☕️ Mike Kehoe, the Carnegie Library, and... Paris?

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Good Morning, Joplin. Why on Earth does no coffee shop in Joplin offer a coffee flight? The people would love it! I’m serious. First coffee shop to offer a flight gets a story in JOMO Jive. If you own or work for a coffee shop, hit us up and we’ll help you promote it.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Joplin Carnegie Library

• Governor Mike Kehoe stops by

• Joplin Empire Market - Paris Week

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who fights their inner demons when tempted to order an iced coffee when they know they should just drink water…

🎙️ 10th Annual Comedy for Camp & S’MORE

Join Soroptimist International of Joplin for the 10th Annual Comedy for Camp & S’MORE, presented by Joplin Plaza Apartments, on Friday, February 20, beginning at 6:30 PM at the Cornell Complex in Downtown Joplin. This fun, casual event features clean comedy and a night of laughter for a great cause. The show includes opening comedian Jody Fuller and headliner Kevin Farley, with live music by Chris Bassett during the social hour. Proceeds support Camp Soroptimist, a week-long summer camp for area foster children, as well as Soroptimist programs that empower women and girls through education and career support.

SPONSORED BY WINDOWS & MORE

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🏛️ Ribbon Cutting Marks One Year of New Ownership at Joplin Carnegie Library

Friday, February 13 | 11:00 AM | Joplin Carnegie Library (830 S Wall Ave.)

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will celebrate one year of new ownership and ongoing restoration efforts at the historic Joplin Carnegie Library in downtown Joplin. Originally built in 1902 and used as the city’s public library until the early 1980s, the building sat vacant for nearly two decades and faced vandalism, break-ins, and arson before being purchased in February 2025 by owner Laurie M. Anderson for rehabilitation. The event marks an important milestone in preserving one of Joplin’s most recognizable historic landmarks, with ongoing updates shared through the project’s social media channels. Follow @savethelibrary_carnegie_joplin on Instagram for regular updates!

🏫 Governor Mike Kehoe Visits Joplin to Spotlight Education Partnerships

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe was in Joplin recently for a visit to Missouri Southern State University, where he highlighted the impact of the Compass Academy Network, a program that provides free summer enrichment for rural middle school students and paid internships for future educators. Kehoe emphasized how partnerships like this can expand opportunities for local students, strengthen the education pipeline, and help communities like Joplin invest in their future workforce. The visit reinforced MSSU’s role as a regional hub for education and community collaboration, with programs that aim to build confidence, skills, and long-term success for area youth.

🐶 Think Your Dog Is Cuter Than Rusty?

Mutt Madness is back—and registration is still open, but the bracket is filling fast. We’re only accepting 64 dogs total, with one entry per person, and it’s first come, first served. Last year’s champion, Rusty, set the bar pretty high (you’ll see his winning smile above 👀), but we’re ready to see if another pup can take the crown. Think your dog has what it takes? It’s free to enter, so don’t overthink it—click the button below and sign up before all the spots are gone.

🐾 Mutt Madness Spotlight: A Dog’s Dream

As Mutt Madness celebrates the pups of Joplin and beyond, it’s a perfect time to highlight the work of A Dog's Dream, a local nonprofit focused on giving retired breeding dogs the loving future they deserve. Here’s how they describe their mission, in their own words:

You can learn more about their work at adogsdream.org, or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

🗼 Paris Week Returns to Empire Market

10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Joplin Empire Market

The Joplin Empire Market is bringing a taste of Paris back to downtown with its annual Paris Week celebration, a free, themed market day filled with French-inspired fun. Hosted in partnership with the Downtown Joplin Alliance, the event features macarons, baguettes, Parisian sandwiches, sweet and savory crepes from La Crêperie de Marché, themed cocktails and coffee, a Paris-style photo booth, and plenty of festive vendor offerings. It’s a playful way to brighten a winter weekend—no passport required.

🎼 An American Love Song with Glenda Austin

Saturday, February 14 | 4:00 PM | Beshore Performance Hall, Cornell Complex
🎟️ Tickets: $15–$20 | 212 W 7th St, Joplin

Celebrate Valentine’s Day and America’s 250th with one unforgettable afternoon of heart and heritage. Pianist and composer Glenda Austin leads this once-in-a-lifetime musical tribute, blending spirituals, folk tunes, ragtime, New Orleans jazz, patriotic favorites—and of course, timeless love songs.

It’s a warm, feel-good concert that celebrates the many sounds of America with a romantic twist. Whether you love classic hymns or nostalgic ballads, this one’s for you. Wear your red, white, and Valentine’s red! Learn more and buy tickets here.

