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Good Morning, Joplin. Normally we find it a bit boring when small talk involves the weather—but this week, it’s all anyone can talk about. And we’re here for it.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Citizen of the year

• Freeman’s newest addition

• City council meeting moving

• Live Music Lowdown is back

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who thinks Bill Belichick deserves to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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🏅 Nominations Open for 2026 Citizen of the Year

The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Citizen of the Year Award, powered by Guaranty Bank—an honor recognizing individuals who consistently make a meaningful impact on the quality of life in our community. Nominees must live and/or work in the Joplin MSA (Jasper, Newton, Cherokee, or Ottawa counties), have at least three years of community involvement, be a Chamber member for a minimum of two years, and not be a previous recipient. The award celebrates outstanding citizenship, ethical leadership, volunteerism, and a long-term commitment to improving and preserving the community. Nominations are due by Friday, February 27, and the award will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet on April 23. Submit your nomination here.

🏥 Freeman Health System Acquires Thousand Oaks Building in Joplin

Freeman Health System has completed the purchase of the Thousand Oaks building at 1905 W. 32nd Street as part of its long-term strategy to expand outpatient and diagnostic care in the region. The 85,448-square-foot facility, which officially closed in December 2025, is intended to support future outpatient services as healthcare continues shifting away from inpatient settings. Freeman officials say the goal is to bring care closer to patients while improving access and convenience across the community. Existing tenants will remain in place for now, with Freeman committing to a collaborative and transparent approach as plans move forward. Renovations are expected to take eight months to a year once work begins, and updates on specific services and timelines will be shared as details are finalized.

🎸 Wayne “The Train” Hancock Rolls into Joplin

Saturday, February 7 | Doors 3:30 PM, Show 4:00 PM | Coda Concert House

Honky-tonk purists and roots music fans won’t want to miss Wayne “The Train” Hancock bringing his full band to Coda Concert House for an afternoon of raw, high-energy Americana that blends classic country spirit with a fresh, live-wire edge. Praised by Hank Williams III as a true purist, Hancock’s music channels the soul of Hank Williams and Bob Wills with driving rhythms, spontaneous solos, and smile-through-the-pain storytelling that feels both timeless and alive. Seats are available for a suggested $35 donation (or $45 for reserved high-back stools), with all proceeds going directly to the artists.

Coda Concert House is an intimate, artist-first listening room in Joplin known for hosting nationally respected musicians in a close-up setting where the music—and the performers—take center stage. Reservations can be made by emailing [email protected].

🏛️ Feb. 17 City Council Meeting Moves to MSSU Auditorium

The City of Joplin has announced a change of date and venue for its second regular City Council meeting in February, which will now be held on Tuesday, February 17 (shifted due to the President’s Day holiday) at Corley Auditorium on the Missouri Southern State University campus to accommodate anticipated public attendance. The agenda will include second and third readings of ordinances related to the annexation and rezoning of property in Wildwood Ranch. The meeting will be broadcast live on KGCS-TV as usual and re-broadcast at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, February 18. KGCS-TV is operated by MSSU’s Department of Communication and is available over the air on digital channel 21 and on regional cable systems including Sparklight, Mediacom, and Suddenlink. City officials also emphasized that the Monday, February 2 meeting at City Hall will proceed as scheduled and will not include Wildwood Ranch or data center-related items.

Friday: 🌡️ 10 | 27 ⛅️ 

Saturday: 🌡️ 8 | 23 ⛅️ 

Sunday: 🌡️ 16 | 38 ⛅️

🧠🦁 MSSU Athletics Trivia Night Is Back

Tuesday, February 10 | 6:00–8:30 PM | Ron Richard Athletic Center

Missouri Southern Athletics is hosting MOSO Trivia Night on Tuesday, February 10, inviting faculty, staff, fans, Lionbackers, and community members (21+) to test their knowledge while supporting Lion Athletics. The evening kicks off with a social at 6:00 PM featuring appetizers and beverages, followed by trivia at 6:30 PM with eight rounds covering everything from MSSU history and sports to pop culture, movies, music, and science. Teams of up to eight can compete for $250 per team, which includes entry, appetizers, and three drink tickets per person, with drinks donated by Missouri Eagle. Creative team names and themed outfits are encouraged, with a prize awarded for the most creative theme. Registration closes tonight, January 30.

