☕️ A Big Week for Joplin (Teachers, Film, Downtown & More)

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Good Morning, Joplin. On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed a congressional act officially making “The Star-Spangled Banner” the national anthem of the United States.

It’s wild to think the song had already existed for more than a century before becoming official. For decades, the song functioned as a de facto anthem. It was played by the military. Sung at public events. Revered nationwide. But it wasn’t until this exact date — March 3 — that it became the law of the land.

So the next time you hear those opening notes before a ballgame or ceremony, remember: it took 117 years, a war, and an act of Congress to make it official.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Golden Apple Awards

• Great Wonders Uplift Film Fest

• Higher Power Garage

• Prop Police & Fire

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who was alive in 1931.

March Spa Specials from La Boussole Medical Spa & Wellness Center, Joplin  

Our curated March offerings are designed to elevate outcomes, support longevity, and deliver results that align with our physician-directed standards.

When treatments are selected with intention, results follow...

🍎 Golden Apple Awards Nominations Now Open

Nominations are officially open for the 2025–2026 Golden Apple Awards, powered by ALLO Fiber. Now in its 41st year, the program recognizes outstanding educators in Joplin’s public and private schools—and for the first time ever, Pre-K teachers are eligible to receive the honor.

Presented by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by ALLO Fiber and Missouri Southern’s Teacher Education Department, the Golden Apple Awards celebrate teachers who inspire students of all backgrounds to reach their full potential.

Students, parents, and peers are encouraged to nominate an exceptional educator before the deadline of March 9 at 5:00 PM.

🎬 Great Wonders Uplift Film Fest Returns March 5–7

Filmmakers and film lovers from across the Four-State region will gather March 5–7 for the annual Great Wonders Uplift Film Fest, hosted by Great Wonders Productions. The three-day event kicks off at 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 5, with check-in at the Route 66 Event Center in Webb City and features screenings, workshops, roundtable discussions, networking opportunities, and an awards night celebration.

This year’s special guest is Kevin Downes—actor, writer, and producer known for family-friendly, inspirational films—who will speak during awards night and host a limited-seating filmmaker Q&A on Saturday. Attendees can purchase full three-day passes, single screening blocks, day passes, or an awards-night-only ticket. The festival celebrates regional filmmaking while connecting creatives from Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

🔧 Higher Power Garage: Fixing Cars and Removing Barriers to Work

Higher Power Garage is more than a mechanic shop—it’s a nonprofit serving the Joplin community by providing free labor for automotive repairs and offering low-cost vehicles to qualifying families who are working at least 30 hours a week, have children at home, and do not own a registered vehicle. Through its “Barriers to Work Low-Cost Vehicle Program,” participants complete three core classes—Basic Auto Maintenance, Budgeting, and Car Ownership 101—held every six weeks at the organization’s Empowerment Campus at 1924 W. 4th Street. The nonprofit also offers a Jobs for Life course focused on employment readiness. Graduates will be recognized at the annual “Night of Worship” on March 7 at 6:00 PM at Ozark Christian College, a free community event featuring worship led by LeAnna Tillman and treats from Dipped by the Dozen.

🎉 Third Thursday Returns for Season 19 — Vendor Applications Open Now

Joplin’s favorite street festival is almost back. The 19th season of Third Thursday, presented by JoplinRecycles.com and KSN/KODE, kicks off March 19, 2026, with vendor applications closing on Wednesday, March 4.

Every third Thursday from March through October, thousands gather on Main Street in Downtown Joplin from 5:30–8:30 PM for an evening filled with local artisans, live music, entertainment, food, and family-friendly fun. This year’s season opener, “Go Green Downtown,” is sponsored by ALLO Fiber and will bring an eco-friendly theme to the celebration on March 19.

Vendors interested in being part of the 2026 season are encouraged to apply soon before the deadline.

🎨 ArtWalk Returns to Downtown Joplin for Season 19

First Thursday ArtWalk is back on Thursday, March 5 from 5:30–8:30 PM, kicking off its 19th season with a free, family-friendly evening in Historic Downtown Joplin. Multiple venues throughout the Joplin Arts District—including the Cornell Complex, Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, Urban Art Gallery, Club 609, and The Boutique Marketplace—will feature local artists, special exhibits, live music, and interactive experiences. It’s a relaxed, come-and-go event that invites you to explore downtown, meet creatives, and experience art up close. For a full list of artists, music, and special activities happening at each stop, be sure to check out the complete lineup online.

