☕️ Joplin Schools Propose $40M Bond

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Good Morning, Joplin. I just read an article that some dogs know the names of over 300 toys. Meanwhile, I tell my dog to sit and she runs through every command she knows until she finally guesses the right one. Should have built more training into the 2026 budget…

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• 2026 Annual Business Expo

• Crowder College Ribbon Cutting

• New Dollar General

• Joplin Schools Propose $40M Bond

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who has a genius dog.

Get ready to cruise into a century on Route 66 at the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce's 33rd annual Business Expo, powered by EaglePicher at Downstream Casino Resort Pavilion, sponsored by Downstream Casino Resort and Zimmer Marketing. 

Join us on January 21! Business-to-business hours are 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, where your business card is your entry. Community hours are from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Come interact with over 100 local businesses! Five dollars for adults, kids five and under are free. Don't miss it!

🎓 Crowder College to Cut Ribbon on New Joplin Workforce Center

Crowder College is set to officially open its Advanced Training & Workforce Center at the Joplin campus with a ribbon cutting on Monday, January 26 at 1:30 PM, located at 3405 S. Hammons Blvd. The facility marks the transformation of the former Victory Ministry and Sports Complex into a modern hub for workforce and technical training.

After more than two years of planning and remodeling, the new center will replace Crowder’s longtime workforce training site near 4th and Grand, with classes transitioning seamlessly to the new location. College leaders invite the community to attend and celebrate this major investment in Joplin’s workforce future.

🏗️ Dollar General Taking Shape at 26th & South Jackson

Construction is officially underway at 703 W. 26th Street, where the walls are now going up for a new Dollar General on the former Frisco Pharmacy site. The property had remained undeveloped since the May 2011 tornado, making this a notable step forward for the area.

Signage on site confirms the store is “Coming Soon” and currently hiring, though an opening date has not yet been announced. This new location sits on the northeast corner of 26th Street and South Jackson Avenue and follows the closure of the Dollar General at 7th and South Jackson in October 2025.

🏫 Joplin Schools Propose $40M Bond for Campus Upgrades and New Facilities

Joplin Schools are asking voters to approve a $40 million no-tax-rate-increase bond this April to fund major upgrades across the district. If passed, the bond would support renovations and additions at several elementary schools—including Stapleton, Kelsey Norman, Eastmorland, and Cecil Floyd—bringing older buildings up to modern safety, classroom size, and accessibility standards already seen at newer schools like Dover Hill. Planned improvements include secure entry vestibules, larger classrooms with dedicated restrooms, new windows, and parking and safety upgrades. Additional updates are also planned for Royal Heights, McKinley, and Jefferson elementaries.

The proposal also includes construction of a new indoor activity facility at Joplin High School, located south of Franklin Technology Center. The space would be used during the school day for PE, ROTC, and career-focused classes, with after-school use for programs like archery. Improvements are also planned for the Junge campus, including updates to the transportation facility and potential locker room upgrades at Junge Stadium. The bond would cover $40 million of the total cost, with the district contributing an additional $10 million from reserves. Voters will decide on the measure April 7.

Friday: 🌡️ 30 | 44 ☁️ 

Saturday: 🌡️ 15 | 30 ⛅️ 

Sunday: 🌡️ 13 | 44 ☀️ 

Recap:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (9-7)
Wednesday 1/14 at University of Central Oklahoma | W 81-75

🏀 Women’s Basketball (12-4)
Wednesday 1/14 at University of Central Oklahoma | W 85-81 2OT

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (9-7)
Saturday 1/17 at Rogers State University | 3:30 PM

🏀 Women’s Basketball (12-4)
Saturday 1/17 at Rogers State University | 1:30 PM

👟Men’s & Women’s Track & Field 
Friday 1/16 at Rust Buster @ Washburn University | 10:30 AM

Friday

🎤 Open Mic Night at Keltoi Winery: A relaxed evening of local music, poetry, and creative performances in a welcoming winery setting. Held on the first and third Fridays of the month, it’s a great place to share your talent or enjoy the show with wine and a full menu from Two Brothers Catering.

Saturday

🌶️ 7th Annual Empire Market Chili Cookoff: A winter favorite at Joplin Empire Market where local cooks compete for top honors and People’s Choice bragging rights. For $5, guests can sample chili, vote for their favorite, and support the Downtown Joplin Alliance and Empire Market.

🍞 Sourdough Baking Class: A hands-on workshop teaching the full sourdough process from mixing to shaping, led by The Artisanal Baker at Forest Park Church. Participants receive tools to take home, enjoy fresh-baked bread, and leave with the skills and resources to continue their sourdough journey.

🏃 Joplin RoadRunners – Frosty4 Trail Run: A winter trail run at Morse Park welcoming walkers, joggers, runners, and youth participants to kick off the year with an active challenge. With scenic trails, finisher medals, hot drinks, and proceeds supporting Neosho Hope Kitchen, this all-weather race is built for community and a good cause.

🏍️ Winter Expo at Cycle Connection: A relaxed, indoor winter gathering bringing the local motorcycle community together to check out bikes, meet fellow riders, and connect with businesses that support the riding lifestyle. With bikes on display and local vendors on site, it’s an easy way to stay plugged into the scene during the off-season.

🎨 Mommy & Me Winter Paint Party: A beginner-friendly winter paint class where kids ages 6+ create snowman artwork alongside a parent or adult partner. Families enjoy guided painting, take home finished canvases, and receive a free family photo courtesy of Likeable Likeness Photography.

🎶 The Reset Party at Vino Noir: An easygoing January night of live music, great energy, and reset-inspired cocktails designed to help you shake off the noise and start the year fresh. With a Reset Wall and a relaxed, no-pressure vibe, it’s all about letting go and enjoying the moment.

🎨 Gelli Plate Printing with Brenda: A hands-on mixed-media workshop introducing gelli plate monoprinting using paint, stencils, and found objects to create layered, one-of-a-kind prints. Guided by artist Brenda Hayes, participants will explore texture and experimentation while creating pieces perfect for cards, journaling, or collage work.

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