☕️ Mutt Madness Elite 8

In partnership with

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

Good Morning, Joplin. I just learned that Steve Jobs’ daughter’s name is Eve Jobs. That has to be intentional, right? Still not as crazy as George Foreman naming all five of his sons George Foreman.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Mutt Madness Elite 8

• Guns & Hoses

• Kids Bowl Free

• Eagle Bond 2026

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who regularly uses a George Foreman grill.

🍷 Cheers to Four Years at Christine’s Vineyard

Saturday, March 21 | 12:00–10:00 PM | Christine’s Vineyard, Webb City

Raise a glass to four years of wine, community, and good times at Christine’s Vineyard’s Anniversary Celebration! Spend the afternoon strolling through local vendors (12–5 PM), then stick around for a food truck (3–8 PM), live music, and plenty of your favorite pours.

🍷 Wine
🛍️ Local shopping
🌮 Great food
🎶 Laid-back vineyard vibes

Whether you’re a longtime regular or first-time visitor, this is the perfect day to sip, relax, and celebrate with friends. Cheers to four years! 🥂

🐶 Mutt Madness Hits the Elite 8!

We’re down to the Elite 8, and things are getting intense. Last round featured not one—but two matchups decided by a single vote. That means every click truly counts as we get closer to crowning Joplin’s Cutest Dog.

Click below to cast your votes and keep your favorite pup in the running. The competition is tighter than ever, and one vote could be the difference between moving on… or going home.

To sweeten the stakes, JOMO Jive has teamed up with PUP: A Super Neat Dog Boutique to reward this year’s top pups. The first-place winner will receive a prize package valued at approximately $75, while the runner-up will take home a $25 prize—both packed with goodies your dog will love. Winners will be able to claim their prizes in-store, with pickup available through May 1, so there’s even more reason to rally the votes and make a run at the title. 🐾

🏀 Guns & Hoses Returns for a Night of Hoops & Giving

Saturday, April 11 | 6:00 PM | Joplin High School Gym

Joplin’s bravest and finest will hit the court for a great cause at the 9th Annual Guns & Hoses basketball game, featuring Joplin Fire vs. Joplin Police at Joplin High School. Doors open at 5:00 PM, with tip-off at 6:00 PM. Admission is just $5 for adults, and kids get in free, making it an easy, family-friendly night out.

Beyond the game, attendees can take part in a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and a $500 half-court shot contest, all benefiting Bright Futures Joplin. The organization supports local students facing poverty by providing essentials like food, clothing, school supplies, and more—helping remove barriers so kids can succeed in school and beyond.

Click the link below for sponsorship registration!

🎳 Kids Bowl Free Returns for Summer Fun

Looking for a fun (and free) way to keep the kids active this summer? The Kids Bowl Free program is back, giving kids the chance to bowl two free games every day all summer long at participating locations. With centers nearby and others across the region, it’s an easy way to beat the heat and create some family memories.

Locations in our region:
Joplin: Carl Richard's 4th Street Bowl
Carthage: G3 Entertainment & Grace Lanes
Neosho: Edgewood Bowl
Pineville: Pineville Bowl

Registration is quick and free—just sign up online, choose your local bowling center, and start planning your summer outings. The program is designed to get kids off screens, stay active, and enjoy time with family and friends, all without adding extra cost.

🏫 Joplin Schools’ “Eagle Bond 2026” on April Ballot

Joplin voters will soon decide on the proposed “Eagle Bond 2026,” a $40 million bond aimed at upgrading school facilities across the district. The plan focuses on improving safety, accessibility, and learning environments at seven of Joplin’s oldest elementary schools, while also adding a new indoor education and activity facility at Joplin High School. District leaders say the proposal is part of a long-range facility plan shaped by community input and ongoing needs.

If approved, the bond would be funded alongside existing reserves and is structured to avoid increasing the current tax rate. Supporters say the investment would modernize aging buildings, expand student activity space, and ensure schools are equipped to support future generations—while maintaining one of the lowest school tax rates in Southwest Missouri.

