☕️ We've Found the "Cutest Dog in Joplin"

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Good Morning, Joplin. Somewhere between Italy and Poland last week, thieves stole 413,793 KitKats (and the truck carrying them). Neither the candy or the truck have been located. Sounds like someone is planning one heck of a black market Easter egg hunt.

Announcement: There will be no JOMO Jive this Friday due to Good Friday.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Mutt Madness Winner

• A list of Easter Egg Hunts

• Joplin High School fashion show

• Thrive Joplin Summit

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who calls it “Spring Cleaning” but just moves everything to the garage.

Learn more about the event and all of La Boussole’s April Med Spa Specials!

🏆 The Cutest Dog in Joplin Has Been Crowned

After weeks of voting, upsets, and some incredibly close matchups, we officially have a winner—Ranger has been crowned the Mutt Madness 2026 Champion, taking down Bella in the final round. Bella finishes as a strong runner-up after an impressive run through the bracket, while Moose claims 3rd place, rounding out a stacked field of some very good dogs (and very committed voters).

As for the prizes, thanks to PUP: A Super Neat Dog Boutique, Ranger will receive a prize package valued at approximately $75, while Bella will take home a $25 prize. Both winners will be contacted via a separate email with details on how to claim their prizes, which must be picked up in-store. Huge shoutout to everyone who entered, voted, and shared—this year’s Mutt Madness was bigger, tighter, and more fun than ever. 🐾

🥚 Easter Egg Hunts Around the Four-States

Easter is right around the corner, and communities across the Four-States are celebrating with a full lineup of Easter egg hunts for all ages. From massive community events to smaller neighborhood gatherings, there’s no shortage of opportunities for kids (and parents) to grab a basket and join the fun.

A list of local hunts has been compiled, with events happening throughout the region—though a few have already taken place. If you’re still looking to plan your Easter outing, it’s worth checking this list!

👗 JHS & FTC Students Take the Runway at Community Fashion Show

Thursday, April 2 | 6:00–8:00 PM | Eagle Alley at Joplin High School

Creativity will be front and center as students from Joplin High School and Franklin Technology Center host a Fashion Show and Shop event in Eagle Alley. From 6:00–7:00 PM, guests can browse student-made items, grab food, and explore vendor booths before the runway show kicks off at 7:00 PM, showcasing original designs created by students in Tiffanie Moore’s Fashion Design class.

The night will feature more than just fashion—expect floral displays from FTC Greenhouse students, drinks from JoJoe’s Coffee Shop, live music from the JHS Jam Club, and a variety of local vendors offering food, crafts, and more. Admission is free and open to the public, making it a great opportunity to support local students and see their hard work come to life on the runway.

🌱 Thrive Joplin Summit Aims to Tackle Big Community Challenges

Community leaders, volunteers, and anyone passionate about making a difference are invited to the Thrive Joplin Summit, hosted by One Joplin. This collaborative event will bring together voices from across Joplin, Webb City, Carterville, and Carl Junction to focus on long-term solutions for improving health, well-being, and quality of life in the region.

As part of the multi-year Thrive Joplin Project, the summit will introduce a “Thrive Blueprint”—a roadmap for addressing challenges like housing, food access, mental health, and social connection. Attendees will hear from regional organizations and participate in guided discussions aimed at turning ideas into action. Open to nonprofits, schools, businesses, faith groups, and engaged citizens alike, the summit is designed to build momentum and create lasting, community-driven impact.

🚧 City Utility Drop Box Drive-Through Temporarily Closed Through April 6

If you typically use the drive-through option for utility payments at Joplin City Hall, take note—it’s temporarily unavailable due to utility work in the alley behind the building. The walk-up drop box is still accessible, but you’ll need to park and drop off payments on foot until the work is completed.

The closure is expected to last through Monday, April 6 (weather permitting). In the meantime, residents can still pay their bills online at www.joplinmo.org/payments , by mail, or in person at City Hall during regular business hours.

Tuesday: 🌡️ 67 | 81 💨 

Wednesday: 🌡️ 63 | 79 🌧️ 70%

Thursday: 🌡️ 64 | 76 🌧️ 85%

Recap:

⚾️ Baseball (19-11)
Friday 3/27 at University of Arkansas Fort Smith | W 18-3
Saturday 3/28 at University of Arkansas Fort Smith | W 12-2
Sunday 3/29 at University of Arkansas Fort Smith | W 18-9

🥎 Softball (31-5)
Friday 3/27 at Washburn University | W 4-3, W 9-0
Saturday 3/28 at Emporia State University | W 7-6, W 4-1

👟 Men’s & Women’s Track & Field
Friday 3/27 at Emporia State University
Friday 3/27 and Saturday 3/28 at Washington University in St. Louis
Friday Results | Saturday Results

Upcoming:

⚾️ Baseball (19-11)
Tuesday 3/31 at HOME vs Newman University | 1:00 PM
Thursday 4/2 at HOME vs University of Central Oklahoma | 5:00 PM
Friday 4/3 at HOME vs University of Central Oklahoma | 5:00 PM
Saturday 4/4 at HOME vs University of Central Oklahoma | 1:00 PM

🥎 Softball (31-5)
Saturday 4/4 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM

👟 Men’s & Women’s Track & Field
Saturday 4/4 at Pittsburg State University

⛳️ Men’s Golf
Tuesday 3/31 at Tommy Riggs Collegiate Invitational in Pittsburg, KS

⛳️ Women’s Golf
Sunday 4/5 - Tuesday 4/7 at Spring Region Preview in Afton, OK

🎺 Trio 66: MSSU Resident Brass Ensemble: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with an evening of brass music on the Crossland Rooftop Terrace at the Cornell Complex. Featuring works by American composers—including a newly commissioned piece by Nikki Krumwiede—this concert offers a unique, elevated musical experience presented with Connect2Culture.

🍷 April First Friday WineShare: Sip, share, and connect at this laid-back networking event hosted by ALLO Fiber in Downtown Joplin. Bring a bottle of wine or craft beer to share and enjoy an evening of conversation with fellow community members in a relaxed, 21+ setting.

🎬 Comedy Spring – Hunt for the Wilderpeople: Enjoy a hilarious and heartfelt adventure as a rebellious city kid and his gruff uncle go on the run through the New Zealand wilderness. This free screening at Cornell Auditorium in Plaster Hall brings big laughs and wild antics to your Friday evening.

🖤 Inky Swear Grand Opening Event: Celebrate the official opening of Inky Swear with giveaways, dirty sodas, and permanent jewelry in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. With 9 years of beauty industry experience, this new Joplin studio specializes in fine line tattoos and permanent makeup—creating a safe, stylish space for the girls.

We’d love to hear your feedback! Reply to this newsletter or take the poll to let us know how we’re doing!