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Good Morning, Joplin. If you needed a reminder that March is the most chaotic and magical time of year for basketball… Missouri Southern just delivered it.

The MSSU men’s team went into the MIAA Championship Tournament in Kansas City as an underdog and immediately started turning heads. The Lions pulled off two major upsets in their first two games, knocking off higher-seeded opponents and keeping their postseason run alive in dramatic fashion.

Tournament basketball always creates a little madness, but back-to-back upsets on the conference’s biggest stage is the kind of run that gets fans paying attention across the league. With the tournament still unfolding in KC, the Lions have suddenly become one of the most interesting stories in the bracket.

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who lives for March Madness.

🎶 4 State Record Show

Saturday, March 7 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | Carthage Memorial Hall
📍 407 S Garrison Ave, Carthage | 🎟️ $5 admission | Kids 12 & under free

Crate diggers, this one’s for you. The 4 State Record Show returns with thousands of vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, gear, and music memorabilia from vendors across the Four-State region. Whether you’re hunting for a rare grail, filling out your collection, or just love the nostalgia of physical media, you’ll find plenty to browse.

🍔 Food trucks on site
🎁 Giveaways and merch throughout the day

Bring your friends, flip through some records, and see what treasures you uncover.

SPONSORED BY V’S BARBERSHOP

V’s Barbershop – Where Classic Meets Confidence

Step into V’s Barbershop in Joplin and experience the timeless tradition of a true gentleman’s cut. From precision fades and straight-razor shaves to hot-lather neck trims and relaxing shoulder massages, every detail is crafted for comfort and style. Whether you’re prepping for a big meeting, date night, or just want to look your best, our barbers deliver sharp results and old-school charm.

💈 Book your appointment today and rediscover what a great haircut feels like.

📍 1315 E 7th St, Joplin | 📞 (417) 553-4060 | vsbarbershop.com

🌍 Rapha Co-Founder Stephanie Freed Named Joplin’s Remarkable Woman

Stephanie Freed, co-founder and CEO of Rapha International, has been named Nexstar’s Remarkable Woman of the Year for the Joplin area by KSN 16 News. Freed began Rapha’s work more than 20 years ago after witnessing the realities of human trafficking during a research trip to Cambodia. What started as a response to that experience has grown into a global mission focused on protecting vulnerable children, caring for survivors, and strengthening systems that prevent exploitation. Freed will travel to Nashville this week to join other regional honorees, where one national Remarkable Woman will be selected.

Rapha is also inviting the community to take part in its upcoming Culture of Care Summit on Tuesday, March 24 from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM in Joplin. The one-day event will equip church leaders, volunteers, and college students with tools to recognize abuse, support survivors, and strengthen child-protection practices in ministry settings. Sessions will cover topics such as trauma-informed care and child protection policies, and participants will also have the opportunity to tour Rapha’s Hope & Healing Center. Registration is $25 and includes lunch, while college students can attend for free.

🎓 Nominations Open for Joplin Schools Alumni Hall of Fame

The Joplin Schools Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Joplin Schools Alumni Hall of Fame. Community members, alumni, staff, students, and families are encouraged to nominate graduates who have made outstanding achievements in their careers or communities. The deadline to be considered for the 2026 class is May 1.

The Hall of Fame honors alumni from Joplin High School, Lincoln School, Memorial High School, and Parkwood High School who graduated at least 25 years ago. The Foundation also recognizes individuals through a Meritorious Award for those who may not have attended Joplin Schools but have made significant contributions to the district and local education community. The 2026 inductees will be honored during a ceremony scheduled for October 15, with honorees permanently featured in the Hall of Fame installation at the Joplin High School Performing Arts Center.

Nominations can be made here.

🌿 Work Begins on Grand Falls Trail & Overlook Project

Preliminary work has begun on the upcoming Grand Falls Trail and Overlook Plaza project in Joplin, as city crews and contractors clear select trees and brush in the project area. The work follows environmental assessments and coordination with the Missouri Department of Conservation to identify native species and manage invasive plants while protecting the surrounding ecosystem. The timing also aligns with federal wildlife guidelines that limit tree removal outside the winter window to avoid impacting protected bat species.

Once completed, the project will create a 1.1-mile shared-use trail along Shoal Creek connecting to nearby paths such as the Tin Cup Trail. Plans also include a new overlook plaza near Grand Falls, featuring an elevated boardwalk, improved parking, restrooms, and trail signage to help visitors better experience Missouri’s largest continuously running waterfall. The project is funded through local Parks and Stormwater sales tax funds and a $600,000 transportation grant from Missouri Department of Transportation.

🚧 Public Meeting Set for I-44 Improvement Projects

The City of Joplin and the Missouri Department of Transportation will host an open house public meeting on Thursday, March 26 from 4:30–6:30 PM at the Joplin Public Library to discuss upcoming infrastructure improvements near Interstate 44.

MoDOT will present plans to expand Interstate 44 by adding a third driving lane in each direction between Main Street and Range Line Road. The City of Joplin will also share details about its related drainage and trail project, which includes a new culvert beneath the interstate designed to improve stormwater flow while creating a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. City officials and project partners will be on hand to answer questions and gather community feedback on the $10 million project funded through local sales tax initiatives.

