Monday, May 5, 2025

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Want to sponsor your business in JOMO Jive? Send your inquiry to [email protected]

Good Morning, Joplin. I’m trying a different format on the “What’s Happening” section. Let me know if you like it by taking the poll at the bottom of the newsletter!

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• What’s Happening to the Old Freeman Hospital?

• Recycling Education & Outreach Open House

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who you’d like to have a margarita with.

SPONSORED BY NATHAN EDDY - AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

Is it worth it to bundle your insurance policies? Nathan says, “Bundling home and auto insurance with American Family can save an average of 20-30% on both policies.” Not only can moving all your insurance coverages under one roof save you money on your premiums, it also simplifies the insurance process.

What’s even greater is that it’s no problem if your homeowners insurance is paid through escrow. American Family can still switch everything over for you!

To see how much Nathan and American Family can save you, get a quote now or stop by 2020 E 7th Street, Joplin, MO 64801.

THE DIGEST

What’s Happening to the Old Freeman Hospital? 🏠️ 

Big changes are coming to the old Freeman Hospital at 2008 S. Sergeant Avenue. At its April 21 meeting, Joplin City Council approved environmental cleanup and demolition of the long-blighted former hospital at the site—and gave the green light for something far better to rise in its place.

In partnership with Economic Security Corporation and Habitat for Humanity, the City plans to redevelop the property into affordable duplex housing for veterans and senior citizens. The work is part of Joplin’s Affordable Housing Preservation initiative, fueled by $7 million in combined local and federal grant funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Missouri’s Community Revitalization Grant Program.

💡 Quick facts:

• No local tax dollars are being used

• Site cleanup and demolition are fully grant-funded

• New homes will be built to higher standards for long-term use

• This project aligns with the City’s push to revitalize declining neighborhoods

Help Shape the Future of Joplin Recycling — Open House May 6 ♻️

Got thoughts on recycling in Joplin? The City wants to hear them. Residents are invited to a Recycling Education & Outreach Open House on Monday, May 6, from 4 to 6 PM at the Joplin Public Library (1901 E. 20th St.).

City staff will be gathering community input to better understand local recycling challenges and explore new ideas for messaging and programs. Your feedback will help shape a plan to boost awareness, improve participation, and make Joplin’s recycling efforts more effective and sustainable.

Swing by, share your thoughts, and be part of building a greener Joplin. 🌱

If you can’t attend, please consider taking this short survey!

☕️ Your Ad Could Be Here—Seriously!

Today’s sponsor? It’s us—JOMO Jive!
But next time, it could be you.

If you want to get your business or event in front of thousands of locals who actually read what’s happening around town, let’s talk.

📧 Email [email protected] and let’s make some Joplin magic happen.

WEATHER

Monday: 🌡️ 46 | 72 ☀️

Tuesday: 🌡️ 49 | 72 🌧️ 45%

Wednesday: 🌡️ 56 | 67 🌧️ 80%

Recap:

🥎 Softball (37-17)
5/2 vs University of Central Oklahoma (MIAA Championships Semifinals) | L 4-0

⚾️ Baseball (26-24)
5/2 at Northeastern State University | L 2-1
5/3 at Northeastern State University | L 4-0

🏃 Men’s and Women’s Track & Field
5/2 - 5/4 at MIAA Outdoor Conference Championships in Emporia, KS

Upcoming:

⚾️ Baseball (26-24)
5/7 at Emporia State University | 4:00 PM

What’s Happening

Kids

Tuesday:

🖌️ Snacks, scavenger hunts, and creative chaos: Creation Station with Stacy Heydt invites kids (ages 6–11) to explore painting, clay, collage, and more every Tuesday at Spiva. Includes a snack and gallery games!

Wednesday:

🌻 Dig into something sunny: Preschool Connections: Sunflowers is a hands-on adventure for ages 3–7. Kids will read, sing, and plant their very own sunflowers — perfect for little gardeners who love digging in the dirt.

🫧 Bubbles, brushes, and toddler fun: Mini Makers: Bubble Blast kicks off a new month of hands-on creativity at Spiva for ages 2–5. This playful art class blends movement, music, and messy fun — all parent-led and perfectly designed for curious little creators.

Arts, Crafts & Culture

Monday:

🎨 Watercolors and weekday zen: Monday Night Paint Club at Urban Art lets you unwind with brushes and blooms. For $25, Stacy Heydt guides you step-by-step through a lavender bouquet painting — perfect for Mother’s Day or a little self-love.

Tuesday:

🧶 Craft night at the library: Chat & Craft is a relaxed, adult-friendly meetup where you can knit, sketch, crochet, or doodle — whatever your thing is.

Entertainment

Tuesday:

🎶 Throwbacks, wings, and prizes: Music Bingo at Jefferson’s brings 2000s hits to life every Tuesday night. It’s free to play, the prizes are tasty (gift cards!), and the vibe is all fun — arrive early to grab a seat.

Wednesday:

🧠 Beer, brains, and bragging rights: Trivia Night at Chaos Brewing happens every Wednesday — grab your smartest friends (teams up to 8) and compete for a free beer and local trivia glory.

Miscellaneous

Tuesday:

☕ Coffee, connections, and comps: Landlord & Investor Meetup at Joplin Greenhouse brings local real estate pros together for networking, insights, and a market analysis from an industry expert. Whether you're new or experienced, this is your chance to learn and link up.