Commission also approved regulations regarding nonresident spring turkey harvest limits. more

Monday, Dec. 29 — Closed more

CIVIL ACTIONS more

Commission also approved regulations regarding nonresident spring turkey harvest limits. more

The SW MO Spring Forage Conference will be held Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO. more

Heading into a new year, it feels like a great time to mix things up. So, after several years interviewing leaders in health and medicine to get their insight for this column, I thought it seemed only fair to turn the tables and have a colleague interview me. more

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has successfully apprehended suspects linked to a series of commercial burglaries spanning Halfway and Humansville. Hunter I. McCown is currently in custody, facing nine felony charges following an intensive investigation by Polk County detectives and deputies. more

Congratulations to Phyliss Garrison on winning the $25 gift card to Brenda’s after correctly guessing Pizza Hut as the December I-Spy location. Be watching for a new location beginning in the Wednesday, Dec. 31 issue. more

Hi! I'm Arlo! I'm still a young guy with lots of energy! I was brought to the shelter because my owner could no longer care for me. I love running around and playing with toys! I'm always up for a good belly rub or a treat. I dream of a home where I can share all my love and energy. If you're looking for a loyal companion to bring excitement and affection to your life, I'm your guy! Let's make endless memories together! more

On Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, Dec. 13, the Bolivar High School Speech and Debate team hosted 26 schools for the annual Bolivar Holiday Classic speech and debate tournament. more

In the Bolivar, MO, school board meeting Dec. 18, the board heard from HS principal Jason Blair about the success of the BoMO Works program. The program is designed to give students direct experience in the industry of their choice before they spend a lot of time and money in college or other extended training programs. more

What babies taught me about the great unknown more

Back in the 1940s when he got out of the service, Jim Rush opened a grocery store and then in 1955, his first car lot in Urbana, MO. In 1970, he opened his second dealership in Osceola, where his son Ronnie remembers his first job—washing cars—and the first car he sold—a 1971 Chevy Impala. In 1990, the family business bought a dealership in Bolivar, where they have stayed since. more

Just a few more nights to enjoy the 2025 Light the Park! Donations collected at the gate will benefit different local nonprofits. Groups working the gate this week include: more

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New non-resident migratory bird permit is $60 and becomes effective Jan. 1, 2026. more

Monday, Dec. 29 — CLOSED more

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

Thanks to technology, it’s never been easier to pay for things. The times of reaching into your wallet or purse for cash or pulling out your checkbook are less frequent. Using your smartphone or using an app to make payments is now the norm. more

INSIDE TODAY’S ISSUE more

Michael L. Mason more

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) celebrated the graduation of 21 students from the Missouri Security Operations Center (MOSOC) Training Program during three ceremonies held in Columbia, Lee’s Summit, and South St. Louis on Friday. The students completed the eight-week MOSOC Training Program as part of the Career Opportunity Training for Youth (COTY) program, which provides high school seniors and young adults up to age 24 with the opportunity to earn a professional certificate and gain valuable, work-ready skills and workplace experience. more

Jefferson City, MO — The Circuit Court of the Eastern District of Missouri has ruled in favor of Missouri Right to Education in its lawsuit against Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, finding that the ballot title language previously certified was misleading and prejudiced. more

The Polk County Courthouse will be closing at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, and remain closed Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, and Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, in observance of the Christmas Holiday. more

CIVIL PETITIONS more