On February 2, 2023, a Polk County jury found defendant Raymond L. Hilliard guilty of one count of driving while intoxicated (DWI). Evidence was accepted by the Court to prove that Mr. Hilliard was a persistent DWI offender due to having two prior DWI convictions, from years 2000 and 2018. Due to the persistent offender status, this charge is a class E felony, and carries a range of up to four years in prison. Sentencing is set for April 3, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. more

Polk County Sheriff’s Office recently conducted a murder-suicide investigation at a Bolivar residence on Friday, Feb. 3. more

Community Outreach Ministries recently made their 2022 Annual Report available to the public, highlighting some of their work and accomplishments from the past year. more

Three people from Bolivar were hurt in a single-car wreck at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31 near the town of Polk. more

On Monday, Jan. 23, Governor Mike Parson announced the appointment of Tim Francka, of Bolivar, to the Missouri State University Board of Governors. more

Local elections in Polk County are set for Tuesday, April 4. Several boards and other races will be on the ballot. more

The Bolivar Herald-Free Press is asking the public to nominate a Polk County pillar, an individual in the community who has contributed to the pride and progress of the county. These pillars will be featured in the BH-FP’s yearly Pride and Progress special section to be released in the Wednesday, Mar. 29 newspaper. more

The 69 McDonald’s Restaurants in the Ozarks area kicked off the 30th annual Share a Heart Campaign on Tuesday, Jan. 24 by giving customers the opportunity to donate to Springfield’s two Ronald McDonald House Charities. more

Citizens Memorial Hospital announces plans to expand mental health services in 2023 by making mental health appointments more readily available for patients in their service areas. more

Several injuries resulted from a two-vehicle collision on Mo. 13 at Rt. KK on Saturday, Jan. 21. more

The City of Bolivar is pleased to announce it was recently awarded funding for its proposed East Loop Road project. more

A man from Fair Play was arrested on Monday, Jan. 9 after allegedly attacking someone with a knife. more