☕️ Joplin Fire Department is Elite

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Good Morning, Joplin. Did you know that about two thirds of emails never get opened? So we want to thank you for opening this one!

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Downtown Lofts Tour

• Parent-Teen Driving Workshop

• JFD is Elite

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who remembers the Titans.

SPONSORED BY GAMBINO’S PIZZA

🍕 Gambino’s Pizza Extends the Love with Another Appreciation Weekend

After an incredible Customer Appreciation Weekend, Gambino’s Pizza in Carl Junction is keeping the momentum going. To say thank you once again, they’re offering 30% off ALL Large Pizzas Thursday through Sunday. It’s the perfect excuse for a family pizza night, game day spread, or an easy dinner without breaking the budget.

Use code THANKYOU30 when ordering and consider ordering online for the smoothest experience.

📍 Carl Junction
📞 (417) 649-7979
🔗 www.GambinosPizza.com

🎯 Joplin Gun Show Returns to the Joplin Expo

February 28–March 1 | Sat 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | Sun 9:00 AM–3:00 PM |
Joplin Expo, 101 N Rangeline Rd

The RK Shows Gun Show is back in Joplin for a full weekend of vendors, collectibles, and outdoor gear. Browse a wide selection of firearms, hunting supplies, military surplus, and accessories while connecting with knowledgeable vendors who can answer questions and help you find exactly what you need.

🎟️ Tickets: Adults $12 | Kids (6–12) $4 | VIP options available
🛡️ Security and check-in procedures in place for attendee safety

Whether you’re a collector, hunter, or outdoor enthusiast, this is a can’t-miss weekend at the Expo!

🏙️ Tickets Now on Sale for 2026 Downtown Lofts Tour

Saturday, May 2 | 2:00–6:00 PM | Downtown Joplin

The Downtown Joplin Alliance has announced that tickets are officially on sale for the 2026 Downtown Lofts Tour, a unique open house-style fundraiser offering a behind-the-scenes look at downtown living. The self-guided tour will showcase a mix of historic properties available to rent or buy, including furnished and occupied units as well as spaces still undergoing renovation—highlighting the ongoing transformation of Joplin’s historic buildings into modern lofts, condos, and apartments. Planned stops include notable locations like the Joplin Carnegie Library, Muir Building, Eureka Flats, Independent Building, Empire Block, and Pennington Lofts, with additional surprise locations to be revealed. Tickets are $25 and include access to all tour properties and a commemorative guidebook, with proceeds supporting downtown revitalization efforts.

A limited VIP rooftop reception, “Tip Top Toast,” will also be held from 7:00–9:00 PM at the Columbian Building, featuring live music, cocktails, small plates, and skyline views, with VIP tickets priced at $75 and including tour admission. Buy tickets here!

🛍️ Empire Market to Host 2026 Vendor Meetings

The Joplin Empire Market will hold its 2026 Vendor Meetings for current and prospective vendors this March, offering important information ahead of the upcoming market season. The meetings, each lasting about 90 minutes, will cover market rules and regulations, training on Debit, EBT, and Double Up Food Bucks token programs, and a Q&A session for vendors interested in selling at the producer-only market—where all goods must be grown or made by the vendor. Attendees will also learn more about the on-site Bunny & Jane Newton Community Kitchen and how to utilize the shared-use commercial kitchen space. The meetings are required for current vendors and open to anyone interested in joining the market, with light snacks provided.

Thursday, March 12 at 5:30 PM
Saturday, March 14 at 2:30 PM

🚗 Free Parent-Teen Driving Workshop This Saturday

Saturday, February 28 | 1:30–3:00 PM | Joplin Public Library

The Joplin Health Department is hosting a free Parent-Teen Missouri Graduated Driver License (GDL) presentation designed to help families navigate the early stages of teen driving. Aimed at teens ages 15–18 and their parents or grandparents, the interactive session will cover Missouri’s GDL program, tips for the learning-to-drive phase, and practical tools to build safe habits and confidence behind the wheel. The workshop is part of the First Impact initiative, which helps families understand the risks new drivers face—especially during the first 30–90 days of independent driving—and provides guidance to reduce crash risk. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is strongly encouraged. Register here!

