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Good Morning, Joplin. Super Bowl Sunday is almost here, which means wings will be consumed, couches will be claimed, and alarms on Monday morning will be… aggressively snoozed. Every year, millions of Americans take the day after the Super Bowl off—some planned, some “planned,” and some who simply disappear into the fog of snacks and late-night celebrations. It’s become so predictable that the Monday after the Super Bowl has earned nicknames like “Super Sick Monday,” and there’s even a growing movement arguing it should be an official holiday.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Joplin Home Expo

• Mutt Madness Registration

• Valentine’s Day Events

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who hosts a Super Bowl party every year.

POLL OF THE DAY

🔨 Get Inspired at the Joplin Home Show This Weekend!

Feb. 7–8 | Saturday 9 AM–6 PM & Sunday 11 AM–5 PM | – 101 N Rangeline Rd

Whether you’re planning big renovations or dreaming up small upgrades, the Joplin Home Show has ideas and experts under one roof! This weekend, explore more than 40,000 sq ft of home improvement products, services, and seasonal inspiration — and admission is FREE for the public.

👷 What You’ll Find:
• Dozens of home builders, contractors, and design pros ready to answer questions on the spot
• Outdoor living concepts, smart home tech, remodeling solutions, and decor inspiration
• Complimentary giveaways and merchandise while supplies last

Perfect for homeowners, renters, or anyone ready to refresh their space — stop by, gather ideas, and kick off your spring projects with expert insight and local resources.

SPONSORED BY ARVEST BANK

Dreaming of your next home project but not sure where to start? Arvest Bank is hosting a live expert panel at the Home Show, covering everything from buying to building to renovating so you can get real answers before making big decisions.

Learn from Arvest Mortgage Loan Officer Kristen Sweet*, TR Smith Construction Builder Julie Smith, and Cedar & Stone Interior Designer Brie Stewart. 

The seminar and Joplin Expo Home Show are free to attend. 

*Kristen Sweet - NMLS #564726. Loans subject to credit approval.

🐾 Mutt Madness Entries Are OFFICIALLY Open

First come, first in — only 64 dogs make the bracket

It’s go time. Mutt Madness 2026 is officially open for entries, and the race to fill the bracket starts right now.

We’re building a 64-dog, single-elimination bracket to crown Joplin’s Cutest Dog, and once those 64 spots are filled, entries close. No exceptions.

Here’s what you need to know before you enter:

• 🐶 Only 64 spots available

• ⏱️ First come, first in

• 🚫 One entry per person

• 💰 Free to enter

• 📸 Just submit your dog’s photo and info

Once voting begins in March, readers will vote round by round in each edition of JOMO Jive until one very good dog takes home the title.

👉 Think your dog has what it takes? Enter now before the bracket fills up!

Fair warning: last year’s spots went fast — don’t wait and assume you’ll sneak in later.

Let the madness begin. 🐕

💘 Valentine’s Nail Trim Fundraiser

Saturday, February 7 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | Joplin Humane Society

If you’re already getting your pup ready for Mutt Madness, this is a perfect pre-bracket stop. The Valentine’s Nail Trim Fundraiser offers quick, safe nail trims for your furry Valentine while supporting animals at the Joplin Humane Society. For a $10 donation per pet, dogs (on standard leashes) and cats (in secure carriers) can get tidied up—dog nails will even be ground at no extra charge if they tolerate it. No appointment needed, just swing by, spread the love, and leave with smoother paws.

😍 Valentine’s & Galentine’s Events

Valentine’s and Galentine’s season is officially here, and whether you’re planning a date night, a friends’ night out, or something just for yourself, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate.

🍽️ Surf & Turf Prix Fixe Dinner at OCH Nexus: A romantic and celebratory Valentine’s-season dining experience featuring a luxurious five-course prix fixe menu with surf & turf or vegetarian options. Enjoy live jazz, curated wine pairings, and an elegant evening designed for couples, friends, or a memorable night of self-love.

🍷 Bottled with Love: A Wine Bottle Workshop at Christine’s Vineyard: A relaxed, guided afternoon where guests transform an empty wine bottle into a charming piece of home décor. Perfect for a girls’ outing, date day, or creative escape in a cozy vineyard setting.

💖 5th Annual Galentine’s Day Sip & Shop: A feel-good ladies’ night at the Roxy Event Center featuring local boutiques, wine tasting, and delicious bites. Shop, sip, and celebrate with friends while supporting Freeman Health System’s Wig and Scarf Program.

