Wednesday, April 2, 2025

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

Want to sponsor your business in JOMO Jive? Send your inquiry to [email protected]

Good Morning, Joplin. Hope you got your grass seed and fertilizer down already…

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Missouri’s Largest Garage Sale

• 66 Drive-In Theatre Opening Weekend

• April WineShare at 417 Refine

• Gretchen Wilson at Downstream Pavilion

• Last Day to Vote for Mutt Madness

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who will eat a PB&J in honor of National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day.

THE DIGEST

Mutt Madness - It All Comes Down To This 🐶 

We couldn’t have scripted Mutt Madness better than this. Two iconic breeds facing off for all the glory. Rusty is up by less than five votes. Is it the floppy ears? We don’t know. But if Meeka’s gonna make a comeback, it’s gotta happen fast. Voting ends at 8:00 tomorrow night, so if you haven’t yet, cast your vote for Joplin’s cutest dog!

SPONSORED BY NATHAN EDDY - AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

Is it worth it to bundle your insurance policies? Nathan says, “Bundling home and auto insurance with American Family can save an average of 20-30% on both policies.” Not only can moving all your insurance coverages under one roof save you money on your premiums, it also simplifies the insurance process.

What’s even greater is that it’s no problem if your homeowners insurance is paid through escrow. American Family can still switch everything over for you!

To see how much Nathan and American Family can save you, get a quote now or stop by 2020 E 7th Street, Joplin, MO 64801.

Missouri’s Largest Garage Sale 🛍️ 

Neosho is rolling out the welcome mat for bargain hunters far and wide! The city's annual Citywide Garage Sale is set for this weekend, transforming the community into Missouri's largest open-air marketplace.​ Whether you're on the hunt for vintage treasures, household items, or unique finds, Neosho's Citywide Garage Sale offers something for everyone. Don’t forget to bring cash and wear your walking shoes! What’s that thing people always say about one person’s trash?…

What You Need to Know:

• 🗓️ Date: April 4th and 5th

• 🕗 Time: Sales typically kick off early morning and run throughout the day.​

• 📍 Location: Throughout Neosho, Missouri—here’s a map of all the sales ⬇️ 

66 Drive-In Theatre Opening Weekend 📽️ 

Carthage’s beloved 66 Drive-In Theatre is kicking off its 2025 season this weekend with special pricing of only $15 per car. Featured films include the family-friendly “Mufasa: The Lion King” and the action-packed “Moana 2”.

Opening Weekend Details:

• 📅 Dates: Fri/Sat/Sun April 4th - 6th

• 📍 Location: 17231 Old 66 Boulevard, Carthage, MO​

• 🕖 Gates Open: 7:00 PM​

• 🎬 Showtime: 8:00 PM​

• 💵 Payment: Cash only accepted at the ticket gate; cash and debit accepted at the concession stand​

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official 66 Drive-In Theatre website.

April WineShare at 417 Refine🍷 

Downtown Joplin Alliance and 417 Refine Medspa are teaming up for the first WineShare of the 2025 season—and it’s happening in serious style. This event will take place on Thursday, April 4, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at 417 Refine, now located in the beautifully restored Pennington Drug building (516 S. Virginia Ave).

This free 21+ networking event is all about casual connection, good sips, and discovering the spa's stellar lineup of services. No RSVP required—just show up with a bottle of wine or your favorite craft beer, be ready to mingle and toast to a fresh new season of connection and community (with a little sparkle, courtesy of Sparklight Cable).

