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Good Morning, Joplin. We’re back in your inbox and stoked to be here. I hope you’ve already had your coffee. It’s going to be a great 2026. Stay strong with those New Year’s resolutions!

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Joplin’s Inaugural State of the Community

• Joplin Little Theatre is Back

• Annual Father–Daughter Dance

• World-Class Piano Comes to Joplin

Let’s get to it.

— Matt “Resolution Wrecker” Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with the one person you believe will stick with their New Year’s resolution. We believe in them too.

POLL OF THE DAY

SPONSORED BY GAMBINO’S PIZZA

During halftime of last night’s Carl Junction High School Basketball game, Gambino’s hosted their Crazy 18 Shootout. Cade Gosch made a layup, knocked down a free throw, drilled a three-pointer, and finally sunk a half court shot!

Why does that matter? Because Cade delivered (like Gambino’s), everyone wins!

Today only, use code Crazy7 to get $7 off any Crazy 18 pizza from Gambino’s Pizza.

🎉 Joplin’s First Baby of 2026

Some of you spent New Year’s at a bar. Some spent it with friends. Some (hi, it’s me) were in bed by 10:00 PM. Salina Wheeler spent New Year’s Eve in labor. She welcomed her daughter Freya at 12:08 on January 1, making her Joplin’s first baby of the 2026. Born at Mercy Hospital, Freya was 6 pounds, 14 ounces and 19 inches long.

📊 Joplin’s Inaugural State of the Community

What better way to start off the new year than the City of Joplin’s inaugural State of the Community event, happening Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Center.

This morning event brings together local government, business, education, nonprofit leaders, and residents to reflect on the past year and look ahead to what’s next for Joplin. The program will feature presentations from Keenan Cortez, Nick Edwards, and updates from key partners including the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, Jasper County Commissioners, Newton County Commissioners, Joplin Public Schools, and the Downtown Joplin Alliance.

Event details:

• Time: 8:00–10:30 AM (doors open 7:30 AM; breakfast at 8:00 AM)

• Location: Cornell Complex, 212 W 7th St

• Cost: $25 per person

• Capacity: Limited to 250 attendees

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at joplinmo.org/sotc2026.

🎭 Joplin Little Theatre Welcomes Audiences Back — Renovations Complete, New Show Ahead

After months of behind-the-scenes work, Joplin Little Theatre has officially turned the page on a major chapter of preservation and renewal. Recent structural improvements at the historic Park Playhouse are complete, strengthening the building while honoring its legacy as a cornerstone of Joplin’s arts community. Thanks to local support and Giving Tuesday contributions to the Historic Preservation Fund, the framework is secure—and the theatre is ready to welcome patrons home.

That return begins with an intimate, powerful production opening soon. Come Back to the Five & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean by Ed Graczyk runs January 8–10 at 7:30 PM and January 11 at 2:30 PM, giving audiences their first chance to experience the renovated space in person. Set in a small Texas town, the play reunites a James Dean fan club 20 years after their idol’s death, unfolding into a moving exploration of identity, memory, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. Shifting between 1955 and 1975, the drama blends humor, nostalgia, and emotional surprise—an ideal re-opening for a theatre built on timeless storytelling.

Buy tickets online, by phone at 417-623-3638, or in person during box office hours (Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM).

🎹 Dmitry Shishkin Brings World-Class Piano to Joplin

Internationally acclaimed pianist Dmitry Shishkin takes the stage as part of the Curtains Up Series on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Beshore Performance Hall.

A Silver Medalist at the XVI International Tchaikovsky Competition and winner of the Geneva International Music Competition, Shishkin is known for his electrifying technique, musical depth, and striking individuality. His career includes performances at Vienna’s Musikverein, Wigmore Hall, and major festivals across Europe, as well as appearances with some of the world’s leading orchestras.

This afternoon recital offers Joplin audiences a rare chance to experience a pianist praised by critics for his imagination and virtuosity—right here at home. Buy tickets here!