🏛️ City Offices Close for Presidents’ Day, Council Meeting Rescheduled

The City of Joplin will close City Hall and other city services (including the Recycling Center, Sunshine Lamp Trolley, and MAPS system) on Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents’ Day, with operations reopening on Tuesday, February 17. As a result, the Joplin City Council’s regular third-Monday meeting will move to Tuesday, February 17 at 6:00 PM, held in Corley Auditorium at Missouri Southern State University. The meeting will be broadcast live on KGCS-TV and live-streamed on the City’s YouTube channel, with a rebroadcast at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, February 18, and a recording posted to the City website shortly after.

Residential trash and curbside recycling will run as normal.

Friday: 🌡️ 38 | 67 🌧️ 65%

Saturday: 🌡️ 51 | 61 🌧️ 100%

Sunday: 🌡️ 43 | 60 ⛅️

Recap:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (13-9)
Thursday 2/12 at HOME vs Northwest Missouri State University | L 81-74

🏀 Women’s Basketball (17-6)
Thursday 2/12 at HOME vs Northwest Missouri State University | L 65-60

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (13-9)
Saturday 2/14 at HOME vs Missouri Western State University | 3:30 PM
Monday 2/16 at Pittsburg State University | 6:00 PM

🏀 Women’s Basketball (17-6)
Saturday 2/14 at HOME vs Missouri Western State University | 1:30 PM

⚾️ Baseball (2-3) @ Lion Classic Tournament in Joplin, MO
Friday 2/13 vs McKendree University | 12:00 PM
Friday 2/14 vs University of Indianapolis | 12:00 PM
Sunday 2/15 vs McKendree University | 3:00 PM
Monday 2/16 vs Minnesota State University, Mankato | 12:00 PM

🥎 Softball (10-1) @ D2 Cherokee Nation Festival in Tahlequah, OK
Friday 2/13 vs Southwestern Oklahoma State University | 4:00 PM
Saturday 2/14 vs University of Arkansas at Monticello | 11:00 AM
Saturday 2/14 vs Southern Arkansas University | 1:30 PM
Sunday 2/15 vs Southeastern Oklahoma State University | 11:00 AM
Sunday 2/15 vs Harding University | 1:30 PM

👟Men’s & Women’s Track & Field 
Friday 2/13 & Saturday 2/14 at Pittsburg State University

🎭 Mardi Gras Party at Guitars: Celebrate Valentine’s weekend with Bourbon Street vibes at Guitars Rock N’ Country, featuring a live DJ, Mardi Gras cocktails, beads, masks, and a packed dance floor all night. Enjoy 2-for-1 drinks from 7–8 PM and no cover until 8 PM as the party kicks off at 7 PM.

🧵 NCC’s 3rd Annual Quilt Show: Stop by Neosho Christian Church to admire a stunning display of handmade and heirloom quilts, each with a story stitched into every piece. Enjoy refreshments, prize drawings, and a cozy, uplifting atmosphere—perfect for a Galentine outing or a relaxed afternoon with loved ones.

🐎 Live Free Weekend: Experience a powerful live horse training demonstration with Todd Pierce of Riding High Ministries as he works with a wild horse in real time, illustrating themes of trust, healing, and surrender through storytelling and faith. With limited seating due to a live horse pen setup, this free event also features full kids programming and a petting zoo-style experience for younger attendees.

💍 4-States Wedding Expo: Plan your big day at the region’s largest wedding showcase on Sunday, February 15 from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM at the Joplin Expo, featuring 50+ vendors, cake tastings, styled displays, and exclusive deals. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door, and pre-registered guests are entered to win a $1,000 gift certificate to Gracie’s Bridal.

Live Music Lowdown

Friday

Vagabond Grove
WH Farm Cafe Mining Co | 6:00 PM

Barak Hill
Beard Engine Brewing Co | 6:30 PM

Quinton Scott
Osage Spring | 8:00 PM

BJ Huffman
Kansas Crossing Casino | 8:00 PM

Stonehorse
Downstream Casino | 8:30 PM

Big Smitty
Indigo Sky Casino | 9:00 PM

Saturday

Johnny Dale Roberts Band
HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 7:00 PM

Lavender Jonz
Osage Spring | 8:00 PM

Dueling Pianos
Kansas Crossing Casino | 8:00 PM

Phil McGarrah & Runnin’ on Empty
Downstream Casino | 8:30 PM

Outlaws Reloaded
Buffalo Run Casino | 8:30 PM

Damsel
Indigo Sky Casino | 9:00 PM

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