Gretchen Wilson at Downstream Pavilion 🎸 

Country music enthusiasts, mark your calendars! Grammy Award-winning artist Gretchen Wilson is set to perform at Downstream Casino inside the Pavilion on Friday, April 4th.​

Concert Details:

• ⏰ Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM; show starts at 8:00 PM​

• 🎟️ Tickets: (very few) Available for purchase online at Downstream Casino's website 

Joplin EXPO Nears Completion 🏗️ 

​Joplin's about to get a whole lot more eventful! The new Joplin Expo Center is set to open this summer in the former Macy's space at Northpark Mall, offering versatile spaces for events of all sizes. ​

Key Features:

• 🏢 Spacious Venues - A 40,000 square-foot area for large trade shows and a 9,000 square-foot ballroom for more intimate gatherings

• 🎉 Exciting Events: Already on the books are the children’s consignment expo, JoMo Con, and a reptile show

• ☕ Future Amenities: Plans include Unique Boutiques, a permanent shopping area, and café to enhance the visitor experience.​

Jeremy Morris, the director of sales for Joplin Expo, highlights the anticipated economic boost, expecting a significant influx of visitors to benefit surrounding businesses. ​

SPONSORED BY GAMBINO’S PIZZA

🍕 Craving something cheesy, hot, and delicious? Head to Gambino’s Pizza — your hometown favorite for unbeatable flavor and fresh ingredients!

✨ Why locals love Gambino’s:

• 🔥 Oven-baked pizzas loaded with toppings

• 🧄 Garlic cheese bread that melts in your mouth

• 🥗 Fresh salads & hearty pastas

• 🍗 Wings with bold, crave-worthy sauces

• 🍪 Dessert pizzas that hit the sweet spot

📍 Swing by: 101 Village Landing, Joplin, MO 64801
📞 Call ahead or order online — dinner just got easier!

Civic Updates

Main Street Glow-Up? Your Voice Matters! 🏙️ 

Joplin’s Main Street might be getting a makeover — and the city wants your ideas before the orange cones roll in. A public open house is set for Tuesday, April 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. at City Hall (5th floor, 602 S. Main Street).

You’ll get a look at early plans for the area between 8th and 15th Streets, including:

• 💡 New lighting

• 🚶 Better sidewalks

• 🌳 Landscaping upgrades

• 🚗 Street surface improvements

The project is powered by a $3 million HUD grant, plus an additional $3 million matched by Joplin. Reps from the project contractor will be there as well, so it’s a perfect time to ask any questions you might have. If you’ve ever wanted to say, “This sidewalk could really use some flair,” now’s your moment.

Sewer Bill Increases Starting in April 📈 

​Joplin residents, take note: Starting this month, adjustments to sewer billing rates are in effect. Some residents will see a 4% to 5% increase, while users with a small volume usage could see an increase of 2.7% to 3% each year from 2025 to 2029 to support infrastructure improvements and maintenance.​

For questions or concerns, contact the Joplin Public Works Department at (417) 624-0820.

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Remember, if you have pictures or a story/event you think we should cover, tag us @jomojivemedia or reply to this email so we can share our favorites!

WEATHER

Wednesday: 🌡️ 55 | 74 ⛈️ 75%

Thursday: 🌡️ 51 | 58 🌧️ 65%

Friday: 🌡️ 53 | 61 🌧️ 90%

Recap:

⚾️ Baseball (18-14)
4/1 at Newman University | W 16-12

🏌️ Men’s Golf
3/31 - 4/1 at Tiger Classic in Hays, KS | 16th

What’s Happening

Wednesday:

Mini Makers | 10:15 AM
Location: Spiva Center for the Arts

Trivia Night | 6:45 PM
Location: Chaos Brewing Company

Thursday:

Club 609 Benefit Day | 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Location: Club 609

Joplin ArtWalk | 5:30 PM
Location: Downtown Joplin

Blue Moon Store Closing Customer Appreciation Event | 5:30 PM
Location: Blue Moon Boutique

Craft + Canvas | 6:30 PM
Location: Chaos Brewing Company

Friday:

April Morning Brew | 7:30 AM
Location: Guaranty Bank

Unveiling of New Mural for Route 66 Centennial | 1:30 PM
Location: Route 66 Mural Park

Glass Weaving | 5:30 PM
Location: Spiva Center for the Arts

April WineShare | 6:00 PM
Location: 417 Refine

DIY Wood Sign Workshop | 6:30 PM
Location: Create N Sip Studios

Speed Friending | 7:00 PM
Location: Chaos Brewing

Royal Tea Party | 7:00 PM
Location: The Short Rest