👧 Girls Night Out at Briarbrook Country Club: A one-stop shopping and social night featuring a lineup of local vendors, plus drinks and dinner at Joe’s 19th Hole. Browse, sip, snap photos at the free photo booth, and enjoy a relaxed evening out with friends in Carl Junction.

💘 Downtown Webb City Cupids & Cocktails: A festive downtown shopping event featuring exclusive deals, limited-time specials, and complimentary cocktails at participating Webb City merchants. Grab friends, browse unique local shops, and enjoy a fun celebration of friendship, gifts, and Valentine vibes.

💃 Sweetheart Swing at Nexus: A Valentine’s Day celebration filled with live jazz, swing dancing, and community connection at OCH Nexus. Enjoy a beginner-friendly dance lesson, an open dance floor, and live music by Jump Company in a festive, adults-only atmosphere.

🚴‍♂️ Joplin Selected to Host International UCI Pump Track Qualifier

Joplin is officially on the global cycling map after MOmentum Bike Park was selected as a host site for a 2026 Velosolutions/UCI Pump Track Qualifier on August 15-16, 2026, making it one of just four U.S. communities chosen and one of 23 locations worldwide. The event will bring head-to-head, high-speed pump track racing to Joplin during the park’s inaugural season, with riders competing for a chance to qualify for the UCI Pump Track World Championships in Beijing this October. Pump track racing challenges athletes to generate speed without pedaling as they navigate rollers, berms, and jumps in knockout rounds. Local leaders say the event is a major win for Joplin’s outdoor recreation scene and an opportunity to introduce the city to cycling communities around the world, with planning already underway and more details to come.

🎷 Javon Jackson Quartet (Cornell Series)

Thursday, Feb. 12 | 7:00 PM | Beshore Performance Hall at the Cornell Complex

The Javon Jackson Quartet brings world-class jazz to Joplin as part of the Cornell Series, featuring a master saxophonist whose career spans straight-ahead jazz, soul, funk, and fearless musical exploration. A former member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Jackson has recorded for Blue Note and Palmetto, collaborated with legends like Elvin Jones and Christian McBride, and even composed a full live score for Hitchcock’s The Lodger. Today, he also serves as a leading jazz educator and director at the University of Hartford’s Hartt School. Expect a dynamic, soulful evening of jazz artistry in an intimate concert setting. Buy tickets here.

🚋 Sunshine Lamp Trolley Offers Free Rides Today

Friday, February 6 | 6:00 AM–6:00 PM | Joplin

To mark one full year since the Sunshine Lamp Trolley’s relaunch, the City of Joplin is offering free trolley rides all day on Friday, February 6. Riders can hop on from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM with no fare required, making it a perfect chance for new residents—or anyone who hasn’t ridden since service returned—to give it a try. Since relaunching in February 2025, the trolley has served more than 32,000 riders, and city officials hope the free-ride day encourages even more people to take advantage of the service. Route information is available on the City of Joplin’s website.

🏛️ Public Meeting Set to Discuss Joplin Stormwater Permit Renewal

Wednesday, March 11 | 4:00–6:00 PM | Council Chambers at City Hall

The City of Joplin will host a public information meeting on March 11 to discuss the renewal of its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, which authorizes how the City manages and discharges stormwater and is set to expire in September 2026. The meeting will give residents an overview of the proposed Stormwater Management Program and how it meets state and federal requirements, while also opening the door for questions and public input. A 30-day public comment period is now open, and residents can review the current plan and draft permit online or in person at City Hall. The meeting will be held in the Joplin City Hall Council Chambers, and community members are encouraged to attend and participate.

Friday: 🌡️ 36 | 60 ☀️

Saturday: 🌡️ 31 | 57 ☀️

Sunday: 🌡️ 41 | 66 ☀️ 

🏈 MSSU Football Announces 2026 Signing Class

Missouri Southern football officially announced its 2026 recruiting class on National Signing Day, with head coach Atiba Bradley confirming the addition of 26 new Lions. The class features a balanced mix of 14 high school recruits and 12 transfers, giving the program both immediate contributors and longer-term developmental players. Bradley called signing day a major milestone for the student-athletes and a key first step in building momentum toward the 2026 season, noting that while recruiting is year-round, this group provides a strong foundation as the Lions prepare for the next campaign. Check out the new Lions.

