☕️ $25 Million in Sales Tax

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Good Morning, Joplin. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan gave us a masterclass in dominance — and it came from Team USA’s women. American women racked up a record-setting medal haul in women’s events, winning the majority of Team USA’s 33 total medals and bringing home six golds while outperforming the men for the third straight Winter Games. Meanwhile, here’s a wild stat to chew on with your coffee: the last time the U.S. won Olympic gold in men’s hockey, eggs cost $0.84, Meryl Streep was on the verge of her first Oscar, and Tom Brady hadn’t even started preschool.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Bloom Flights

• 2026 Freeman 5K & Walk for Autism

• Final Week of Spiva’s Winter Exhibits

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who still has a rotary phone.

SPONSORED BY BLOOM JGH

Meet Bloom Flights!
Four different flavors, one flight, endless ways to try what Bloom does best. Available hot or iced, and perfect for sipping, sharing, and discovering a new favorite.

We’ve got two pre-picked flights ready to go:

The Latte Flight — Lavender Blossom • Bee’s Knees • Caramel Macchiato • Cinnamon Roll Latte

The Matcha Flight — Lavender • Sugar Cookie • Brown Sugar • Maple Syrup

Feeling creative? Build Your Own Flight. Pick any four drinks and mix & match matcha-based and espresso-based drinks, hot or iced. Trying every drink on the menu just got a whole lot easier.

Flights are a for-here experience only and will not be made to-go. 

🕵️‍♂️ Aquila Theatre Presents: The Hound of the Baskervilles

Thursday, February 26 | 7:00 PM | Beshore Performance Hall, Cornell Complex
🎟️ Tickets: $50–$55 | 212 W 7th St, Joplin

Sherlock Holmes hits the stage in a thrilling (and comedic) retelling of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. This inventive “play within a play” follows Holmes, Watson, and friends as they reenact the infamous Baskerville case—complete with suspense, humor, and audience participation.

Performed by the internationally acclaimed Aquila Theatre, known for touring top-tier classical productions across 50+ U.S. cities, this foggy moor mystery promises twists, laughs, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling. A must-see for theater and mystery fans alike.

🏁 Theme Announced for 2026 Freeman 5K & Walk for Autism

Freeman Health System has unveiled the theme for this year’s Freeman 5K and Walk for Autism: “Zero to Zoom,” a racing-inspired celebration supporting autism services in the Joplin community. The annual event benefits the Leffen Center for Autism, helping fund program development, diagnostic services, treatment, and scholarships for families. Registration for individuals and teams is now open, and race day will once again feature more than just the run and walk, including a car show, vendor fair, activities, and raffle baskets. Organizers say the event continues to grow each year, with strong fundraising efforts directly supporting local children and families impacted by autism.

🏆 Chamber Opens Nominations for Citizen of the Year & Business of the Year

The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for two of its signature annual honors, recognizing the individuals, businesses, and nonprofits that help move the Joplin community forward. Here’s how to nominate and what to know:

🏅 Citizen of the Year (Powered by Guaranty Bank)
This award recognizes an individual who is making a positive, lasting impact through leadership, service, and community involvement. Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of Chamber members and are due by Friday, February 27. Click here for the Citizen of the Year nomination form.

🏢 Business of the Year (Powered by Forvis Mazars)
These awards celebrate the contributions of local businesses and nonprofits to Joplin’s economy and overall progress. Honors will be given to one small business (1–50 employees), one large business (51+ employees), and one nonprofit. Finalists will be evaluated on community impact, innovation, leadership philosophy, employee involvement, and response to challenges. Nominations are due by Wednesday, February 26. Click here for the Business of the Year nomination form.

