☕️ Lion's Softball Advances to Super Regionals

Good Morning, Joplin. Summer travel season is in sight, and the 10-$10 packing strategy has our attention. It goes like this: if you can buy a “just-in-case” item for under $10 within 10 minutes of arriving, buy it there instead of packing it.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Operation BBQ Relief

• Route 66 Rodeo & Concerts

• Lion’s Softball Advance to Super Regionals

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who always packs full-sized bottles of sunscreen and shampoo.

🍖 Operation BBQ Relief Returns to Joplin 15 Years After the Tornado That Started It All

Friday, May 22 | Noon | Cunningham Park Shelter #2

Fifteen years after the devastating EF5 tornado changed Joplin forever, Operation BBQ Relief is returning to the city where its mission first began. On May 22, volunteers and pitmasters will gather at Cunningham Park to serve free barbecue meals in remembrance of the 2011 tornado and the resilience that followed.

What started as a spontaneous effort by competitive barbecue teams serving meals to storm survivors eventually became a nationwide nonprofit that has now delivered more than 13 million meals to disaster-impacted communities across the country. During the original Joplin response, volunteers served over 120,000 meals in just 13 days—an effort that directly led to the founding of OBR.

This year’s event will feature pulled pork sandwiches, sides, and time for fellowship and reflection with tornado survivors, first responders, and community members. The Weather Channel will also air a special remembrance program, “JOPLIN: 15 YEARS LATER,” highlighting the tornado’s lasting impact and the story behind Operation BBQ Relief’s creation.

For a city that played such a major role in the organization’s beginning, this feels less like an event and more like a full-circle moment.

🤠 Rodeo, Concerts & Fireworks Hit Joplin Memorial Day Weekend

May 22–23 | Route 66 Fairgrounds & Event Center

Saddle up, Joplin — the Route 66 Pro Rodeo & Concerts is bringing a full weekend of rodeo action, live music, and fireworks to the Route 66 Fairgrounds & Event Center over Memorial Day weekend.

The two-night event will feature professional rodeo competitions, nightly concerts included with admission, and fireworks to close out the evening. It’s all happening at the same growing entertainment venue that’s quickly becoming one of Joplin’s biggest event destinations.

If you’re looking for a classic summer kickoff—boots, bulls, country music, and pyrotechnics—this one checks all the boxes.

🍽️ Finn’s Closes Its Doors

One of Joplin’s upscale dining spots has officially closed. Finn’s announced Monday morning that the restaurant has shut down operations.

In a message shared publicly, the restaurant thanked guests, employees, vendors, and partners for their support over the years, saying: “While this chapter has ended, exciting things are on the horizon. Stay tuned for what’s next.”

The closure comes as a surprise to many local diners, as Finn’s had built a reputation for elevated dining experiences and special occasion meals in Joplin. No additional details have been released yet about what may come next for the location or ownership team.

Tuesday: 🌡️ 59 | 76 ⛈️ 100%

Wednesday: 🌡️ 56 | 65 🌧️ 85%

Thursday: 🌡️ 59 | 73 🌧️ 90%

🥎 Lions Headed to Super Regionals After Historic Weekend

For the first time in more than three decades, Missouri Southern State University softball is heading to the NCAA Super Regionals. The fifth-ranked Lions defeated Southern Arkansas 6–1 Saturday at the Pat Lipira Softball Complex to capture the 2026 NCAA Division II Central Regional 1 Championship.

The win marks MSSU’s third NCAA Regional title and first since 1992—the same season the Lions went on to win the national championship. It also gives Southern its 51st win of the season, the second-most in program history.

The Lions controlled the game from the start with aggressive baserunning, clutch hitting, and another strong outing from pitcher Kiki Pickens, who earned her 24th win of the season. Katie Gray drove in four runs, while Bailey Dillon scored three times and added two stolen bases.

Now, MSSU will host its first-ever NCAA Super Regional at home against Central Oklahoma on May 21–22 in Joplin. With a 15-game winning streak and home-field advantage, the Lions are suddenly just a step away from the Division II Women’s College World Series.

Recap:

🥎 Softball (51-7) at NCAA DII Central Regional
Friday 5/15 at HOME vs Southern Arkansas | W 2-1
Saturday 5/16 at HOME vs Southern Arkansas | W 6-1

Upcoming:

🥎 Softball (51-7) at NCAA DII Central Super Regional
Thursday 5/21 at HOME vs Central Oklahoma | 6:00 PM
Friday 5/22 at HOME vs Central Oklahoma | 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM

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Thank you for reading JOMO Jive today. See you again Friday!