Recap:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (12-8)
Thursday 2/5 at Newman University | W 93-75

🏀 Women’s Basketball (16-5)
Thursday 2/5 at Newman University | W 72-51

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (12-8)
Saturday 2/7 at Emporia State University | 3:30 PM

🏀 Women’s Basketball (16-5)
Saturday 2/7 at Emporia State University | 1:30 PM

⚾️ Baseball (1-0) @ HSU Invitational in Arkadelphia, AR
Friday 2/6 vs Henderson State University | 5:00 PM
Saturday 2/7 vs Harding University | 1:30 PM
Sunday 2/8 vs Ouachita Baptist University | DH 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM

🥎 Softball (5-0) @ Lone Star Classic in Mansfield, TX
Friday, 2/6 vs Southeastern Oklahoma State University | 11:00 AM
Friday 2/6 vs Drury University | 1:30 PM
Saturday 2/7 vs Arkansas Tech University | 11:30 AM
Saturday 2/7 vs Southwest Baptist University | 2:00 PM
Sunday 2/8 vs Texas Woman’s University | 11:00 AM
Sunday 2/8 vs William Jewell College | 1:30 PM

👟Men’s & Women’s Track & Field 
Friday 2/6 & Saturday 2/7 at Missouri Southern Open

Friday

✨ Josh Farley Magic Across America Tour: An award-winning illusion show blending fast-paced magic, interactive comedy, and world-class sleight of hand as part of a 50-state tour. VIP tickets include a pre-show close-up magic experience and meet-and-greet, with the full show delivering a night of mind-blowing entertainment.

🍷 February First Friday WineShare: A relaxed evening of shared wine, conversation, and community at Royale Cinema Lounge, complete with free popcorn for attendees. Guests are invited to bring a bottle to share, enjoy the full bar, and stick around for a special film screening curated by Downtown Joplin Alliance.

☕ Morning Brew at Sparklight: A casual morning networking event hosted by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, offering coffee and connections before the workday begins. Meet fellow business professionals, grow your network, and learn more about the featured host location.

💃 February First Friday Swing Night: A lively evening starting with a swing dance lesson followed by live jazz and open dancing at The Main Event. Learn new moves, enjoy craft cocktails, and dance the night away—tickets are limited to the first 100 guests.

Saturday

🦸 ArtCon 2026: Neosho’s pop culture convention celebrating comics, sci-fi, anime, esports, cosplay, and gaming with special guests, panels, and hands-on activities. Enjoy a full day of vendors, artist alley, contests, tournaments, and meet-and-greets—all while supporting the Neosho Arts Council.

🎼 Southern Symphony Orchestra – Contrasts: The Southern Symphony Orchestra’s first concert of 2026 invites audiences to explore musical contrasts from slow and fast to sacred and profane. This free, public performance takes place at Taylor Auditorium and offers an engaging evening of orchestral music for the community.

🕯️ A Walk to Remember: A heartfelt indoor luminaria walk fundraiser hosted by the Baxter Springs Leo’s Club to honor loved ones and support the Ronald McDonald House. Guests create a glowing lantern, place it along a softly lit path, and walk at their own pace in a peaceful, reflective community experience.

👠 Heel Yourself: A Beginner Heels Dance Workshop: A confidence-building dance workshop focused on learning the fundamentals of walking and moving in heels while developing flow, control, and self-expression. This two-hour beginner-friendly class guides participants through technique and a simple routine in an empowering, supportive environment.

🌱 Seed Paper Valentines with Ciera: An eco-friendly Valentine’s workshop where participants create plantable cards from recycled paper that grow into flowers. This hands-on class blends creativity and sustainability, with guided instruction to make seed paper designs and matching decorated envelopes.

❤️ Linocut Valentine’s with Jade: A hands-on Valentine’s printmaking workshop for ages 16+ exploring linocut and block-printing techniques. Participants will design, carve, and print their own bold Valentine-inspired artwork with guided instruction and all materials provided.

Monday

🀄 Mahjong at Joplin Public Library: A welcoming mahjong meet-up hosted by Friends of the Library, open to beginners and experienced players alike. Learn the game with guided instruction or jump into open play and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of tiles and community.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Friday

Will Wadkins
Wildfire Pizza | 6:00 PM

Dillon Leggett
HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 6:00 PM

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

Framing the Red
66 Sports Bar & Restaurant | 8:00 PM

The Blue Underground
Grand Lake Casino | 8:00 PM

Dustin Treiber
Stables Casino | 8:00 PM

Saturday

Andrew Pommert
Joplin Empire Market | 10:00 AM

Kol Dorris
Joplin Empire Market | 12:00 PM

Jon Dooly
HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 5:00 PM

Chris Hewitt
Keltoi Winery | 6:00 PM

Mark Aldred
Buffalo Run Casino | 8:00 PM

Fool House
Kansas Crossing Casino | 8:00 PM

Bobby DeGonia
Downstream Casino | 8:30 PM

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