It was in the spring of 2004 that I first saw Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth perform the show stopping “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway blockbuster “Wicked” at the Tony Awards. Since that moment was over 20 years ago, it means that I have waited literal decades for a big-screen version of “Wicked.” I’ve more than satisfied my appetite for the stage version, having seen it five times, once with Menzel still in the cast (sadly never with Chenoweth). But I’ve always wanted the vast production to be available to the world, with added scale and visual spectacle to boot. Now the wait is finally over, and the result is… reasonably acceptable. more

The First Annual Fair Play Christmas Market will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, in the Fair Play high school cafeteria. more

The First Christian Church is hosting the annual bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec.14. Homemade vegetable soup, chili, sandwiches and pie are served starting at 11 a.m. There will be baked goods, candies, and gift items for sale. Money from the sales is used to help support various community charities. more

Friday, Nov. 29 more

Please join us at Bolivar Pentecostal Church of God on Sunday evening, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. for our Christmas play, “The Sky is Falling!” Written & directed by Gwendolyn Miller. more

Christmas is a time for giving, and with the holiday season upon us, organizations are seeking gift donations. This year, the community can donate stocking stuffers to the specialized care program at the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch. more

It is the time of the year to start getting ready for Christmas. Toys For Tots are now being accepted at the following locations: more

The holiday season is in full swing, and 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

Citizens Memorial Hospital and the Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation received the Missouri Silver Level Workplace Wellness Award. more

Hi, I'm Mochi, a sweet 4-year-old kitty looking for a warm place to cuddle and sleep. I'm a big boy, weighing 13 lbs! I just say I have a little extra love to give because of it! I'm friendly and would be a great addition to your family. Mochi loves to play too. more

11/30: National Personal Space Day 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

After being closed for the past month, S 132nd Road (Sandy Lane) is now open for traffic. There is ongoing work to get it finished, but traffic is allowed through now. The county wants to thank everyone for their patience with this project.  more

Congratulations to Chris Jasper for being drawn as our winner of the November I-spy after guessing OakStar Bank as the location. Watch for a new location starting Wednesday, Dec. 4. more

Funds raised will support The Food Bank’s network of faith-based and community charities more

The Halfway High School class of 1970 met at Smith’s Restaurant on Saturday, Nov. 2. 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

From December through February, Missouri's winter eagle watching is spectacular. more

Monday, Dec. 2 — Chicken strips, French fries, green beans, WG biscuit, applesauce cake. more

DEATHS more

DEATHS more

Allyn “Beryl” Cowan more

Kiwanis Club Glow Walk, a time to walk through the park and enjoy the lights of the season.  more

I get in trouble sometimes for complaining about changes in the Ozarks. more

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