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

Hi! I'm Fluffy. As my name suggests, I'm a fluffy girl with a big personality. I was an outdoor barn cat prior to coming here so while I am not feral - I'm still a little spicy. I enjoy pets but once I'm satisfied you can stop touching me now lol. I'd make a great barn cat again or even an indoor cat if someone is willing to put in the time for me. more

Halfway R-3 Schools will host their annual Senior Citizens Holiday Dinner on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in the library at 11 a.m.. All seniors in the Halfway School District are welcome to attend by making reservations on or before Nov. 19, by calling the school at 417-445-2200, extension 5. more

Pleasant Hope Schools recently released its first-quarter honor roll. According to a school news release, the following students earned spots on the list: more

I know many veterans. Several attend our church. We always take time to honor them for their service on Veterans’ Day and any other opportunity we might have throughout the year. We have a wall in our church dedicated to our veterans. more

Bolivar High School is excited to welcome local senior citizens for a night of great food, entertainment, and community connection at the annual BHS Senior Citizen Night on Thursday, Nov. 6. This free event is a beloved Bolivar tradition celebrating the district’s appreciation for the senior members of our community. more

Whether we’re ready or not, November is upon us. Most retailers must think November is already over because the Christmas displays in some stores began in early October. I do like to plan as many of my Christmas purchases a little early to avoid that last minute craziness, but early October is a real stretch. However, since we are on the subject, this might be a good time for you to look at some possibilities in your gift giving. For example, my brother Don likes to get things for Christmas that are consumable. He doesn’t mind one bit getting special foods, drinks and other edible treats as a gift. He also likes certain calendars and subscription renewals. He doesn’t look at it from the perspective of those items being necessities. He is instead happy to get things he can and does use and don’t add to his clutter longterm. more

As part of the post-World War II generation, I am proudly a “baby boomer.” more

CIVIL PETITIONS more

The annual Southwest Missouri Beef Conference and Trade show will be held Monday, Nov. 17 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church, 1405 West Fair Play Street in Bolivar. more

DeLaney Daniels more

Polk County Community Connections will host its monthly breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Polk County Senior Center, 1850 W. Broadway, Bolivar. A free breakfast is provided. more

Citizens Memorial Hospital will host a free online men’s health seminar at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The webinar will be presented by board-certified urologist Mark Walterskirchen, M.D., with the CMH Urology Surgical Clinic in Bolivar. more

Sherri Cochran was the winner of the gift card to Brenda’s Cafe after winning the October II-Spy game, correctly guessing Aldi as the location. Sherriis proof that reading the paper doesn’t just provide you with news and entertainment, it can pay off as well. more

Thursday, Nov. 6 more

The American Legion Post 138 more

Jean Vincent will speak on the history of the Cherokee in Missouri and Northern Arkansas at the Nov. 6 meeting of the Polk County Genealogy Society. Vincent recently presented this program for the local DAR group. PCGS is looking forward to hearing Vincent’s presentation. The meeting is Thursday, Nov 6, at the PCGS Research Facility on the southeast corner of the Square. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. with a short business meeting that includes the election of officers for 2026. In October the nominating committee presented the following slate for election: President-Cay Sergent, Vice President-Betty Doyle, Secretary-Leta Gass, Treasurer-Julie Trout, and Member at Large-Lou Thelen Kemp. There were no nominees from the floor. more

In conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Open House weekend, the First Christian Church will have their annual bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 15. more

The Polk County Historical Society will meet for its annual Dinner Meeting on Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. at Flat Creek Restaurant in Bolivar. We will order from the menu. The public is welcome to attend. We will be discussing some of the things that have transpired at the museum during the Open Season of 2025. more

HI LOW CONDITIONS more

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand reopening of Village Boutique under new ownership Friday, Oct. 31. New owner Cassie Taylor cut the ribbon surrounded by friends, family and community members. The boutique is located at 860 E. San Martin. more

Three local businesses will combine efforts to host a food and fund drive to benefit Community Outreach Ministries Food Pantry from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at The Dunnegan Estate. more

The holiday season is right around the corner, and there’s no better way to kick it off than by shopping local during the Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Open House, set for Thursday and Friday, Nov. 14 and 15. more

When presenting three Life Saving Awards from the Bolivar Police Department at the Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday, Oct. 28, Chief Johns said, “I’m very proud of my team.” more