with Polk County 4-H to be a 'Good Neighbor' to the six school-based 4-H clubs in Polk County and their 340 members. The clubs will each be given a 'Bracelets and Bananas' basket that will have a 4-H pledge bracelet for each of their members, bananas and a special banana recipe for the clubs to make. more

Join Bolivar Police Chief Christopher Johns and fellow police officers for this year's National Coffee with a Cop. more

Pleasant Hope school will host an All School Reunion on Saturday, Oct. 11. The reunion will be held at a new location this year, at the Pleasant Hope Grade School, enter on the west side of the building. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. more

Wednesday, Sept. 24 more

The Dunnegan Rural Fire Department annual meeting will be at Station 1, at 6 p.m. in the community room, on Friday, Oct. 17. Refreshments will be served. All members are encouraged to attend. The order of business will be, opening prayer, reading of minutes, treasurer's report, president’s report, chief’s report, election of officers whose terms are up. more

The Bolivar Community Teachers Association is now accepting applications for the fall 2025 student-teaching scholarship. Bolivar High School graduates currently involved in a student-teaching experience should contact Renee Shelenhamer at Bolivar Primary School 417-326-5247 or rshelenhamer@bolivarschools.org for an application. more

The Bolivar Area Community Foundation (an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks) is seeking applications for grants from two funds. more

The Polk County Historical Society will hold its Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. more

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce invites members and the community to an After Hours Social on Thursday, October 2, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at The 1906 Wine Bar and Pub, 115 W. Broadway, Bolivar. more

HI LOW CONDITIONS more

Living Waters Ranch of Osceola is gearing up for its 18th Annual Free Fall Festival. Many fun outdoor activities will be set up including the zipline, archery, BB guns, outdoor games, hayride, giant slide, mechanical bull, pony rides, exotic animal petting zoo, wild edibles (plants and bugs) and back by popular demand the Forgers for Christ ministry. Kids will step up on a large trailer with old time forging stations and forge either a dinner bell or a tomahawk to take home. Limited number available so come early and get signed up. more

MD-Luxe Medical Spa provides a medically driven approach combining advanced aesthetic treatments with personalized care to help you look and feel your best. more

INSIDE TODAY’S ISSUE more

(FLAG) more

Ronnie Dean Erven more

Noel Elsworth Harris more

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

In 2024, there were 194 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment/implements. In those crashes, two people were killed and 65 were injured. Missouri has entered the fall harvest season and it’s important that drivers and farmers pay attention and share the road. Farmers and motorists are likely to encounter each other on any roadway, at any time of the day or night. Whether you are driving a vehicle or operating farm machinery, these crashes can be prevented by paying attention to the full-time job of driving and obeying all traffic laws. more

When off the grid goes all wrong more

I was walking along a gravel bar while fishing a creek when I saw it. The sun was shining on it like a beacon, guiding me to it. I knelt, picked it up, and held it gently in my hand. It was a Native American arrowhead. more