💎 Annual Father–Daughter Dance Returns to Joplin

The social season is here, and one of Joplin’s most cherished family traditions is back. Fathers are invited to escort their daughters to a magical evening designed to celebrate connection, confidence, and unforgettable memories on the dance floor.

The event will feature music for dancing, a buffet dinner, games with prizes, and a complimentary photo to capture the moment. Tickets are $50 per couple (father and first daughter), with $25 for each additional daughter. Tickets are valid only for the selected night, and registration should include only the children attending. Buy tuckets at joplinmo.org

For registration help or questions, contact 417-625-4750 or [email protected]. This special evening is all about making daughters feel like the stars of the night — a memory families will treasure long after the music fades.

🍲 Warm Up at the 7th Annual Empire Market Chili Cookoff

Get those crock pots ready and bring your appetite — the 7th Annual Empire Market Chili Cookoff returns on Saturday, January 17, co-hosted by Joplin Empire Market and the Downtown Joplin Alliance. Admission to the tasting hall is $5, which gives you access to sample every chili entry and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, with all proceeds supporting both organizations.

Judging begins at 10:00 AM, followed by public tasting from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM (or until the chili runs out). Awards will be presented for 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, and People’s Choice. Interested cooks can register to compete using the official entry form — registrations are due by January 11, 2026.

🚧 Lane Closures Coming to 7th & Rangeline (Jan. 5–7)

Drivers should plan for overnight lane closures at the intersection of 7th Street and Rangeline Road starting Monday, January 5, as crews complete utility work on manholes in the area. Work will take place nightly from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, continuing through Wednesday, January 7, with lanes reopening each morning.

The closures will affect the inside southbound lane on Rangeline Road (both north and south of 7th Street), as well as the inside eastbound left-turn lane on 7th Street, preventing turns into the closed southbound lane. Crews will be replacing three manhole frames and covers within Rangeline Road, working in coordination with MoDOT.

Tuesday: 🌡️ 42 | 64 ☀️

Wednesday: 🌡️ 36 | 66 ☁️ 

Thursday: 🌡️ 52 | 63 🌧️ 90%

Recap:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (7-6)
Saturday 1/3 at #20 University of Arkansas Fort Smith | L 90-83

🏀 Women’s Basketball (9-4)
Saturday 1/3 at University of Arkansas Fort Smith | L 73-63

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (7-6)
Tuesday 1/6 at HOME vs Pittsburg State University | 7:30 PM
Saturday 1/10 at HOME vs Newman University | 3:30 PM

🏀 Women’s Basketball (9-4)
Tuesday 1/6 at HOME vs Pittsburg State University | 5:30 PM
Saturday 1/10 at HOME vs Newman University | 1:30 PM

Tuesday

🎨 Creation Station with Emily Cole: A creative art class for ages 6–11 focused on self-portraiture inspired by Pablo Picasso’s playful, expressive style. Students will explore shape, line, and exaggeration through drawing and paper-cutting techniques to create bold portraits that celebrate individuality and confidence.

Wednesday

📺 TV Tunes Music Bingo: A free, all-ages music bingo night at B&B Theatres Joplin 7 & B-Roll Bowling featuring iconic TV theme songs and prizes for winners. Grab food and drinks while you play and help support these fun community events.

Thursday

🎸 Early All Ages Show at Blackthorn Pizza & Pub: A high-energy early evening concert featuring Young Animals and Stereo Bones in downtown Joplin. With a $5 cover and minors welcome until 10:00 PM, it’s a great chance for music fans of all ages to catch live local bands.

Friday

🚀 Andromeda Power Hour: A practical workshop breaking down Facebook’s new Andromeda algorithm and what it means for business reach, engagement, and visibility. Hosted by Towner Strategy, this session offers actionable tips to help brands and marketers stay ahead of platform changes.

Saturday

🧵 Cross-Stitch Critters with Adria: A beginner-friendly stitching workshop where participants choose a critter pattern and learn counted cross-stitch step by step with guidance from artist Adria Garrison. Each attendee receives a take-home kit, making it easy to continue stitching and building skills after the class ends.

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