☕️ Mutt Madness 2026 is Back!

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Good Morning, Joplin. Fun fact: scientists say just looking at a dog can boost your mood and lower stress. Which is great news, because today’s edition of JOMO Jive is basically a serotonin factory. 🐶

It’s officially year two of Mutt Madness, our completely unnecessary (yet deeply important) mission to determine the cutest dog in the Joplin area. Last year’s champion, Rusty, set the bar high. So whether you’re here to support your own pup, campaign for a friend’s dog, or just scroll through an unreasonable number of adorable faces, we’re glad you’re here for the chaos.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Mutt Madness First Round

• Joplin Homebuyer Assistance Program

• MO Job Center Career Fair

Let’s get to it. 🐾 

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who submitted their dog into Mutt Madness.

🐶 JOMO Jive’s Mutt Madness 2026 Begins!

The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived—Round One of Mutt Madness is officially underway! This year’s bracket is packed with adorable contenders, and the competition is already shaping up to be fierce. If you love dogs (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), now’s your chance to help decide Joplin’s cutest dog.

Click the button below to cast your votes and support your favorite furry competitor. Voting for Round One will remain open until Monday at 9:00 PM, so don’t wait too long. With so many cute dogs in the mix, every vote counts. Be sure to check Tuesday’s edition of JOMO Jive to see which pups move on to the next round! 🐾

(When you’re redirected to the bracket, click “Start Voting!” to begin voting)

🎻 Téada Brings Ireland’s Musical Traditions to Joplin

Saturday, March 14 | 7:00 PM | Beshore Performance Hall, Cornell Complex
🎟️ Tickets: $35–$40 | 212 W 7th St, Joplin

Celebrate the spirit of Ireland with Téada, one of the world’s premier traditional Irish bands. Known for electrifying performances of jigs, reels, hornpipes, and ballads, the group blends centuries-old musical traditions with fresh energy and masterful musicianship.

Led by acclaimed fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada, Téada has performed for massive audiences across the globe—from Europe to Japan—earning a reputation for keeping Irish folk music vibrant and alive.

☘️ A perfect St. Patrick’s season concert filled with lively rhythms, storytelling, and timeless Celtic sound.

🏠 Joplin Opens New Round of Homebuyer Assistance Program

The City of Joplin has opened a new round of its Joplin Homebuyer Assistance Program (JHAP-3) to all income-eligible households looking to purchase a home within city limits. The program offers up to $40,000 in down-payment and closing-cost assistance on a first-come, first-served basis, with $1 million in total funding available. City officials encourage interested buyers to apply early before the funds are exhausted.

The program is available to low-to-moderate income households that meet federal income guidelines and plan to buy a home in Joplin. Applications can be picked up and submitted at Joplin City Hall, where applicants must provide identification and income documentation for all household members. City leaders say the program aims to reduce financial barriers to homeownership while strengthening neighborhoods and encouraging long-term investment in Joplin’s housing market.

For additional information, applicants may contact a project coordinator at [email protected], or call 417-624-0820 ext. 1556.

📸 PhotoSpiva Juror Dan Winters to Host Portfolio Reviews and Artist Talk

Acclaimed photographer and PhotoSpiva 2026 juror Dan Winters will be in Joplin on Saturday, March 14 for a day of special events at Spiva Center for the Arts. Winters will offer a limited number of 15-minute portfolio review sessions for photographers looking for professional feedback, with Zoom sessions scheduled from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and in-person reviews from 1:00–3:30 PM. The cost is $25 per session ($15 for Spiva members), and reservations can be made by contacting Spiva.

Later that evening, Winters will host a Juror Talk and the PhotoSpiva 2026 Awards presentation from 7:00–9:00 PM in the Freeman Health System Main Gallery. During the event, Winters will share stories from his photography career and insights into the creative process behind his work, followed by the announcement of this year’s PhotoSpiva award winners. A $10 suggested donation is requested for the evening program.

💼 Missouri Job Center Hosting Community Career Fair

Monday, March 16 & 23 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Missouri Job Center, 730 S Wall Ave, Joplin

Looking for a new job—or just curious about what opportunities are out there? The Missouri Job Center is hosting a free community career fair where job seekers can meet face-to-face with local employers actively hiring across a range of industries. About 17 employers are expected to participate, offering opportunities in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, customer service, skilled trades, and administrative work. Attendees are encouraged to bring a resume and be ready to talk with hiring managers, ask questions, and potentially line up interviews on the spot. Whether you’re seeking a fresh start or simply exploring options, this event is a great way to connect with employers right here in the Joplin area.

Learn more about Missouri Job Center.

🚧 Public Meeting Planned for I-44 Drainage and Trail Improvements

The City of Joplin and the Missouri Department of Transportation will host an open house public meeting on Thursday, March 26 from 4:30–6:00 PM at the Joplin Public Library to discuss upcoming projects in the Interstate 44 corridor. MoDOT will share plans to add a third driving lane in each direction between Main Street and Range Line Road as part of broader capacity improvements.

City officials will also present the I-44 Culvert Project, which will improve stormwater drainage while adding a pedestrian trail through the culvert to create a safer way for cyclists and walkers to cross beneath the interstate. Additional improvements include a new box culvert under Richard Joseph Boulevard and a detention basin south of the corridor. Representatives from the city and project partners will be available to answer questions about the $10 million project funded through voter-approved sales taxes.

🚧 High Street Closure for Stormwater Repairs

The 500 block of High Street between 5th and 6th Streets in Joplin is currently closed to allow for stormwater repair work. City officials say the project is expected to be completed by early April, weather permitting.

Neighborhood access to nearby homes will remain open, but drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes and use caution when traveling through the area while repairs are underway.