🕵️‍♀️ Murder Mystery Dinner to Benefit NALA Read

Saturday, February 28 | 6:00 PM | Minnie Hackney Community Service Center

Joplin NALA Read is hosting an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner, “Murder at the Spell Ball,” inviting guests to step into a fun evening of clues, characters, and community impact. Inspired by NALA Read’s long-running Spell Ball tradition, the event assigns attendees playful roles—like competitors, donors, and celebrity philanthropists—as they work together to solve the mystery (no acting experience required). The evening includes a full meal and an engaging, all-ages experience, with tickets priced at $30 per person or $50 per couple. Proceeds support NALA Adult Literacy’s free tutoring, classes, and resources for adults building reading and writing skills in the Joplin community.

🎨 Final Week to Explore Spiva’s Winter Exhibits

This week is the last chance to experience several of Spiva Center for the Arts’ current winter exhibits, which highlight everything from student creativity and interactive art to professional educators and a major retrospective from featured artist Jane Troup. Together, these exhibits showcase the power of art education, imagination, and lifelong creativity across multiple galleries before they wrap up at the end of February.

🖌️ Jane Troup: Return to Innocence (Freeman Health System Main Gallery | Through Feb. 28)
This featured exhibition presents decades of work by Jane Troup, exploring nature, balance, and the quiet rhythms of the natural world. Her paintings invite viewers to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with curiosity, wonder, and a sense of openness inspired by the landscapes and patterns around us. An Artist Talk is also scheduled for February 28 at 11:00 AM.

👩‍🏫 Those Who Can…Teach: The Work of Art Educators (Sharon & Lance Beshore Gallery | Through Feb. 27)
This exhibit celebrates the creativity of K–12, college, and university art educators whose influence extends beyond the classroom. Featuring a wide range of media—from painting to pottery—it highlights both their professional artistic practice and their lasting impact on the next generation of artists.

🧒 Third Grade Collaborative Project (Jo Mueller Reserve Gallery | Through Feb. 28)
A Spiva winter tradition for more than 20 years, this large-scale collaboration involves over 1,700 students from multiple school districts and homeschool programs. Inspired this year by Jane Troup, third graders create their own artwork and get the unforgettable experience of seeing their pieces displayed in the gallery as exhibiting artists. A come-and-go reception will be held February 28 from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.

🎭 Invitation to Play: An Interactive Exhibit (Harry M. Cornell Gallery | Through Feb. 28)
Designed to spark imagination for all ages, this interactive exhibit uses light, shadow, color, and nostalgic materials to encourage hands-on exploration. While welcoming to everyone, it especially invites teens and adults to reconnect with play as a tool for creativity, problem-solving, and fresh perspective.

🚴 Joplin Trails Coalition Hosts Annual Public Meeting

Tuesday, February 24 | 6:00 PM | Joplin Public Library Community Room

The Joplin Trails Coalition is inviting the public to its annual meeting at the Joplin Public Library, where attendees can hear updates on the FGT-RJ Connector Project, learn about 2026 trail plans, and share input on local trail priorities. The meeting will also include membership updates and a chance for community members to engage in future trail development discussions. A live stream will be available on the Coalition’s page, with a recording posted to their website and YouTube channel within 24 hours.

💻 Joplin’s Online Sales Tax Surpasses Expectations, Reaching $25 Million

Four years after voters approved Joplin’s use tax on online purchases, the program has generated nearly $25 million in revenue, more than doubling the city’s original projections. The tax, which took effect in 2021, was initially expected to bring in around $3 million annually but has exceeded that mark as more residents shift toward online shopping.

City leaders say the additional revenue has helped fund key community priorities, including public safety staffing and equipment, transportation improvements, parks, beautification projects, public art, and housing initiatives like the Joplin Housing Assistance and Homeowner Rehabilitation programs. Officials note the use tax mirrors the local sales tax rate and is designed to capture revenue from online purchases that would otherwise bypass local tax collection. Overall, the funding supports the city’s broader long-term goals tied to economic development, neighborhood improvement, homelessness response, and maintaining stable, resilient revenue for community services.