🌳 Free Tree Limb Drop-Off Available Monthly for Joplin Residents

Joplin residents can take advantage of the City’s free Tree Limb Drop-Off program, held the third weekend of each month (March 20 & 21) at the drop-off site located at 1702 N. Schifferdecker Avenue. The site is open Friday and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, giving residents a convenient way to dispose of brush and limbs cleared from their property.

The service is available to Joplin residents only and has no load limits for tree limbs, though items like leaves, grass clippings, treated wood, railroad ties, and construction debris will not be accepted. Commercial tree-trimming contractors are also not eligible to use the site.

For those who prefer curbside disposal, residential trash service through Republic Services also accepts bundled yard waste on regular pickup days, as long as limbs are cut to four feet or less and weigh under 50 pounds per bundle.

Friday: 🌡️ 63 | 74 ⛈️ 70%

Saturday: 🌡️ 42 | 66 ⛈️ 55%

Sunday: 🌡️ 38 | 67 ☀️ 

Recap:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (17-12) at MIAA Championship Tournament in KC
Wednesday 3/4 vs #10 Northwest Missouri | W 91-85
Thursday 3/5 vs #2 University of Central Missouri | W 70-67

⚾️ Baseball (9-7)
Tuesday 3/3 at HOME vs Drury University | W 11-9

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (17-12) at MIAA Championship Tournament in KC
Saturday 3/7 vs winner of Rogers State & Fort Hays State on 3/6 | 8:15 PM

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

⚾️ Baseball (9-7)
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

Multi-Day Events

🎬 Great Wonders Uplift Film Fest: This three-day festival celebrates filmmakers from the 4-State region and beyond with screenings, workshops, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities for creatives and film lovers alike. The event wraps up with an awards night celebration and a special appearance from producer and actor Kevin Downes, including a filmmaker Q&A session.

💥 Waterpark Wars: Siege and Survival: Step into a full-scale milsim battle at the old Swimmin Hole Waterpark as players split into teams to defend bases, build encampments, and fight for victory in a 50-vs-50 survival scenario. The adrenaline-packed weekend kicks off with a movie night and camping before a full day of tactical gameplay across the park’s maze-like battleground.

Friday

🌸 Color Pop & Shop: Kick off spring at the Joplin Expo with a lively market featuring 120+ boutiques and vendors, food trucks, bounce houses, alpacas, and free face painting for kids. Hosted by Zimmer Marketing, this family-friendly shopping event also supports St. Jude through event proceeds.

Saturday

🏁 Fun Drags Season Kickoff at Mo-Kan Dragway: The 2026 racing season roars to life with Saturday Fun Drags and Teen Championship Racing licensing, offering a full afternoon of grassroots drag racing excitement. Gates open at noon with racing from 1–5 PM, and admission is $10 (kids 12 and under free) for a family-friendly day at the track.

🃏 Four States Card Show: Browse sports cards, Pokémon, and other trading card collectibles at the Joplin Expo with vendors and collectors from across the region. Admission is free from 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, with a $5 early entry option for those wanting first pick of the deals.

🛍️ 2 Hip Chicks Roadshow: This popular shopping event returns with more than 80 booths featuring crafts, vintage finds, rustic décor, and boutique goods in Grove, Oklahoma. Admission is $5 (kids 13 and under free), and the first 25 guests through the door receive a swag bag filled with goodies.

🏃 Clover Run 5K/12K: Lace up for the Clover Run in Carthage, starting at the historic Route 66 Drive-In with race options for both a 5K and 12K along the scenic Ruby Jack Trail and quiet country roads. The event benefits Crosslines Ministries and Jasper County 4-H, with medals for finishers, awards, vendors, music, and raffles after the race.

🎳 Bowl for Kids’ Sake: Support the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jasper & Newton Counties by forming a 5-person team and raising funds for a fun night of bowling at Carl Richard’s 4th Street Bowl. The event features pizza, soft drinks, music, prizes, raffles, and plenty of friendly competition—all while helping create life-changing mentorships for local youth.

🙏 Higher Power Garage’s 3rd Annual Night of Worship: Join the community for a free evening of worship at Ozark Christian College featuring music led by LeAnna Tillman and treats from Dipped by the Dozen. The night will also recognize graduates of Higher Power Garage’s Jobs for Life program, celebrating individuals who have completed the employment readiness course.

🥤 Dirty Soda Drive-Thru Day: Pop It Like It’s HOT is bringing their popular dirty soda pop-up to Front Page on Main Street for a one-day drive-thru event. Swing by, follow the cones, and grab a fun custom soda mix from 1:00–4:00 PM.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

FRIDAY

Dallas Stump
Christine’s Vineyard | 6:00 PM

Ryan Wallace
Beard Engine Brewing | 6:00 PM

Lonnie Huelette
HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 6:00 PM

Full Throttle
Bricks & Brews | 8:00 PM

Left of Center
Stables Casino | 8:00 PM

SATURDAY

Zane Grimes
Christine’s Vineyard | 6:00 PM

Eric & Erica French
Keltoi Winery | 6:00 PM

Justin Myanatt
Turtleheads Raw Bar | 7:00 PM

Analog Rewind
Mis Arcos | 7:00 PM

Vagabond Grove
Bricks & Brews | 8:00 PM

Eric Crowley
HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 8:00 PM

Lorrie Morgan
Kansas Crossing Casino | 8:00 PM

Encore
Cherokee Casino | 8:00 PM

Nathan Bryce & Loaded Dice
Downstream Casino | 8:30 PM

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