🌸 Color Pop & Shop by Zimmer Marketing

Spring kicks off in style on Friday, March 6 from 4:00–8:00 PM at the Joplin Expo with the Color Pop & Shop by Zimmer Marketing.

The four-hour event will feature more than 120 boutiques and vendors, food trucks, bounce houses, alpacas, and free face painting for kids. Organizers say it’s designed as a fun, family-friendly way to welcome the new season while shopping local.

Even better, proceeds from the event will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, adding a charitable impact to the evening’s festivities.

🌩️ Severe Weather Preparedness Week: March 2–6

Missouri and Kansas will observe Severe Weather Preparedness Week from March 2–6, highlighting the risks of thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, lightning, and damaging winds. Throughout the week, the National Weather Service and state emergency management agencies will share daily safety topics—ranging from how to receive weather alerts to preparing for tornadoes and flash floods.

An Annual Statewide Tornado Drill is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4 at 11:00 AM CST. However, due to the potential for real thunderstorms, the NWS Springfield area (covering far southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri) will not participate this year. In areas observing the drill, residents are encouraged to treat it like a real Tornado Warning and practice their shelter plans. The National Weather Service will initiate the drill using a Routine Weekly Test sent to NOAA Weather Radios.

🚓 Proposition Police & Fire: What Joplin Voters Should Know

Joplin voters will see Proposition Police & Fire on the ballot, a measure proposing a permanent ½-cent public safety sales tax that would replace the current “Prop B” pension sales tax once its obligations expire in 2027—resulting in no tax increase for residents or visitors. The dedicated funding would be earmarked strictly for Police, Fire, and Dispatch services, supporting staffing, pay and benefits, equipment, and facility improvements.

City officials say the proposal is aimed at stabilizing long-term public safety funding as operating costs continue to outpace general fund revenue. Current data shows Police and Fire expenditures exceed the primary 1% sales tax revenue that helps fund city operations, while departments also face staffing shortages, rising call volumes, and pay levels below regional averages. Supporters of the measure say the replacement tax would help fund additional police officers and firefighters, modernize facilities like Fire Station #3 and the police firing range, and improve wages to better retain trained personnel. If the measure does not pass, the existing tax would expire without a dedicated replacement funding source for public safety services.

Copy this link for more election information: https://www.joplinmo.org/1266/PropPoliceFire

Tuesday: 🌡️ 49 | 75 ☁️ 

Wednesday: 🌡️ 51 | 60 ⛈️ 85%

Thursday: 🌡️ 49 | 69 ⛈️ 75%

Recap:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (16-12)
Saturday 2/28 at Washburn University | L 84-74

🏀 Women’s Basketball (19-9)
Saturday 2/28 at Washburn University | L 83-64

⚾️ Baseball (8-7)
Friday 2/27 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | W 13-3
Saturday 2/28 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | W 4-3
Sunday 3/1 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | W 11-1

🥎 Softball (19-3) at Midwest College Classic in Shawnee, KS
Saturday 2/28 vs Wayne State College | W 4-2
Saturday 2/28 vs Minnesota State University Moorhead | W 8-0

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

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (16-12) at MIAA Championship Tournament in KC
Wednesday 3/4 vs #10 Northwest Missouri | 8:15 PM

🏀 Women’s Basketball (19-9)
Friday 3/6 vs #5 Northwest Missouri | 12:00 PM

⚾️ Baseball (8-7)
Tuesday 3/3 at HOME vs Drury University | 3:00 PM
Friday 3/6 at Northwest Missouri State University | 2:00 PM
Saturday 3/7 at Northwest Missouri State University | 2:00 PM
Sunday 3/8 at Northwest Missouri State University | 1:00 PM

🥎 Softball (19-3)
Saturday 3/7 at HOME vs Minnesota State University | 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM (DH)

👟Men’s & Women’s Track & Field 
Friday 3/6 - Saturday 3/7 at Harding University

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