🧾 Free Document Shredding Event Set for April 4

Saturday, April 4 | 9:00–11:00 AM | Joplin Recycling Center

Got a stack of old papers you’ve been meaning to get rid of? The City of Joplin is making it easy—and secure—with a free document shredding event on April 4 at the Joplin Recycling Center. A mobile shred truck from Big Bear Shredding will be on-site to safely destroy sensitive documents, helping protect against identity theft while clearing out the clutter.

Residents can bring up to several boxes or bags of paper per vehicle (with limits in place), and all shredding is done on-site at no cost. Just be sure to remove binders, clips, CDs, and any non-paper materials before arriving. If you can’t make it, the Recycling Center also offers free year-round document disposal services for smaller loads.

Friday: 🌡️ 55 | 87 ☀️

Saturday: 🌡️ 59 | 88 ☀️

Sunday: 🌡️ 57 | 87 💨 

Recap:

⚾️ Baseball (13-10)
Tuesday 3/17 at HOME vs Newman University | W 12-4

Upcoming:

⚾️ Baseball (13-10)
Friday 3/20 at HOME vs Fort Hays State University | 1:00 PM
Saturday 3/21 at HOME vs Fort Hays State University | 1:00 PM
Sunday 3/22 at HOME vs Fort Hays State University | 1:00 PM

 🥎 Softball (25-3)
Friday 3/20 at Fort Hays State University | 2:00 PM
Friday 3/20 at Fort Hays State University | 4:00 PM
Saturday 3/21 at University of Nebraska at Kearny | 1:00 PM
Saturday 3/21 at University of Nebraska at Kearny | 3:00 PM

👟 Men’s & Women’s Track & Field
Friday 3/20 and Saturday 3/21 at Missouri S&T in Rolla, MO

Multi-Day Events

🛍 Fostering Hope’s Quarter Sale: Shop a wide selection of items for just 25¢ each at this spring sale supporting Fostering Hope SWMO. Held at First Baptist Church of Oronogo, this cash-only event is a budget-friendly way to find great deals while supporting a meaningful cause.

Saturday

🧠 Trivia Night at Joplin Greenhouse: Enjoy a cozy night of trivia inside the greenhouse with fresh spring vibes, seasonal drinks, and plenty of laughs with friends. Doors open at 5:00 PM with trivia starting at 5:30 PM—perfect for teams of all skill levels looking for fun and friendly competition.

😂 Chaos Comedy Vol. 31: Laugh your way through a night of stand-up at Chaos Brewing Co. featuring comedians Parker Willis and Nic Ferrell. After a short hiatus, this fan-favorite comedy series returns with high-energy sets, craft beer, and a lively downtown atmosphere.

🛍️ Handmade & Vintage Market (Indoor Swap Meet): Browse a wide variety of vintage finds, handmade goods, and unique treasures from local vendors at Carthage Memorial Hall. With free admission and a relaxed indoor setting, it’s a great way to shop local and connect with the community during the winter market season.

🎯 March Cornhole Tournament at Kicks Bar & Grill: Grab a partner and compete in this double-elimination cornhole tournament with sign-ups at noon and bags flying at 2 PM. Enjoy drink specials all day and a laid-back, competitive atmosphere—weather permitting.

Sunday

🎨 Zinc Paint & Sip “Hello Spring”: Welcome the season with a guided paint night at Zinc Coffee, where you’ll create a spring-inspired piece on a pre-sketched canvas. Your ticket includes all supplies and one beverage, making it a fun, easygoing creative outing with limited seating.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Friday

Blues Doctors
Mi Torito, Galena | 5:30 PM

Will Wadkins
Christine’s Vineyard | 6:00 PM

Morgan Rohr
Beard Engine Brewing Co | 6:00 PM

Zane Grimes
Red Ball Bar & Grill | 7:00 PM

Low Compatibility
The Balkan | 7:00 PM

KillerKole with Maddie J Mae and Josh Mullen
Blackthorn Pizza & Pub | 9:00 PM

Saturday

Jason Garrison
Christine’s Vineyard | 6:00 PM

Nick Sarwinski
Keltoi Winery | 6:00 PM

Torn
Turtleheads Raw Bar | 7:00 PM

Chris Hewitt
The Living Room | 8:00 PM

Decrepit Kingdom, Death By Zombie and Nathan LaBee
Blackthorn Pizza & Pub | 9:00 PM

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