For the first time since the pandemic, January means the release of a terrible horror movie in “Night Swim.” Actually, the pandemic only really affected January horror in 2021. It’s just that with January 2022 bringing us that nifty “Scream” reboot and January 2023 giving the world the instantly-iconic “M3GAN,” I can’t say that the horror in those years was terrible. But now we’re back to January being a dumping ground for pathetic leftovers that couldn’t cut it at Halloween. more

In the 01/03/24 and 01/05/24 issues, the Volume number and Issue numbers were incorrect as Volume 152 Issue No. 1 for 01/03/24 and Volume 152 Issue No. 2 for 01/05/24, should be Volume 151 Issue No. 97 for 01/03/24 and Volume 151 No. 98 for 01/05/24. more

55 years ago more

Sheriff Danny Morrison has applied, and been approved, for two separate grants, allowing Polk County to update, repair, and improve the jail. more

DEATHS more

DEATHS more

Marianne Royce Bigelow more

Ula Olena Boren more

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

Kathy Ann Overcast more

Jerry Lee Enyart more

Hannah Mae Vest more

F. “Lee” Latiker more

John Luther Wilson more

I passed by my grandpa’s farm on the old Springfield/Buffalo road one morning last week. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

Braxton John Wojeski, son of Maycee Jones and Zachery Wojeski of Rockville, is the first baby born at Citizens Memorial Hospital in 2024. more

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce wrapped up its 20th Annual Light the Park on Saturday, Dec. 30. The event features light displays throughout Bolivar’s Dunnegan Memorial Park, provided by businesses and organizations. more

The Bolivar Elks Lodge will be hosting their 15th Annual Chili Cook-off on Saturday, Jan. 13. more

Sew ‘N’ Sew Quilt Guild will meet Fri., Jan 19th at United Methodist Church at 105 E. Division St. Please come to the east entrance into the Fellowship Hall. Social time is at 9:30 a.m. and the meeting starts at 10 a.m. Everyone interested in quilting is welcome. more

Missouri’s weather forecast indicates snow and snow showers are expected. For part of the state, this could be the first snow of the season. Whether it’s a dusting or several inches, it can affect travel. Be sure to increase your following distance as you drive; stopping quickly on wet, snowy, or icy roads can be hazardous or impossible. Be aware that elevated roadways such as bridges and ramps may freeze faster, and a roadway that appears wet could be icy. Leaving at least five seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you is always a smart idea, especially in inclement weather. During 2022 there were 51 people killed and 1,969 people injured in more than 7,500 crashes with weather conditions of snow, sleet/hail, or freezing. more

Lisa Lehman happily poses with her gift card to Brenda’s Cafe after winning the I-Spy game, correctly guessing Open Hearts United Methodist Church as the December location. LIsa is proof that reading the paper doesn’t just provide you with news and entertainment, it can pay off as well. more

The Polk County University of Missouri Extension Council will hold their annual election from Jan. 16 thru Jan. 19. Balloting may be done online or in person at the Polk County Extension Center, 110 E Jefferson, Bolivar, Mo. The online link may be found on the extension Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/www.polkcounty.edu . Ballots may be requested to be mailed by calling the office at 417-326-4916. more

Saturday, Jan. 13 more

Weather report more