👁️ Free Eye Mission & Wellness Event

The Joplin Lions Club and District M6 Lions Club are hosting a free Eye Mission and Wellness Event at the Joplin Association for the Blind, offering no-cost health services to the community. Attendees can receive free eye screenings and glasses, Kidsight vision checks, vitals and diabetes screenings, and hearing screenings—all with no strings attached. The event is especially geared toward individuals and families who may not be able to afford routine checkups or vision care, with organizers emphasizing accessibility and community support. Donations will be accepted, and organizers hope to reach as many residents as possible who could benefit from these essential health services.

🚒 Joplin Fire Department Maintains Elite ISO Class 2 Rating

The Joplin Fire Department has once again earned an ISO Class 2 rating following its latest hazard risk analysis, keeping the department among an elite group of just 32 fire agencies in Missouri with that designation. The department has maintained this high rating since 2016, reflecting strong performance in key areas like fire operations, water supply systems, and emergency communications.

ISO ratings, which range from 1 (best) to 10, are used by insurance companies nationwide to assess fire protection capabilities and potential risk. A lower rating like Class 2 signals a higher level of preparedness and can help influence lower insurance costs for homes and businesses. City officials say the continued rating highlights the department’s training, response standards, and coordination with dispatch and water services to provide top-tier fire protection for the Joplin community.

🚧 Zora Street Improvement Project to Begin March 3

An improvement project on E. Zora Street between Duquesne Road/Hall Street and MO-249 will begin Tuesday, March 3, bringing a full closure to through traffic during the first phase of construction. Drivers accessing the Joplin/Webb City Industrial Park via MO-249 will be detoured using Newman Road to Duquesne Road/Hall Street or Highway 171 to Madison Street, while other traffic will be routed via Newman Road to Range Line Road. Local access to homes and businesses along Zora Street will remain open throughout the project, though traffic patterns and closures may shift as work progresses. The $2.8 million project, funded by the Capital Improvement Sales Tax approved in 2014, is expected to be completed this fall and aims to improve safety and traffic flow in the corridor.

Friday: 🌡️ 42 | 73 ☀️

Saturday: 🌡️ 48 | 72 ☀️

Sunday: 🌡️ 39 | 56 🌧️ 70%

🦁 Lion Pride Giving Challenge Returns to Support MSSU Student-Athletes

Missouri Southern State University Athletics has launched its 2026 Lion Pride Giving Challenge, running February 23 through March 2, inviting alumni, fans, and community supporters to help fund resources that directly enhance the student-athlete experience. Each athletic program has set specific fundraising goals to support areas like training equipment, travel, nutrition, and facility upgrades, with past challenges raising more than $225,000 from over 500 donors.

Supporters can contribute by donating, sharing on social media, or participating in special Give Back Days at Club 609 (Feb. 24) and Raising Cane’s on Range Line (Feb. 25 from 4:00–9:00 PM), where a portion of proceeds will benefit MSSU Athletics when the fundraiser is mentioned or the promo code is used. Organizers say every gift—large or small—helps provide the tools and opportunities Lions need to succeed both on the field and in the classroom.

Recap:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (16-11)
Wednesday 2/25 at University of Central Missouri | L 95-69

🏀 Women’s Basketball (19-8)
Wednesday 2/25 at University of Central Missouri | L 73-64

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (16-11)
Saturday 2/28 at Washburn University | 1:00 PM

🏀 Women’s Basketball (19-8)
Saturday 2/28 at Washburn University | 3:00 PM

⚾️ Baseball (5-7)
Friday 2/27 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | 2:00 PM
Saturday 2/28 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | 1:00 PM
Sunday 3/1 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | 1:00 PM

🥎 Softball (17-3) at Midwest College Classic in Shawnee, KS
Saturday 2/28 vs Wayne State College | 2:30 PM
Saturday 2/28 vs Minnesota State University Moorhead | 4:45 PM
Sunday 3/1 vs Truman State University | 10:00 AM
Sunday 3/1 vs Augustana University (SD) | 12:15 PM

👟Men’s & Women’s Track & Field 
Friday 2/27 - Sunday 3/1 at MIAA Indoor Championships

Friday

💃 Latin Night – February at Vino Noir: Kick off your Friday with beginner-friendly Latin dance lessons at 7:00 PM followed by open dancing to salsa, bachata, and Latin favorites in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. No partner or experience needed—just come as you are and enjoy a fun night of music, movement, and good vibes downtown.