Friday: 🌡️ 42 | 66 ☀️

Saturday: 🌡️ 47 | 73 ☀️

Sunday: 🌡️ 28 | 65 🌧️ 70%

Upcoming:

⚾️ Baseball (9-10)
Friday 3/13 at HOME vs Washburn University | 3:00 PM
Saturday 3/14 at HOME vs Washburn University | 1:00 PM
Sunday 3/15 at HOME vs Washburn University | 1:00 PM

🥎 Softball (21-3) at Teri Mathis-Zenner MIAA/NSIC Crossover Tournament
Friday 3/13 vs St. Cloud State University | 3:00 PM
Friday 3/13 vs St. Cloud State University | 5:00 PM
Saturday 3/14 vs University of Sioux Falls (SD) | 1:00 PM
Saturday 3/14 vs University of Sioux Falls (SD) | 3:00 PM

Weekend Events

🎪 Tarzan Zerbini Circus: The traveling circus returns to the Joplin area with a high-energy show featuring elephants, horses, flying trapeze, Mongolian acrobats, clowns, aerialists, and a motorcycle stunt team. Hosted by ringmaster Joseph Bauer, the family-friendly spectacle promises classic circus thrills under the big top.

🎭 Alice @ Wonderland: Joplin Little Theatre presents a fast, funny modern twist on Lewis Carroll’s classic story, where a very contemporary Alice—with cell phone in hand—falls into the whimsical world of Wonderland. Expect all your favorite characters like the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, and Queen of Hearts in this playful retelling for audiences of all ages.

Friday

🕵️ Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre: Step into the Roaring Twenties at Twin Hills Golf & Country Club for Death of a Gangster, an interactive mafia-themed murder mystery dinner where secrets, mobsters, and wedding drama collide. Enjoy dinner and a live show while mingling with suspects and unraveling the mystery—1920s attire encouraged for full Gatsby-era flair.

🎨 Studio 55: Open Studio: Adults ages 55+ are invited to enjoy a relaxed creative session at Spiva Center for the Arts, offering dedicated studio time to work on personal projects in a welcoming, social environment. Participants can bring their own materials or use Spiva’s supplies while connecting with fellow artists and exploring new ideas.

📸 Opening Reception: PhotoSpiva 2026 & Small Works Auction: Celebrate 50 years of the nationally recognized PhotoSpiva exhibit with an evening reception at Spiva Center for the Arts. Guests can explore the gallery, meet artists, and preview works featured in the Jo Mueller Small Works Auction while honoring the creativity of Spiva’s member artists.

Saturday

😂 Jon Lovitz Live: Comedy legend and former Saturday Night Live star Jon Lovitz brings his stand-up show to the Pavilion with an evening of sharp wit, classic characters, and stories from a four-decade career in film, television, and comedy. Known for roles in A League of Their Own, The Wedding Singer, and his iconic SNL characters, Lovitz delivers a night of laughs from one of comedy’s most recognizable voices.

🎶 Chayce Beckham Live: Country breakout star Chayce Beckham takes the stage at the Peoria Showplace at Buffalo Run Casino & Resort with his gritty country-rock sound and chart-topping hit “23.” The Season 19 American Idol winner brings heartfelt songwriting and a raw, soulful voice to a night of live country music.

🍀 St. Patrick’s Day 5K: Lace up your lucky shoes for a festive community run supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States. Hosted with support from TAMKO Building Products, this free 5K invites runners, joggers, and walkers of all levels to participate while donations help provide comfort and care for families with seriously ill children.

🏍 Burn Down the Lot at Cycle Connection: Rev up for an action-packed day featuring live motorcycle stunt riding from the 12 O’Clock Shop Stunt Team, new bike inventory, riding gear, accessories, and fresh Cycle Connection swag. Parkie Burgers Food Truck will also be on site, making it a high-energy gathering for riders, gearheads, and anyone who loves the motorcycle scene.

🕵️ SalTea 2nd Annual Community Scavenger Hunt: Gather your friends and family for a citywide scavenger hunt starting at SalTea Sloth, where teams will follow clues to favorite local spots around town. The adventure ends with a St. Patrick’s–themed celebration at King Jack Park featuring bounce houses, face painting, food, giveaways, and a chance to win prizes—including free tea for a year.

Sunday

🌈 Paint & Sip: Rainbow: Spend a relaxing afternoon at Christine’s Vineyard creating a colorful rainbow-themed painting while enjoying drinks and good company. All supplies are provided, making this a laid-back, beginner-friendly art experience perfect for a creative outing with friends.

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Friday

Will Wadkins
HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 5:00 PM

Low Compatibility Duo
Christine’s Vineyard | 6:00 PM

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

Mark Gibson
Beard Engine Brewing Co | 6:30 PM

Wilkie Jay
Bricks & Brews | 8:00 PM

Phil Vaught
Cherokee Casino Grove | 8:00 PM

Oreo Blue
Downstream Casino | 8:30 PM

Travis Kidd Band
Indigo Sky Casino | 9:00 PM

Saturday

Brad Hemphill
Christine’s Vineyard | 6:00 PM

Diversity Band
Turtleheads Raw Bar | 7:00 PM

Tragic Prelude
Gravy’s Place | 7:00 PM

Bobby DeGonia
Kicks Bar & Grill | 8:00 PM

Logan & Dusty
Osage Spring | 8:00 PM

Outlaws Reloaded
Downstream Casino | 8:00 PM

Soul Shaker
Cherokee Casino Grove | 8:00 PM

Ty Ellis and the Flatliners
Downstream Casino | 8:30 PM

Encore
Indigo Sky Casino | 9:00 PM

Randall Shreve
Blackthorn Pizza & Pub | 10:00 PM

Sunday

Garrick Fausett
HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 12:00 PM

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