Tuesday: 🌡️ 29 | 61 💨 

Wednesday: 🌡️ 40 | 65 ☁️ 

Thursday: 🌡️ 41 | 61 ⛅️

Recap:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (16-10)
Saturday 2/21 at HOME vs University of Nebraska at Kearney | W 101-92

🏀 Women’s Basketball (19-7)
Saturday 2/21 at HOME vs University of Nebraska at Kearney | W 75-69

⚾️ Baseball (5-7)
Friday 2/20 at Rogers State University | L 9-1
Saturday 2/21 at Rogers State University | W 9-3
Sunday 2/22 at Rogers State University | L 8-7

🥎 Softball (17-3) MIAA/GLVC Crossover @ Joplin High School
Friday 2/20 at Joplin HS vs University of Missouri - St. Louis | W 11-3
Friday 2/20 at Joplin HS vs University of Missouri - St. Louis | W 10-2
Saturday 2/21 at Joplin HS vs McKendree University | L 8-4
Saturday 2/21 at Joplin HS vs McKendree University | L 6-3

👟 Men’s and Women’s Track & Field @ Arkansas Qualifier
Friday 2/20 and Saturday 2/21 at Fayetteville, AR | Recap | Final Results

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (16-10)
Wednesday 2/25 at University of Central Missouri | 7:30 PM
Saturday 2/28 at Washburn University | 1:00 PM

🏀 Women’s Basketball (19-7)
Wednesday 2/25 at University of Central Missouri | 5:30 PM
Saturday 2/28 at Washburn University | 3:00 PM

⚾️ Baseball (5-7)
Friday 2/27 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | 2:00 PM
Saturday 2/28 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | 1:00 PM
Sunday 3/1 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | 1:00 PM

🥎 Softball (17-3) at Midwest College Classic in Shawnee, KS
Saturday 2/28 vs Wayne State College | 2:30 PM
Saturday 2/28 vs Minnesota State University Moorhead | 4:45 PM
Sunday 3/1 vs Truman State University | 10:00 AM
Sunday 3/1 vs Augustana University (SD) | 12:15 PM

👟Men’s & Women’s Track & Field 
Friday 2/27 - Sunday 3/1 at MIAA Indoor Championships

Wednesday

☕ Make Your Own Mug at Indian Springs Brewing: Craft your own handmade mug with guidance from Clay Cup Potters. Your $45 registration includes all materials, kiln firing, and a drink of your choice, with finished mugs ready for pickup in about 3–4 weeks. To sign up, send Indian Springs a message on Facebook.

🧠 Joplin Trivia Night at Tropicana Bar & Grill: Test your knowledge every Tuesday at 7 PM with free live trivia, gift card prizes for top teams, and plenty of friendly competition. Grab your crew, enjoy a drink, and play for bragging rights in a fun, casual pub quiz atmosphere.

🔪 Scream Movie Trivia at B&B Theatres: Test your horror knowledge with a night of Scream-themed trivia on Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30 PM. It’s free to play with prizes for winners, plus food and drinks available for purchase while you play.

Thursday

🎤 Open Mic Night at Joplin Avenue Coffee Company: Local singer-songwriters, poets, and performers of all ages are invited to share their talents or simply enjoy a night of creative expression and community support. Sign-ups begin at 6:30 PM, making it a perfect evening to discover Joplin’s local voices in a cozy coffeehouse setting.

🎸 Early All Ages Show at Blackthorn Pizza & Pub: Catch The Rumours, Brutally Frank, and Bellwether Sirens live starting at 6:30 PM for an energetic night of local music. All ages are welcome until 10:00 PM, with tickets $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Friday

🔥February Hat Burning Workshop: Get creative with a fun night of hat burning, design, and charcuterie from 6:00–8:00 PM as you customize your own wide brim hat or ballcap. Your $50 ticket includes three accessories from the embellishment bar, snacks, stencils, and all tools needed for a stylish, hands-on girls’ night or crafty evening out.

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