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Good Morning, Joplin. Ever heard of Mattress Mack in Texas? Every year he bets big on the Super Bowl and runs a promotion in his furniture store. This year’s promotion: buy a $4k+ mattress and get it for free if the Patriots win. Mack bet $2 million on the Patriots. You might think Mack’s not a happy camper since the Patriots lost.

Think again. His promotions sell a lot of mattresses (which have a great markup). And since the Pats lost, no refunds. Plus, there’s all sorts of earned media coverage (like this) and the internet loves him for it.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Poetry Out Loud Regionals

• Can you paint a mural?

• More Valentine’s and Galentine’s events

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who didn’t know the bushes in the halftime show were actually people.

💗 La Boussole is Sharing the Love with Our February Spa Specials!

February is the perfect time to focus on self-love, confidence, and feeling your best. Whether you’re treating yourself, coming in with your person, or planning a visit with your bestie, our “Sharing the Love” February Specials are designed to enhance your natural beauty, boost radiance, and help you feel strong—inside and out.

🎤 Poetry Out Loud Regionals Come to Joplin

Tuesday, February 10 | 2:00 PM | Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex

Connect2Culture will host the Southwest Missouri Regional Poetry Out Loud Competition on February 10, welcoming high school students from Stockton, Central, and Pleasant Hope for an afternoon of powerful poetry and performance. Poetry Out Loud is a nationwide recitation competition that challenges students to memorize and perform poems while building confidence, public speaking skills, and an appreciation for literary history and contemporary voices. The free, public event takes place in C2C’s home theater at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, with students performing before a panel of judges as they compete for advancement to the next level. Community members are encouraged to attend and cheer on these young performers.

🐶 Mutt Madness Is Filling Up — Enter Your Pup Now!

Think you’ve got the cutest dog in Joplin? Prove it. Mutt Madness registration is still open, but there are only 64 total spots, and they’re going fast. Entry is free, limited to one dog per person, and it’s first come, first served. Once the bracket is full, it’s game on with head-to-head matchups decided by reader votes. If your pup deserves local glory (and bragging rights), now’s the time to sign them up. 🐾

🎨 Vision Carthage Calls for Local Artist for New Mural

Vision Carthage is inviting local artists to submit designs for a new large-scale mural near the future farmers market at the Kolpin Family Pavilion, located at the corner of East 2nd Street and Howard Street just off the Carthage Square. The nearly 700-square-foot wall will feature a bold, colorful floral design incorporating the phrase “Carthage in Bloom,” symbolizing growth and long-term positivity in the community. Artists are asked to submit both a concept design and a cost estimate, with the goal of transforming the space into a vibrant landmark. The application deadline is February 21, and full submission details are available through Vision Carthage. Click here for information about applying.

🎸 Seth Lee Jones Makes His Coda Debut (Full Band)

Monday, February 23 | Doors 6:30 PM, Show 7:00 PM | Coda Concert House

Blues fans won’t want to miss Seth Lee Jones as he makes his Coda Concert House debut with a full band, bringing raw, high-energy slide guitar and deep blues tradition to Joplin. Known for trading licks with Tedeschi Trucks and earning features in Guitar World, Jones leads a trio celebrated for their electrifying live shows and bold takes on classic blues standards, many of which appear on his debut album Flathead. Seats are available for a $25 suggested donation, with all proceeds going directly to the artists. Reservations can be made by emailing [email protected].

❤️ More Valentine’s & Galentine’s Events

Last Friday, we rounded up some great Valentine’s and Galentine’s events—and the list keeps growing. We’ve curated even more ways to celebrate this weekend, from date nights and friend get-togethers to creative workshops and special experiences. Take a look and sign up early, because several of these events have limited tickets and spots available.

Thursday

🌿 Plant-Based Valentine’s Dinner at Vino Noir: An elevated, plant-based dining experience designed for a cozy and intimate Valentine’s celebration. Enjoy thoughtfully crafted vegan dishes in a relaxed wine bar atmosphere—perfect for date night, friends, or anyone curious about flavorful plant-based cuisine.

Friday

🧟‍♂️ Memorial Auditorium Murder Mystery Dinner - ZombieLove!: Dig into a hilarious, zombie-themed whodunit at Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center featuring live performances, audience participation, and a full buffet dinner. Come as a zombie or a normie and enjoy comedy, drama, and a love story—with two acts, a cash bar, and plenty of chances to solve the mystery before the night ends.

😍 2nd Annual Galentine’s Day Party at Christine’s Vineyard: A festive night celebrating friendship with themed drinks, photo ops, and dancing to DJ Oso. Doors open early for food, cocktails, and mingling before the dance floor heats up for a high-energy Galentine’s celebration.

💖 Valentine’s Eve at Keltoi Winery: Celebrate early with a laid-back afternoon and evening of wine, food, and live music at Keltoi. Enjoy specialty Valentine cocktails, grab dinner from Two Brothers, browse the Charm Bar, and settle in for live music by Wyatt Stout—perfect for a relaxed date or girls’ night out before the big day.

💟 Galentine’s Day at Hip Hip Array + Chloe Collective: Grab the girls and celebrate girlhood at this final pop-up vendor market before Jordan bids farewell. Expect a fun, feel-good evening of shopping, connection, and Galentine’s vibes you won’t want to miss.

💃 Galentine’s Gala at The Boutique Marketplace Too: An elegant-but-fun after-hours girls’ night featuring exclusive shopping, food, drinks, and a build-your-own bouquet experience. Dress in pink, red, or white and enjoy a festive evening designed for friendship, fun, and treating yourself.

