JOMO Jive - Wednesday, March 12, 2025

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Good Morning, Joplin. Monday’s newsletter contained a link to the Joplin Health Department’s new online portal, where you can view inspection reports for local restaurants. It was the most-clicked link I’ve ever posted. I’m curious—did your (least) favorite restaurants pass or fail?

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Missouri wins $24B Judgement Against Chinese Communist Party

• Nominations for 2025 Joplin Historic Preservation Awards

• Civic Updates: Road Project Completions & JATSO

• MSSU to Compete in Indoor Track & Field MIAA National Championships

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone whose favorite restaurant failed their health inspection.

The Joplin City Council has been hard at work! There are so many projects that have been going on behind the scenes for months. In fact, there’s so much I couldn’t possibly cover it all in one newsletter. I could really use your feedback with this poll. This will help shape JOMO Jive into the newsletter YOU want it to be. If you do take this poll, I also ask that you please go that extra mile and write some extra feedback. There. I’m done begging today.

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THE DIGEST

Missouri Wins $24B Judgement vs Chinese Communist Party 👨‍⚖️ 

The State of Missouri sued the Chinese Communist Party for unleashing the COVID-19 pandemic. This lawsuit is six times more than the largest judgement in history. Missouri will start moving to collect the $24 billion judgement, potentially working with the Trump Administration to identify and seize Chinese-owned assets, including Missouri farmland.

This is usually the part where we say, “So what does that mean for you, Mr. or Mrs. Joplin Resident?” The truth is, while this is great news for Missouri, we’re not actually sure what will come of it. There’s this thing called Sovereign Immunity that could get in the way of any collecting or seizing.

$24B Judgement Story Here | Senator Josh Hawley’s Concerns Here

Nominations for 2025 Joplin Historic Preservation Awards 🥇 

The Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Joplin is encouraging the public to make nominations for the 2025 Joplin Historic Preservation Awards. Anyone may nominate an individual, entity, or group eligible for one of three awards:

🏅 The Leslie Simpson Award - Awarded to an individual who has made significant contributions to historic preservation in Joplin by way of preservation administration, education, events, outreach, planning, research, or service.

🏅 The Jeff and Carolina Neal Award - Awarded to people who have made significant developments to historic preservation by way of developing and restoring/revitalizing buildings and property within Joplin’s commercial corridors.

🏅 The Murphysburg Award - Awarded to groups or organizations who have made significant contributions to historic preservation in Joplin by way of improving our historic neighborhoods through community engagement or rehabilitation of a historic home.

To request nomination forms, visit the Joplin Historic Preservation Commission website or pick up hard copies on the 4th Floor of Joplin City Hall. For more information, contact City of Joplin Planner Thomas Walters at 417-623-0820, ext 1539 or [email protected]

Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys House Concert

Doors open at 6:30 PM. There is a suggested, minimum donation of $35. For reservations, email Jeff at [email protected]. In response to reservations, a confirmation email with the address, directions, parking etc. will be sent in return.

Civic News

JATSO Seeking Public Comments

The Joplin Area Transportation Study Organization (JATSO) is seeking a 7-day public comment period for amendments to the 2022-2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP contains transportation and transit projects in the Joplin Metropolitan Area that are partially funded by Federal transportation programs over a four-year period.

The proposed TIP amendment contains (3) new projects and (2) project changes. The proposed TIP amendments can be viewed on the JATSO website.

The public commend period for this amendment concludes at 12 noon on Friday, March 14th. Comments and amendments can be submitted to Robert Lolley by phone at 417-624-0820, ext 1514 or [email protected].

Phase 1 of Zora Roundabout Project Complete

Wait, there’s more to this project? That’s right—Phase 1 only involved building the roundabout, itself. Phase 2 involves widening Zora from Duquesne to MO249. It’s expected to be completed by the end of this year. Phase 3 wraps up this project by widening Zora from Rangeline to Duquesne. Phase 3 is expected to be finished by the end of 2026.

Connecticut Widening Project Complete

If you remember, this project started back in 2023. The end result is actually a widened Connecticut Ave from 32nd St to 44th St, passing I-44.

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: 🌡️ 51 | 74 ☀️

Thursday: 🌡️ 51 | 78 ☀️

Friday: 🌡️ 59 | 74 ⛅️

2025 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field National Championships

The MSSU Indoor Track & Field teams are set to make their mark at the 2025 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships, with ten individuals competing on the national stage. The championship meet will take place from Thursday, March 13th through Saturday, March 15th at the Fall Creek Pavilion in Indianapolis, Ind.

Below is a breakdown of the MSSU athletes’ competition schedule:

Thursday:
4:15 PM | Women’s 60m Dash: Joy Udo-Gabriel

Friday:
12:15 PM | Women’s Weight Throw: Dailynn VanDeren, Briar Gillum, Kirsten Womack
2:00 PM | Men’s High Jump: Luke Brumit
2:00 PM | Men’s Long Jump: Donovyn Fowler
4:15 PM | Men’s 60m Hurdles: JaDarius Pigg

Saturday:
12:00 PM | Men’s Triple Jump: Caleb Manning
12:30 PM | Women’s Shot Put: Dailynn VanDeren, Briar Gillum
2:30 PM | Men’s 60m Hurdles Finals: TBD
2:45 PM | Women’s 60m Dash Finals: TBD
3:30 PM | Men’s Shot Put: Cedric Pearson, Jamale Williams

LIVE RESULTS | SCHEDULE

Recap:

⚾️ Baseball (12-7)
3/10 at Fort Hays State University | L 13-2

🏌️‍♀️ Women’s Golf
3/10, 3/11 at Arkansas Collegiate | T6th

Upcoming:

🏃 Men’s and Women’s Track & Field
3/13, 3/14 at Indoor NCAA National Championships
Live Results | Schedule

⚾️ Baseball (12-7)
3/12 at HOME vs Drury University | 6:00 PM
Watch | Live Stats

🥎 Softball (15-9)
3/12 at HOME vs Maryville University | 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM (DH)
Watch | Live Stats

What’s Happening

Wednesday:

Preschool Connections: Bison & Buffalo | 10:00 AM
Location: Wildcat Glades Education Cottage

All Women Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Class | 5:00 PM
Location: Joplin BJJ

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

Grand Mario Kart Tournament | 7:00 PM
Location: The Short Rest

Thursday:

Spring Beginner Gardening Class | 6:00 PM
Location: Joplin Greenhouse

Yoga & Wine with Whitney | 6:00 PM
Location: Vino Noir

Putting League Night | 7:00 PM
Location: Chaos Brewing Company