Graduating students of Bolivar High School will be honored at the school’s Decision Day event at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 5 in the high school auditorium. The ceremony will celebrate the BHS graduates’ plans after high school – whether they enroll in college, prepare for their career, or enlist in the military. more

“I think the story is in the building,” Mark Stephens says, as he strides across the floor of his photography studio. Having recently announced his retirement, Stephens is looking to sell his long-time home and workplace where he has captured many special moments in the lives of people from far and wide. more

Several area cemeteries will be offering decoration services, hosting annual meetings, and/or accepting donations. more

Halfway Missionary Baptist Church will have Homecoming services on May 5-7. more

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) will hold a blood drive at Citizens Memorial Hospital from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 4. more

Students of local schools were recognized for their achievements in Future Farmers of America at the 95th Missouri FFA Convention in Columbia. more

It’s hard to believe that the new big-screen adaptation of the classic Judy Blume novel “Are You There God? It's Me Margaret." made only $6.8 million at the domestic box office this past weekend. The theater where I saw the movie was more crowded than usual, and the audience clearly... more

A woman from Pleasant Hope was injured in a recent single-vehicle crash around 3:28 p.m. on Thursday, April 27 near Fair Grove. more

Graduation season is almost here, as seniors and their families prepare for upcoming commencement ceremonies. more

All are invited to join with Polk County Community Connections at the regular monthly meeting time for the annual ‘Gathering Practice.’ The event, at 7:30 a.m., Thursday, May 4, is in the community rooms at Citizens Memorial Hospital, 1500 N. Oakland, Bolivar. Guest speaker is Dwain Banner, owner of Creator Designs with special music provided by Jeremy and Kim Scowden, owners of Stellar Real Estate. Rolls, coffee and juice are provided by CMH. more

See what’s going on in Polk County! Mark your calendars for these upcoming events. Some events may require registration or admission fees; please contact the organization for more details. more

While on my regular trip to drop off items at the Polk County Recycling Center one day last week, I had the chance to visit with Ben Lee. In case you didn’t realize it, Ben keeps the recycling center organized and operational. He is a good-natured fellow with a great sense of humor, but the other day, he was a little out of sorts. Not the cranky, grumpy kind of out of sorts, and it actually wasn’t him who was out of sorts at all — it’s those of us who use the center! more