🔥February Hat Burning Workshop: Get creative with a fun night of hat burning, design, and charcuterie from 6:00–8:00 PM as you customize your own wide brim hat or ballcap. Your $50 ticket includes three accessories from the embellishment bar, snacks, stencils, and all tools needed for a stylish, hands-on girls’ night or crafty evening out.

Saturday

☕ February Cars & Coffee: Kick off the first Cars & Coffee of 2026 at Flagship Auto Group in Neosho with free coffee, doughnuts, and a relaxed morning of cool cars and community. Bring your daily driver or your show car—everyone is welcome to join the fun.

🏃‍♀️ Girls Run Joplin: Join Girls Run Joplin at 9:00 AM for a 3-mile run or walk along Tin Cup Trail, meeting in the backside parking lot of the Joplin Family YMCA. It’s a welcoming, feel-good group run perfect for all paces, whether you’re running, jogging, or walking.

🧲 Saturday Shenanigans at Vintage Goods: Join the fun from 4:30–6:30 PM at Vintage Goods for a crafty night creating your own vintage-style magnets with Delissa. Your $30 ticket includes a metal easel and 10 magnets, plus all-day storewide specials—bring your favorite snacks and drinks and get ready for some creative shenanigans.

🌳 Climb Joplin!: Head to Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center at 10:00 AM for a free, hands-on day celebrating recreational tree climbing in a safe, professional setting. Watch local climbing arborists train, enjoy fun activities like Throwline Horse and Monkey Tag, and stick around for a possible mock aerial rescue demonstration to close out the event.

🕵️ Murder at the Spell Ball: Step into a glamorous, interactive mystery night at 6:00 PM at the Minnie Hackney Community Service Center, where guests take on fun roles to help solve a surprise whodunnit during NALA Read’s signature Spell Ball fundraiser. Enjoy food, laughter, and plenty of twists while supporting adult literacy programs in the Joplin community.

Sunday

🌵 Paint & Sip: Cute Heart Cactus: Enjoy a relaxing and creative afternoon at Christine’s Vineyard from 1:00–3:00 PM as you paint an adorable heart cactus design with all supplies provided. Sip your favorite drinks, unwind with friends, and create a fun take-home piece in a beginner-friendly, laid-back setting.

🎣 Morse Park Trout Season Kickoff: Cast your line bright and early at Morse Park in Neosho as the city officially kicks off trout season with a siren start near the Coler Street & Dean Keeling Drive bridge. Enjoy coffee and donuts from Parks & Rec while anglers of all ages gather for a fun, community-focused morning on the water (valid fishing and trout permits required for ages 16–64 unless exempt).

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Friday

Payton Joy
HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 5:00 PM

March to August
Beard Engine Brewing Co | 6:00 PM

Kylie Ast
Vino Noir | 7:00 PM

Cannon-Goff Trio
Bricks & Brews | 7:00 PM

Outlaws Reloaded
Downstream Casino | 7:00 PM

Blues Doctors
Stables Casino | 8:00 PM

Sunset Circle and Deill Street Collective
Blackthorn Pizza & Pub | 10:00 PM

Saturday

Eric & Erica French
Joplin Empire Market | 10:00 AM

Dance Monkey Dance
Chaos Brewing | 7:00 PM

Chris Bassett
Bricks & Brews | 7:00 PM

Jeff Tatum & Palomino Moon Band
River Bend Casino | 7:00 PM

Carvin Jones
The Main Event | 7:30 PM

Zane Grimes
HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 8:00 PM

The Fabulous Two Man Band
Buffalo Run Casino | 8:00 PM

The Mixtapes
Kansas Crossing Casino | 8:00 PM

Travis Kidd
Cherokee Casino | 8:00 PM

Bobby DeGonia
Grand Lake Casino | 9:00 PM

Rage is My Rival and SSX
Blackthorn Pizza & Pub | 10:00 PM

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