Friday & Saturday

🍫 Valentine Pop-Up Bar & Dessert Charcuterie: Sip, snack, and soak up the romance at artCentral’s Valentine Pop-Up Bar, featuring specialty Valentine cocktails, beer, and a decadent dessert charcuterie spread. Enjoy candlelit vibes, romantic music, and a sweet way to support artCentral’s summer youth programs. Tickets are $35 per person, with two sessions each night and private rooms available.

Saturday

💘 Love Is Blind: A Couples Wine & Canvas Challenge: A playful Valentine’s experience at Christine’s Vineyard featuring a guided tasting, shared bites, and a blindfolded canvas challenge for couples. Designed for laughter and connection, this interactive evening offers a fun twist on date night with creativity at the center.

🏗️ 🗳️ Joplin Data Center Debate Continues as Community Group Pushes Next Steps

Opposition to a proposed data center west of Joplin is continuing to take shape, with the Joplin Sustainable Technology Alliance (JSTA) outlining multiple paths forward related to the annexation and rezoning of land at Wildwood Ranch. Below is a two-part look at where things stand and what’s coming next.

Part 1: Possible Petition After Feb. 17 Vote

The JSTA says it may begin collecting signatures after the February 17 City Council meeting if annexation and rezoning are approved. Any petition effort would focus on putting the issue before voters and could also include a request for a temporary pause and further study.
Full article here.

Part 2: Group Keeps Organizing

Although a previous petition effort fell short, the group says it plans to keep organizing and gathering community input. Supporters recently met at the Joplin Public Library and say more outreach is planned as the process continues. Community members who want more information can email [email protected].
Full article here.

Tuesday: 🌡️ 41 | 65 ☁️ 

Wednesday: 🌡️ 33 | 56 ⛅️ 

Thursday: 🌡️ 38 | 61 ☁️ 

Recap:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (13-8)
Saturday 2/7 at Emporia State University | W 93-73

🏀 Women’s Basketball (17-5)
Saturday 2/7 at Emporia State University | W 74-69

⚾️ Baseball (2-3) @ HSU Invitational in Arkadelphia, AR
Friday 2/6 vs Henderson State University | L 7-4
Saturday 2/7 vs Harding University | W 11-1
Sunday 2/8 vs Ouachita Baptist University | L 84, L 6-3

🥎 Softball (10-1) @ Alvy Early Memorial Classic in Bentonville, AR
Friday, 2/6 vs Southeastern Oklahoma State University | W 10-3
Friday 2/6 vs Drury University | L 2-1
Saturday 2/7 vs Arkansas Tech University | W 7-1
Saturday 2/7 vs Southwest Baptist University | W 8-6
Sunday 2/8 vs Texas Woman’s University | W 8-5
Sunday 2/8 vs William Jewell College | W 4-0

👟Men’s & Women’s Track & Field 
Friday 2/6 & Saturday 2/7 at Missouri Southern Open | Results

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (13-8)
Thursday 2/12 at HOME vs Northwest Missouri State University | 7:30 PM
Saturday 2/14 at HOME vs Missouri Western State University | 3:30 PM
Monday 2/16 at Pittsburg State University | 6:00 PM

🏀 Women’s Basketball (17-5)
Thursday 2/12 at HOME vs Northwest Missouri State University | 5:30 PM
Saturday 2/14 at HOME vs Missouri Western State University | 1:30 PM

⚾️ Baseball (2-3) @ Lion Classic Tournament in Joplin, MO
Friday 2/13 vs McKendree University | 12:00 PM
Friday 2/14 vs University of Indianapolis | 12:00 PM
Sunday 2/15 vs McKendree University | 3:00 PM
Monday 2/16 vs Minnesota State University, Mankato | 12:00 PM

 🥎 Softball (10-1) @ D2 Cherokee Nation Festival in Tahlequah, OK
Friday 2/13 vs Southwestern Oklahoma State University | 4:00 PM
Saturday 2/14 vs University of Arkansas at Monticello | 11:00 AM
Saturday 2/14 vs Southern Arkansas University | 1:30 PM
Sunday 2/15 vs Southeastern Oklahoma State University | 11:00 AM
Sunday 2/15 vs Harding University | 1:30 PM

👟Men’s & Women’s Track & Field 
Friday 2/13 & Saturday 2/14 at Pittsburg State University

Wednesday

💘 Rom Com Trivia at B&B Theatres: Grab your fellow hopeless romantics and test your knowledge of iconic rom-com moments, quotes, and characters in this Valentine’s-themed trivia night. Free to play, all ages welcome, with prizes on the line and plenty of laughs along the way.

Thursday

🎷 Javon Jackson Quartet: Hear acclaimed saxophonist Javon Jackson bring soulful, straight-ahead jazz to the Cornell Series with a dynamic quartet performance at the Cornell Complex. The show blends rich tradition with modern energy in an intimate concert setting at Beshore Performance Hall.

Thursday, Friday, & Saturday

📖 The Diary of Anne Frank: Dream Theatre Company presents this moving stage adaptation on February 12–14 at 7:30 PM at 124 S Main St in Joplin. The production brings Anne Frank’s words to life, offering a powerful reflection on courage, humanity, and hope during the Holocaust through one young girl’s unforgettable story.

Saturday

💞 Valentine’s Day in the Gallery: A creative, after-hours gallery experience inviting couples or friends to celebrate love through collaborative art-making. Guided by local artists in a relaxed setting with drinks and charcuterie, this hands-on evening offers a meaningful alternative to the traditional dinner date.

💖 Spinning Hearts Fluid Art with Debbie: A dynamic, hands-on art class where participants use acrylic pours and a spinner to create bold, heart-inspired designs. Guided by Debbie Southard, this all-ages workshop encourages playful experimentation with color, movement, and fluid art techniques.

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