Hey! I'm Ethel, an excitable and friendly girl. I came from the pound in hopes of getting me adopted. The shelter isn't sure what breed I am but I look like a Pointer/Lab mix but a miniature version. I weigh only 30 lbs and I am full grown. I get along well with others and would adapt to any home. more

The absentee ballots for the April General Municipal Election will be ready for voting on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. The Polk County Clerk’s office will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, and open through the lunch hour for absentee voting. Those casting a ballot by mail must make sure their written and signed request states the reason for voting absentee and an address to which the ballot should be mailed. Those requesting ballots by mail must make sure their written request for a ballot arrives at the County Clerk’s office by 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The deadline for casting an absentee ballot in person at the County Clerk’s office is 5 p.m. the day before the election, Monday, April 7, 2025. The County Clerk’s office will also be open for absentee voting on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 8 a.m. to noon. more

SHERIFF’S REPORTS more

I sometimes wonder what my life would have been like if I had not grown up in the Missouri Ozarks surrounded by nature. It was here in this land that I learned to be curious and explore the world of animals, insects, wildflowers, plants and trees. I learned what lived in woods and waters. I gained confidence, learned to be alone, enjoyed myself and felt at home. more

For whatever reason, the studios decided that what America wanted this Valentine’s season more

My husband Tom once accused me of being unromantic. As much as I hate to admit it, I think he might be right. more

The SBU baseball team started began the season with a pitching clinic, clinching a series win off Southern Nazarene to begin 3-1. The Bearcats controlled the entire series only trailing for one full inning across all 30 that were played. more

The Polk County Democrats will host their meeting on Feb. 17 at Basil & Bourbon at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is optional for those who want to eat and fellowship before the meeting at 5:15 p.m. The agenda will include updates on legislative activities, local charitable activities, and setting our goals for the year. more

Ron and Helen (Francka) Stander, Bolivar, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. They were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bolivar on Feb. 19, 1955, just two weeks after Ron’s return from a 16-month Army deployment to Korea. more

The local chapter of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association will meet Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 9 a.m. at Brenda‘s Café on Broadway in Bolivar. Any retired school personnel are welcome and encouraged to attend. This includes support staff as well as teachers and can be from any school district. Breakfast will be available for purchase if desired. Kermit Hargis from Polk County Health Center will be presenting a program called Ready in Three which is a three step process to preparing for a large emergency or disaster. For more information contact Jodie Young at 417-327-3094 or email at 4youngnz@gmail.com. more

The Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH) Research Department and the Missouri Memory Center in Bolivar, will host free memory screenings on Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Polk County Library, 1690 W. Broadway St., in Bolivar. Doors will open at 1 p.m. and Dr. Curtis P. Schreiber will share a brief presentation at 1:15 p.m. more

The Liberators challenged the Hillcrest Hornets in an Ozark Mountain Conference on Friday, Feb. 7. more

The community came together on Wednesday, Feb. 5, to honor and celebrate Chief Mark Webb on his retirement. Webb has served with the Bolivar Police Department for 11 years, having served in law enforcement for 45 years. more

How well do you know Polk County? more

The following events are happening at your local library. more

The Bolivar School District is thrilled to announce the appointment of Robert Clardy as the new Head Football Coach of the Liberators. With a wealth of experience spanning nearly two decades with the Southwest Baptist University Bearcats football coaching staff, Coach Clardy brings a proven track record of success and leadership across town to Bolivar High School. more

Monday, Feb. 17 — Presidents Day - closed. more

Dr. David Geurin assumes the role July 1. more

Sew 'N' Sew Quilt Guild will meet Friday, Feb. 21 at the United Methodist Church, 105 East Division St. Please come to the east entrance into the Fellowship Hall. Social time at 9:30 am with meeting at 10:00. Georgia Highley will present a program on the Disappearing Hour Glass. All those interested in quilting are welcome to attend. Any questions, please call Elizabeth Morgan at 417-422-7195. more

I sometimes wonder what my life would have been like if I had not grown up in the Missouri Ozarks surrounded by nature. It was here in this land that I learned to be curious and explore the world of animals, insects, wildflowers, plants and trees. I learned what lived in woods and waters. I gained confidence, learned to be alone, enjoyed myself and felt at home. more

Patty (Fly) Peavey more

Jerry Shane Fellers, owner of Build Tech Structures, Inc., has pled guilty to 15 felony counts of deceptive business practices. more

DEATHS more

DEATHS more

On 02-12-2025, at approximately 1507 hours, deputies were dispatched to the 1700 block of E. 490th Road, Halfway, Missouri, near the Pomme de Terre River, for a report of a suspicious person. A male subject wearing blue clothing and carrying a backpack had climbed over several fences and crossed multiple property lines. Deputies searched both sides of the river on foot, in patrol vehicles, and with the reporting person's side-by-side. more