🏃‍♂️📚 MSSU Cross Country Earns All-Academic Honors

Missouri Southern’s men’s and women’s cross country teams earned USTFCCCA All-Academic Team honors for the 2025 NCAA Division II season, with eight Lions also recognized individually. The women posted a 3.69 team GPA, while the men recorded a 3.32, meeting the association’s academic and competitive benchmarks. Individual honorees included Kelby Conner, Jaden Deaton, and Chase Sorrell on the men’s side, and Abbey Brackenbury, Isabella Frost, Lilah Genel, Hailey Nelson, and Zoe Nelson for the women—highlighting strong performances both on the course and in the classroom.

Recap:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (10-8)
Thursday 1/29 at HOME vs University of Arkansas Fort Smith | W 86-81

🏀 Women’s Basketball (14-4)
Thursday 1/29 at HOME vs University of Arkansas Fort Smith | W 59-36

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (10-8)
Saturday 1/31 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | 3:30 PM

🏀 Women’s Basketball (14-4)
Saturday 1/31 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | 1:30 PM

👟Men’s & Women’s Track & Field 
Friday 1/30 & Saturday 1/31 at Washburn Open in Topeka, KS

Friday and Saturday

🕵️ Ruined by Rhymes: An Immersive Murder Mystery Event: A brand-new interactive whodunnit from Dream Theatre Company where the audience helps solve a murder through clues, characters, and clever wordplay. This two-night theatrical fundraiser invites guests into a world of riddles and suspects, with proceeds supporting local, uncensored performing arts in Joplin.

Friday

💃 Latin Night at Vino Noir: A fun, welcoming night of Latin music and movement that kicks off with a free beginner-friendly dance lesson—no partner or experience required. After the lesson, enjoy open dancing to salsa, bachata, and Latin favorites in a relaxed, high-energy wine bar atmosphere.

🍷 Bottled & Beautiful: A Wine Bottle Creation Night at Vino Noir: A relaxed, guided craft workshop where guests transform an empty wine bottle into a personalized piece of home décor. Perfect for a girls’ night or date night, this creative evening includes all supplies with optional add-ons and drinks available for purchase.

🦁 Lion Pride Luncheon: A mid-day gathering inviting the public to connect with MSSU Athletics through updates, coach and player Q&A, and community conversation. This January luncheon spotlights Men’s and Women’s Basketball and includes lunch at the Ron Richard Athletic Center for fans and supporters.

Saturday

🌱 National Seed Swap Day at the Joplin Empire Market: A community-focused event celebrating gardening with free seeds, expert advice, and resources for growing natives, pollinators, herbs, veggies, and fruits. After the swap, enjoy shopping local farmers and artisans, fresh coffee from Cottage Small Coffee Roasters, live music, and lunch at the market.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Friday

Justin Larkin
at Beard Engine Brewing | 5:30 PM

Aaron Lemon
at HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 6:00 PM

Matteson Gregory
at Elks Lodge Joplin | 7:00 PM

Garrick Fausett
at Indian Springs | 7:00 PM

Corey Reagin
at Osage Spring | 8:00 PM

Randall Shreve
at Blackthorn Pizza & Pub | 10:00 PM

Saturday

Dennis Heikes
at Keltoi Winery | 6:00 PM

Bobby Three Notes
at HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 6:00 PM

Ozark Cobras
at Osage Spring | 7:00 PM

Bobby DeGonia
at River Bend Casino | 7:00 PM

The Bison
at Buffalo Run Casino | 8:00 PM

Diversity Band
at Grand Lake Casino | 8:00 PM

Blues Doctors
at Kicks Bar & Grill | 8:00 PM

Sound the Alarm
Downstream Casino | 8:30 PM

Frailstate, Glass Motel, and Lemonade Crush
Blackthorn Pizza & Pub | 9:00 PM

Sunday

Adam McCabe
HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 12:00 PM

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